When walking into Catalyst not only will you be greeted with a smile and a breakfast burrito but art displays, with tattoo stories of the crucifixion, and dozens of people on stage doing the cupid shuffle. Not only do truth, ideas, and theology abound but all
these aspects are interwoven with how to worship and lead creatively in a culture that must be captivated.
The theme of Catalyst is "Be Present" but not only that, be engaged. pause. Starting off Thursday morning's session with Christian rap artist Lacrae and a metronome, emphasizing the time and incredible pace our society moves at. It is clearly un-sustainable and put all our energy and effort in trying to keep up. Do we have to?
In what they call an "instant microwave society" Catalysts are encouraged to join the crock pot movement and slow things down. Andy Stanley does this using the principle "Do for ONE what you wish you could do for ALL." This is counter intuitive to the desire to make everything right and fair. Andy believes that fairness ended at eden and is thankful that God wasn't fair. He encourages catalysts not to be fair, but rather engaged.
Presenters included:
- Andy Stanley
- Judah Smith
- Katie Davis
- Matt Chandler
- Jud Wilhite
- John Maxwell
- Perry Noble
- Kirk Franklin
- Rudy Rasmus
- Mark Batterson
- Lysa TerKeurst
- Amena Brown
- Carlos Whittaker
- Michael Gungor
- Margaret Feinberg
- Esther Havens
- Jonathan Merritt
- Bob Goff
- Claire Diaz-Ortiz
- Leroy Barber
- Jeremy Cowart
- Michael Hyatt
- Jeanne Stevens
- Jennie Allen
- Jen Hatmaker
- Pete Wilson
- Jo Saxton
- Jeff Vanderstelt
- Tullian Tchividjian
- Jon Acuff
- Chris Seay
- Herbert Cooper
- Reggie Joiner
- Brandon Hatmaker
- Jenny White
- Nancy Duarte
- Israel Houghton
- Gungor
We have heard from some incredible speakers, authors, and leaders, a few of which I will highlight to give you a glimpse into the Catalyst message.
John Acuff who wrote the book "Quitter" presented a refreshing and hilarious perspective on identity and chasing "enough." He believes this is something you will never catch and it is better not to be so busy slaving away after what we think the father wants that we miss the moment he invites us into. John illustrated this with the story of the prodigal son and what a beautiful party the older brother missed because of the assumption he projected on the father's heart. In life, John stated, "there will always be haters, that is inevitable. Our response, on the other hand, is up for grabs."
John Maxwell presented a very thoughtful message about asking the right questions. Seven questions he likes to ask are:
1. What is the greatest lesson you have ever learned
2. What are you learning now (any new discoveries)?
3. How has failure shaped your life?
4. Who do you know that I should know?
5. What have you read that I should read?
6. What have you done that I should do?
7. How can I add value to you?
He encouraged the audience to design their own personal definition of success. John believes, "growth is not an automatic process. It must be intentional, otherwise it's just dying." The most culture shaping concept John spoke about was adding value to people. He has experienced that if we are not purposefully adding value to people on a daily basis then we are de-valuing them.
One of the most touching families the Catalyst audience got to meet was Katie Davis and two of her daughters Patricia and Grace. Katie is 23 years old and in the process of adopting 13 Ugandan girls. Originally heading to the town of Ginja to teach kindergarten, Katie never imagined she would hear from the Lord that for each of the girls "this one, this is you, your family." Katie has discovered that the Lord is not only in good things of life, the end result tied up in ribbons and bows, but he is in the process, the messy, every day.
Catalyst brought in Nancy Duarte to help the church communicate the message of the gospel in a way that is captivating and honest. She realizes that you can have a good idea but if it is not communicated well it will not be adopted. Nancy believes Christians have "the most glorious message ever told" and taught Catalysts how to communicate it as such.
The last speaker and passionate enthusiast I would like to highlight, Bob Goff, spoke Thursday morning and had the audience roaring. Bob began Restore International an organization that finds audacious ways to restore justice to children and the poorest of poor. They just started a new home for trafficked minor girls in Kampala, Uganda. His message was "be not afraid, leak Jesus on everyone and go big!"
Catalyst is only picking up momentum and headed to Atlanta, GA October 3-5.
Check them out at: www.catalystconference.com
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