Innovation: A Splash of Cold Water

“My job is to find that spark of innovation and water it.”

This mixed metaphor may be the best description of how leaders in congregations deal with innovation. Innovation may be needed in today’s churches, but it is often met with doubt and suspicion.

There is a difference between creativity and innovation. Creativity is coming up with a good idea; innovation is making it work. Great ideas are not enough. We must be able to put them into action.

In a recent webinar, Jay Campbell with the Blanchard Companies cited the statistic that “48% of executives believe innovation is risky” and should be avoided. What do you think that percentage would be among church leaders?

Campbell’s ideas resonant with the challenge facing anyone who would attempt to implement innovation in a congregation. He cites two key innovation killers: fear of failure and a risk-averse culture. This resistance is found both in leadership and in the way that teams or committees operate.

Leaders kills innovation in several ways. First, by reacting negatively to trying something new. The attitude that “We might fail” discourages innovative thinking. Second, by showing no interest in new ideas. The “We’ve always done it this way” approach discourages innovation even when the context and opportunities have changed.

The ways that teams function can also kill innovation. First, when there is little trust within a team or committee, the lack of psychological safety discourages vulnerability or “sticking one’s neck out” with a new idea. Second, there is often a lack of transparency where some team members attempt to slow the process with the attitude of “I know something you don’t know.”

The church through the centuries has been built on faith, the willingness to step into the unknown. The ministries of the church have been expanded by those who were willing to take a risk--Stephen, Paul, Francis of Assisi, William Carey, and so many others.

In the next post, we will reflect on some ways to encourage innovation in the church.

(If you would like to learn more about strategies for innovation, check out the “Holy Experiments” series on the PastorLife Podcast from Pinnacle Leadership Associates.)

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