The Catalyst Conference in Atlanta is not the typical kind of conference I am use to: Incredibly professionally produced, extremely artistic in nature, cultually engaging, and leadership focused. The music was loud, the speakers were all different and from distinct theological and philosophical frame works. But by God’s grace I learned some amazing and clarifying things this week. I’ll list some of them here.
(1) I am full of pride – One of the recurring themes at this year’s leadership conference was the reminder that we are God’s servants, on God’s mission. The desire to promote my own ministry, be my own hero, celebrate my own giftedness, or the consistent discontentment with my and/or jealousy of other ministries is unworthy of a gospel servant. Surprisingly, Rob Bell drove this home to me the most. I am no fan of Rob Bell (in fact regarding his views of the atonement I am concerned about whether or not he is even a Christian), but the lecture he gave on being the man that God has specifically equipped and called you to be was perfectly crafted to impact my heart. Andy Stanley, as well, gave a great reminder that we, as leaders, are not to be concerned with inviting God to be part of our story, but pursuing our role in God’s story.
(2) I can learn from many different people – The saying “All Truth is God’s Truth” was very clearly crystalized for me on Thursday. I am thoroughly Reformed in my theology, but I fear that many in the Reformed tradition, because of this solid commitment, lose out on learning because they limit those to whom they are willing to sit under. Catalyst invited people from different worldviews and different disciplines to help enlighten and equip Christian leaders to engage their worlds and lead their churches better. Jessica Jackley, founder of KIVA (a microfinance operation dedicated to partnering with struggle third world business) gave a great resource to churches for impacting our world. Even someone like Malcolm Gladwell, a business world thinker and writer, reminded us of the significance of humility in effective leadership. I was profoundly impacted by the importance of listening to God wherever and through whomever he speaks. Of course in the end I am committed to the Scriptures, to the voice of God as he has revealed himself there. But where God is working in the world to give me insight in how to do things better I want to learn and be a good student.
It was a great time for me and I hope that you will consider Catalyst for yourself.
Sparrow & Heart Soul Care 