Earlier this month, Director of Student Life Tyrone Johnson took our Upper School Student Council to the Atlanta Catalyst Conference at the Infinite Energy Center in Duluth.
The Catalyst conference is designed to develop leadership skills within the Christian community. This year's conference theme was "Uncommon Fellowship" and focused on the need to destroy cliques, address cultural differences, and counter divisive norms that exist within the church denominations. Speakers included Andy Stanley, Brandon and Jen Hatmaker, Brenda Salter McNeil, Judah Smith, Brian Houston and more.
"While there were several benefits associated with our students attending the Catalyst Conference, from my standpoint, there is one that stands out more than any other," said Mr. Johnson. "Since the students in attendance were Student Council members, the experience gave them an opportunity to learn different nuances of leadership that they will need to effectively serve their student body. Specifically, this conference helped our students learn the necessity of leaving their natural comfort zones to reach others who might have socially and/or spiritually fallen between the cracks. Obviously, we have a very diverse student body, and I believe the conference helped broaden their scope on how to best serve their peers."