Last the Catalyst National Tour hit the "Valley of the Sun."  But you wouldn't have known it given the FREEZING temperatures!  Phoenix is not "classic bible belt" but with the number of mega churches in the city you might think twice...did you know Phoenix is the 5th largest city in America?!  I had the chance to meet with pastors and leaders from some of the most influential churches in the area along with several leaders that might be typically considered "off the radar" yet full of so much wisdom and insight.  It was a great week!

Video interviews coming soon, but you have to extend some grace - it was a one man show so I had to record the interviews on my mac, with imovie, without HD...so for all you HD spoiled video viewers, be gentle. :)

Here are some pictures from the week in Phoenix along with some highlights from our Thursday afternoon leaders gathering in Tempe; thanks again for all those that came out, such a great conversation!

Leaders Gathering Notes
on Phoenix culture:

• "a culture of transition, most people are from somewhere else. Phoenix is not their final destination…they are in transition to somewhere next. People are struggling while they are in Phoenix, what do I do, do I lay roots?"
• "Yea, I agree…very transitional.  But people are starting to stay."
• "people often work far from from home, they are disconnected.  And this exposes the reality of their relational world – disconnected.  When churches speak into the relational disconnection they are meeting a HUGE need."
• "Agree with the transitional observation.  “how did I get here (Phoenix)?”  there is a spiritual collision as people converge on Phoenix – so much diversity in our spiritual backgrounds – it’s almost like we are spiritual retards.  When I get in a group the people I’m with have NO IDEA about my background and I don’t know about theirs.  So many different backgrounds…so diverse."

on Phoenix spiritual/church culture:

• "churches have popped up, exploded, the “new” keeps rising.  No hositility between churches but no cooperation among churches.  We just don’t talk to eachother because we don’t know eachother.  BUT it’s been changing.  Gary Kinnaman has been sparking young pastors gatherings that open the door for  authentic connection among young leaders in the church.  On a % basis we have lost more jobs than Michigan.  This could be the church’s finest hour if we would step out and step into the need.  We have seen more in the last year because of cooperation among chuches, but there is SO MUCH MORE possible."
• "the number one experience among the younger generation is “abandonment. this invites the church to respond relationally.”

Phoenix Pics
(just a few from the week)

And yes, we had our very own last minute Catalyst West Coast Christmas Party (got too many texts and pics from the team back in Atlanta during their East Coast Party; Brian & Promise Wurzell and Ryan & Lindsay Guard inspired a festive photo shoot...thanks again guys! :)