Barnabas File

“See,   I   am   doing   a   new   thing ! Now   i t springs up; do you not perceive   i t?   I   am   making   a   way   i n the wilderness   a nd streams   i n the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:19, NIV) ≈   Our God is a living God who continues to show us new ways through challenging times.  Women and men throughout the history of the church have listened for the voice of God, receiving inspiration to attempt new and innovative ways to share the gospel and serve humankind.  We need leaders today who will not only embrace innovation but encourage others to do so as well.     In a recent webinar, Jay Campbell with the Blanchard Companies shared some practices that nurture innovation in an organization.  Several of these are certainly applicable to the church.   First, make innovation a clear priority.  As Christians, we must first set aside the time t...

“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...

We cannot motivate others.     We can provide an environment in which people can become motivated, but real motivation comes from within.     In the same way, a leader cannot make people into innovators.  If this is true, then what is the role of the leader in innovation?  How much can a leader do to foster innovation among others?   Alec Horniman is the Killgallon Ohio Art Professor at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, teaching in the areas of ethics, strategy and leadership.  He suggests three actions that a leader can do to foster innovation.  First, invite people to join the process of innovation.  The innovative leader invites others along on the journey. He or she is not only a role model but a resource, sharing experiences and opportunities.  An innovative leader invites others to be part of the process and to learn together.  An innovative leader does...

We cannot motivate others.   We can provide an environment in which people can become motivated, but real motivation comes from within.   In the same way, a leader cannot make people into innovators.  If this is true, then what is the role of the leader in innovation?  How much can a leader do to foster innovation among others?  Alec Horniman is the Killgallon Ohio Art Professor at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, teaching in the areas of ethics, strategy and leadership.  He suggests three actions that a leader can do to foster innovation. First, invite people to join the process of innovation.  The innovative leader invites others along on the journey. He or she is not only a role model but a resource, sharing experiences and opportunities.  An innovative leader invites others to be part of the process and to learn together.  An innovative leader does not just attend conferences and explor...

Creativity and innovation are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they mean entirely different things. When we were looking for a title for Central Seminary’s new Doctor of Ministry curriculum, we considered a number of possibilities.  Although titles often restrict rather than describe, we settled on the title of Creative Leadership.  Some have asked why we did not use the term Innovative Leadership or if the terms don’t really mean the same thing.  Let’s unpack that a bit. Creativity is the ability to come up with something new and valuable.  Innovation is the ability to do something with it.  We can generate plenty of creative ideas through various techniques, but those ideas only become innovative when they are put into action.  As Franz Johansson says in The Medici Effect , “Creative ideas are valuable. Innovative ideas are realized.” In terms of the Doctor of Ministry program, we are seeking not only for those who can come ...