Access Church

Wow, what a week! Three days in Atlanta for Catalyst, then back in Jacksonville just in time to set up for church on Sunday.

Catalyst '07 was amazing, and several of us already registered for Catalyst '08! I strongly encourage anyone who is a Christian leader to attend next year, whether you are leading in a Christian or secular organization. It's great stuff!

There are lots of reviews in the blogosphere, and the Catalyst web site has a blow-by-blow of every session, but I'll go ahead and throw in my $.02.

First of all, this is not your ordinary management/leadership conference! I have attached a crude video from my cell phone to illustrate the point. The mood of Catalyst is fun, crazy, incredibly worshipful, and challenging. It's a great place to learn as well as connect with other leaders. Andy Stanley, many of the North Point team, and other partners were there and it was good to reconnect.

Stephanie asked me what the "NO WAY!" moment of the conference was. Last year it was when Lanny rode into the auditorium on horseback, preceded by an entire British Royal Guard blowing horns. This year I would have to say it was the worship, which was masterfully balanced between quiet, somber moments and super-hyper-dancing worship. The video doesn't show any detail, but there are actually two bands on stage, back to back, complete with two drummers & kits! Kristian Stanfill is leading one side and Steve Fee is leading the other.

I had just been marveling at how unworthy I was to worship God, and how this room was full of 11,000 other unworthy worshippers, when I heard the best quote of the whole conference, "The Church is a lot like Noah's ark. It stinks on the inside, but if you get out, you'll drown."

It's good to be in the boat with you!