My Season at Catalyst is Ending

Okay, I'm revealing this a little sooner than expected...

Working at Catalyst has been an absolutely amazing experience. I've loved the team. I've loved Brad Lomenick. And I've loved the job. Most people would give their left arms to work here.

Which is why you'll think I'm crazy for doing this...

But I'm leaving Catalyst at the end of next week.

There were no problems and no personality conflicts. In fact, Catalyst West proved that Brad and I have great chemistry together. We were just hitting our stride. But...

For 11 years, I've had the dream of starting a production company that would create mind-blowing live experiences and film projects. In fact, I incorporated this non-profit organization back in 1998. God gave me the dream long before I had the experience or the means to achieve it. Until now.

So Ainsley and I are moving our family to Virginia Beach on May 22 to start a new adventure. I have no net. No plan B. And no capital. It's all very scary and uncertain, but I couldn't be more excited.

On Monday, I'll announce the first project we're undertaking. I think you'll be swept into the experience and hope that you'll join me for it.

Here's to living radically.

Comments

[Brian Ayers]

WOW! Sounds exciting (and scary). I'll be praying for you.

[Emily]

yes, yes, yes. chase those dreams! we'll be cheering you on.

[Jason Hayes]

Dude, it was great catching up yesterday. I couldn't be any more excited about the days ahead for you and your family! God is pleased with your obedience and commitment to following the dreams He has placed in your heart.

[Joshua Cryer]

RIGHT ON!! Very sad for catalyst, as I'm sure they are losing one of their best...but I'm excited to see that you're coming back to the beach! ...let's grab some joe. :)

[emma]

So excited for you... know how terrifying but totally mindblowing the unknown is!! Praying.

[Tony McCollum]

I'm proud of you, Ben, for taking this bold step and I'm confident that the Lord will bless your efforts. I'm praying for you, my friend.

[michael bayne]

no regrets...go for it man, thanks for sharing your journey here on the blog

[tony morgan]

can't wait to hear more! sounds like you're in for a fun ride.

[Daniel Floyd]

you inspire me...glad to have you back in VA as well!!

[Kent Shaffer]

Congrats!

[Dawn Nicole Baldwin]

Congrats Ben :) I couldn't be more excited for you

[Jay Brock @ Sexrev.org]

Ben, I was literally driving to work at 6:30 this morning and thinking "I wonder how much longer Ben Arment will be at Catalyst?" Now I know! We'll be praying for you lots! Also, what are your plans for funding/venture capital. I think a few of us would like to invest!

[Pete]

Rock On Man! congrats and cannot wait to hear more about this!

[Terrace Crawford]

WOAH! That is amazing. Congrats bro. I wasn't expecting that exactly when you gave that teaser yesterday (and by the way, I'm glad I didn't have to wait a week to hear the news) but I'm excited for you.

...and dude, you are moving back to the VEE AYY. Hope this means I'll actually get to meet up with you occasionally.

[Tim Abare]

Live expansively! If I can ever do anything to help you please let me know.

[dewde]

So you're saying that the future posts on this blog will be either an inspiration or a train-wreck.

::: grabs bag of popcorn :::

All joking aside, I'm excited for your family. I can only imagine the lessons your kids will learn from watching their parents trust God and pursue risky dreams.

peace|dewde

[Ben Arment]

exactly dewde. it will be glorious either way. =)

ainsley told me yesterday that she has been praying since the age of 18 that she would be "unsafe" as a parent and christ-follower in the eyes of her kids

[John Carroll]

Really exciting to hear about what God is brewing up with you and your family.

[Jesse Phillips]

We'll miss you Ben! Thanks so much for your encouragement to me and helping me to develop in my skills here! YOU ROCK! I'll totally twitter whatever you need for your next event!

[Dave Daniels]

Finally someone who can put the757 on the map!!!

[Nate]

woah! very cool/exciting/scary! I am excited to hear about your first project! God bless as you step off into the great unknown!

[Jason Boucher]

Ben;

Big step. I pray that God attracts the right people into your adventure along with the great projects.

[tony sheng]

thats awesome ben. how exciting and unnerving at the same time!

you are a leader that i would follow.

[jonathan]

So excited to see what's next for you!

[Ryan Shaughnessy]

YES! SO excited for you and the family Ben...does this mean when I come down to the beach this summer we can hang out? Welcome back!

[Kyle D. Chowning]

Ben,

A bold move that will have massive payoffs. Congratulations on getting out of the boat. It's a fun ride! I've been doing it for almost three years now.

[Paul Stewart]

Congratulations Ben!

[Luke DeMoss]

Ben, I'm excited for you and praying for you! Can't wait to see what kind of amazing things God does through you due to your willingness to take the risk!

[Jenny]

"God gave me the dream long before I had the experience or the means to achieve it. Until now."

I love it!! May God bless you and your family. Keep us all posted.

[Bethany]

can't even begin to express how excited Anthony and I are for you guys... you know we believe in you/God in you with our whole hearts and love how God works through you... can just can't wait to get you back to VA! Summer 2009 Arment-Hoang fun madness!

[Daniel]

So awesome! Congrats Ben! Can't wait to hear more about it as it comes.

Thanks for being inspiring...

[Rob Thomas]

I look forward to seeing your next moves... and I don't mean dance moves, though I wouldn't mind seeing that too.

[chrissulli]

Ben,
God bless in your new venture. Awesome to continue to see people stepping out in faith rather than staying comfortable.

[Ally Fouts]

Whoa! I'll put my shekels on the Arments any day of the week! The Commonwealth is about to get a lot bit awesomer.

[Deneen]

That is amazing and inspirational. Seeing others chase God-sized dreams challenges me to do the same!

[zak white]

GO GET 'EM BRO!!!

[Nate]

Indeed, I think it's the only way to live! Good luck, and Keep us up on your adventure!

[Terrace Crawford]

[ps] I will also make myself available to you for the mind blowing live experiences and film projects. ;=)

--Terrace Crawford
http://www.terracecrawford.com
http://www.twitter.com/terracecrawford

[kasdaniels]

When Dave and I were ready for the next step in our life/ministry you and Ainsley were such wonderful supporters. If we can do anything for you...we are so there! Can't wait to see you home again :)

Have a safe trip!

[Ron Edmondson]

I absolutely love this! Great vision and great guts. The Catalyst experience, your church planting days, will all play a part in shaping this. Isn't it interesting to look back at life and see how God uses moments to create His will in our life?

Dream big! You are inspiring to many.

[Michael Trent]

Ben,

Going ALL-IN -- bravo dude, bravo. It's a blast. God loves a "Yes" from you so the "How" can come from Him. May you grow in wisdom, stature, in favor with God and with man is all you do.

Michael
@churchbartender

[Stephen Bateman]

Well that was not the blog post I was expecting this morning, but it sounds so awesome.

[Chris]

Very cool Ben. Good stuff. But why Virginia Beach, when you could come up here to Richmond and be part of an amazing church and not have to deal with Va Beach traffic!??

[Ben Arment]

Do I not have the most incredible blog readers and Twitter followers in the world???

Not a single negative comment in the bunch. How did I live before the internet? You guys are amazing. Big wet sloppy kisses for all of you.

[Jim Gray]

i'm stoke for you. anything you need we are here for you.

[Benji]

That is awesome Ben! So excited for you bro! I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I look forward to seeing this journey unfold. "Chase the Lion" as Batterson would say.

[Clayton Bell]

Congrats! Be praying for you as well!

[Ted Egly]

Congratulations on the exciting news of embarking on a new adventure! Can't wait to hear and see the wonderful things ahead!

[Leo]

Congrats Ben!!!!

[Daniel Decker]

Man am I smart or what? I coined it in your previous blog post! I just knew it was you heading to VA Beach. Haha. Felt it all along. I'm sure you will do great! Guts to leave the party when it's still going strong. I'm inspired by your pursuit.

[Daniel Decker]

Two more notes:

1. Virginia is for lovers.
2. May 22 is my oldest daughter's birthday.

These notes mean absolutely nothing. Just sharing. :)

[Pat Gillen]

Happy for ya Ben!
You can take the pastor out of the church plant, but you can't take the entrepreneur out of the pastor.

[Rob Shepherd]

Dang. This is crazy news. Good stuff. I know you have a bazillion connections but you are always welcome to visit Waters Edge. I don't fully understand what the heck you are doing but since you are close to us now, if what you do involves churches, I'm sure we will be in touch. I look forward to the reading more about your new adventure.

[Shawna]

I am so excited for this next step in you and your family's journey! And REALLY excited that you'll be back at the beach! Woo =) Can't wait to hear about the first project!

[Amanda Jaynes]

Ben, our best to you for going for your dream! You're great at EVERYTHING you do. And you're going to soar even higher with this. Have a safe trip back to the Beach with everyone! The Jaynes Family

[LV]

now I have a great excuse to get up to VA Beach! gonna miss you bro, just know it's been an honor to work with you...thanks for modeling an authentic heart for the church, I continue to learn from you my friend!

[Ben Arment]

you guys are so encouraging. Thanks for all the amazing words...

[Rhett Smith]

Ben,

That is so awesome...very inspiring to see people step out in faith and pursue their dreams..and even more exciting when they leave something that is amazing as well. Really tells me that you are following what God has designed you to do.

[terry b]

"ainsley told me yesterday that she has been praying since the age of 18 that she would be "unsafe" as a parent and christ-follower in the eyes of her kids"

awesome prayer!!

[Cyndi]

Wow. Welcome back home. Maybe I will get to meet you and your lovely family in person now. And if yiu ever need volunteers let me know. I work for free. :)

[Justin Dean]

Good Luck Bro!! I will keep you and your family in my prayers!!

[Dave]

Wow. . . I applaud your faith step. This will be exciting for you.

[Jenni Catron]

Wow! Just when I was ready to call for a corn hole rematch!

Seriously, can't wait to hear more. You are an amazing and creative leader and I know that big things are in store. Congrats on this new season!

[DuAnne Seeley]

Congrats Ben. Inspired by your decison to live out your vision and step out in faith.

[David Cooke]

May you have courage and strength for your hands. Grace to you. David.

[scott aughtmon]

Ben - I go away for a few days and just check back late and see this! WOW! That's cool, Ben. Congratulations, man.

[David Lawrence]

Man, so excited for you! I was at Catalyst West, it rocked! But, I know "The Story" will rocker even more, because it has been a dream in your heart over much time! The preparation for you has been great, now it's time move forward! Be Blessed!

[Dennis Ruigu Kabucho]

Ben, you are one inspirational Guy. Am Dennis, a final year student at the University of Nairobi. I serve at a youth outreach called The Journey here at the campus. I have recently been reading through your blog and loving your innovative approach to life. I wish you all the best as you move on. I believe I will still be reading more of you here. Thanx.

[Graham]

Wow! Didn't realize starting "Story" meant you'd be leaving Catalyst! I'm planning on attending "Story" with some of my pastors! Can't wait to see what God does through you next!