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If I Had 10 Minutes with Andy Stanley

October 8th, 2005 · 6 Comments · 15 views

If I had 10 minutes with Andy Stanley, I’d ask for 20…but that’s a whole other story.

Andy,

Your Catalyst Conference this year - in terms of content from the speakers, was by far the most challenging and paradigm shifting I’ve ever experienced.

That’s quite a compliment from me - if I do say so my dang self! ha ha.

Since I only have 10 minutes with you and I want to hear your response - here’s my beef.

Ya’ll have it planned like an event, not a dialogue.

There is no space in the schedule to debrief or unwind. There are no breakout times with teams to unpack this great content over coffee (or a beer). There is very little opportunity to dialogue with other leaders around the country who are there to hear their stories. Heck, this year there was no space to even walk around.

It felt rushed. The worship could have helped with this - but until the last couple of sessions - it didn’t. It felt just as programmed and rushed.

My biggest plea - just by creating some space - Catalyst could go from being just another conference that has a limited shelf life - to a dialogue to propel a movement.

What are your thoughts?

If I had 10 minutes with Andy Stanley.

Tags: leadership

6 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Sandra // Oct 9, 2005 at 1:56 am

    I felt the same way, Grant. Just wanted a little bit of dialogue. Wanted to get to know some of the people who were sitting all around me.

  • 2 2cents // Oct 9, 2005 at 2:43 pm

    did you guys go to labs?, use connection cafe?, use the Cata-blog, or the Connection Cafe on the Catalyst website? I think that INJOY put those things in place to begin working toward what you are asking for here. Andy is only a speaker and advisor to the conference - INJOY puts it on - you should definitely hit their site and let them know what you are looking for. (I just know those guys - and I think you ideas are good - I believe they will listen, especially if there is a lot of response)

  • 3 Grant // Oct 10, 2005 at 12:05 am

    Would love to chat with you, 2cents…

    Yes, we did the labs. Again - great content - no space.

    The Cata-blog is fine as an information piece but not dialogue and questions.

    The website and Cafe - again - great content and look - but not designed for interaction or dialogue.

    Good advice on INJOY rather than Andy. Will pursue that when survey is up. I do have some ideas as to solutions - not just complaints! ha ha.

    And I’d still like 10 minutes with Andy if I could. I’d change the topic now! ha ha.

  • 4 Andy // Oct 26, 2005 at 12:10 pm

    Hi Grant,

    Andy here…

    Come to DRIVE next year. We will give you some space.

    As somebody commented, I’m just a singer in a rock…

    I’m just a speaker in a Rock ‘n Roll conference.

  • 5 Grant // Oct 26, 2005 at 12:17 pm

    That is a deal!!!! If this is the REAL Andy Stanley and not the Enhancer up to his usual tricks! he he…

  • 6 steven // Oct 30, 2005 at 1:24 am

    I missed Catalyst this year. How was it? I’ve been the previous two years. Last year was packed out, but it sounds like this year was even more crowded. I went to the Labs my first year but didn’t go back, I didn’t feel it was worth the extra dough in hotel, food, and registration.

    I realy wanted to go but opted for Youth Specialites, Nashville because it was closer and I couldn’t go to both.

    Man it’s pretty cool that Andy may have actually replied to your blog. You never know who is out there.

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