Catalyst Articles

Whoever is creating the emerging culture is the leader, period. They are the leaders of the future because they are creating the future. We must become the explorers and pioneers of the future. Let’s get there first, plant our flags, claim the future in the Name of Christ, and lead humanity into a future rich with faith, hope, and love.

We can’t look at our potential through the lens of what we can do on our own power. That’s not how the truly big things happen. The big things happen when God steps in. He stands ready to do more in us and through us than we can ask or imagine. He’s just getting started.

Most churches have some gaps when it comes to groups. Many church leaders are troubled by these gaps. If you’re not yet, allow me to help you get troubled!

We asked our interns what FIVE books they would say are must reads for someone in their TWENTIES. They came up with an incredible list. Feel free to add your own suggestions.

Great team leaders will always see opportunities for them as opportunities for their team.  Many times they will use the resources given to them to celebrate, develop and care for their teams.  It is so powerful when leaders are with their teams until the last chair is stacked and the lights are turned out.

An identity that is rooted in anything other than our relationship with God the Father leads us away from vocation, as we are tempted to continually try to perform tasks and achieve goals in order to earn God’s approval. Rather than starting with a rooted identity and allowing vocation to flow out of that, we try to find identity in the work we do.

In today’s culture, it’s easy for people to desire to be known by what they have, rather than who they are. We’re taught from a young age that in order to be known, we must have the most and be the biggest.

Figure out who you want to be, not what you want to do. Who you are is more important than what you do or where you live. Spiritually, financially, family, emotionally, relationally.

Do we want to restore the credibility of the gospel in a culture that ‘s increasingly cynical toward our message? If so, Francis would tell us to turn our attention back to the early churches ministry of reconciliation, and make peacemaking at home and abroad a priority.

To be known paves the way for everything else. It’s the gravitational pull of belonging and proclaiming. It’s the prequel that finally helps us re-imagine everything else.

Here you go, the April edition of the Young Influencers List. You can see all the past editions here.

Studies show that, if people are connected in a meaningful way with their co-workers, their productivity is higher and retention is longer, even if they don’t feel particularly energized by their daily tasks. That said, one of the most important things we can do as leaders is create an environment where everyone feels connected in a meaningful way to the community.