Last week I had a blast at Catalyst West. I was only able to stay for half of it but here are my notes from that first day:
Andy Stanley
- Oftentimes a single expression of courage can be the tipping point for something extraordinary.
- Sometimes we need the courage to stay when it would be easier to go.
- Other times we need the courage to go when it would be easier to stay.
- “Beginning empty-handed and alone, frightens the best of men. It also speaks volume of just how sure they are God is with them.” – A Tale of Three Kings
- Everyone needs the courage to ask for help when it would be easier to pretend that everything’s OK.
- When you have a secret you will compensate for it in your leadership.
- When this is all over, what story do you want to tell?
Dave Ramsey
- Enduring organizations have core principles that guide daily decisions.
- Leadership is service. There are no exceptions.
- People matter.
- Maybe everyone you disagree with DOESN’T need to be put to death.
- Building a team may be the most important thing you do.
- Sometimes you have to let people find their calling in another organization.
- Be excellent.
- Too many organizations treat their teams like mushrooms: keeping them in the dark and feeding them manure.
- Slow and steady matters.
- It’s not about doing 1 thing well; it’s doing everything well.
- We live in a culture of hares when we need more tortoises.
- Engage in the process, not just the moment.
- Financial principles matter.
- A higher calling matters.
John Perkins
- Politicians can’t seem to do anything except get elected.
- Too many places with the most poor also have the most churches.
- The church has the resources.
- Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is having enough conviction to act in the face of fear.
Eugene Peterson
- Being a pastor is one of the most context-specific vocations there is.
- We don’t use people to accomplish the mission, THEY are the mission.
- People are not problems to solve or resources to use.
- Pay attention to what’s going on.
- People respond to listening.
- We (pastors) talk too much.
- One of the joys of being a pastor is helping people discover their story.
- Don’t let culture define your position or vocation.
- Think deeply, read widely, and pray often.
If you were at Catalyst West last week what were some of the things that stood out to you the most?
–Jeff
Jeff McClung 