How To Be a Maverick for God

One of the most stirring and important messages I have heard in many years is the one Michael Catt preached recently. Michael is pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, GA. He is also the executive producer of the movies, Fireproof, Facing the Giants, and Flywheel.

Michael and I were working in a conference together when I had the privilege to hear this message, How to Be a Maverick for God. Michael shared the amazing story of how his small church took on the task of producing Hollywood-style movies that have now been seen by millions around the world. Michael and his church have truly set the example for being mavericks for our great and worthy God!

Below are the notes I took on that message. Oh, that the Church would hear and take these truths to heart! — Dwayne

How to Be a Maverick for God by Michael Catt

“If God is your partner, plan big.” — D.L. Moody

“Nobody knew about Bethlehem until I showed up.” — God

A lot of preachers think, “I’ll do something big when I get to a bigger place.”

A maverick is a pioneer that does not go along with the group. He/she is independent.

The only people we remember are mavericks. When do we ever sit around talking about a conformist?

Jesus, Joshua, the prophets, Moody, Luther, Wesley, and Billy Graham are all examples of Mavericks.

Joshua 1:7-8 says, “Do not turn to the right or to the left. Be strong and courageous.”

There are good ideas, and then there are God-ideas.

1. Mavericks don’t conform.

2. Mavericks refuse to bow to skeptics. Do we as the Church want young people as much as drug dealers, perverts, and the media do? Killing statements for our God-ideas include “It shouldn’t be done,” and “It won’t be done.” Did today matter to prepare us for tomorrow?”
3. Mavericks are teachable. The theory of 21: Got to find one person out of 21 who will stand with you. Never let a loser tell you how to win.

4. Mavericks are courageous. We must be willing to fail.

5. Mavericks don’t forsake tradition, they challenge it. There are certain things only you can do. Repeated things brings stability while creativity prevents staleness.

Look for other mavericks.