“Accidental Command”

I was in a group text with a several guys from my church—my boss at work, my missions pastor, my father-in-law who’s also a head pastor, our college pastor, the owner of our local Chick-fil-A, and another friend who’s done well in business. I always thought of them as the "elites," not because they acted it, but because I looked up to them so much. They had gone on trips to Egypt and India. I was the youngest, the newest, and by any measure, the least accomplished.

Then a text came through. It just said: “Japan in 2025,” with a price and some dates. It was from my boss. Just being included in that invite was a big deal for me.

I was already fascinated with Japan, so I was all in. As we started talking, I started digging into restaurants, hotels, and cities, firing ideas into the chat. Then one day I looked up from my laptop and realized I was planning the whole thing.

It wasn't that they dumped it on me—I think I just sort of took it over. I wanted to make it good. And when I realized what was happening, the pressure hit. I was planning a trip to a country I’d never been to, for six men I respected who were all older and wiser than me. I felt like a fraud. The pressure didn't come from them—they were incredibly supportive. It was all from me. But I kept going. I actually liked it. I liked figuring out the trains, the timing, the details. I liked seeing the vision come together.

The trip was a success. It was more than just a vacation; it was proof that I could do more than I thought I could. It went so well that when the next text came about a trip to Korea, it didn't ask. It assumed. I was planning it again.

What started as an accident became something I earned and something I’m proud of.

Leadership and Character development

This program was built on the same principle behind my formative experience. It’s designed to put you in the exact same position I was in: to give you responsibility for something that feels bigger than you, in an environment that is unfamiliar, and to see what you’re made of.

I didn’t have a curriculum. I didn’t have mentors breaking it down for me. I just had the opportunity.

You’ll have both.

What You’ll Gain

You will plan, lead, fail, follow, and learn.

You’ll eat incredible food. You’ll see breathtaking sights. You’ll connect with Japanese brothers and sisters in Christ.

You’ll also learn how to navigate a culture that demands your best.

One of our goals is for you to realize something about yourself: you’re capable of more than you think — and you can be a leader, no matter where you are or what you’re doing.