Yesterday I blogged about the idea that Constraints are a Blessing and today, along the same lines, I’d like to say that the tension is good.
In ministry, life and leadership we constantly deal with different tensions. The tension of staying Biblically-centered while trying to be relevant. The tension of the old way of doing things versus embracing new ideas. The tension of what does it mean to love people while holding true to our convictions about certain moral or cultural issues. A lot of life and ministry is about managing tensions.
At the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit Andy Stanley hit it out of the park talking about the upside of tension saying that, “the role of leadership is to leverage the tension to the benefit of the organization.”
Some problems we encounter can be solved, but oftentimes we have to figure out how to manage the tension. It’s a fine walk, sort of like a guy on a tightrope, but nonetheless, that’s just a part of the art and act of leadership… knowing how to balance is what it’s all about.
This fall, the theme for Catalyst is “The Tension is Good.”
I can’t think of a more appropriate theme or idea we, as next generation leaders, need to get into our heads now. And there’s no better place to go than Catalyst to hear from some of the best and brightest about how we can begin to manage the tensions we encounter while honoring God with our leadership and ministry.
Catalyst is happening in Atlanta October 6-8 and if you haven’t already, you need to register. The best rates end on August 26 and you can register with the code TIM for 10% off!
Here’s a few voices we’ll be hearing from…
- Seth Godin. He really needs no introduction. If you don’t read his blog everyday [after your quiet time] you need to! He will change the way you think, lead, and work. Two years ago he offered the opportunity of a lifetime for a small group of people to spend six months working with him. It was called SAMBA (Seth’s Alternative MBA Program). I was one of a handful of people who had the chance to fly to NYC, meet with Seth and interview to be considered. I didn’t make the final cut but the entire experience was so validating and Seth proved to be one of the most selfless and humble persons that I’ve ever met. He spoke at Catalyst two years ago and can’t wait to hear what he’ll have to say to us this year!
- Christine Caine. I had the chance to hear Christine speak for the first time a few weeks ago at Willow Creek, and OH MY WORD. She’s a ball of energy and passion for God. I’ve never been so inspired and charged up as I was when I heard her speak. She’s got a heart for God and the Church and is pioneering a significant work to reach out to people involved in human trafficking. And, she’s from Hillsong Church which only ups her coolness factor in my book.
- Scott Harrison. Behind every great movement is a great person. Scott is the man behind charity: water, an amazing organization that is raising money to bring clean water to the world. I had the chance to meet Scott and hang out at the charity: water offices earlier this year and heard the story behind the story of charity: water. I already loved charity: water but after meeting Scott, I have nothing but respect and admiration. You’ve got to hear what he has to say!
- Daniel Pink. Daniel’s book A Whole New Mind is easily one of my top 10 reads of all time. He’s a brilliant thinker who ironically writes about the way people think and what motivates people. He recently came out with a new book called Drive, and I can’t wait to hear him unpack some new ideas and insights!
- Andy Stanley, Beth Moore, TD Jakes, Perry Noble, Gabe Lyons, Rani Hong, Tad Agoglia, Craig Groeschel, and Francis Chan. Do you need any more reasons?!
I can’t wait for Catalyst this year and I hope to see YOU there! I’ll be blogging notes for those of you that absolutely can’t make it [check out my notes from last year for a preview] but do everything you can to get there. The experience, community, and relationships there will mark you and make a significant impact in your life and leadership.
Are you going to be there?!
