Interview with Tyler Reagin

I’ve had the privilege of establishing a friendship recently with Tyler Reagin. Tyler is the Executive Producer of events like Catalyst and the Leadercast event. Tyler is shockingly humble and has an emotional IQ to envy. If you haven’t heard of him yet, you will. For those of us in the church culture, Catalyst has been and continues to be on the forefront of shaping the culture of the American church. tyler reagin - catalyst Tell us something odd/unique about you.
I’M 1/8 Cherokee Indian. My great grandmother was full blooded. I also love bass fishing. That’s the redneck in me…
How does producing events like Catalyst shape your perspective on church?
I would actually reverse that question. My perspective from producing church services has impacted and shaped my producing of Catalyst. Instead of a group of Catalyst team members (who have not been on church staffs) sitting around and programming/planning what church leaders need to hear, I push them daily to have conversations with pastors consistently to find out what THEY need to hear. I also fight for us to CREATE relevance and not just stay relevant. Catalyst started by doing that and we have to fight to stay in front of the curve.
Do you think people are born leaders or develop into leaders?
Both. There are some people that are just naturally made for leadership. They just have it. But they usually work harder than most other leaders at getting even better. There are a ton of leaders that have hustled and clawed their way into great leadership without having as much of the natural ability as others. I am constantly telling leaders that I work with, the sooner you choose to be proud that God made you with a unique wiring, and quit trying to be someone else, the sooner you will be a great leader.
How can people put themselves into a position to influence culture?
Choose to be themselves and trust that God has a unique purpose for how He created them. You cannot buy a platform or influence, you earn it. Be humble and walk with your palms up. Know that you are stewarding every opportunity or position for a season and that it’s never yours. It’s His.
Why are you a follower of Jesus Christ?
Because I believe in the hope and joy that comes with the truth of the resurrection. My favorite verse is John 10:10 that we may have life and have it to the full. I’m not sure most believers really live that out. If Jesus says it, I believe it.
What do you do personally to fuel your spiritual life?
Aren’t I supposed to say pray and journal here? 🙂 I might be the worst journaler in history. Along time ago I learned that when I can process what I’m reading and praying about with others, it is actually using how God wired me to bring me closer to Him. I love it.
Catalyst West Coast 2013

Here’s a pic I took of the Catalyst west coast event last year

What is your hope for the future of the Church in America?
It’s all based on God being Sovereign and him choosing to put amazing leaders in place to push through with great plans without killing their teams and staffs in the process. The healthier we get as leaders, the faster and more effective the church can be. Vision is amazing and can take you a long way, but don’t you dare put your leaders under unhealthy leadership for the ministry. They are your ministry too.
Should we abandon the use of the word “Christian” for a better term? If so, what?
Andy Stanley would say yes and use the word Followers. I like him so I like that too 🙂
What blogs/websites do you regularly check?
Most of these are for the creative sparks I need:
  • Devour.com
  • Uncrate.com
  • I read most of the catalyst articles so that keeps me tuned in.

I’m not great at keeping up with those so that’s why my list is short 🙂

Which books have shaped your thinking?
For producing: Made to Stick, The Spark, Drive (Pink), Leadership: Dangerous Wonder, E Myth Revisited, 7 Men, Tale of 3 Kings
What music moves you?
The commodores always gets me moving! I love gungor, Hillsong and such. But I am probably the biggest Bon Jovi fan you’ve ever met. Seriously.
Any other thoughts or advice?
Yea. Your church is awesome.

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Jeremy Jernigan

Speaker | Author | Founder of Communion Wine Co. https://linktr.ee/JeremyJernigan