I had a wonderful time at the Catalyst conference these past few days. I was amazed by the diversity of speakers and topics – from business and leadership to preaching and the Gospel, I was blown away. Here are some great quotes that I took away:

Andy Stanley – “Moral authority is the alignment between deed and creed”
Jim Collins – “A to-do list without a stop-doing list is unproductive”
Steven Furtick – “A promise from God always starts small”
Craig Groeschel – “In order to get the ‘something special’ of God back, you must do something drastic”
Tim Sanders – “What you learn on Sunday makes you a rockstar on Monday”
Dave Ramsey – “Don’t talk about problems to someone who can’t fix it”
Matt Chandler – “There is a way to live and a way to teach so that people see what the Gospel is and what it is not”

This evening I head to Atlanta to attend the Catalyst Conference with some other APC Pastors. I’m excited to hear from great speakers, connect with other leaders, and learn new creative ideas. Speakers include: Andy Stanley, Franklin Graham, Craig Groeschel, Dave Ramsey, Tim Sanders, and others.

I will try and post some sessions I attend here on the blog. Check back in.

DS

EXPECT – The Believer

•    What was your favorite insight after reading this chapter?

•    Read Hebrews 10:32-39. What caused these early Christians to persevere through such difficulty?

•    What trials are you facing right now that you need to persevere through with confidence and optimism?

•    Read the Scripture on the next two pages. Do you feel you’ve lessened your dream to match your level of difficulty?

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.

“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what was seen was not made out of what was visible” (Hebrews 11:1-3).

•    According to these verses, what is faith? How does this apply to your dream for your life?

“Faith is about confidence in God’s character, that he is good and true and beautiful.”

•    Read the middle chapter on page 111. Do you believe you can live a life like this?

•    Are you living for something greater than happiness, prosperity, wealth, or prestige? What are you living for?

ADAPT – The Alchemist

• Have you ever had huge dreams and ideas for a big life you know you were supposed to live, but you felt you were somehow ill equipped, or improperly trained? Tell the group about your experience.

• Tell someone in the group an aspect of greatness you see in them. What potential do you see?

• Read the quote below. Describe a challenge in your life that God has used to make you a better person.

“The more challenging your circumstances, the greater your opportunity to see God raise you to new levels of living.”

• Read the first paragraph of ‘raising the bar’ on page 71. What does the author mean by unstoppable?

• What is at your core? Do you have any convictions for which you would be willing to risk everything? Name some of them.

“The life of your dreams needs to be rooted in a desire to serve others.”
• Tell the group your current profession. How are you serving others through it?

• Most of us cannot alter our lives in a day. What small steps can you take to fulfill your dream? Share your thoughts.

Ever step into a room after spending time with Jesus and find that people aren’t as passionate as you are? You feel like Jesus is coming back in five minutes and it seems everyone else is sleeping?

Sometimes we can allow the passion level of who we are with dictate how we will be. As a worship leader, I succumb to this all too often. I’ll be excited to press into the presence of God and it seems no one wants to come with me.

Do I lead the way with my passion for God or just relax?

What should you do?

“Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord” (Romans 12:11).

I love this verse. Fervent means to have great intensity. Our zeal for Jesus should be burning hot at all times. When it is not, we should cry out to God and press into Him even harder.

Here’s my challenge: Don’t let other dictate your passion level for Jesus. Be a leader. I’ve heard it said to be a thermostat, not a thermometer.

If you live this way, you will bring others to a higher level.