First, I want to issue an apology. As many of you know, I was out of town last week for Catalyst OneDay in Lexington, KY with two others. I mentioned it here. My apology is to you who read this blog and also write one. When I opened up my computer on Friday morning (my day off) there were close to 50 blogs waiting for me in my Google Reader. It would have taken me forever to read and comment on them, so I read them that evening after I had settled in for the night, but chose to comment on none of them. Please don’t be offended because I did not comment (I’m a people-pleaser after all). 🙂
Second, I thought about calling this post Anticipation since we are under a snow warning. Fortunately Unfortunately the weather channel can’t make up its mind how much snow we are to receive. As Doc Brown says, “Since when can the weather man predict the weather?” (Back to the Future for the uninitiated) 🙂 We are to receive anywhere between 1-8″ of snow (How’s that for accuracy?). It was 51 degrees Saturday. I rode 18 miles on Friday. It does seem to be the winter that keeps on giving.
The Catalyst OneDay was a good experience for the two guys I took, and also for me. We talked all the way home (does that surprise you?) about what we learned, heard, and implementing what we learned. We also had some great ideas tossed around. I thought I would share a couple of thoughts from Catalyst in this post.
Craig Groeschel:
Healthy cultures never happen by accident. They are created.
What we value determines what we do.
Those who don’t know don’t know they don’t know.
We as leaders have a limitless capacity for self-deception.
The more convinced I’m right, the more likely I am wrong.
Andy Stanley:
Mutual submission is a game-changer.
Don’t confuse giftedness with anointing. (Andy gets pretty “heated” over “being anointed” and special favors).
Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone.
Drop the term loyalty from your vocabulary. If you have to ask for it, demand it, or have people sign a document pledging it, YOU are the one who lacks it.
Do not allow an organizational chart to determine the tasks.
So much more. It was a rich day filled with tons of good stuff. But I have to honestly say the trip home and the discussion/bantering of ideas was worth its weight in gold. This is not meant to be a commercial for Catalyst OneDay, but if you or your staff or a group of friends have a chance to go, make the time. You won’t regret it. The worship and music were top-notch as well.
What quote stood out to you the most? Oh yeah. If you tweet or repeat any of the quotes, make sure you give Craig and Andy the credit.
I hear lots of good things from pastors about Catalyst. It seems like it serves to recharge folks and re-center them. That, and the time away from the usual, are both important.
They are both important Daniel. This was only one day but it was worth the expense.
They are calling for up to 4″ of snow here. Spring???
Spring has definitely sprung a leak.
You’re awaiting snow too? Seems like this goes around the world… This weekend we had so much snow all of a sudden that no transportation was working, cars were stuck on the roads, and it took most people more than a couple of hours to get home. A friend of mine left for home at 8PM and got home at 9AM… I simply had to stay over at my friends’ for two days and then after Church walked home for 1.5 hours… Even our office is closed today because there’s no way we’d easily get to work. They say this is a biggest blizzard that happened in over 100 years.
RE: Quotes
Do not allow an organizational chart to determine the tasks.
My work at the Chamber has taught me that. There’s no such saying as “It’s not my job.” The important thing is – this is not taught as in “if you’re not going to do whatever you’re asked, you’re fired.” Instead, my boss shows an example himself. Considering that he’s been a banker in Cayman islands, a Peace Corps volunteer, and now for over 15 years a president of the Chamber, when something needs to be done, he does it – even if it means sweeping puddles at a stadium before we have an event. Personal example from the leadership in this case is important.
We got the snow. Not as much as you for sure. Ours was more wet and didn’t do much damage to vehicle flow. Sounds like you have a boss who understands the value of team.
“mutual submission is a game changer” At least in a free society, a good leader must be willing to follow the people, even while he is leading. A second rate leader that understands this will outlast a first-rate leader that does not understand it.
totally agree with your statement Jeff. Being a businessman you would grasp this concept and do what you have done-make it practical. Thanks.
That quote about creating cultures seems pretty interesting. I’d love to learn more about that!
Craig had a great talk on it. I would suggest contacting Catalyst about it. I know DVDs are available.
Those who don’t know don’t know they don’t know.
I love that quote. I also have admit that while it’s genius, it drips with sarcasm… Big surprise? Sounds like a great time and you guys got some iron sharpening done… Got a little myself… Thanks, Bill.
My thoughts exactly on that quote Floyd. It drips with sarcasm but also with truth. We did have a good iron sharpening time. That was almost as valuable as the conference itself.
You’re not turning “seeker-friendly” on me…are you?
Nope. 🙂 I do think we need to listen and learn though and make a connection with people by communicating the truth in clear terms. But again, No.
Bill, the last couple of weeks, I’ve wanted to tell the bloggers I know that I was ill and just couldn’t comment the way I wanted to. It was all I could do to get my posts up. But I think we should all just KNOW that if someone isn’t commenting, they have something else going on. After all, we don’t OWE people. 🙂
I would have loved going to that conference. Big Andy Stanley fan. There’s a well known Christian speaker who abuses “anointing,” so I get why he has an issue.
We got to play tennis for an afternoon before the snow was dumped on us. You’ve just got to laugh!
Hope you are feeling better Melanie. Bummer about being sick for so long. I think Jason (below) says it well. Not exactly sure what speaker he is talking about (or you) but I certainly agreed with him. He also talked about “Pastor Parking Only” spots. I park as far away as possible. Oh, I cry. This ride once a week or so is old. 🙂
So much wisdom here…but these three really stood out:
What we value determines what we do.
Those who don’t know don’t know they don’t know.
We as leaders have a limitless capacity for self-deception.
However, doing for one what we wish we could do for everyone really hit home. My heart breaks as I think of all the abused, lonely children in the world. I wish I could give them all a big hug and take them home with me…but I can’t. Instead, my spouse and I are praying/pursuing adoption. Doing for one what we want to do for all. Please join us in praying for God’s divine grace and help with this overwhelming/life changing decision.
Glad you liked the quotes TC. I most certainly will pray. Jo & I have talked about wishing we were younger to consider adoption but at 60 & 62 that is not one of them for us. I think it is totally cool.
I have the most amazing niece and nephew because my sister and brother in law decided to adopt 25 years ago. And now niece in law and nephew in law and wonderful children from both as family. Just do it. Many lives will be better. That’s my 2 cents.
Great snippets here, Bill. And I promise to never be offended by your lack of commenting if you extend me the same favor when I don’t have time to comment on yours. 🙂 Blessings to you, brother!
Got your back Jason. ‘course you gotta wonder about we pastors who only work one day a week. 😛