Thank You Catalyst

I’m still trying to catch my breath from a great week at Catalyst.  I left immediately from Atlanta to join my extended family in Orlando for a week of family vacation.

Can you say W H I R L W I N D?

And although a few days have past, I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to share my thoughts and highlights from Catalyst.

I found myself being very nostalgic about this event this year.  Catalyst was a significant influence in my leadership development.  I was 24 years old the first time I attended Catalyst, and while I didn’t view myself as a leader, it was something that I was aspiring to with everything in me.  10 years later I couldn’t help but walk the corridors of the arena and look at the young, bright-eyed, twenty-somethings and see myself in them.

That’s why I’m so thankful for Catalyst!  It’s simply unbelievable the number of leaders this organization has invested in, inspired and influenced.  Literally hundreds of thousands of leaders!  That kind of influence is simply unbelievable.

Catalyst team – thank you for leading us so well.  I’m so grateful!

Here are a few of the highlights for me this year at Catalyst Atlanta:

  • Attending the labs on Wednesday.  I love the space for conversation and connection that the smaller environment of the labs creates.
  • Listening to my pastor and my boss speak at the labs.  So proud of you, Pete!
  • Worship – always love the worship
  • Andy Stanley‘s opening session about the tensions leaders face.  He challenged us to take some time to answer the question: “What do you want to see God do in your life 10 years from now?”
  • Scott Harrison‘s story.  Scott is the founder of Charity Water.  Check out this organization.  Scott’s story is fascinating!
  • Hosting the Cultivate Her lunch for women leaders.  This was a partnership with Leading & Loving It and Mercy Ministries.  Big thanks to the Mercy Ministries team for sponsoring over 120 women to lunch on Thursday!  I’m so excited about what God is doing to stir up the gifts of women leaders in the church.
  • Christine Caine on the main stage.  This is one woman that I would love to have a cup of tea with someday.  Her passion and energy is contagious!
  • Meeting and talking with John Ortberg.  Such an inspiring and encouraging leader.  I’m not sure I made any sense but I was grateful for the conversation.
  • Perry Noble.  Need I say more?  I don’t know anyone who can shock and inspire in the same breath!  I also loved that a large team from Newspring was there cheering him on.
  • The Hospitality of the Monvee team.  I’m a fan of what these guys are doing.
  • The conversations, the entertainment, the surprises… that is Catalyst!

Did you attend Catalyst this year.  If so, what did you enjoy most?

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4 comments

  • bennettaj October 11, 2010  

    This is going to sound canned but what was there not to love? It seemed you were being inspired, challenged and awed at every turn. I finally see what all the hype is about and it's definitely WELL deserved!

    • jcatron October 11, 2010  

      "what was there not to love?" So true Amy!! Glad you were able to experience it, but bummed I didn't get to see you. 🙁

      • bennettaj October 11, 2010  

        Jenni, me too. Brandi invited me to the lunch when I saw her on Thursday morning but I could not find the place where she mentioned. So bummed! We'll meet again soon, I'm sure!

  • Kenny Silva October 11, 2010  

    My favorite part was flapping my wings like an eagle while standing next to a few people who looked just as uncomfortable with it as I was… 😉 All while being video-taped.