One cold, but beautiful sunny day in January, I was delighted, with the help of Rev Chris Bennett of The Dock Church, to be able to put together a new video to give a basic introduction to the services of Leadership First.

The location I chose to shoot the video from was Belfast's Titanic Quarter (TQ). There is something undoubtedly magnetic about this rapidly developing area of Belfast. Having been 'coaching' and advising Chris Bennett in his role as a chaplain to the Titanic Quarter for over a  year now, I have had the pleasure of numerous walks with him around the Quarter. Everytime I have visited there is something new to see in connection with the various sites of construction around the Quarter. There is also a very palpable sense of expectation as the vision for the Quarter takes tangible shape.

In my many discussions with Chris during are exploration of the TQ we have often discussed the manner and mentality of those involved in such an incredible project, the scale of which is appropriately 'titanic'. Underpinning the very positive attitude and the sense of hope that something new is emerging for the benefit of not just this area of Belfast , but also for the whole city of Belfast and beyond, is a 'quiet' and yet determined leadership. I think it is this that has struck me more than anything to date about this project as I reflect on my many journeys into TQ over the past 14 months.

Leadership is undoubtedly key to what is happening in TQ at this time. And perhaps that should not be a great suprise. But once again I am reminded as to the significance and importance of leadership. It is the substance of this topic, which is vast and diverse, that I wish to tease out through these blogs. But my aim in doing so will be more specific than just commenting on leadership in general. No, its aim and scope is directed at the local church. Why? Because I believe that she is the most imporant 'organisation' that exists on planet earth today as she carries the incredible life transforming message of the good news of Jesus Christ and the amazing story of God's redemptive plan for the earth He so loves. Given this truth, then I believe that the church desreves our very best in terms of leadership, for if she is not led well by gifted and skilled leaders, then she will fall short in her task and mission.

It is to this end, therefore, that I dedicate my best time and energies, to supporting the leaders of the local church in Northern Ireland and beyond, to help enable and equip them to be the best leaders that they can be, for the sake of God's Kingdom. It really is a case of 'leadership first' for such a titanic task!

For details as to Chris Bennett and the The Dock - church in the Titanic Quarter please follow this link http://thedockchurch.org/

To see more about the TQ project click on the following link, which includes a great computer animation as to what the TQ may look like in the years to come - http://www.titanic-quarter.com/

Finally, to find out more about Leadership First's one-to-one coaching programme, Authentic Leadership Development, then click on the following - http://www.leadershipfirst.co.uk/services/courses/authentic-leadership-development