chemistry-reaction-catalyst-experiment-1024x768Many years ago I was a chemistry major. Although I did not go into medicine as planned, I did learn about catalysts… and recently realized that in my chosen vocation of helping churches grow and change, I serve as a catalyst myself.

A catalyst is a substance that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction but is not consumed in the process. It is not part of the reaction but serves to lower barriers to the process.

My role is to come in from the outside, speed the rate of change in a church and remove barriers to change, then not become a part of the permanent system. Fortunately for me, I am not consumed in the process, but can go on to serve as a catalyst in other churches too.

In the same way, my role historically has been to come in temporarily to provide structure and direction for the work needing to be done, but not to become a permanent part of the results. I can help facilitate the work, connect things where they need to be connected, spark leaders to accelerate their movements, then go away when there is no more need for a catalyst.

That’s why I use the term catalyzing in my vision for Logan Leadership:

  • Our vision is every person living, growing and multiplying together as disciples of Jesus who demonstrate the Kingdom of God among all peoples.
  • Our mission is catalyzing leaders to accelerate their movement toward this vision.
  • Our approach integrates biblical principles with social science insights by helping leaders…
    • sharpen thinking skills
    • focus strategic actions
    • contextualize solutions
    • create reproducible processes
    • increase ministry capacity

Let me know if there’s a way I can help you accelerate your movement toward the results you want.