Catalyst LABS Re-Cap

The energy of thousands of expectant leaders filled the Gwinnett Arena on Wednesday morning as Catalyst 2013 labs began to unlock the power that comes from being “Known,” fully and wonderfully by an invincible God.

Ideas were sparked, issues brought to the surface and hearts awakened throughout the day. The Catalyst audience heard from an incredible mix of speakers on how to live out identity in Christ to engage culture, act on mission and influence the next generation.

Dr. Henry Cloud opened the day by speaking on the importance of “Boundaries for Leaders,” also the title of his most recent book release. He shared important boundaries that must be present in the life of every great leader in order to find and know their identity. The crowd was reminded of a secure identity---a pathway to a Promised Land that is available if only leaders will embrace the identity given to them inherently from Christ.

Bianca Olthoff, Chief Storyteller for the A21 campaign, and Rebekah Lyons, Co-founder of Q and author of Freefall to Fly, tag-teamed a powerful session about the influence of vulnerability in propelling leaders into their calling. Olthoff’s contagious enthusiasm, coupled with Lyon’s genuine presence was recognized and embraced by their audience—a beautiful display of what it means to be truly known and leading from that place of securitywithout pretense.

Jen Hatmaker challenged her lab attendees to know their mission and live in accordance. Hatmaker cited the disconnect between today’s churches and the life of Jesus while sharing practical ways the Church can initiate the process of disciple making. “We’re here to make disciples,” she said. “Disciples make disciples and disciples go where they are sent.” Hatmaker reminded her listeners, all while keeping them laughing and engaged, that sacrificial service is part and parcel to the discipleship process.

Later in the day, Tim Elmore, founder of Growing Leaders and Author of Generation iY, shared insight into the importance of knowing and leading a ‘generation of firsts.’ Today’s youth are exposed to more and share more of their personal lives due to the growing presence of technology in their lives. “Part of what makes us effective as leaders is to somehow be a pioneer,” Elmore said. He challenged leaders to use today’s technology for redemptive purposes in order to see the next generation of leaders arise and fully embrace their identities.

Mark Batterson, Lead Pastor of National Community Church and best-selling author of All In, had a simple message for attendees: “Go.Set.Ready.” The inverse of the commonly used phrase, “Ready. Set. Go,” Batterson’s message was one that challenged listeners to know when to step out in an act of faith. “I’ve never been ready to do anything God has ever called me to do,” he said. “If you wait until your ready, you’ll never do anything.”

​Attendees took two hours to ponder the teachings from the day before gathering for the evening session. The night concluded with powerful worship led by the Rend Collective before Bob Goff and Don Miller joined forces to shower love on the Catalyst crowd. Goff inspired laughs and prompted thought into what it truly means to know and become love in the world around us. “We want people to meet us and want to know Jesus,” Goff said. He closed the night by reminding the room of 1 John 3:16: “Let us not love with words or speech, but with actions.” As Catalyst leaders, isn’t that who we want to be?

We are looking forward to all that we will come to KNOW in the two days ahead. Stay tuned tomorrow for a recap of the Catalyst Main Sessions starting tomorrow!