Catalyst 08 Andy Stanley Session 1

Oh my gosh, Andy Stanley is a genius. I am amazed every year at how Andy comes up with creative messages that speak right to the heart of Leadership.

Here's a run down of what he taught on Session 1 at the Catalyst 2008 in Atlanta:
As always, it was like trying to drink from a fully-opened fire hydrant. My brain still hurts. My heart still races when I think of what God did through the speakers, the worship and so much more!

I’ve decided to do several short blurbs (each from a particular session) in hopes that I can pass on to you some of what I heard/learned and what I’m processing as a result and how the Lord spoke to me or touched me through it.

(There is no particular order to the choice of sessions...)

Andy Stanley spoke from Nehemiah and called it “Louder Than Words.” His main Bible text was Neh. 5:6-18
(more messages by Andy Stanley at www.northpoint.org)

The question he answered from his talk was: Why, in verse 12 and then again, in verse 13, did these leaders - who had been confronted by Nehemiah so directly about their abuse of power - so quickly, immediately and without complaining agree with Nehemiah and promise to return what they had wrongly taken and not to do it again?

Why didn’t they argue with him?

In short, it is because of Nehemiah’s MORAL AUTHORITY.

Moral authority defined is: public alignment between our creed and our deed.

Nehemiah’s moral authority was a 1:1 ratio. Read the chapter and you’ll see why. Nehemiah PRACTICED what he PREACHED for 12 years before he had the confrontation with the leaders.

Moral authority is the only influence we (as leaders) really have on people. It is ALL WE HAVE.

“People who really influence us rarely have authority over us.” Andy Stanley

Andy then applied these truths to 3 areas: Forgiveness, Finances & Family. The following is from what he stated per each point:

FORGIVENESS: This is our message! Forgiveness in Christ Jesus! Our moral authority here is to forgive ASAP every single day of our lives!

FINANCES: Is there hypocrisy in our finances? Do we have a problem raising funds because of financial hypocrisy? Do we live according to Scripture in our financial lives?

FAMILY: “If my wife/family thinks that the ministry is my mistress, I have no moral authority in their lives.”
“I’m the only dad my kids will ever have. Why would I sacrifice that for a role that many others could do just as well - or better - than I?”

Moral authority, character, integrity - these are words that captivate the heart of the follower of Jesus Christ.

First, we must BE disciples of Jesus Christ. Obeying Him in our family responsibilities, financial dealings and ministry work. Then, secondly, we can DO the work that He has called us to do. To reverse these two points is to destroy the essence of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.