How About An Innovations List Instead?
Once again the people who read and comment on this blog are brighter than the person who writes this blog. I was kind of excited about getting to be on the panel that helps select the list of the top innovative churches in the country and I asked for your suggestions and nominations. Then, I got some comments that got me thinking about innovation and the church.
Here is my new thinking: Maybe we should be identifying innovations that are emerging and tell their stories and not simply list the most innovative churches. Most of the churches on the list we all know about anyway. And when we get this list of innovative churches we don't know specifically how they are being innovative, we just are told that they are innovative (unless we read Outreach Magazine - which we should...shameless plug!) I think it would be more helpful to single out new innovations that are happening in relatively unknown settings and in new churches and by young leaders. It would really empower/encourage new churches and young leaders to take risks in ways that were previously unknown. So, how about an innovations list and link to those churches rather than simply a generic list of churches that are innovative?
Dave, couldn't agree more with this refocus of the list. The real value lies with the What & How (action, processes & systemes)...that is the educational and development piece...the Who is a nice to know (only helps you to FEEL more in the know, you actually don't know anymore about being innovative). The WHAT & HOW equips others to provide Hope to their communities in Reaching a Lost World...the Who doesn't necessarily have the same impact on the real mission. And besides, you can always look up the Who after learning about the What and How.
Like your angle.
Posted by: paul warner | August 29, 2007 at 08:20 AM
Hey Great idea!! See thats innovation right there. Your on the List. Hey thanks for your lead and passion. Just added a new site in North Miami, this week. 82 year old church. Story like you told. It helped us know we could do it.
Now we have 3 sites, and worship 7 Nights a week on our original site. We call it 7NOW, 7 Nights of worship. www.visitoasis.org
Thanks and keep the Passion. Guy
Posted by: GUY | August 29, 2007 at 11:02 AM
Yes! I love hearing about your church and others that are already really well known, but to see a church of 500 risk big and to share in their success is equally as exciting. Our staff is told to risk big and fail big. Everything I've seen lately has a lot to do with innovative marketing, attracting attention to the church (my church included) but I would also love to hear church innovation in community, in schools, in the midweek programs and not just the weekend experience.
Posted by: Missy | August 29, 2007 at 12:28 PM
I totally agree, that would be very helpful, I like the focus, instead of an "award" ceremony for the church, it's an awareness of the innovations.
Great idea and thanks for your work.
Posted by: MIke | August 29, 2007 at 12:38 PM
yes, yes, yes....kind of like a TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) for ministry.
Posted by: Alan Jones | August 29, 2007 at 01:05 PM
I agree. It's at the edges, not the center where we see what God may be saying for today or tomorrow. Somehow the same old God remains the God of new things! It is imperative that we keep moving through time in a changing world along with the unchanging God; the God who's into making "all things new." I suppose the list would need to remain clearly a list of ideas, many not yet tested by time. At least the center has a validating track record to be proud of.
Posted by: jeff pessina | August 29, 2007 at 08:42 PM
check out msgf.com; a group of "young" people who want to establish christ centered communities all over the world; starting in tokyo, japan.
Posted by: luke chase | August 30, 2007 at 01:03 AM