(It’s guest post Friday! Here’s one from Curtis Honeycutt. His blog is WhenAtLast. If you want to write a guest post for SCL, here’s how!)
A Primer for Catalyst – By Curtis Honeycutt
The first (and most important thing) you must know about Catalyst is that it’s not a conference to get together and watch a list of the most hilarious cat videos on YouTube. It’s also not Craigslist for cats. Or catapults. As disappointing as those factoids may be, Catalyst is an awesome event for Christian leaders from all over the country. Here’s a primer on what you need to know about Catalyst.
1. It’s like a family reunion for metrosexual worship leaders. You’d think The Buckle was having a “Free Flannel V-Neck Day” and sent out VIP coupons to worship leaders.
2. Because there are so many worship leaders in the audience, the singing is fantastic. Except around me, where savvy Catalysters build in at least a four-seat buffer by the third session.
3. Craig Groeschel will be there. This doesn’t just apply to Catalyst, but any Christian event, from The Global Leadership Summit to your local church’s senior adult potluck. Where two or more are gathered, Craig Groeschel will be there, working the room…you just have to find him. He’s Waldo.
4. There will be swag. Free t-shirts. Messenger bags galore. Those grippy things that open jars. Precious Moments bobble heads. LannyDonoho press-on goatees. For these reasons, youth pastors will be wearing their special cargo pants with extra pockets.
5. Catalyst likes to break records and do crazy things. In past years, they’ve broken the most records for breaking the most (vinyl) records. One time they broke the record for the largest pillow fight. I saw a guy jump into a kiddy pool from like 100 feet in the air. There have been human cannon balls, trampoline acrobats, and even Tripp and Tyler suspended from cables.
6. At some point, the worship band will feel like The Polyphonic Spree is onstage (they have over 20 band members). I know when you have to parenthetically explain humor, it’s not funny anymore, but this is an apt analogy. Someone from Hillsong will be hillsinging. There will be dueling drummers. Some guy who looks like he just rolled out of bed will be jumping up and down with a banjo. There might even be a keytar or two. You won’t be disappointed.
7. All the Twitters and Instagrams will be blowing up with hashtags. This social networking overuse will cause slow internets. Do what I do and update your status via Morse Code. That network is wide open.
8. Other than a sports event, this is the only time the line for the women’s restroom will be shorter than the men’s line. Unless, of course, you can find the secret bathroom.
Question:
Are you going to Catalyst? Have you been before?
For more great writing from Curtis, please check out his blog!
