‘Innovation’ – Or Can We Do Better? (Part 1)

As we launch into the new year new ideas are naturally on the horizon.

It is also time to consider putting to bed some old ideas – er uh, make that, terms that are less than helpful to us.

I move that we take a break from using the term “Innovation” for a while.

When we use words that cause others to stop, listen and ask,

“Uh, what do you mean by that?”

…often we are making progress in our communications.

“Seminal” is a great word that is similar to the word, but it gives room for God to get the glory – as well it removes the focus upon the human element.

“That which is done or expressed that has never been put to words before…”

As we enter into the new year I move this:

Let’s make this the year of asking God for, and anticipating “Seminal” thoughts!

To achieve effectiveness in our various leadership capacities we need God’s Spirit to deposit his original applications of everlasting truth in the mainline culture we are reaching – that culture that is evolving continually. Never in Church history has a generation of leaders more needed to be aware of the seminal heart of God than now!

There is a great increase in the chatter with people who are expressing the same sentiment these days about the word ‘innovation.’ Outreach Marketing, Inc……., the highly lucrative advertising business based in the San Diego area, has unilaterally stirred this term with their frequent uses of it in their publications in recent years.

Uber-creative C.E.O. Scott Evans and his writing staff have promoted the “I” word over and over, even listing the “Most Innovative Churches in the U.S.”

(Could someone explain to me what distinguishes the 27th Most Innovative Church from, say the 24th Most Creative Church in the U.S.? I get confused easily these days…)

I am certain Outreach Marketing, Inc. has had all great intentions in their heart of hearts with their most recent promotion drive. Yet, backlashes are popping up on the radar screen with increasing frequency. These reactions are not occurring simply among extremist watchdogs on the blogging scene. In just the past week, a number of “Reader’s Digest”-ish types have asked me about this matter.

Part 2