Catalyst is making an unprecedented move into the great Northwest. This August we will be hosting our first ever Catalyst event in Seattle, an area that has been stereotyped as resistant to traditional “Christian” events. It’s a good lesson for churches that we need to pay attention to local and regional differences and adapt our communication strategy accordingly. What works in Atlanta won’t work in Seattle. What works in rural Kansas won’t work in suburban California.
Our communication strategy is changing.
We are learning that influence in the Northwest is established over time, slowly, and through an exclusive avenue of trusted relationship. Marketing looks very different in places like Portland and Seattle. Innovative and trendy branding coupled with a shotgun appeal to the masses is not as effective in the Northwest as they have been in other areas of the country. Relationships reign, and trust is not easily given.
A brand will not win influence; a relationship will.
Over the past two years our team has invested time and energy in smaller relational gatherings throughout cities including Bend, Ore., Portland, Seattle and many of their surrounding neighborhoods. Personal face-to-face connections have allowed us to ask honest questions like, “What are your real needs as a leader in this area? What are your greatest challenges in serving your community? What is working? What isn’t? As you understand Catalyst how would you shape what we do and what we offer to meet your needs?”
We are learning to take genuine interest in others and honestly re-assess how we can serve them in their specific sphere of influence.
A few cultural lessons learned from our time in the great Northwest that might help other churches in the region:
- Time Tested – Not interested in the fad or pop culture of church. If it doesn’t stand the test of time and lead to real spiritual transformation then it’s rejected. Must be real, and real as identified by long-term impact. Are you willing to share your life along with your message?
- Patient – A culture that is not anxious or reactive to getting caught up in “what’s next.”
- Success – Success is organic and often looks very different than what is initially planned. Hold your definitions and measurements of success loosely.
- Trust – There is a tension between spirituality and biblical truth—people very much identify with authenticity and trust, and that must be the vehicle of biblical truth.
We want to know how we can continue to serve leaders in the Northwest. Will you help? If you have any additional feedback or thoughts on what leadership development could like in your unique sphere of influence please comment below and/or e-mail me.
Will you join us for Catalyst One Day Seattle?
Our team would like to invite you to join us Thursday, Aug. 26 for Catalyst One Day with Andy Stanley, Craig Groeschel, Judah Smith and Mark Driscoll.
Win Free Tickets
We’re also giving away five free tickets! Comment below with your name, e-mail address, and church/organization by 5 p.m. PT on Thursday Aug. 5th to enter. We’ll pick five winners at random and notify you on Friday.
Thanks! Hope to see you in Seattle…
Update: The giveaway is now closed. Winners have been notified, thanks for playing.
Judy Schmid
August 2, 2010
I would love to see you in Seattle!
David Hicks
August 2, 2010
I’d love Seattle…
Shades Mountain Baptist Church
Birmingham, AL
Craig Dale
August 2, 2010
Looking for to attending…just need ticket
Andy Wittwer
August 2, 2010
Interesting thoughts about the Northwest … is this based off research? experience? I’d be curious to see some of that stuff!
Mark Jackson
August 2, 2010
I’m willing to road trip up there… and if I can’t make it, I know folks who can.
Mark Jackson
NewLife Community Church (Fresno, CA)
Mike Loomis
August 2, 2010
Pick me! … randomly of course (on behalf of team member in Seattle)
Shelley Chesney
August 2, 2010
I grew up in the Northwest (Bend, Ore) and would definitely be interested in hearing more on the different marketing strategies being used there and how they contrast with SoCal. We need creative solutions in every region, and with every social group, and getting inspired by what others are doing can help us reach more people more effectively.
Shelley Chesney
New Life Church, Santa Barbara, CA
Jonathan Esterman
August 2, 2010
I’m currently situated in Bend, Oregon, so this would be a sweet opportunity to get connected and inspired for fresh concepts on reaching out in the community. Thanks for the chance!
Director of Spiritual Formations & Digital Ministries
Infinit Love Minstries: A Spiritual Collision
Alison Thomas
August 3, 2010
I really need some new ideas and inspiration. I also need a break and Seattle sounds perfect.
Cesar Abueg
August 3, 2010
Hoping to go with my business partner and learn some ways to use our business as a ministry. Thanks for the opportunity.
The Living Room – Faith Fellowship Church/Melbourne, FL
Tammy Vanderkolk
August 3, 2010
Trying to get our new Communications department off the ground! I’d love to attend with my webmaster! Thanks for the chance!
Michael Kuehner
August 3, 2010
Going through the growing pains of a young but sizable church.
Church on the Ridge – Snoqualmie, WA
Kyle Willis
August 3, 2010
I really need to be there! I am the Marketing and Communications Director for Christ Church Kirkland (ten minutes from where Catalyst is being hosted) so would really benefit from winning one of these tickets.
Brittney Roorda
August 3, 2010
Will you publish your findings here?
Daryl Neipp
August 3, 2010
Thanks for keeping it fresh! Would love to attend:-}
Judson Taylor
August 3, 2010
Would really love to be there. Hoping to attend thanks to you!
Jama Burch
August 3, 2010
Seattle’s a great place!
Cornerstone Christian Church
Doreen Hall
August 3, 2010
Would love to go!
Falcon Ridge Fellowship
John Weaver
August 3, 2010
I’m going to be there for the conference and would love to get a couple more tickets to bring other young influencers with me.
Travis Gingrich
August 3, 2010
I live just outside Seattle, and it would be great to be able to attend the one day event!
Pick me! Pick me!
Louella Gleason Hext
August 3, 2010
I am very excited about the prospect of winning a ticket to this event. I am a retired church secretary – but still working. After working at 4 different churches (3 denominations) I discovered they all had a common denominator – lack of communication. I’ve written a book titled: Church Office Manager – Empower Pastors & the People Doing the Ministry of Your Church! Chapter 4 title: “Communication is a Responsibility”. I recently returned to the northwest (Longview, WA) and am beginning to present workshops to church office workers here in this region. I previously presented the workshops in Pennsylvania. My mantra is: “People cannot respond to what they do not know!” Website: http://www.churchofficemanager.com.
Tim Payne
August 3, 2010
Would love to be there!
LifeBridge Christian Church
Angie Herrmann
August 3, 2010
I would love to attend this conference! Our survey showed a huge problem in communications (I already knew this…but seeing it on paper really stung). I’m the communication person for a church of 700. From creating the visual for sermon series to website to weekly bulletin to Facebook to Enews. HELP!! I would love to attend.
Kirk petersen
August 3, 2010
I work with alphaUSA in Oregon but grew up in Seattle. I’d love to go!
Matt Stephens
August 3, 2010
Matt Stephens – Harvest Bible Chapel – Niles, IL
Would love to see you there!
Tanya Kangas
August 3, 2010
Our church in Scappoose, Oregon is planning on sending a crew to Seattle’s One Day.
Travis Richard Stealy
August 3, 2010
Mmmm…
Excellent coffee & exceptional minds,
now that’s my kind of day!
Liberty Life Center
(South Florida)
Abby Bautista
August 3, 2010
Abby Bautista
Iglesia Cordero de Dios
Arlington, TX
Jennifer
August 4, 2010
Raising hands in praise (or for pick me! pick me! not sure which….)
Matt McComas
August 4, 2010
I’d love a free ticket to One Day!
Matt McComas
Operation Director of Campus Crusade for Christ in Portland, Oregon!
Jeremy Scheller
August 4, 2010
Sanctuary Covenant Church
Minneapolis, MN
Never been to the northwest…
Stephen Collins
August 4, 2010
Stephen Collins
Lifepoint Church, Renton WA
Brian Ling
August 4, 2010
I have some fiends who r church planters in that area.
I am seeking Gods will in ministry.
Daybreak community church Colchester, VT
Patrick Riecke
August 4, 2010
Could really use this- a year into our church plant and haven’t been able to go to anything like this quite yet. Thanks for doing this.
Jared Hollier
August 4, 2010
Thanks for this article!
Jared Hollier
Peachtree Baptist Church
Phyllis Viehmann
August 4, 2010
Hoping to attend!
Quinton Runyon
August 4, 2010
@RevRunyon Centralia First Baptist Church, Centralia IL
Sarah Franklin
August 4, 2010
So exciting to have catalyst engaging with the northwest church!
Puyallup Foursquare Church
Lori Johnston
August 4, 2010
I am part of a very young church (just 2 1/2 years old) here in Southeast Wisconsin. The staff is still very small and I serve as a graphic designer. I have never been to Catalyst and would love the opportunity.
Brooklife Church
Mukwonago, WI
Keith Kirkpatrick
August 4, 2010
We’re going – but we would love to take more from our team!!!!
PLEASE!
JOURNEY
Bend, Oregon
Kim Greenwood
August 4, 2010
Would love to go and be challenged and inspired. Just took on the role of Communications Coordinator at our multi-ethnic, multi-lingual church of 1500 in the suburbs of Portland. Yes – ministry looks a bit different here, for sure!
Justin Gerhardt
August 4, 2010
Awesome!
Justin Gerhardt | jtgerhardt@gmail.com | Round Rock Church of Christ; Round Rock, TX
Chris Standridge
August 4, 2010
Man, I need a conference like this. Durango, while not in the Northwest, is very similar to places like Seattle and Portland. It’s a very difficult place to minister and trust is not easily given. Please consider me as I plant my new ministry in Colorado.
Josh Wheeler
August 7, 2010
Chris- We go to Catalyst every year, and get challenged, recharged! It’s soooo fun. They should have a new page up soon for it. Hope all is well.
This is the page for Catalyst East, but you’ll get the idea. Catalyst West is on Costa Mesa, Cali.
http://www.catalystconference.com/
Mark
August 4, 2010
I would love to go. I live 2 hours north in Bellingham.
Vincent Scatliffe
August 4, 2010
Vincent Scatliffe | vincentjscatliffe@gmail.com | Peace Baptist Church (Atlanta, GA)
Christopher Wiseman
August 4, 2010
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
Chris Nicley
August 4, 2010
Chris Nicely, Middle School Pastor @ Shepherd of the Hills Church in Porter Ranch, California.
Would love to be part of Catalyst in Seattle!
Daniel Threlfall
August 4, 2010
Great idea! Hope to see you there.
LV
August 4, 2010
hey everyone! thanks for diving in…we will let you know on Friday if you have won. if you are intersted in joining us at One Day in Seattle please email me for a special “church marketing sucks” discount – lv.hanson@catalystspace.com
hope to see you in a few weeks!
LV
Catalyst
Travis Gingrich
August 4, 2010
Travis Gingrich
General Ministries Intern & Tech Guru
Silver Creek Family Church
Lynnwood WA
Scott Bothel
August 4, 2010
I’d love to be there!
-scott with FourTen Creative
Ken Brown
August 4, 2010
Eugene loves theDucks but would be a Husky fan for a day if it meant getting tickets. Pick me pick me!
Karen Parks
August 4, 2010
We are always learning and listening. Would love to be in Seattle.
Joel Mitchell
August 4, 2010
A free ticket would be great!
– Joel from First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue
Chris Akina
August 4, 2010
Chris Akina
Chris@Mychoices.ws
New Hope Oahu – Pastor Wayne Cordeiro
Currently living in Portland… this would be a great opportunity for myself as a young leader in the marketplace making a conscious effort to better the lives of God’s people.
Danielle Hallberg
August 4, 2010
I’m learning and growing working at church full time and would to take my leadership ability to the next level!
Communications & Marketing Coordinator
Family Worship Center
Carrollton, KY
Scott Lokers
August 4, 2010
Would love to be able to attend One Day!!
Scott Lokers
Heartland Church, Tracy, CA
Debbie Mason
August 4, 2010
I would LOVE to be at this Catalyst event!! I’ve never been to the west coast. :)
Debbie Mason
August 4, 2010
Forgot to leave my church info… Christ Community Church, Cumming GA
Nathan Hagan
August 4, 2010
Would love to bring our staff to this event… Always wanted to attend Catalyst. Thanks for the opp.
Zach Lorton
August 4, 2010
I don’t even know if I can afford the airfare . . . but I’d be game if it’s worth the time.
Zach W. Lorton
Media Production, Enjoy Church
Zach.L@EnjoyChurch.TV
mike
August 4, 2010
I am coming, but I want to bring a couple of my volunteers – can I get a few tickets????
Erin Geoffrion
August 4, 2010
I would love to see you in Seattle!
Oakridge United Methodist Church
Oakridge, Oregon
Steve Speer
August 5, 2010
I really appreciate your article and it would be rad to be able to participate at Catalyst Seattle. Thanks!
Pattie Rupert
August 5, 2010
Praying for catalyst in Seattle!
Go Jesus!
-Justin-
August 5, 2010
Thanks for the giveaway – would love to be there.
-Justin-
Whidbey Presbyterian
Chris Loach
August 5, 2010
I’d love to go to Catalyst Seattle! Chris Loach / chrisloach@gmail.com Revsion!
Josh Flood
August 5, 2010
Oooh Pick Me! Pick Me!
Roderick Griner
August 5, 2010
So excited to have discovered you all via @cmsucks. Excited to keep reading.
Jim Mask
August 5, 2010
We at Branches are pumping up our team for the Seattle catalyst event. It would be great to add a few more to the roster. See you there!
John Gruber
August 5, 2010
Sometimes I feel like we get left out up here and what they are saying has been my experience during 7 years of ministry here.
Christ Community Baptist
Puyallup, WA
Paul Andrew
August 5, 2010
Tnitially I was drawn in by the “free tickets” offer, but not for long. This is a great and challenging article about our willingness to think about CONTEXT when we reach out to a community.
Interestingly, lots of lessons shared have been exactly our experiences as we plant a church in New York City after moving from Sydney, Australia.
* Are we willing to invest the “time” to be more than another church plant that comes and goes?
* Will we be “patient” and build an authentic community, or try to shortcut with gimmicks and shotgun marketing?
* What does “success” mean in a city like NYC?
* Do we have the courage to be real, to earn “trust”, to commit to the journey
Thanks for a thought provoking post (again)
Paul
Amy Kuntz
August 5, 2010
I attended Catalyst One Day in Dallas last May and it was truly monumental for our ministry. Would love to be with you all in Seattle!
Jim Arment
August 5, 2010
I’d love to join you for Catalyst One Day.
Canyon Creek Church
Lynnwood, WA
Chris Edmondson
August 5, 2010
Love what Catalyst does… in Atlanta, LA, and Seattle! Keep up the good work!
Kyle Flint
August 5, 2010
Hello from Baton Rouge. I would love to attend in Seattle. I love the Catalyst podcast and would love to hear the leaders that you have planned for this event.
I attend a very small church in Wilson Louisiana, and I fill in frequently for our lead pastor. Thank you for all you do, Catalyst has definently been a blessing in my life and ministry.
Travis
August 5, 2010
The idea of organic movement in the church is such an incredible idea.
Stephanie Drake
August 6, 2010
Please pick me! I really want to go!!
Brian Kangas
August 6, 2010
I want to go too!!! Really bad :)
Andrew Kangas
August 6, 2010
No pick me, I want to go!
Toni Drager
August 6, 2010
I have a passion for the people in the PNW. A ticket to Catalysit would greatly help my ministry here, just 4 hours south of Seattle.
Toni Drager
Lay Pastor of Care and Outreach
First Church of God
Albany, OR 97321
LV
August 7, 2010
thanks everyone! the winners have been selected and will be contacted via email…we still have seats available so let us know if you would like to join us…there is a special Church Marketing Sucks discount – email us for details – lv.hanson@catalystspace.com
see you in Seattle!
Josh Wheeler
August 7, 2010
I already got tickets! Can’t wait!!!!