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