Tsylatac – I had it all backwards

I didn’t know what to expect from Catalyst West Coast. I had heard legends about a team of amazing people located just outside of Atlanta who have been putting on stellar leadership conferences every October for young leaders for nearly a decade. But I wondered if this conference would meet my expectations, because I do expect a lot. I really don’t know what all my expectations were but I knew some of them: I expected there to be 3,000 trendy hipster pastors with their fohawks and iphones. I expected Rick Warren to be arrogant. I expected it to be hoopla.

I HAD IT ALL BACKWARDS.

Catalyst West Coast was a plate full of humility served hot with a side of selfishness. It was not what I had expected.

Andy Stanley started the speaking portion of the conference with a simple introductory idea, “My cup is half full. My job is to pour my cup into as many cups as possible.” With that simple idea the conference turned in a direction I had not really expected. I think I had a preconceived idea that the pastors, speakers and leaders were going to get up in front of the crowd and wow us with there teaching and insights. I expected them to highlight the great things going on at their churches or organizations. I expected them to be all about them.

IT NEVER HAPPENED.

Of course Rick talked about Saddleback, but how could Rick not talk about Saddleback? That is what he knows. Yes there were plenty of hipsters and fohawks. And yes there was plenty of  fun and fanfare. But behind it all, there was one very clear message: you matter. I have never been to a conference that made me feel more valued than the Catalyst conference. I think I owe them an apology.

Dear Platform Speakers & Catalyst Staff -

Thank you for handing me a plate full of humility. Please forgive me for my assumptions, expectations and preconceived ideas. I was wrong. While drifting around the back of the room taking photos and scribbling notes during the two days I realized how much you care about young leaders and the future of the church. You were not about putting on a show but hosting an event where young leaders could be invested in.

We could all see how worn out Erwin McManus was but yet he was there sharing his heart. We could hear the passion in Brian Houston for the church. In between the jokes Rick and Andy made it abundantly clear that they care deeply about young leaders. The pastoral nature of Francis Chan and Jud Wilhite was welcomed with open arms. Seeing Perry encourage and empathize with audience sealed the deal.

I realized over the past week as I have reflected on the conference that I am the one who needed to be knocked down a peg or two. I came in with my guns drawn and my heart hardened. I love my church and the job that I have but somewhere in the past few years my heart has become bitter towards other ministries and organizations. I only cared about what I cared about. Catalyst West Coast was a fresh reminder of my selfishness and that we are all on the same team. If one of us does something great, we all do something great. If one of us fails, we all fail.

Thank you for reminding me how important it is to celebrate the wins of others. Thank you for hosting a conference that truly does care about young leaders and gives them tools to become better ones.

Humbled -

Benji Zimmerman

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