It is so easy to become busy managing what currently exists,
that we fail to take time to improve what we’re doing let alone consider doing
things differently or doing new things. As leaders, we must work on tomorrow
not just keep up with today. This is what innovation is all about.
We serve a creative God who, though he never changes in his
character, has designed a world full of variety and freshness (Gen.1:1). We are
created in his image (Gen.1:26). It is important that we seek to make your
ministry fresh and alive. Always ask, “Is there a better way?” Admit where
things are no longer working and make appropriate changes (Mk.2:1-5).
One definition of “entertainment” is “to capture and keep
people’s attention.” Jesus did this in his teaching through creative stories
and examples. God is not boring and therefore we need to present the truth of
the gospel and the Christian life as one of joy and positive expectation even
in the midst of the routines of daily living. If we are not attracting a crowd,
then we need to rethink how we are doing ministry. The message we have never
changes, but the methods we use need to be constantly updated to be relevant to
each generation and group of people we are endeavouring to reach.
Management expert Peter Drucker says that both management
and entrepreneurship are essential in any organisation. Both are always needed
at the same time and both have to be co-ordinated and work together. Not to
innovate is the single largest reason for the decline of existing
organisations. Not to know how to manage is the single largest reason for the
failure of new ventures. We must not just manage the existing but innovate the
new and the different.
Change is the only certain in today’s fast paced
environment. Accept that it will always be with us. Change is never over – it’s
constant! See change as an opportunity not a threat. Talk about it in a
positive way and help people to not be afraid of it. Great organisations continually preserve the core (the mission and core values) and stimulate progress.
Putting Legs on It:
* Set regular times for brainstorming sessions with your
team. Think creatively.
* List some creative ways you can do some of the basics of
your ministry with new freshness.
* Think about different or new things you could do to reach
more people for Christ.
* Create an atmosphere within your team that says, “Let’s find
a better way” and that encourages thinking outside the box. Always be looking
for a new idea that will improve or expand your ministry. Don’t get stuck with
a mentality that says, “That’s the way we’ve always done it.” New, improved or improving creates fresh momentum.
* Regularly ask yourself, “What’s working well and why?” and
“What’s not working and why?”
Prov.18:15. Intelligent people are always open to
new ideas. In fact, they look for them. NLT