Catalyst Day One – Francis Chan

This entry is part 5 of 10 in the series, Catalyst 2009

Catalyst 2009

If you do a cursory check through the various blog posts on Catalyst you will find very little said about Francis Chan‘s session that wrapped up day one of Catalyst. I find that odd because I found his session to be one of the most powerful of the day. Although Francis Chan has become a really well known leader because of his book Crazy Love, he didn’t spend the time this session introducing any new stuff or great leadership nuggets. Instead he lead the Catalyst group (and with his leading you really felt a part of the group) in a time of communion and centering on Christ. It was simply powerful. Here are three things that stood out from this time for me.

Francis just radiated joy…

There was no escaping the incredible joy and happiness evident in his speech and his face. As he shared you could witness one who’s life has been so saturated in the presence of God that it spills out of him. His joy is contagious.

“Jesus, it’s all about Jesus.”

Sure, it’s been said, and we already know it but there was a Holy Spirit, joy-filled, alive serious powerful humility behind the way Francis Chan said it. It was good to be reminded after a day of intense teaching and challenging moments that it IS all about Jesus! We must never forget that everything we do as leaders, everything we say as Christians, everything we believe in, everything we hope for is all about Jesus.

“The presence of the Almighty God is in this room right now, that is so intense. Just stop and think about it.”

As Francis said these words there was a Holy quiet that descended upon the room. A quiet brought on by the recognition of the one we serve being there amongst us. It is so easy in big events like this to talk about God, to talk about ministry, to talk about leadership, to even say that we do what we do because of the Father’s call, the Son saving us, and the Holy Spirit’s enabling power but then forget that He is present with us. I did stop and think about it. The awe in that moment was palpable.

When I got back to my room after that session there was the afterglow of a Holy moment and I had to just spend time talking with my Father before heading off to bed. The intimacy of the moment was incredible! I know you probably won’t ever read this Francis, but thank you for allowing Jesus to lead us through you in such an incredible unforgettable moment.

(picture above from bemky)

Series NavigationCatalyst Day One – Rob BellCatalyst Day Two – Dave Ramsey, “The Momentum Theorem”