“Dan Junna and his wife, Elizabeth, met in high school while working in the drama club together. Fourteen years later they are married with a nine year old daughter. Dan and Elizabeth still love the theater and with their daughter have joined a local theatrical group as a family with the distinct intent of building relationships to honor Christ and introduce other thespians to the saving grace of His gospel. One husband and wife couple from the theatrical group has joined Dan and Elizabeth on two occasions for worship in the first two months since making their commitment to serve Christ in this fashion.”
Innovation: while some dictionaries define innovation as “a new idea, method, or device” I believe those definitions fall short of true innovation. Another definition found in dictionaries is, “Introducing something new.” Again, this falls short of true innovation. There are many dreamers who can introduce new ideas, but few bring those ideas to fruition.
To me, innovation is not an idea but a process. Innovation is not the introduction of a new idea. It is the ability to take the bold steps to bring that idea into reality. Everyone dreams, but few innovate.
Fruitful churches, ministries, and organizations have leaders and members who are driven with a passion to be innovative. The greatest of these have a spirit of “whatever it takes” to make it happen (in God’s design).
God is an innovator. He not only dreamed of an earth. He created the earth and everything on/in it and the heavenly bodies as well. He went beyond dreaming by making it happen. He created you and me, mankind in His image. That means we all have the ability to be innovators, not only dreamers.
The Apostle Paul said, “I have become all things to all people so that by all means I might save some.” (I Corinthians 9) To put Paul’s thoughts into today’s vernacular he was saying, “I went to Alabama football games with Alabama fans, and I went to Auburn games with Auburn fans with equal interest. I went to UK basketball games and cheered them on, and I went to UofL games and cheered them as well.” The Apostle Paul rode his Harley Davidson donkey with the other Harley Donkey riders. He hung out with people that many in today’s church would abhor.
Paul never compromised his faith or His message, God’s message. But he did not hide out in the church building either. Instead of saying, “We’ve never done it that way.” Paul set his sights on reaching people through whatever means and situation he found himself in.
Near the end of the book Turnaround Journey many of the 4C’s church members became innovators. Some joined bowling leagues or the local community theater with the intent of sharing Christ. And it happened. Others started sportsman outdoor and scrapbooking groups and much more with the intent of sharing Christ. And it all happened because the leadership decided to create a culture of innovators.
Do not settle for dreams when God, your Creator gave you the gift of being an innovator.
George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.
The first paragraph is from Turnaround Journey, SonLight Publishing