CONFERENCE
CONFERENCE COMMENTS
06/20/09 09
Recently a group of the GHC Network Church Planters and leaders attended the Catalyst West Conference in Irvine, California. Here are some of the lessons learned:
“It was all so great, but one of the biggest things that struck me is being able to lead in times of uncertainty. Some key points for me were: 1). Uncertainty is the arena in which good leadership is identified 2). Uncertainty is where God shows up. It was encouraging to be reminded that God can work amidst times of hardship; these are the times we should be thriving. As leaders we need to also remember to have clarity and flexibility. Andy Stanley stated that it's okay to be uncertain, but it's never okay to be unclear. God has called us to be clear and retreat to the vision He's given us. Andy Stanley also mentioned to not allow your plans mix with the vision. We need to be flexible because plans often change, but the vision always should remain the same.
Again, there were just too many awesome things said at the Conference to list. I was super blessed and encouraged in many ways more than one. Thanks again! and God bless
Amber Fussle--Maui, HI
“The Catalyst Conference for me was a time to refocus my energies on what is important and gain a fresh perspective on the ministry of Rock Harbor. I left encouraged and challenged by several of the speakers, but more than that, I enjoyed the connections and time with the GHC planters. In those conversations and friendships I was able to put the learned principles into context and practice.”--Brian Burman, Sherwood, OR
“I learned that it takes a ton of volunteers and Staff. Volunteerism is still one of the most needed ministries in the church.”--James Gibson, Detroit, MI
“As Rick Warren was being interviewed by Andy Stanley he had an interesting thought on the comparisons we make between ourselves and other pastors, and your church and other churches. He said the comparing... kills. It will always have two effects. Either you will think you are doing better than someone else which leads to pride, or you will think they are doing better than you which will lead to discouragement. Either way comparison kills.”--Kyle Hedwall, Churrch Planter in Lathrop, CA
“The only thing God is going to ask you when you get to heaven is ‘What did you do with my Son and who did you bring with you?’”--Garrett Grauppner, Church Planter inj Bonner’s ferry, ID The Greatest Commandment!
“Ton of great stuff, but really liked Perry Nobel: ‘You can’t plan a movement of God but you should prepare for it.’”--Rachel Kihlthau, GHCNetwork Assessment Specialist
“One thing that spoke to me was when Rick Warren shared. He shared about honoring the Sabbath. So often we as leaders get too busy that we neglect time to rest. In fact, he stated that not taking a Sabbath is a sin. In addition he mentioned these three things help keep him refreshed and sharp:
Divert Daily
Withdraw Weekly
Abandon Yearly
--Stephen Fussle, Church Planter in Maui, Hawaii
“Blame it on the economy! Andy Stanley quipped that we have one of the best opportunities in history to lead right now--and if there is any pushback, we can always blame it on the economy. If we have a tough decision to make, we can make it and even if it has nothing to do with the economy, we can blame it on the economy and move forward! Great idea…”--JD Pearring, Director GHCN
“It was all so great, but one of the biggest things that struck me is being able to lead in times of uncertainty. Some key points for me were: 1). Uncertainty is the arena in which good leadership is identified 2). Uncertainty is where God shows up. It was encouraging to be reminded that God can work amidst times of hardship; these are the times we should be thriving. As leaders we need to also remember to have clarity and flexibility. Andy Stanley stated that it's okay to be uncertain, but it's never okay to be unclear. God has called us to be clear and retreat to the vision He's given us. Andy Stanley also mentioned to not allow your plans mix with the vision. We need to be flexible because plans often change, but the vision always should remain the same.
Again, there were just too many awesome things said at the Conference to list. I was super blessed and encouraged in many ways more than one. Thanks again! and God bless
Amber Fussle--Maui, HI
“The Catalyst Conference for me was a time to refocus my energies on what is important and gain a fresh perspective on the ministry of Rock Harbor. I left encouraged and challenged by several of the speakers, but more than that, I enjoyed the connections and time with the GHC planters. In those conversations and friendships I was able to put the learned principles into context and practice.”--Brian Burman, Sherwood, OR
“I learned that it takes a ton of volunteers and Staff. Volunteerism is still one of the most needed ministries in the church.”--James Gibson, Detroit, MI
“As Rick Warren was being interviewed by Andy Stanley he had an interesting thought on the comparisons we make between ourselves and other pastors, and your church and other churches. He said the comparing... kills. It will always have two effects. Either you will think you are doing better than someone else which leads to pride, or you will think they are doing better than you which will lead to discouragement. Either way comparison kills.”--Kyle Hedwall, Churrch Planter in Lathrop, CA
“The only thing God is going to ask you when you get to heaven is ‘What did you do with my Son and who did you bring with you?’”--Garrett Grauppner, Church Planter inj Bonner’s ferry, ID The Greatest Commandment!
“Ton of great stuff, but really liked Perry Nobel: ‘You can’t plan a movement of God but you should prepare for it.’”--Rachel Kihlthau, GHCNetwork Assessment Specialist
“One thing that spoke to me was when Rick Warren shared. He shared about honoring the Sabbath. So often we as leaders get too busy that we neglect time to rest. In fact, he stated that not taking a Sabbath is a sin. In addition he mentioned these three things help keep him refreshed and sharp:
Divert Daily
Withdraw Weekly
Abandon Yearly
--Stephen Fussle, Church Planter in Maui, Hawaii
“Blame it on the economy! Andy Stanley quipped that we have one of the best opportunities in history to lead right now--and if there is any pushback, we can always blame it on the economy. If we have a tough decision to make, we can make it and even if it has nothing to do with the economy, we can blame it on the economy and move forward! Great idea…”--JD Pearring, Director GHCN