Catalyst Conference | Bryan McGee: Carpe Diem Coram Deo

Nov 18, 2008

Catalyst Take Aways

Thanks to Steven’s comment yesterday, I realized I had not posted any post Catalyst thoughts.

I think that shows how easy it is to return from an event and let life steal what was poured in to you. However, my lack of posting does not mean I did not apply much of what I got there.

Steven asked for my three best take aways from Catalyst. Wow, only three?

1 – Experience Matters - I heard for years that Catalyst was not just another conference, it was an experience. I admit that I was always intrigued but secretly thought I could get all the same information via books, podcast, CDs or by listening to others’ stories. WRONG!

The experience of Catalyst was unlike anything I have ever witnessed.And I believe church should be the same way. We worshiped in an electric atmosphere. I heard challenging messages that messed me up. I listened to people share personal stories of what they were doing to change the world and challenged us to join them. Technology was leveraged to remove unnecessary roadblocks to engagement.

The whole experience was so amazing and awe-inspiring that I thought many times of people I wanted to bring back with me next time. I want our weekend experiences to be so electric, engaging, relevant and provoking that people can’t wait to bring everyone they know back with them next week.

2 – Next generation ideas come from the next generation. This came from the last session with Andy Stanley. It wasn’t a new idea for me. But, it was very encouraging to hear him say it. It is not for the older generation to innovate. It is their responsibility to recognize the new ideas and help them succeed. I realize that I am quickly becoming a part of the last generation. Our kids are the next generation and if I don’t recognize that, the end is near.

I love to go and hang out with our teenagers. Our youth ministry absolutely must be the innovators at ROCK Church. They cannot and must not do youth ministry the same way I did 10 years ago. That has already made it’s way into our weekend services. Wanna know what’s going to happen next? Get around young people.

3 – Memories have the potential to be the enemy of dreams. I never want to forget our past. But, I refuse to let the past be remembers as our glory days. God’s vision is too great. Andy summed it up with this quote:

“When memories exceed dreams, the end is near.” – Michael Hammer quoted in The World is Flat

- – - – -

Yeah, that was hard. We came away with a lot more than just those three. But, I would say those are still messing with me the most. Tomorrow, I’ll work on the three hardest things about our leadership transition.

Sorry, Rebekah. I know you asked first. But, your question warrants a whole week to answer in multiple posts. I’m working on that as a series for next week.

Oct 11, 2008

Posted by Bryan | 1 Comment

On the road again

Jen and I are on our way back from the Catalyst Conference. It has been an incredible week and we are so glad we came. I can’t wait to get back and start using what we got at ROCK Church.

But, traveling can be long and boring. What do you do to pass the time on road trips?

Oct 9, 2008

Posted by Bryan | 6 Comments

Catalytic Overload

Jennifer and I just got back to the room a little while ago from a full day at the Catalyst Conference. I am so full, I don’t know how I will be able to absorb anymore tomorrow. It has been like drinking from a waterhose. I am worn out yet more passionate than ever. Jen and I have been able to connect with some amazing people. We sat between Brad and Pete. We met Anne (sorry Carolyn, didn’t get a pic). After Catalyst, we headed over to the Blogger Meetup hosted by Brad and Lisa. While there, we met Jon, Jenni, Ryan and I’m sure several more. We also spent a good bit of time with my friend Jeff Pelletier from Fellowship Technologies.

Then we crashed the Deadly Viper Shin Dig and met Mike and Jud. There we met Chris a new social media guru from Roov.com.

I cannot describe how important all of these new connections are to Jen and me. I’ll blog later about the sessions today. But, suffice it to say, they were incredible. But, my body feels like it’s been runover by a truck. So, I’m out.

I leave you with a few pics of the day.

Oct 8, 2008

Posted by Bryan | 3 Comments

It’s ok… you can watch

So, the Catalyst Conference is awesome already. I had a great time at the labs today. Then tonight, Jen and I got to hang out with Pastor Kirk and some of the crew from Rock Church in Asheville, NC.

Tomorrow the big event kicks off early. Even if you are not here. You can still follow along. Anne Jackson will be live all day over at CatalystBackstage.com. You can watch exclusive interviews, follow all of the bloggers posting about the conference and read all of the Twitters going out throughout the day.

It’s a veritable Catalyst overload right inside your computer. So, go ahead… it’s ok to watch. You just may see Jen and me hanging out with Anne. I’ll be sure to get a picture of us with her for you Carolyn.

Oct 6, 2008

Posted by Bryan | Comments Off

What’s up?

This several days have been crazy fast and very productive. Let me try and recap for you.

I have been asked by my good friend, Paige, to help with her American Express Member’s Project. You should go vote now. It’s free and could save the lives of thousands of children. Stay tuned for my little addition to the cause in a day or two.
Adam’s team dominated on Saturday winning 30-0. Adam ran a 50+ yard touchdown to end the game. Wow!
Noah’s team did not dominate on Saturday. They played hard but just did not come up with a win. Noah did play much better this week though. I’m proud of him.
Sunday attendance was down because of Riverfest. I’ve said it a bazillion times that we are not in competition with other churches in Wilmington. We are on the same team. We are up against the world.
Even with a lower attendance, people experienced God. People raised their hands acknowledging their need to give their lives to Christ.
We are one week closer to having our sermon videos online.
Yesterday was a hard message for me. I talked about who Holy Spirit is. I feel the need to help people understand who Holy Spirit is without watering down His power. I feel like it was a success because I delivered what Holy Spirit gave me.
Next week, I am praying for an encounter with Holy Spirit like ROCK Church has never seen before. It’s going to be incredible. If you have been wondering where we are headed as a church, you want to be here. It will either answer your questions or give you more fodder for your cannon. Either way, you don’t want to miss it! I can’t wait!
After church, we headed over to the Wilmington Life Chain event. We partnered with a ton of churches in a silent prayer vigil on behalf of the unborn. I love taking our boys and teaching them about this. We had 44 people from ROCK Church show up. Thank you all. I am proud of you!
Later we had the whole family over for Don’s birthday and grilled burgers. It was a blast.
About the time I finally relaxed last night, Jeff twittered that he wanted to catch the Steeler’s game. So, I jumped in the car to head across town and hang out. I am glad I did. It was good to hang out with a fellow senior pastor and talk shop and watch the game. Plus, the Steelers won!
Now, I am wrapping everything up in the office to head out to Atlanta tomorrow for the Catalyst Conference. It’s going to be a great time and I can’t wait.