Some “Catalytic” Thoughts

I’ve been in LA the last couple of days with most of my staff team from Lakeside. We’ve been taking in the Catalyst West Conference. Lots of good stuff: this morning Donald Miller talked about the influence of story in our lives, and emphasized the importance of telling the right story.

Yesterday we heard from Dallas Willard, via an interview by John Ortberg. Quite helpful:
-Jesus has invited us to live in the Kingdom today. This is why much of the NT speaks to us as if we are already in it.
- The essence of the Kingdom of God is ‘God in Action.’
- Spiritual Disciplines are about training, not trying (or trying harder).
- To start some spiritual disciplines, do the next right/good thing that God has shown you.
- Spiritual disciplines are not ‘deeds of righteousness.’
- We should allow the disciplines to ‘lead us in,’ to change the inner character, and to re-direct auto responses that have been developed in daily life.
- A Spiritual discipline is an activity that I am able to do through which I receive an ability to do something that I’m not able to do.

Earlier yesterday, Mark Driscoll gave a very helpful talk about finishing well –the last day is the most important day (of your life, marriage, ministry, etc.) We need to make sure that we see the right last day. Part of the process to achieve this is recognizing that ministry is not what YOU do, but what God does in you, through you, and sometimes in spite of you. An important key is not to replicate in ministry what God has already said He will do. So, understand these 11 things God does for Church Leaders:

1. Jesus is the Senior Pastor of the church.
2. The Holy Spirit chooses leaders for the church.
3. God gifts leaders in the church.
4. God empowers leaders in the church.
5. God encourages leaders in the church.
6. The Holy Spirit speaks to leaders about the church.
7. God gives wisdom to leaders in the church.
8. Jesus joins leaders as they discipline in the church.
9. God answers leader’s prayers for the church.
10. The Holy Spirit falls on Bible preaching in the church.
11. God says ‘no’ to leaders in the church.

(Check out the full article from Mark’s talk here: http://www.theresurgence.com/11-things-God-does-for-church-leaders-notes-catalyst-2010)