Catalyst West isn’t done yet, but already, I feel different. I forgot how life-changing a Catalyst conference can be. It’s just one of those events that create an environment for people to feel hopeful, inspired, and empowered once again.

Just like last year, my pen had trouble keeping up with all the speakers, and most of the time, I was too focused on listening that I forgot to take down notes. But here are some of the funny, witty, and powerful sound bites I managed to write down from yesterday (Catalyst Labs) and today (Day 1). I’ll update the list again tomorrow!

Scot McKnight: “Do little things well. That’s how we get better at what we do.”

Mark Batterson: “Don’t let your budget dictate your vision.”

Jenni Catron on her definition of confidence: “A deep sense of security in who God says I am and what He has called me to do.”

Bianca Olthoff: “Courage is to lead openly with your wounds on the outside.” / “For us to confidently lead, we need to know the areas where we are broken.” / “Vulnerability is the birthplace of courage, hope, love.”

Jo Saxton: “Words are powerful; they either set you free or capture you.”

Michael Gungor: “Love doesn’t contain itself. Love gives. Love creates. Love pours out.”

Amena Brown: “We can’t put hand sanitizer on the world.”

David Platt: “When you know God truly, you will love God deeply.”

Andy Stanley: “Oftentimes, a single act of courage is the tipping point for something extraordinary.”

Dave Ramsey: “Leadership is service. There are no exceptions.” / “Courage comes over you when you become preoccupied with the needs of others.” / “An exceptional team is intentionally built.” / “We live in an age where we worship microwaves. You know what works in leadership? A crock-pot.”

John Perkins: “I’m not a hero, I’m a result of people loving me and me responding to that love.”

Rick McKinley to Eugene Peterson (author of The Message Bible): “Remember when you wrote the Bible? That was awesome.”

Judah Smith: “Don’t be fooled by these skinny jeans.” / Referring to 2 Kings 4:34–> “I’m glad that’s in the Old Testament. I’m a pastor, but I’m not doing that!” / “My theology will not be dictated by my experience, but my experience will be dictated by my theology.” / “My job is to believe…my job is to trust.” / “Don’t stop embracing what is far off.”

More to come…