Pastors Who’ve Influenced Me: Andy Stanley
Recently, I’ve been privileged to meet with men of God that I admire deeply. This week I’ll share some of what I’ve learned from them.
Andy Stanely is the founding and senior pastor of North Point Community Church in Georgia. If you are not familiar with this church, you have to check them out–now!
Some pastors are great communicators. Some are great leaders. Andy is great at both.
If you aren’t yet familiar with Andy, you’ll benefit from his:
- Humility: You won’t meet a more down to earth and humble person.
- Preaching: His book Communicating For a Change is one of the best on the subject you’ll read. He is one of the most gifted communicators in the country.
- Leadership: Andy is a leader’s leader. His leadership talks, books and podcasts are simultaneously simple, yet profound. (If you haven’t read Visioneering, Choosing to Cheat, and Next Generation Leader, you need to.)
- Wisdom: Andy’s dad, Charles Stanley, has led a strong church and international radio and television ministry. Growing up with that perspective, followed by leading a massive movement, Andy is rich with deep wisdom.
- Focus: North Point Community Church is one of the best models of a focused church.
- Stewardship: Andy says, “Leadership is stewardship.” He encourages his team to wisely steward all resources for God’s Kingdom.
Andy and his assistant, Diane, spent a little over and hour with Bobby and me. We had a very powerful conversation (at least from our perspective).
Andy told me (I’m loosely paraphrasing) that when a ministry becomes successful, there are many forces that will try to pull you away. He reminded me to keep my focus on what God shows me is most important. Very wise.
What is your favorite Andy Stanley lesson or quote?
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I remember sitting near Charles Stanley as Andy spoke at a conference. Charles nodded, scratched down notes, laughed, and took it all in. Then he gave his son a big hug of approval when it was over. That was one great communicator deeply affirming another.
I am still getting a handle on that focus/simplify value in my own life.
craig,
when i was lead pastor of a north point strategic partner church i had the opportunity to spend some time with andy. i’ll never forget the first time i met with him one-on-one - i was a nervous wreck! :-) i don’t think anything coherent came out of my mouth. he looked me dead in the eye and said:
“there are no experts here…i want to learn from you as much as you want to learn from me.”
talk about disarming! can’t say that i all the way calmed down, but it sure did help. and he meant it.
my favorite talk he has ever given is the one from catalyst two years ago: “leadership is a stewardship; it’s temporary and you’re accountable.”
everything you said about him is spot-on. he is the most focused and intuitive leader i have ever been around and he is probably the most humble as well. it’s very easy to see in him what makes north point so bless-able.
I still love to talk with Andy about the greatest leadership decision he ever made was to cheat the church and not his family. God calls us to love our families, he never calls us to sacrifice them for the church. Good lessons.
“Leadership is stewardship, it’s temporary and you’re accountable!”
The “next generation leader” is a yearly read for me.
This book is on my “favorite” list.
Also when Andy spoke at the leadership summit 2006 his talk about not cheating your family was massive!!
In my small group, we have done a few Andy Stanley studies. The one I remember most was the Exposing the Matrix series. Our group leader played the wrong week this one particular Sunday and it just happened to be on a topic that I was really struggling with.
Many years ago, before coming to Christ, I was unfaithful to my wife. I had gotten away with it but the guilt was really taking its toll on me mentally and physically. God was prompting me to confess it but I was fighting Him with all my strength.
My wife and kids were away visiting her family so I was at church by myself this dreaded weekend. The message at church had me feeling guilty (again) and when I got to group and we watched the Matrix DVD I totally lost it. The message was on sexual sin and how it will eat you up if you do not get rid of it. I couldn’t contain my self and totally broke down in front of everyone. I confessed what I had done to the group and then knew that I would have to confess to my wife when she came home.
I am happy to say that she forgave me just as Christ had and that our marrige is stronger now than it has ever been. Praise God!!!
I am not sure that this was my favorite Andy Stanley moment but it is definitley the one that has impacted me (and my family ) the most. If you ever speak with him again please let him know that he saved me.
I hope this wasn’t too much for a Monday morning.
My favorite Andy Stanley quote so far - “There are people who pay interest and people who make interest. Which one will you be?”
I read alot of his books - haven’t met him yet like most you. If somebody could hook that up though, I’d buy your Starbucks for 10 years!
His series “Breakaway” was transformational! He starts off by saying that as much as we like to think otherwise, our lives have a sameness that can be stifling and leave us feeling hemmed in and trapped. He goes on to say, in order to live a “breakaway” life…that doesn’t look like everyone elses…you have to renovate your beliefs which will enable you to make better decisions that will give you better outcomes! I serious…check it out!
Humility. I’ve never met a more humble man.
My only experience with Andy, reading The Next Generation Leader, was a wonderfully positive one. That was the first book my boss handed me when I came on the staff at my church. What a wonderful choice it was!
The style of children’s ministry is quite different from what was here before me, so sections 2 and 3 have been a great boost for my ability. They went hand-in-hand for me, being a courageous leader and clarity during uncertainty. I think I’ll get Communicating For Change later today.
Next Generation Leader has been a huge impact on me personally. I love the part where he talks about focusing on your “core competencies” and how there are people that will get Life from the things your holding on to and doing a bad job at also.
Good morning, Craig!
I do not recall the exact words, but his exhortation to leaders (I hope I remembers this right)is to devote 80% of their time to the top 20% of their gift mix. The bottom line was that we need to reject any sense of obligation to have our hands in everything.
As Scripture says, the body (Church) has many parts (each of us)!
Tyler, thanks for that reminder! I knew there was a related part to my comment I could not remember. :)
I have seen people fall victim to the reverse of that - cheating their marriage and kids.
God said, “I will build my church.” Not us…He will build it.
Bill G,
Congratulations. That is a harder pill than most people will ever have to swallow. Definitely Praise God.
I had the opportunity to attend North Point several years ago. It was 4th of July weekend and Andy spoke on Freedom. That message still stick s with me today. Andy is very gifted and he has taught me a lot from his books and teaching.
Was it Andy Stanley who said, “Less is More”?
His book “The Best Question Ever” is a book that flies under the radar in comparison to his other books on leadership and communication. In my opinion, it is one of the most potentially life altering books you will read.
It forces you to ask the question every day…”In light of my past experiences, my present circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams; what is the wise thing for me to do?” I keep this in front of me ever day.
They don’t come better than Andy Stanley.
In 7 Practices for Effective Ministry Andy says, “Think steps, NOT programs.” Having been around traditional church models most of my life, this thought was revolutionary to me. The churches and Christian I knew were all program happy, but the idea of helping take their next step however small it may be instead of just pushing them into a program really blow my mind, so obvious, but very profound.
If you get a change to listen to the podcasts he did for the book, Andy does all illustration using sheets of paper for this ideas of “think steps, not programs” that was awesome, you can find them on iTunes, search “Practically Speaking”
Great stuff
From Next Generation Leader -
“The goal of leadership is not to eradicate uncertainty, but rather to navigate it. Uncertainty is a component of every environment that calls for leadership. Where you find one, you will always find the other.”
Andy began a talk at Catalyst once by having everyone repeat this prayer, “Lord, give me the wisdom to know what’s right and the courage to do what’s right–even when it’s hard.”
WOW!
Craig,
Where do I begin? I love reading and hearing Andy. When we were building our core to start on the other side of Atlanta we visited Northpoint many times. One Sunday Andy was speaking from Acts 6 and he said at the end of the service I’m going to ask 900 of you to sign up and serve at Northpoint.
Then later in the message he talked about 3 types of people who attend Northpoint. The 1st are those who are members and actively serve–he thanked them for their service. The 2nd were those who weren’t members but actively served at Northpoint as greeters or in some way. He thanked them to.
Then he went on to describe the 3rd type of attender. Those were the ones who come on Sunday and drop their family off early to save a seat. Then they sit there and enjoy the music and the message, leave and go out to eat. Then they go home and sit and talk about how much they love Northpoint but they never, never serve.
Andy looked around the room and said, “we can’t afford you!”
I will always remember that moment.
I also agree with Kevin about The Best Question Ever. I use that principle every day.
A while ago, I was serving at Wiregrass Church in Dothan, AL. They show a DVD of Andy’s past sermons for their Sunday morning message.
One week, we got “The Legend of Joe Jacobson” series and it rocked my world.
These have been some powerful comments. I have to say taht I have gleamed so much from Andy’s book’s podcasts and messages.
It is amazing that someone can be so simple in almost all their perspectives. Andy has a way of making it so simple for people. Whether it is leaders or church members.
In books, Communicating for a Change revolutionized my approach to communicating this year. I’m also reading Visioneering right now…tremendous.
In message series, Breakaway, Take It To The Limit, It’s Personal, and Judgment Call are all fantastic.
“When you’re first, you get to be the leader.”
Craig,
So, we’re launching this church in Chandler, AZ and I heard this quote from Andy Stanley from the 05 Drive Conference:
“Every big church in America has a story, and the story always started; we had an idea, we had no money, and we had no people, but we had an idea and we committed to the idea and God brought money and people. That’s the story for every single growing and expanding church in America. It never starts with money, it never starts with people. It always starts with a vision. So don’t be afraid to dream. Don’t be afraid to envision things.”
This was very inspiring for me to hear as a church planter.
Craig,
Years ago I read Andy’s book, Visioneering, and was deeply encouraged and inspired. God used it as a springboard for planting a church, a maturing dream I’ve had since college. After being called to Pastor in Charlotte, NC from Edmond, I was excited to be able to go to the Catalyst conference. It was indeed, catalytic! The great take-aways from those experiences were Andy’s messages and meeting Bill Hybels. There was just something special when a guy like Bill, Andy,(and you!) shake your hand, look you in the eyes and say, I’m praying for you! A couple of years later, God has blessed us with the opportunity to plant a church here in Buckeye, AZ and this Sunday is our first day in the school. I remember visiting you when you were still meeting at Western and 122nd. I can’t help but feeling some similarities now that I saw in those early LifeChurch days. Guys like Bill, Andy, and you, paved the way for my generation. As William Carey said, thanks for encouraging us to, “Expect great things from God and attempt great things for God!”
“Unexpressed gratitude communicates ingratitude” - Andy Stanley
That was on a Thanksgiving message that he preached many years ago on the 10 lepers, that it wasn’t that the 9 weren’t grateful, but that they didn’t return to give thanks. It was such a great point. One point that he mentioned about this principle was that we communicate our gratitude to others, but we don’t communicate that gratitude to the person we are grateful for. As everyone is expressing their gratitude and what they’ve learned from Andy in the comments, it just reminded me of this principle. :)
When I got to meet Andy at the first Drive Conference in ‘05, that’s the first thing that I said to him, “I want to express my gratitude for all that you’ve done for the kingdom of God.” He thanked me for carving out the time to come and learn.
i’m currently reading Visioneering. It has been so refreshing to be reminded that when God gives a vision, it normally does not include the “how.” We just have to move forward, doing what we can, and trust God that He will provide the answers, funding, and direction when He’s ready.
“Choosing to Cheat” definitely was the most influential thing I’ve ever read (except the Bible). Seriously, when my schedule gets the best of me (which can happen a lot) I read it again. The sad thing is, my wife went to a Willow Creek Conference, heard about the book, bought it & came home, though it on my lap & sid, “READ THIS!”.
I’ve also learned from Andy that I have to say “NO”! If it doesn’t match up w/ the mission/vision, I have to say NO!!!
Seriously, he has been one the most influential leaders in my life - though I’ve never met him. I did go to North Point once and try to “stalk” him, but to avail…
Andy Stanley is a mastermind-teacher and writer. I’ve read his book “Next Generation Leader” and it practically changed my life… for real. I must say, one of the most inspiring messages that I have ever heard came from his series “It’s Simple” which was the message he did called “Follow”. This message not only changed my perspective on how people became followers of Chirst during that day and time, but it also gave me a more precise understanding on how to discuss salvation with others… It’s Simple! But overall, I think the entire series was phenominal.
I have been attending North Point and Buckhead Church off-and-on in Altanta, GA and I love their worship experiences. They’re devoted to impacting lives for Christ, and what I love most is that COMMUNITY is their focus in every environment that they create.
His book “The Best Question Ever” has changed the way I think and go about life. Now I can finally ask myself what is wise - if only I could start living it all the time.
To Craig and all of LC ~
HAPPY 12TH ANNIVERSARY!!!
Thanks for the blessing your obedience is to so many!
God is GOOD…all the time!
At a youth specialties convention, Andy did “Choosing to Cheat”. It was the first day of the convention and he said, “After this message, some of you need to leave this conference immediately and go home. You need to get down on your knees and confess to your family that you have been cheating on them. Then quickly explain that you have been cheating on them with your ministry…Some of you came here with your spouses and you need to go back to your hotel room, get a bottle of wine and stay there until the conference is over. When your pastor asks how the conference was, tell him, ‘We had a great time.’” I heard this message before I was married. I definitely helped to prepare me for the commitment I was about to make.
I don’t think I’ve made a decision in years without first asking myself “the best question ever.” Visoneering rocked - got me excited about ministry and possibility. And I haven’t missed a North Point service in a couple of years - despite that I live in Florida.
Why? Because he leads a dynamic church - where people on staff and in the congregation really seem to be plugged into positions and places that are genuinely designed for them…and people are so effective when they’re focused and passionate….
I don’t know - but I think that speaks to a whole lot of God’s hand…and incredible leadership and wise stewardship from a man God’s given a lot of influence to.
Love me some Andy Stanley.
“Your current system is perfectly designed to get the results you’re currently getting.”
Ouch.
In so many ways…Ouch.
Craig,
5 years ago before we started Northway Church, I picked up 9 people after work on Friday night in a 15 passenger van and drove all thru the night from upstate New York all the way to Alpharetta Ga. to see North Point Church. We got in sat night and then went to both services and then got back in the van and then drove all the way back thru the night to get in Mon morning to go back to work.
Why? 3 reasons. 1. We were broke and we couldn’t afford airfare. 2. There is nothing like North Point in the Northeast. 3. We believed if God could do it Alpharetta..God could do it upstate New York!
I didn’t have a clue what I was doing but we had a lot of faith…Andys book Can we Do That…was my road map coming out of a tradition church….and his definition of vision has always stuck…..what could be… what should be…what must be! Thanks Andy!
I still don’t have a clue what I’m doing.
My favourite quote was out of a Willow Creek Summit a few years ago. It was at time in my life when doctors had diagnosed me with clinical depression. My health and world was literally falling apart. It goes like this - “You cannot violate the principles of God, in order to gain or maintain the blessing of God”. In a soul shattering moment I realized the error of an imbalanced life. Pastor Andy truly is a gift to the body!!
Bless ya heaps
Kevin
Leaders today hesitate to acknowledge someone else,s influence on them. Thanks for being unselfish.
Craig,
I have so much respect for Andy and it was a “powerful” and impactful time that we spent together. I left that conversation with the clear understanding that God has given each of us influence and that is something that we have the responsibility to steward as well.
From Visioneering: “If it is God who has begun painting a picture of what could and should be on the canvas of your heart, over time you will begin to sense that not to follow through would be tantamount to an act of disobedience.”
The one lengthy conversation Andy and I have had was at the end of a staff meeting not long ago. We didn’t talk shop, but instead we about our own kids, their small group leaders, and how grateful we are for them in our kids’ lives. He loves the church, but he loves his family more. That makes me love being on the same team with him.
Visioneering rocked my world, I never knew Nehemiah could show me so much!
“Everyone ends up somewhere, but few people end up somewhere on purpose”
I know many quote this continuously, but it is a good mantra to hang on to.
I’ve had the privilege of meeting and working with Andy, and I am completely amazed at how a man with so much “success” and wisdom is so humble, open and grounded.
As for a quote: Andy was reflecting on the incredible time pressure he’s under and the demands he gets to meet with people, he recently said “you can’t go deep with everyone, but you need to go deep with someone” and then talked about how he always had one or two people he was walking through a season of life with. I loved that.
Andy’s humility, leadership and strength are not just reflected in his life — they’re all over the team he’s built. North Point is one amazing, quality organization through and through. Once again, hats off to Andy.
who’s Andy Stanley? :)
seriously though, I’m sure the other pastors on our staff are sick of me and my “I heard Andy Stanley say…” references, how about any of you?
He’s one of a handful of pastors I have a mancrush on… ;-)
My pastor often says that I named my 3rd child after Andy, just because I quote Andy so much. His name is William Andrew. William, for William Wallace and Andrew, because Andrew brought people to Jesus. Okay, so maybe I can’t totally deny that it I thought it might be cool to have my son named after one of the most inspiring leaders of our time.
Thank you Lord Jesus for the ability of having a podcast of a pastor from the other side of the world, in my kitchen. Andy Stanley is so humble and has taught us so much in “The Best Question Ever” certainly saved us from possible error. I love his humble heart and the way he is still “stunned” that God loves Him.
[...] rocking my world. And it is not fun and it is not all that exciting. I have been literally blown by Andy Stanley’s teaching these past few Sundays as he laid down some hard hitting truths about “Faith, Hope [...]