Ok, so we (Kevin, Nan, Ralf, Linda, Sara and myself) were in Atlanta the past couple of days for Catalyst. This conference is just amazing and we fit right in. This conference is all about an out of the box, intense, over the top experience. The leaders who spoke were top shelf as was the music. This conference was all about excellence and I walked away feeling really uncomfortable with where I am in so many areas of my life. Here are a few observations…
- My first impressions of the conference were naturally formed as I walked into the auditorium. What I heard was great music and what I saw was an amazing stage with lights flashing and circling the auditorium. The mood was intense and in your face and I couldn’t help but think that Imagine is on the right track. More on the lights later.
- When we walked in, there was the funnies guy MCing the thing and then they played a video he shot which was very creative.
- Andy Stanley kicked off the conference and ended it as well. He’s a top shelf communicator and he brought an amazing message about Moral Authority. I felt so challenged to serve God and the Imagine Fellowship family in a more sacrificial way and I’m going to do it.
- Jim Collins was the next speaker to rock my face off. He’s the author of Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t.
- I need a personal board of directors and so do you. Pick people who are higher caliber leaders than you are and then let them teach you how to be better.
- JC also told me to make a “to stop” list instead of just a “to do” list. I’m going to make a short list tonight of stuff that just doesn’t make me better.
- I was also challenged to do life unplugged every now and again. What’s that mean? It means to turn off my cell (so hard it hurts), turn off the tv (ugh), no computer, internet or anything else electronic and just think. I don’t want to do it but I bet I’ll be better for it.
- Steven Furtick is freaking nuts! I’m sure he has a blog or a podcast and you need to sign up now (I haven’t but I will).
- I wasn’t ready for that guy and he totally unloaded on me! Being faithful during the process between the promise and the payoff! Wow! That stuff was just good. I have no doubt about what God is doing at Imagine but I know that there will be days that it doesn’t seem like we’re making progress. God’s still there and he’s going to give us the big payoff! Kev!!!! Don’t you let go of those numbers God gave you! The payoff is coming.
- We did some really creative stuff. Stuff you’d absolutely never do in church! So we decided to do it at Imagine. More coming soon.
- I know….what a tease….
- I was surprised that I didn’t meet more people but I did meet some great guys. I’m following them on twitter and maybe you should too. tpeezy tylermedina rafaelferreria
- Seth Godin was smart and fun.
- He had the most creative powerpoint I’ve ever seen and it broke all the rules. I swear there was a new slide every five words or so. Wow!
- He spoke about tribes which is also the title of his new book. He gave everyone a copy of the book which is not on the shelves yet! Cool.
- We’re building a great tribe at Imagine and we’re going to rock SA and the world!
- Drove around all night last night for food. Frustrated….
- We found this hole in the wall called Eats. Good food and great conversation.
- My inlaws were there and they were fun to hang out with.
- Oh, forgot something….
- So it’s Wednesday evening and we’re at buckhead church here in the ATL (Google it). Amazing building and an amazing story.
- So were there and the security guard is telling us that there are no tours without an appointment and Nan was like, “Yeah there are!” Nan knows how to work people and ten minutes later, we’re touring the place with Lisa and Susanne and they are giving us the expensive tour because we saw every part of that place. Very cool stuff.
- Billy Graham got a lifetime achievement award. That dude is just amazing. If you were touched by his ministry, send him a note here.
- So Dave Ramsey was one of the speakers and I’m preparing myself to have him step on my toes about all the ways I’m breaking the rules with my money. And then……He decides not to speak on money but on leadership! I was disappointed at first until he blew me out of the water with some deep leadership stuff.
- Sanctioned incompetence is when we empower people to be mediocre. Stop doing it! Be excellent. That’s the challenge and that’s where we are going and you need to follow us there!
- Matt Chandler, pastor at The Village in Dallas, Texas was fantastic. He was relevant, smart and funny! Spoke out of Timothy chapter 4 which is one of my favorite passages in one of my favorite books.
- Take good care of your doctrine! Teach it right and faithfully. Gaurd your stuff and it’s going to save you and the people who are lucky enough to hear you!
- After that they took this break and people went crazy. It was auditorium fever setting in! These little toy missiles were flying all over the place. Streamers flying from the balcony. Balloons floating all over the auditorium. That was a fun little interlude before the end of the conference.
- Andy Stanley came up and gave us a nice farewell with some interesting observations…
- The great ideas for the next generation rarely come from this generation.
- If you want to reach people no one is reaching, you have to do things no one is doing!
- What thing, if you did it, would transform your area of ministry?
- When your memories exceed your dreams, the end is near.
- He was great and so was the conference.
- Nan was an amazing person to have with us. He’s funny and smart and a little edgy which makes it fun.
- Ralf and Linda are absolutely amazing. I love those two. My wife and I have a special bond with them (wink wink) and they’re special. This was their first time to fly! Ask them about it.
- My wife was here with me and I wouldn’t have wanted to experience this conference with anyone else. At one point, we held each other and sang to Jesus and it was a powerful moment. I love you Pregnant Sara.
- Kevin! What can I say?? None of this happens without you. Thank you so much for all challenges you’ve ushered into my life. I’m better because of you.
~ ralph perez, leader’s pastor
