Celebrating Lee Powell’s Leadership and Legacy

Lee Powell, senior pastor of CedarCreek Church in Perrysburg, Ohio retired in October due to a diagnosis of Parkinson’s. In today’s blog post, we want to celebrate his incredible leadership, faithfulness in building an amazing church in Northwest Ohio and partnership with the Global Leadership Summit since 2004.

 In 1994, Lee attended a Willow Creek conference where the local church was described as “the hope of the world” and God birthed a vision in Lee to start a seeker-style church in Northwest Ohio. Since that time, CedarCreek has grown to 8000+ attendees on multiple campuses, and has been listed among the largest and fastest growing churches in America. Through Lee’s leadership as a key Summit host site, CedarCreek  launched ideas like Taste of The Summit and Summit Sunday, strategies we still use to invite the community to get involved with the Global Leadership Summit. 

 Ben Snyder, who came to CedarCreek as an intern in 1999, was named the succeeding pastor. Below, Ben shares more about the impact of Lee’s life and leadership.

What was it like being raised up as a leader under Lee Powell’s leadership?

I have known Lee since fall of 1999. I was in CedarCreek’s first internship class when there were only three interns. Who knew that I would someday be the lead pastor.

Lee is a genuine leader. What you see on stage is who he is…and who he is, you see on stage. He was always looking to give young leaders great opportunities. He did so with me in a few arenas that I shake my head at today. Lee believed that all people matter to God, including unchurched people. Lee loves to have fun and loves to laugh. His faithfulness in ministry is what inspires me the most!

Tell me more about Lee’s leadership. How has he challenged or inspired you? What kind of impact have you seen as a result of his leadership?

Lee always led graciously. When people would twist his intent, he would put away the sword and not try to make a public display, even if it was uncomfortable. One of our staff members described it as living in his shadow of grace. We had our swords drawn ready to defend him or our church and he would remind us by his example to be gracious.

Lee was willing to try anything (with excellence in mind) to reach people. And if it didn’t produce the results he had hoped, he didn’t linger long. He was ready to move forward.

What is Lee’s legacy?

6000+ baptisms

19 years of unprecedented growth (reaching people) at CedarCreek.

6 church plants reaching people in new cities and new ways.

An incredible transition/hand-off

“Lee Powell’s leadership and legacy here at CedarCreek Church will be felt for years to come. There are numerous stories of people who committed their lives to Christ, had their eternities changed and families strengthened—all because Lee answered God’s call. – Casey Wagner, executive assistant to Lead Pastor, Ben Snyder

Watch more about Lee’s ministry and his journey through Parkinson’s in this five-minute video below.

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Lee, on behalf of the staff at the Willow Creek Association, words are not enough to thank you for your legacy, leadership and your partnership. You live a beautiful life!