categories: events
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August 25th, 2010

by Bobby Gruenewald

Will You Be There?

Visit CatalystConference.comThe Catalyst Conference continues to draw thousands of young leaders from around the world each October, offering a unique opportunity to connect and learn from each other as well as thought leaders and innovators from churches, non-profits, and the corporate world. I’m looking forward to Craig’s talk, as well as hearing from speakers like Andy Stanley, Seth Godin, Francis Chan, Beth Moore, Christine Caine, and more.

If you’re thinking about going, now is a great time to sign up. The best rates on tickets end this Thursday, August 26, and if you want an even better discount, you can use the rate code FOB for an additional 10% off. Call 888.334.6569 to speak to a Catalyst Concierge, or register online at www.catalystconference.com. Catalyst happens October 6-8, 2010 in Atlanta. Hope to see you there!

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categories: events, leadership
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August 18th, 2010

by Bobby Gruenewald

Free Leadership Conference Comes to You

seulfWe’re pleased to partner once again with Southeastern University and 316 Networks to make the 2010 National Leadership Forum available online for free. Craig will be joining gifted leaders like Andy Stanley, Brian Houston, Bill Hybels, Marcus  Buckingham and more during this two-day conference webcast happening on September 9-10. It’s a great opportunity to gather your team together for learning and inspiration—no travel necessary.

Free registration is required and space is filling up quickly, so sign up soon for this unique event and share it with your friends and co-workers!

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categories: LifeChurch.tv, church, church planting, creativity, innovation, leadership
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August 16th, 2010

by Craig Groeschel

The Death of the Five-Year Plan

When I started in ministry two decades ago, everyone I knew made five-year plans. While planning is wise and biblical, I’m changing how I plan.

Instead of planning for specific buildings, campuses, staff roles, and outreach, I’m planning to be prepared for opportunities that I can’t name today. We are creating margin and planning to respond quickly to ideas that we don’t yet have.

Speed, agility, flexibility, and financial margin are far better than a detailed road map.

We are in the ready position. Instead of asking God to bless our carefully crafted plans, we’re trying to be prepared to move when He speaks and guides.

When people ask me what we’ll be doing in five years, I laugh. I have no idea. But I’m certain it will be more fun and more impactful than anything I could plan today.

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categories: books
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August 4th, 2010

by Craig Groeschel

Recent Reads

This summer, I spent more time reading (or listening) to books than normal. Here’s my recent reading list and thoughts.

Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick: This book is packed with faith-building stories that is a must read. I couldn’t put the book down. It drove me to deep prayer about several things God put on my heart.

Getting Things Done by David Allen: This is the second time I read this book. Although it’s overly detailed and could have been half as long with the same content, it was worth rereading to me. (I also had my assistant read it.)

How the Mighty Fall by Jim Collins: Collin’s research is always helpful.

The Upside of Irrationality and Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariley: The research in these books remind me of Gladwell and the Heath brothers.

The Big Short by Michael Lewis: I learned a lot but only made it half way through this book. (Why all the profanity?)

Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh: This is Tony’s story before and during Zappos. His story is very interesting, though not particularly helpful. The second half of the book is gold. Highly recommend.

Just As I Am, by Billy Graham: Billy’s autobiography builds my faith as much as any book outside of the Bible.

Predictable Success by Les McKeown: I’ve read several books on organizational lifecycles. This was my favorite because it was simple, direct, and practical. I felt like I was looking in the rear view mirror of the development of our church with hope for the future.

Radical by David Platt: This book is very challenging and well written. David’s negative tone about the American church started to wear on me, but his message is sharp and necessary. He seems like a great guy.

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. Everyone I know loved this book. I didn’t get it.

Rework by Fried and Hannson. This is a quick read with lots of leadership nuggets.

I’d love to hear your recommendations.

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