Department: Michael Catt
Category: Paperback, Michael Catt, Lifeway Books
Michael Catt, senior pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church and executive producer of hit films Facing the Giants and Fireproof, believes the word “revival” has been used in so many ways as to lose its meaning altogether.
The Power of Surrender, his third book in the ReFRESH series (after The Power of Desperation and The Power of Persistence) reminds the church that “revival” really means (1) focusing on confession and cleansing, (2) making repentence and restoration a priority, and (3) walking in the fullness of the Holy Spirit and abiding in Christ. Surrender is the key to revival which is the key to spreading the gospel.
Catt has witnessed the fruits of these disciplines at his congregation firsthand: “We are now seeing people walk through the baptismal waters. People are being saved. Members are inviting their lost friends and unchurched neighbors. Attendance shot up. Why? Revival produces evangelism.”
Michael Catt
Michael has served as Senior Pastor of Sherwood Baptist Church since 1989. The church has 3,000 members and has averaged one hundred baptisms each year. Thousands have joined the church from Albany and 29 surrounding communities. The church has changed from a neighborhood church to a regional, multi-ethnic congregation with members from eleven nations. Sherwood has three campuses covering 130-plus acres—the main church campus, the lower school campus and the upper school campus. The 82-acre sports complex, Legacy Park, is currently being developed with tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball fields, equestrian center, fishing pond, pavilion and other facilities to reach the community through sports and recreation. “Path to Truth,” the weekly broadcast of Sherwood’s services, is seen in over ninety markets around the country and is also available on the web and via podcast at www.sherwoodbaptist.net.
Michael’s life verse: “For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake.” (2 Corinthians 4:5) Michael’s vision statement: “Whoever wants the next generation the most will get them.”
Michael holds degrees from Mississippi College, Luther Rice Bible College and Seminary and Trinity Seminary. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Mobile in 2010.
Michael and his wife Terri have been married since 1974. They are the proud parents of two grown daughters, Erin and Hayley.