Friday, October 05, 2007

Catalyst '07


"The church is a lot like Noah's ark; it stinks sometimes, but we'd all drown if we got out." Shane Claiborne
a tap on the shoulder . . .
edgy speakers will no doubt offend
as for me I lean forward
and wait to be challenged
if I disagree
at least I feel alive again
reminded I stand for something
on a sandy common ground


"Do you really believe that if I leave the stage without praying that the world will be one way, but if I choose to close in prayer that the world will be another way?" Francis Chan
waving hands . . .
cold turkey cut off
for prayer as some sort of
shrink's couch venting session
of psychobabble practicality
instead of a privilege to listen
and trust and admit
I can't do it without You


"The hands and feet of the body of Christ have been amputated, and all we're left with is one big mouth . . . . . Stop praying 'God Bless Me'; start praying 'God help me to do what You are blessing' . . . We need a reformation like we had 500 years ago. The last one was about creeds. Now it's about deeds . . . Moses had a staff; what's in your hand?" Rick Warren
a reminder like a kiss on the forehead . . .
You took a dead piece of wood
and transformed it into a serpant
parted the sea
and renamed it 'The rod of God"
what is in my hand that can be used
to save others
demonstrate Your power
and guide people to freedom in You?
What's in my hand?



"A practical Atheist is someone who believes God exists but lives as if He does not . . . I somehow became a full -time pastor and a part -time follower of Christ . . . I was trying to please people more than I wanted to please God." Craig Groeschel
a punch in the gut . . .
thank you for disturbing me
it was getting a little too comfortable
and it's harder to hear You
next to the roaring yet refreshing fan
of complacency
and the thin candy-coating
stamped with "I can do it on my own"



"It's in the quiet crucible of our private suffering that our noblest dreams are born and God's greatest gifts are given . . . Jesus is more beautiful when we tell the truth . . . .Why do we choose a dehumanized existence? . . . We (the church) need to take them to a place they couldn't go without us becuase we have met God, and only we can take them there." Erwan McManus
a whisper
a getle urging to grow up
and out of my insecurities
to challenge the lying fangs
under the sheep skin of humility
to step through the hologram fears
at the sound
of a true and noble calling



"Good speakers, amazing arts elements, nice environments, and clever series don't change behaviors. Systems change behaviors . . . the people you lead are doing what you have led and rewarded them to do . . . If a new leader casts a vision and never addresses old systems, nothing changes." Andy Stanley
a farewell shout of instruction . . . .
what an experience
Thanks for these two days of
tapping on the shoulder
waving hands
kisses on the forehead
punches in the gut
whispers and shouts
all pulling me closer to You
the true Catalyst of calling


"If you preach, just preach God's Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don't take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don't get bossy; if you're put in charge, don't manipulate; if you're called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don't let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face. " Romans 12:6-8

2 comments:

Sherry Ingle said...

Wow..."the hand and feet of the body of Christ have been amputated, and all we're left with is one big mouth..." Sounds like you got a lot of great stuff to chew on. Thanks again for all you are doing at GCC, Kristen!!

DC Curry said...

I love ur perspective! u have an amazing gift.