Monday, March 05, 2007
Innovation
What makes a ministry innovative? We asked that question in the March/April issue of Ministry Today and offered three examples of innovative ministry--Granger Community Church, a megachurch in northern Indiana; Overland Missions, a unique organization equipping unconventional missionaries for extreme assignments in difficult parts of the world; and Templo Calvario, a Hispanic congregation in Santa Ana, California, that is breaking stereotypes and solving some of its city's most notorious problems. It's a word that's being batted around quite a bit these days, but In a few simple words, what do you think makes a ministry innovative--and does it even matter? For instance, there are many ministries today that would not be characterized as innovative, but can be considered effective in the Kingdom of God. Simultaneously, there are some ministries that know how to market themselves and convey a hip message to a consumer-savvy audience--but may either not have longevity or even bear long-term fruit in the Kingdom. It's up for grabs. What do you think?
Weigh in with your comments below. Warning: Insightful comments may appear in a future issue of Ministry Today!
Weigh in with your comments below. Warning: Insightful comments may appear in a future issue of Ministry Today!
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On the heels of your question is how we distinguish between an innovated church and an innovative church. I'd content that many churches, leader and organizations that claim the tag 'innovative' have simply found a single innovation in their history, and aside from that are completely traditional.
In either case, effective is the more critical designation. If a church saved money on their sound system by using a phone system that called every mobile phone in the building and letting each congregant hear by holding up their phone, that would be innovative but ineffective. If a church has a soup kitchen and bears the burdens and needs of their community through physically helping, that isn't innovative (though in some circles it is) but it is effective.
In either case, effective is the more critical designation. If a church saved money on their sound system by using a phone system that called every mobile phone in the building and letting each congregant hear by holding up their phone, that would be innovative but ineffective. If a church has a soup kitchen and bears the burdens and needs of their community through physically helping, that isn't innovative (though in some circles it is) but it is effective.
About 30 years ago I heard about a fellow who during his ministry offended many people on many levels. His teaching challenged the church leadership and their traditions. Many believed that he was not "of God".
Most people passed him off as just plain crazy.
The prayer (gossip) chain was hot for quite some time. Even his family and friends grew concerned about his odd behaviors.
He taught on mountains, under trees, standing in boats, and on the steps of the church. His teachings even started riots in some places. You know that old saying "birds of a feather flock together"? Well, he spent most of his time with sinners of the worst kind, even prostitutes. Innovative? You bet your life!
This man was Jesus! He knew the people who needed him and his message would not be allowed in the churches of his day (or those of today). Jesus came to them and met their physical and spiritual needs. The way in which Jesus ministered may not seem innovative to us but in his day it was radical.
Today's people are searching for truth, love, and things of the spirit. In this fast paced, high tech world we MUST CHANGE THE METHODS BUT KEEP THE MESSAGE.
I believe the most innovative techniques needed today are 1.Treating other with kindness, love, and respect. 2.Meeting physical and spiritual needs. 3.Remembering that most people today are not going to waltz into church and yell HELP!!!!
JESUS SAID GO INTO ALL THE WORLD. I DON'T KNOW OF ANY SCRIPTURE REFERENCE TO PEW SITTING.
In the parable of the sower (Matt 13)Jesus tells us that not all seed produces fruit. We must let the Holy Spirit deal with that issue.
For now we must use every tool and innovations available to communicate the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. If we can reach people through video games, upbeat music, and a come as you are atmosphere great!
WALK THE WALK,AND LET OTHERS SEE JESUS IN YOU.
Shiela in Missouri
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Most people passed him off as just plain crazy.
The prayer (gossip) chain was hot for quite some time. Even his family and friends grew concerned about his odd behaviors.
He taught on mountains, under trees, standing in boats, and on the steps of the church. His teachings even started riots in some places. You know that old saying "birds of a feather flock together"? Well, he spent most of his time with sinners of the worst kind, even prostitutes. Innovative? You bet your life!
This man was Jesus! He knew the people who needed him and his message would not be allowed in the churches of his day (or those of today). Jesus came to them and met their physical and spiritual needs. The way in which Jesus ministered may not seem innovative to us but in his day it was radical.
Today's people are searching for truth, love, and things of the spirit. In this fast paced, high tech world we MUST CHANGE THE METHODS BUT KEEP THE MESSAGE.
I believe the most innovative techniques needed today are 1.Treating other with kindness, love, and respect. 2.Meeting physical and spiritual needs. 3.Remembering that most people today are not going to waltz into church and yell HELP!!!!
JESUS SAID GO INTO ALL THE WORLD. I DON'T KNOW OF ANY SCRIPTURE REFERENCE TO PEW SITTING.
In the parable of the sower (Matt 13)Jesus tells us that not all seed produces fruit. We must let the Holy Spirit deal with that issue.
For now we must use every tool and innovations available to communicate the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. If we can reach people through video games, upbeat music, and a come as you are atmosphere great!
WALK THE WALK,AND LET OTHERS SEE JESUS IN YOU.
Shiela in Missouri
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