Last week I went to Catalyst West Coast with 15 other church members. Catalyst’s origins are in Atlanta. It is a church leaders conference that challenges and invigorates. This was my third Catalyst (this year’s west coast addition was the first.)
I am a Catalyst fan!!!
It is a venue for current, North American church movers and shakers to share challenges and inspire Christians to move forward and live out the faith. In Atlanta, over 10,000 leaders come together from over 100 different denominations.
I have been inspired by speakers such as Andy Stanley, Erwin McManus, Craig Groeschel, Rick Warren, Perry Noble, John Maxwell, Seth Godin, Jim Collins and others.
I hope to continue to learn about leadership and be one who can inspire others.
Here are some notes from Andy Stanley’s talk. (www.northpoint.org)
Leading Through Times of Uncertainty
The higher you move up (in business, church, social structures) the more complex the decisions, the more uncertainty you will face. UNCERTAINTY is why we need leaders!
1. Uncertainty is not an indication of poor leadership.
2. Uncertainty is the arena in which good/great leadership is identified.
“You don’t learn that much when things are going good.”
Look at the most uncertain time in the gospel, the story of the passion of Christ. The epicenter of our faith was the most uncertain time in history. God is not uncertain amidst the uncertainty.
CLARITY
“As a leader, it is okay to be uncertain, but it is not okay to be unclear.”
Always pull back to your vision and stand on your calling. ”Retreat to the vision.”
In times of uncertainty plans change – a lot. Plans must, do, will, should change, but the vision stays the same.”
“No decision was ever sacred, but the vision stayed the same.” Sam Walton
In times of Uncertainty:
1. Be honest – share confidently with followers. Express confidence to try something with a willingness to change, while standing by the original vision.
2. Seek Counsel – “Leadership is not about making decisions on your own, but owning the decisions you make.”
3. Pray – God, show me – show us.
4. Extend grace and encourage grace. Uncertainty can breed anger, frustration and fear, but with grace and hope, uncertainty becomes simply a part of life that helps us to grow into the leaders God intended.
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Catalyst has not been “just another conference.”
It has been a source of challenge, fantastic worship, connection with the Church and a guide to some of the front-line work of pastors and churches growing, serving and changing church culture for the kingdom.
I cannot recommend it enough!!!
