The Global Leadership Summit brought together Mission Aviation Fellowship leaders for a day of learning, inspiration, and growth.
Story by Mandy Glass
MAF staff serving Papua New Guinea’s isolated communities have been energised by a day of teaching and sharing ideas.
The training day invested in current leaders at MAF in PNG as well as emerging leaders who have shown potential.
"One of the qualities of a good leader is being honest and transparent," MAF Technologies General Manager Bryan Mathews noted.
This principle resonated throughout the event at Mount Hagen as leaders explored the significance of trustworthiness and relational leadership. The atmosphere was charged with openness and a willingness to grow, not only in professional skills but also in character.
Mentor the team members as Christ mentored his disciples.
The recorded teachings from the 2023 Global Leadership Summit by renowned speakers like Craig Groeschel, Erin Myer and Michael Jr. emphasised the importance of heart knowledge. James Benjamin, Board Member of MAF Australia and an authorised facilitator of Global Leadership Summit seminars, reflected on the impact of the day.
"It's been a great learning day, not only in terms of head knowledge but in terms of heart knowledge as well,” he said.
Participants shared their own experiences, weaving personal insights while discussing the topics of the teachings, such as trust and the necessity of conflict. Conversations touched on workplace challenges, but also extended into life outside of work—family life, church involvement, and even sporting passions.
“We've heard many great stories," James remarked, “and it's been really interesting listening to all of the attendees relate to what they heard today."
The overarching theme of the day was the development of leadership. Participants were reminded of the importance of leading by example and ensuring that others are heard.
"A quality of a leader is to produce another leader in the organisation," MAF’s Deputy Ground Operations Manager in PNG Herman Glawe noted.
As the event concluded, there was a shared sense of unity observed by James.
"All in all, I think the best thing about today is that it has brought the team together, not only in the short term but prayerfully in the medium term and long term as well,” he said.
When asked about their biggest takeaways from the training day, staff shared several aspects that resonated most with them. Some mentioned the positive side of conflict as a learning area and God's way of making one grow.
Bryan Mathews was most challenged by Michael Jr's session on 'The Necessity of Conflict for Revelation' and quoted "If you trust me, I've got your back, says God" and “God will use a heckler to get you where God needs you to be" as his biggest takeaways.
Tracy Norbury, one of MAF PNG's training officers, was also challenged to see conflict and criticism as an opportunity for growth.
"The reflective question, 'Who are the critics that God has put in your life to get you to where He wants you to be' has already been very useful to me over the past few weeks," said Tracy.
Payroll officer Dorothy Kowan looks for learning opportunities even when things don't go as planned.
"Failure is the tuition you pay for success," she said.
In the future, MAF PNG’s Deputy Ground Operations Manager Herman Glawe wants to invest in his team to learn from Jesus. "Mentor the team members as Christ mentored his disciples," Herman said.