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All things Catalyst Conference - Rob Bell

Rob Bell always makes me think.  First started following him by watching his short-films under the NOOMA heading.  Even though I don't agree with all of his viewpoints, I learn lots from him.  Here are a few quotes I jotted down - hope to have them accurate: 

• The crowd thins when you talk about controversial issues. 
• When we are forced to choose between the cross and the flag, we should choose the cross.
• Jesus' work was grounded in the things He saw His Father do. (John 5)
• When you die, God will not say, "Why weren't you more like Moses?"  He will say, "Why weren't you more like yourself?"

Here's a short preview video Bell & his group NOOMA produced - Enjoy: 

Morning Sunrise

Had a meeting this morning for coffee around sunrise.  Was in line & a lady turned and said, "That's beautiful...How can that be scientifically explained?...We have a Creator." Hard to get a grasp on the view, but I tried my best to get a quick phone camera shot.

"And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years" Genesis 1:14

All things Catalyst - Chuck Swindoll

 
This year's Catalyst Lifetime Achievement Award went to Chuck Swindoll, a tremendous pastor/leader who brings solid application based on biblical teachings.  He's got a ton of wisdom and shared 10 realistic outcomes in leadership (again, I hope my notes do Mr. Swindoll justice here)...

1. It's lonely to lead.  (The tougher the decision, the more more lonely it gets.)
2. It's dangerous to succeed.
3. It's hardest at home.
4. It's essential to be real & stay real.
5. It's painful to obey.
6. Brokenness & failure are necessary.
7. Attitude is more important than actions.
8. Integrity eclipses your image. (The best things you do are not upfront.)
9. God's way is better than your way. (Our own capability is our biggest problem)
10. Christ likeness begins and ends with humility.

What a challenge!  But man, I was really glad to learn & experience such real practical guidance.

All things Catalyst Conference - Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey spoke on the theory of momentum at Catalyst 09.  Some of his thoughts below:

• When you have momentum, you look better than you are.
• Momentum is created - it's not random.
• Focused intensity over time, multiplied by God = Unstoppable momentum.
• Focus is lost for two reasons: 1) Fear 2) Greed
• Pour intensity into things that matter.
• "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." 1 Cor 9:24
• "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might" Eccl 9:10

This is good stuff - I really want to do better here.  I usually have so much going, I don't focus with intensity.  Any ideas or helpful tips are welcomed!

Our New Adventure - Part II

Hopefully, we'll be bringing you a monthly video showcasing the latest on our new adventure in the community.  In case you missed it, click here for the first video & for the latest, please see the below...

A Purse with Holes in It

"Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it."  Haggai 1:5-6

Ah, that challenged me this morning.

All things Catalyst Conference - Malcolm Gladwell

Hadn't heard Malcolm Gladwell speak before, but was glad I did at Catalyst...He is a talented thinker.  He spoke about a large downfall in recent times for many leaders - Overconfidence.  Here are a few quotes (again, sorry for the paraphrase & hope it does Mr. Gladwell justice) I thought were insightful:

• MisCalibration happens when the so called "experts" get overconfident due to a large amount of knowledge.  (This was very interesting to me...Sometimes, you can have too much information - Faith goes a long way!)
• Incompetence only irritates, but overconfidence is plain scary.
• In times of crisis, we think we need daring & bold decision making - but what we really need is humility.
• Overconfident people but themselves off from the opinions of others.

I'll be reading more of Gladwell here and I'm gonna get this book soon too.

All things Catalyst Conference - Best Moment 2009

The video below is a little lengthy - I know.  But, if you have time or perhaps you should make time to watch one of the best moments I've experienced at Catalyst.  Also, check out this site dedicated to promoting initiatives to help the 143 million orphans across the world. 

Catalyst 2009 Compassion Moment from Catalyst on Vimeo.

All things Catalyst Conference - Andy Stanley

As usual, Andy Stanley took the stage first at Catalyst.  I always learn lots from Andy's biblically based, practical teachings.  This time was no different.  Here's a few of his thoughts (I apologize for paraphrase, and hope I do Andy justice here - my notes are in scribbled format) regarding "Making a Mark" in this world..

• What man is a man who does not leave the world better?  Our world is better because a leader felt a burden and leaned His/Her leadership gift into the community.
• You won't recognize your greatest opportunity when its happening - It will be long after you've left it.
• Joshua, a 110 year old leader, recaps & closes his life by stating..."As for me and my house we will serve the Lord" Joshua 24:15
• God has not come to be a part of your story.  He has come to see if you want to play a part in His story.
• "God takes full responsibility for the life wholly devoted to him." - A quote from Andy's father, Dr. Charles Stanley
• Get yourself in a position of settling "who you are for," then don't be worried about "who's for or against you."
• Let God have maximum access to your leadership.
• Living to make my mark is too small a thing to give my life to...Instead I should perfectly position myself for God to leave his mark through me.
• God, make your mark through me.  

FYI - I had a very cool & personal experience @ lunch with Andy as you can see here in a prior post.

All things Catalyst Conference

Over the next several posts, I want to give yall a summary of the things heard & experienced at Catalyst Conference this year.  I hope those who attended will join in the commenting with their impressions, and those who didn't attend will gain a glimmer of insight from my sorry renditions, which will hopefully be enough to encourage them to go in 2010! 

Our group left a little early this year and regrettably we missed the below happenings...What better way to kick off my review by enjoying something with you I didn't actually see?!?

 

Professor Splash Breaks World Record! from Catalyst on Vimeo.