It has been awhile since I have blogged. Life has been… INVOLVED.
God has been moving and I have been the somewhat confused partner in it.
Last night Holly and I experienced the definitive close to a substantial season and chapter in our lives. It was a challenging night of emotions; a celebrated night of historic victories; and a sad night of “good byes.”
Catalyst has become our home and FAMILY for the last 4 years as it has been our privilege to lead the youth and young adult ministry at Orch Rd Christ. Center. These years have seen stunning defeats, overwhelming obstacles, extraordinary victories, and sovereign moves of God: a breathtaking room remodel, 11 amazing retreats, a couple dozen life-changing outreach nights, and over 160 Wednesday night services….
Tonight marked the END of this journey.
As I reflect on this profound season in my life, I am aware of so many lessons God has taught me along the way. Allow me to share a few…
01. Family is a rare commodity. Treasure it. Develop it. Model it. Create it.
What has set Catalyst apart has not been the teaching, the worship, the events, or the video game stations. Catalyst is different because we have put such high value on “being family.” What have I learned? Don’t build a ministry. CULTIVATE A FAMILY.
02. Projects and events are not fulfilling. People are. When you are out of the “people business” you are out of ministry.
I don’t have any regrets of taking time from “office work” to spend time with people… like taking lunch breaks with Travis, Mark, and Josh; playing guitar hero with Zach, late nights with Chrissie, interrupting conversations with Carrie 
, or going rock climbing with Bryan.
The old Chinese adage is so true: “If you want a year of harvest, sow in corn. If you want a decade of harvest, sow in oak trees. If you want a lifetime of harvest, sow in people.”
Indeed.
03. We lead through our strengths. But we connect with our weaknesses.
This was such a profound truth for me to learn… Some of my greatest nights of Catalyst were not textbook teachings, contextual exegesis, or profound biblical principles, but simple and practical lessons birthed out of the mistakes, trials, and insecurities of my own life. Don’t be afraid to let people see your strengths AND weaknesses.
04. People don’t care how much you know. They want to know how much you care. You can connect with someone far better by listening than by talking.
Someone once said, “You can accomplish more in 2 months by listening to someone else than you can in 2 years by talking about yourself.” God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. I think He wants us to act accordingly.
05. Though they may never tell you until you leave, NEVER UNDERESTIMATE the impact of your life and legacy in other’s lives.
One of the greatest mind games of my world is that my life doesn’t matter - that all of my efforts, my encouragements, my words, and my LIFE simply DON’T MATTER. To hear students and leaders tell us tonight that we had a fundamental role in their lives being transformed by God was dauntly. I needed to hear it. There are more times than I’d rather admit that I question whether God finds me usable for his purposes.
06. Words truly do hold the power of life and death. Wield your words very carefully. Use that power to encourage others.
I love the word “encourage.” It literally means, “to put courage into.” That is what we are doing as we encourage others. We are PUTTING COURAGE into the them to accomplish what God has designed and orchestrated for them to do.
What an opportunity.
07. People are inspired by bigger-than-life, planet-shaking vision. Don’t be hesitant about sharing your seemingly-impossible vision with others.
08. 7 words can change a person’s life: “I love you. I’m proud of you.“
I used to feel funny about those words coming out of my mouth. Now, I see the power they have in someone else’s life. Don’t be afraid to say them loud and often.
09. This generation is hungry to know and follow people who, though not perfect, try to live out life in a transparent, authentic, God-honoring way.
10. People won’t remember WHAT you said, but they will remember the spirit and heart of your life. Don’t be afraid to let them in.
As the future unveils itself, I look to it with anticipation. This season has closed. But I am confident that God is faithful. Not only will He continue what he began in Catalyst even after we are gone, but I look forward to what God has in store for our future as well.
Well… I guess its time to put this one in the books. Rest assured, wherever I am, you’ll find me pursuing God, loving people, and shaking the gates of hell.
I leave you with this closing thought: “The future belongs to those who have the courage to invent it.”
