I'm continuing to process the things that really impacted me at Catalyst. Several years ago I got tired of going to conferences, getting really inspired, and forgetting everything I heard within three days. I try to go back over my notes the next week. And I try to come up with one or two or three action points.
One of the speakers at Catalyst was Franklin Graham. Spitting image of his dad! So forthright. One thing he said really stuck me: "You don't have to help the gospel." He said, "The gospel works." Such a profound reminder.
I feel like all of us could do a better job of consistently communicating the simple gospel message. I'm thinking and rethinking how we help people cross the line of faith. As a dad, one of my roles is to engineer experiences that create memories. The end result is a defining moment.
In the same sense, as a pastor, I want to set up God encounters. I'm obviously not suggesting we can or try to man-u-facture anything. But I need to be more intentional about helping people create spiritual memories.
Just thinking out loud.
One of the speakers at Catalyst was Franklin Graham. Spitting image of his dad! So forthright. One thing he said really stuck me: "You don't have to help the gospel." He said, "The gospel works." Such a profound reminder.
I feel like all of us could do a better job of consistently communicating the simple gospel message. I'm thinking and rethinking how we help people cross the line of faith. As a dad, one of my roles is to engineer experiences that create memories. The end result is a defining moment.
In the same sense, as a pastor, I want to set up God encounters. I'm obviously not suggesting we can or try to man-u-facture anything. But I need to be more intentional about helping people create spiritual memories.
Just thinking out loud.
6 Comments:
Love that last paragraph! Challenging, inspiring.
Is it your "engineered experiences" that create the memory?
What is most important about the memory? Is it mostly your presence and the opportunity to know you more deeply - to share the experience? Can that happen whenever we engage someone in a personal relationship?
I undertand that it is important to plan time with your family and friends - but how often do we miss the opportunity to make memories in the ordinary moments of life? Like following Jesus, perhaps memory-making should encompass our entire life - not just the "mountain tops".
Can we really take on the responsibility of making spiritual memories? Or do we teach the value of it and how people can connect to God and constantly make their own spiritual memories?
great post. I thought Matt Chandler did a great positioning and demonstrating at catalyst as well. Understanding that the gospel is sufficient, man isn't, and we don' need to add to it, we just need to use scripture.
Hoping you're going to continue blogging the things that really impacted you at Catalyst...
Mark,
Certainly not something we can "man-u-facture." We have a core value: pray like it depends on God and work like it depends on you. If we do both/and I think some God encounters will happen.
At the same time, you can't plan Pentecost :) That's what I love about God. Always has a surprise up His sovereign sleeve!
Blessings,
Mark
Thanks, Mark. My comment was just my thoughts from your post along with what God has been speaking to me recently. I appreciate your insight. I like the value you posted: "Pray like it depends on God and work like it depends on you."
Peace.
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