Rev. Dr. Mike Wooton

Innovation. It is respected, desired, and sought after in ministry. The most innovative churches tend to shine the brightest. I’ve been to conferences, read books, talked with pastors about innovative churches, and have helped lead the way in my context with innovation.

There is a common theme I’ve found that makes churches innovative. It is not size. It is not resources. It is not the location or who preaches on Sundays. What is it? Innovation comes from a creative church culture. A creative culture has everything to do with people. Staff people. Lay people. God’s people are the source of innovation. The question is, how do we unlock innovation?

Here are 5 tips on unlocking innovation in ministry.

1. A Collaborative Mindset

Depending on the “one person with the ideas” will never lead to an innovative church culture. It hinges too much upon one person’s experiences and stifles innovative energy that comes from other idea makers. Let’s face it, when we believe in our idea, we are willing to work hard and do whatever it takes for it to be successful. Collaboration gives each person the opportunity to bring their best energy and efforts towards great ideas. Collaboration will lead to innovation.

2. Create A Space Where All Ideas Can Flow

First and foremost, there must be a meeting where all ideas can flow without criticism. In the leadership field, this is called creating psychological safety. People have to feel like their “off of the top of their head” ideas are a possible step towards brilliance. As a leader, you have to navigate this, because it is true, that some ideas take you nowhere. However, it is more important to create a space where the possibility of any idea can lead to brilliance.

3. Have an Idea Bank

Ever been on a drive and had a great idea? What about when you are in the shower or on a walk? Daily, there is a space we mentally get where the good ideas flow. Where do those ideas go? Into the vapor if we don’t store them. You and your team need to capture those undeveloped ideas. Remember point #… about creating a space where ideas can flow? Having a bank of ideas gives you the ability to withdrawal when the time comes.

4. Be Inspired by What is Going on in the World

If you like new technology, new trends, or find parts of social media, sports, and entertainment fun don’t be ashamed of it! Be inspired! Ask how you can use what intrigues you to help bring people closer to Jesus. Closed-minded people will lose touch with how God is trying to reach the world. Perhaps you like “it” because God is wanting to reach someone else. Innovation comes from inspiration.

5. We Win Together

This is the number one feature of a culture that creates innovation. The goal is that there are so many fingerprints of the finished idea it never could have been done by one person. Everyone contributed, thus the whole group won. Egos must be put to the side. We Win Together.

If we can unlock the potential of God’s people any church in America can shine brightly.