20 Current Trends In Innovation Pastors And Church Leaders Should Know

Earlier this week I received the March edition of Fast Company magazine which provided their annual list of the world’s Top 50 Most Innovative Companies.  Editor Robert Stafian gleaned 20 lessons about innovation from these highly successful organizations.  As I read the list, I began to understand the significance these findings had for pastors and church leaders.

The following are 20 Current Trends In Innovation Pastors And Church Leaders Should Know:

Before reading the list, check out a wonderful example of creativity from North Point Community Church in Alpharetta.  Make sure you check out the keyboard player at the end.

1. Inspiration Needs Execution – There is no creativity without creation.  Having skinny jeans, a low v-neck and scarf does not make you a creative.  Creatives must actually create something.
2. Tomorrow Is Too Slow – Church staff historically do not follow-up with people and on projects well.  This is something which must improve.
3. Great Ideas Need Time – Do not minimize the power of prayer.  Ideas need time to mature.  Think about it, food simply tastes better coming out of crockpot rather than a microwave.
4. Innovative Cultures Are Rewarding – Nike’s stock rose more than 20% in 2014.  Churches who constantly innovate and introduce new things often experience high levels of growth and momentum.
5. Innovation Can Generate Revenue – Churches who innovate can often better connect people’s heart to the heart of God.  Frequently, a result of this deepened relationship is an increased flow in financial resources into the Kingdom.
6. Failure Can Be Fatal – It is acceptable to fail periodically but do not be reckless.  Too much failure leads to a loss of trust in the leadership.
7. Millennials Matter – Young people can bring new vision and fresh energy for how they work into your church.
8. Values Are Valued – People care about what you are caring about.
9. Ability To Scale – Innovative churches (and most other churches as well) have discovered multi-site, video venues and re-launches of dying churches is the best way to scale ministry.
10. Bold Ideas Are Global – God is doing incredible things all over the world.  Currently, powerful revivals are happening in India and China.
11. Innovation Works Best In Collaboration – You can simply accomplish more with a team than you can alone.
12. Platforms Are Powerful – Apps, interactive websites and constant e-communications allow people to be impacted by your ministry seven days a week.
13. Data Driven – Statistics tell us about trends.  They also tell us about our people.  Every number has a name.  Every name has a story.  Every story matters to God.
14. The Importance Of Technology – The most important component of churches who exceed budget is digital giving.  Digital giving prevents summer slumps, allows people to go an vacations and prevents you from inclimate weather.
15. Make Your Church An Experience – In addition to food courts, new shopping malls are offering fashion shows, gaming areas, internet work stations, virtual tours, and central areas for online ordering as part of the everyday experience.  What’s in your lobby?  What’s in your hallways?
16. Design Is Important – How your services and ministries look and feel are determining factors in whether visitors will return to your church or not.  Design tells visitors, “We were expecting you.”
17. Artificial Intelligence Will Become Mainstream – What is next domino to fall after watching your pastor on a movie screen?  By the end of the decade you will be watching a hologram of your pastor.  Don’t believe me?  Click here.
18. New Ideas Are Constantly Originating – Because we have the Creator living in and through us, Christians should be the most innovative people in the world.  And local churches should be the most innovative place in your community.
19. Teamwork Is Still Important – It makes the dream work.
20. Innovation Should Be Easy To Experience – Never innovate for the sake of innovation.  Always innovate for the purpose of making it easier for those in your church to connect to the heart of God.

What other things are you learning about innovation in your church?

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