I received a great response from our first installment on the "Fix and Flex" concept. On of our facebook group members asked the following question and I wanted to take a minute and process it with you.
"Jon -- Cool. Sounds like being goal oriented. For me, that is a strong motivator...but what about other creative types that are not particularly goal oriented...who prefer to feel the flow. Any tips? Any tips for those to whom they would be accountable?"
Here are some thoughts:
When we talk about fixing one thing and flexing another, we usually thing dates/times/etc. Those are very linear things that we wish we could fix on both ends. The innovation of fix and flex is that we pick the most important one to success and then the other side of the equation stays loose and able to change.
But lets think about this in a different way for creatives who aren't at all driven by linear goals. You can also do this with very conceptual things. For instance, let's say that you are a graphic designer and you are tasked with creating a series of postcards to promote an upcoming event. The normal process is to receive the scope for the project from whoever is requesting it and then begin to work based on that scope. But what if the designer looked at the scope and asked the question, "Which element of the scope is most central?" Out of this exercise they might pick one or two things to fix. Then they could process, what areas are open for new ideas or new approaches - those are the areas to flex.
Now comes along the manager of this graphic designer. If you are using the same vocabulary, the manager who is holding this graphic designer accountable can engage them and ask what things must be fixed and what areas can the designer really try some new and different approaches.
In this environment, a designer can create an innovative environment while still being accountable for the scope.
What do you think of this next application?
Friday, June 27, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Fix and Flex Part 1 - reference
Friends,
For those of you interested in the article that I refered to in the Part 1 story, please click here:
http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/05/how-to-become-an-early-riser/
- ENJOY!
For those of you interested in the article that I refered to in the Part 1 story, please click here:
http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/05/how-to-become-an-early-riser/
- ENJOY!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Fix and Flex Part 1
How do you create order and process if you are a creative/innovative person? This is one of those age old questions. We look at those creatives in our lives and many times they are tipified by the all-nighters, messy desks and ignored calendars. That is a stereotype of creative minds.
Mindy and I recently read an article that Dayna Garland, Creative Director at HCJB Global, gave us. It was entitled "How to Become an Early Riser" by Steve Pavlina. In this article he focuses on his journey to being an early riser. He did it because he saw that some of the most productive hours in the day were the early ones. I would highly recommend the read, but for this posting, I am only taking one of his core ideas and throwing it out there for a wider application.
His basic solution was what I am calling "Fix and Flex." In the article, he said that the way he was able to change his habits and become an early riser was to fix the morning time he would get up but flex the evening time based on how tired he was. Fix and Flex - sounds simple.
The beauty of this simple little concept is that it is the saving grace for all you creatives out there. Usually the answer to more discipline is a high amount of rigid restrictions. We see this in New Years Resolutions. In those high restrictions, compliance becomes very difficult. Usually, we fail and then give up.
The difference with fix and flex is that you fix one thing but you allow the more relaxed process of creativity to dictate the other. Let me give you another example. Lets say that my goal was to write in this blog three times a week. With this concept, I would fix the number of times I wanted to write but not when. That means that one week all three posts might come in the same night and the next week they would come on Monday Wednesday and Friday.
Are you seeing the applications? In the end, it is very simple. When we require that everything be fixed as a matter of discipline we are set up for failure because of circumstances, creative flow, etc. But when we allow for flexibility along with fixed goals, we create an environment where we can be much more innovative.
More to come in this in the next few days.
Mindy and I recently read an article that Dayna Garland, Creative Director at HCJB Global, gave us. It was entitled "How to Become an Early Riser" by Steve Pavlina. In this article he focuses on his journey to being an early riser. He did it because he saw that some of the most productive hours in the day were the early ones. I would highly recommend the read, but for this posting, I am only taking one of his core ideas and throwing it out there for a wider application.
His basic solution was what I am calling "Fix and Flex." In the article, he said that the way he was able to change his habits and become an early riser was to fix the morning time he would get up but flex the evening time based on how tired he was. Fix and Flex - sounds simple.
The beauty of this simple little concept is that it is the saving grace for all you creatives out there. Usually the answer to more discipline is a high amount of rigid restrictions. We see this in New Years Resolutions. In those high restrictions, compliance becomes very difficult. Usually, we fail and then give up.
The difference with fix and flex is that you fix one thing but you allow the more relaxed process of creativity to dictate the other. Let me give you another example. Lets say that my goal was to write in this blog three times a week. With this concept, I would fix the number of times I wanted to write but not when. That means that one week all three posts might come in the same night and the next week they would come on Monday Wednesday and Friday.
Are you seeing the applications? In the end, it is very simple. When we require that everything be fixed as a matter of discipline we are set up for failure because of circumstances, creative flow, etc. But when we allow for flexibility along with fixed goals, we create an environment where we can be much more innovative.
More to come in this in the next few days.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
A Loving Touch
A quote from Carolyn Arends' recent article in Christianity Today really got my attention the other day:
"Is there any story about God that isn't a love story?" - Carolyn Arends
She is right. No matter how aweful the situation or how strange the outcome, everything that God is about is covered in love. When He corrects - He loves. When he blesses - He loves.
So think about your work to innovate. How are we covering our actions in love. Sometimes it is easy to get so caught up in accomplishing a goal or creating something new. We get focused in and we act in very unloving ways. Then we wonder why God is not blessing our seemingly "holy cause."
This isn't something that just happens to those wayward people. It happens to all of us. We get so focused on our goal that we stop loving. How does this look practically?
- We reject a vacation request of a project member because our deadline is more important than their unique opportunity.
- We cut people off in a meeting when they are processing the project goals.
- We manipulate people to perform faster.
- We pit one person against another to motivate them.
- We yell at vendors who did not deliver.
- We short-change our family for the project.
- and the list goes on and on.
Our motivation in our innovation is the key. Are we doing our missional innovation out of a love for God and for those that our innovation will serve?
"Is there any story about God that isn't a love story?" - Carolyn Arends
She is right. No matter how aweful the situation or how strange the outcome, everything that God is about is covered in love. When He corrects - He loves. When he blesses - He loves.
So think about your work to innovate. How are we covering our actions in love. Sometimes it is easy to get so caught up in accomplishing a goal or creating something new. We get focused in and we act in very unloving ways. Then we wonder why God is not blessing our seemingly "holy cause."
This isn't something that just happens to those wayward people. It happens to all of us. We get so focused on our goal that we stop loving. How does this look practically?
- We reject a vacation request of a project member because our deadline is more important than their unique opportunity.
- We cut people off in a meeting when they are processing the project goals.
- We manipulate people to perform faster.
- We pit one person against another to motivate them.
- We yell at vendors who did not deliver.
- We short-change our family for the project.
- and the list goes on and on.
Our motivation in our innovation is the key. Are we doing our missional innovation out of a love for God and for those that our innovation will serve?
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Being Dangerous
Charles Bukowski said, "To do a dangerous thing with style, is what I call art."
Why are we so risk adverse? Why are we so afraid to fail? Maybe some of those same reasons cause us to do little that draws attention or stands out as compelling.
Are you willing to do a dangerous thing?
Why are we so risk adverse? Why are we so afraid to fail? Maybe some of those same reasons cause us to do little that draws attention or stands out as compelling.
Are you willing to do a dangerous thing?
Monday, June 09, 2008
A Rest from Blogging
Everyone needs a rest - so I have taken a week or two rest from blogging. But this week I am back and we will be talking about "Fixed and Flexed". Stay tuned for more on how this concept can help you create an environment for innovation.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Engaging People through Art
Recently, I featured an article by Paul Nethercott about Missional Art. We recieved a great response of click-throughs and some good comments. I also recieved this excellent example of missional art. Kathy Trim (another TEAM missionary in Japan) shares how she is using art to engage the Japanese culture. Take a few minutes to read this and think about how art can be a part of your missional outreach:
Scrapbooking. The word alone raises many eyebrows as a large number of people believe it is just an expensive hobby. And in the United States, I do believe that, for some people, that is probably an accurate definition. However, I prefer to think of it as a form of art, particularly one that passes on a heritage to the next generation.
How can the art of scrapbooking be missional art? Japanese tourists are often stereotyped as people who travel in groups with cameras around their necks. In actuality, it isn't just the tourists from Japan who are taking photographs. Photography is very popular with nearly all Japanese people. What are they taking photos of? Just like you and me, they take pictures of the people, events, and scenery that are important to them. Building relationships with Japanese people takes lots of time. It is hard to get past the surface topics and become trusted enough that they will open up and share what is really in their hearts. However, through the sharing of photographs, relationships can be effectively deepened.
This is where scrapbooking comes "into the picture". (pun intended)
Scrapbooking can be an individual activity in the privacy of your home. But, the real fun of scrapbooking comes when people gather together in groups and share ideas and tools, and work together on their individual projects. I've begun hosting scrapbooking events in our church hall which is so suited to this with lots of tables and chairs. There is no preaching or evangelistic message. There is just a leader who cares; a leader who will walk around and ask the guests to tell them about the photos; a leader who will give words of encouragement and hope; a leader who will offer ideas to help the guests create photo albums that will be filled with cherished memories for themselves and their families. I am not very artistic...Yet, with the tools and supplies available for scrapbooking, I am now able to express my creativity in an art form that will hopefully bless others as they see my albums and hear my faith-stories that are journaled in the albums. The Japanese women that are now attending these events are excited about what they are doing. They enjoy showing their photographs to other people and talking about them. These women are bonding with each other, as together they create their own art.
Missions begins with relationships. As we build relationships and develop trust, opportunities to share our faith will open up. The innovation comes at the beginning. How do we meet new people? How do we develop relationships with them? How do we help them recognize a need in their lives that up until now, they may not have realized they have? Very few people will intentionally seek us out. It is for us to go and seek those whom are lost. We certainly aren't
going to stumble over them sitting on the church steps waiting for us to open the doors.
Scrapbooking is a type of art that even people who are not "artistic" can do. It opens up the doors to interact with people on a deeper level. It is also meeting a felt need in their lives (shoeboxes overflowing with pictures that need to be organized and preserved for the future).
To me, scrapbooking is missional art.
K.J. Trim
church planting with TEAM in Kobe, Japan
Scrapbooking. The word alone raises many eyebrows as a large number of people believe it is just an expensive hobby. And in the United States, I do believe that, for some people, that is probably an accurate definition. However, I prefer to think of it as a form of art, particularly one that passes on a heritage to the next generation.
How can the art of scrapbooking be missional art? Japanese tourists are often stereotyped as people who travel in groups with cameras around their necks. In actuality, it isn't just the tourists from Japan who are taking photographs. Photography is very popular with nearly all Japanese people. What are they taking photos of? Just like you and me, they take pictures of the people, events, and scenery that are important to them. Building relationships with Japanese people takes lots of time. It is hard to get past the surface topics and become trusted enough that they will open up and share what is really in their hearts. However, through the sharing of photographs, relationships can be effectively deepened.
This is where scrapbooking comes "into the picture". (pun intended)
Scrapbooking can be an individual activity in the privacy of your home. But, the real fun of scrapbooking comes when people gather together in groups and share ideas and tools, and work together on their individual projects. I've begun hosting scrapbooking events in our church hall which is so suited to this with lots of tables and chairs. There is no preaching or evangelistic message. There is just a leader who cares; a leader who will walk around and ask the guests to tell them about the photos; a leader who will give words of encouragement and hope; a leader who will offer ideas to help the guests create photo albums that will be filled with cherished memories for themselves and their families. I am not very artistic...Yet, with the tools and supplies available for scrapbooking, I am now able to express my creativity in an art form that will hopefully bless others as they see my albums and hear my faith-stories that are journaled in the albums. The Japanese women that are now attending these events are excited about what they are doing. They enjoy showing their photographs to other people and talking about them. These women are bonding with each other, as together they create their own art.
Missions begins with relationships. As we build relationships and develop trust, opportunities to share our faith will open up. The innovation comes at the beginning. How do we meet new people? How do we develop relationships with them? How do we help them recognize a need in their lives that up until now, they may not have realized they have? Very few people will intentionally seek us out. It is for us to go and seek those whom are lost. We certainly aren't
going to stumble over them sitting on the church steps waiting for us to open the doors.
Scrapbooking is a type of art that even people who are not "artistic" can do. It opens up the doors to interact with people on a deeper level. It is also meeting a felt need in their lives (shoeboxes overflowing with pictures that need to be organized and preserved for the future).
To me, scrapbooking is missional art.
K.J. Trim
church planting with TEAM in Kobe, Japan
Monday, May 19, 2008
Linking Christ-centered Innovation to Prayer
There is a direct and essential link between Christ-centered innovation and the discipline of prayer. Our success in innovation demands that we be connected to God and communing with Him. We need His heart to know what problems or challenges to address.
I used the phrase "Christ-centered innovation" on purpose because much innovation that exists in our world is focused on ourselves and our needs. That does not mean it is bad. But it does mean that it was done with the basic human gifts and talents that God has given to all of humanity.
But there are innovations that are Christ-centered or Christ-focused. These are innovations that come out of prayer and knowing the mind of God. These innovations are big in God's economy, but they may or may not register in the eyes of modern man.
Of course, the challenge with understanding which innovations come out of this posture is that it is all about motivations. And that gets me to my point. Those Christ-centered innovations are only birthed out of prayer. If we are to reach beyond ourselves and create innovations that will impact people for Christ, they will come as we pray for breakthroughs.
This is easy to say and very hard to do. Innovation is a practical and energizing event. Prayer on the other hand, can seem very impractical and without energy. Of course, we know it is not, but it is hard to get beyond that perception. So many times we think of prayer as the thing you do to kick off the effort. It is like smashing the bottle of wine against the hull of the ship before it sets sail.
But prayer is most of the work. To continue using our last analogy. Prayer is the building of the ship and the actual innovation work is only the sailing of it.
So how many hours should we put into prayer if we truely desire our innovations to be Christ-centered? I don't think there is a formula, but I can probably guarantee that we should spend more than we are spending today!
I used the phrase "Christ-centered innovation" on purpose because much innovation that exists in our world is focused on ourselves and our needs. That does not mean it is bad. But it does mean that it was done with the basic human gifts and talents that God has given to all of humanity.
But there are innovations that are Christ-centered or Christ-focused. These are innovations that come out of prayer and knowing the mind of God. These innovations are big in God's economy, but they may or may not register in the eyes of modern man.
Of course, the challenge with understanding which innovations come out of this posture is that it is all about motivations. And that gets me to my point. Those Christ-centered innovations are only birthed out of prayer. If we are to reach beyond ourselves and create innovations that will impact people for Christ, they will come as we pray for breakthroughs.
This is easy to say and very hard to do. Innovation is a practical and energizing event. Prayer on the other hand, can seem very impractical and without energy. Of course, we know it is not, but it is hard to get beyond that perception. So many times we think of prayer as the thing you do to kick off the effort. It is like smashing the bottle of wine against the hull of the ship before it sets sail.
But prayer is most of the work. To continue using our last analogy. Prayer is the building of the ship and the actual innovation work is only the sailing of it.
So how many hours should we put into prayer if we truely desire our innovations to be Christ-centered? I don't think there is a formula, but I can probably guarantee that we should spend more than we are spending today!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Innovation in the Arts
As people interested in being on mission with God, we are always searching for new tools that will help us share hope. Everything considered a potential teaching tool isn't it? You use movies, events, holidays, music and the list goes on.
One of our faithful Innovation in Mission members on facebook, Paul Nethercott (TEAM missionary in Japan), has shared a new perspective on art and its potential for missions.
I love how Paul has brought up the concept of redemption in art. Our creativity has a way of bringing a message of hope home like no other. So please take a minute to read this innovative approach to art and see how it can be a part of your ministry toolbox:
Missional Art
The Heavens declare the glory of God: the skies proclaim the work of his hands. (Psalm 19:1)
"Missional” refers to outwardly focused actions that share Christ with the world.
"Missional Art" is any creative expression that intentionally illuminates God and the hope found in Christ.
Missional Art is modeled after God’s revelation of Himself in creation, in Scripture, and in the incarnation. All aspects of God’s revelation are creative masterpieces that originate in the heart of a loving God who wants to be known by those He created to be like Him (“in His image”). One aspect of God’s image in us is the capacity to express ourselves by creating art that is missional. The phrase “Missional Art” is new, the concept is not. And, it is not confined to the West; we can discover it throughout history, in a vast number of cultures.
The first biblical example of Missional Art is when God empowered Bezalel to build the temple in ancient Israel (Exodus chapter 31). According to theologian Francis Schaffer, this is the first time the Bible mentions that the Holy Spirit indwelled someone for a specific purpose “… I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.” The Jewish temple was missional because it was intended not only as a place of worship for the Israelites, but as a witness to all the nations; it is a stunning example of Missional Art.
Throughout history, gifted artists, believers filled with the Holy Spirit, have been creating missional art that is often far more effective than mere words at drawing people towards putting their faith in Christ. What aspects of missional art are important in making it effective? Four key elements of Missional Art are Hook, Honesty, Humanity, and Redemptive Content (The concept of Hook, Honesty, and Humanity are by songwriter Darrell Brown)
Hook is one reason Amazing Grace is such a memorable and well-loved song. A song with Hook “sticks” in the mind, unconsciously it replays itself in your head. Writers of pop music are well aware of Hook but the concept is applicable in other areas, including the visual arts -- the enigmatic smile of Mona Lisa being one of the most famous Hooks in the history of Western art. Art that has no Hook fails to connect, fading from consciousness like a plainly dressed person in a large crowd.
Honesty is hard to define, but critically important. We sense when it is lacking, but it is difficult to articulate what the difference is. Several years ago, I heard one of my female acquaintances sing for a church service. Something didn't sound right, so I asked, "Was that your real voice today?" "No," she responded, "that was my church voice I used my real voice many years ago when I sang rock music with my band, but I don’t use it when I sing in church.” One of the main reasons adults enjoy watching children perform is their transparent Honesty. But, adults who perform without shame or pretense are rare. Johnny Cash is an example of someone with this kind of authenticity; he didn’t have an exceptional voice, he even wandered off key sometimes, but people responded to him, he was incredibly genuine as he sang what was in his heart.
Humanity touches our emotions, what Darrel Brown calls “the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual sides of Humanity. The big themes — the brokenness and the triumph of it all. So people can relate to what I am writing and singing about.” Ironically, many Christians seem to fear being human, calling it immoral; while the Bible abounds with tasteful Humanity; weddings, celebrations, parties, the sweat of Jesus, violence, family dysfunction, drunkenness and yes, sexuality (it isn’t gratuitous, but it IS there). It appears that many of us are more comfortable with the divinity of Jesus than we are with His Humanity. This is one reason for the scarcity of Christians who are creating art that is full of Humanity. Since everyone experiences the human side of life, people of all nations, races, and cultures can relate to Humanity, it is universally understood.
Redemptive Content includes, but in no way is limited to, clearly identified symbols connected with Christianity. Beauty, goodness, metaphors, stories, allusions, abstract forms, and colors can all be redemptive. Makoto Fujimura’s paintings are abstract, most have no explicit Christian content, but they are Redemptive. It would be a huge mistake to understand “Redemptive Content” to mean that a photographer must insert Scripture verses into all her photos. Or, that a dancer has to wear an outfit with a cross on it. There is a place for worship art, for symbols, and for words, but Missional Art does not have to be explicit or obvious to be effective. But, being “clothed” in Hook, Honesty, and Humanity is very important.
Some Christians make the mistake of dictating that Crystal-clear Redemptive Content (the gospel clearly stated or pictured) is the only important criteria for judging art. In their zeal to communicate the gospel, they ignore Hook, Honesty, and Humanity. Art created with the one criteria of Redemptive Content in mind is often created by zealous, sincere people who really aren’t gifted in the arts. What they are gifted in is preaching, and there certainly is a place for that, but it does not mix well with art. The results of the “lets use art to preach” approach are generally unappealing, not even connecting with Christians, and alienating to those who have no knowledge of Jesus.
Examples of effective Missional Art:
- Handel’s Messiah
- The Passions of Bach
- Rembrandt’s “The Prodigal Son”
- C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia
- The Passion of the Christ (Mel Gibson’s Movie)
- The novels of Ayako Miura
- The paintings of Makoto Fujumura
- Black Gospel Music in Japan (Halleluiah Gospel Choirs)
- The Bible Manga Series
- The music of U2
Amazing examples abound of effective Missional Art with clear Redemptive Content that is loved and accepted, even by cultures that reject Christianity. The crucial factor is quality, how it is done is critically important. However, we must never forget that God can work through totally unpredictable and surprising ways to draw people to himself. He can use “sappy” songs that really don’t have much by way of artistic merit. He can take a movie like Sister Act, and make it a means of communicating his love to the nation of Japan. This Hollywood movie is one of the catalytic factors behind the popularity of Black Gospel in Japan and has resulted in large numbers of Japanese paying to sing in black gospel choirs. It is thrilling to witness Japanese singing the gospel, with passion, with movement, from their hearts and hear about a significant number who are meeting Christ.
Missional Art has had a huge impact on the world, and will continue to be one of the primary avenues that people around the world, in a wide variety of cultures, will become aware of the Good News of Jesus Christ.
There is much left to be said on the subject --- I would really like to get input from readers of the Innovation in Mission group on how to improve and expand on this topic. I also want to thank Scot Eaton, Graham Fleming, Jon Hirst, Roger Lowther, Nancy Nethercott, and Robin White for their invaluable input on this paper.
Two Relevant Books:
imagine by Steve Turner
Unceasing Worship by Harold Best
What Comes after the Innovation?
After you innovate . . . then what? Do you break out in a victory dance, fall flat on your face in exhaustion, go on with your life as if nothing has happened . . . really what do you do?
I think it is different for everyone. The reason you haven't heard from me in a week or more is that I just finished my second book project - this time with my wife Mindy. We have been working on an exciting innovation. It is focused on taking a very complex concept presented by Dr. Paul Hiebert and sharing it in a simple yet compelling way. It was a lot of work but the book was handed in last week.
So after our major push, we collapsed . . . if that is possible with three kids. Actually we spent time doing things we hadn't done in a while - watched a movie, took care of the lawn, you know how it goes.
But this highlights a good point. When you reach a key milestone in your innovation work, you need to have a plan. Do you need rest? Do you need a change of scenery? Do you need to go out with some friends? Do you need a vacation on a beach somewhere? Whatever recharges your batteries for the next push . . . DO IT! If you don't, the next idea will be harder to bring to life.
As for our new book - more to come soon. It will be released early 2009.
I think it is different for everyone. The reason you haven't heard from me in a week or more is that I just finished my second book project - this time with my wife Mindy. We have been working on an exciting innovation. It is focused on taking a very complex concept presented by Dr. Paul Hiebert and sharing it in a simple yet compelling way. It was a lot of work but the book was handed in last week.
So after our major push, we collapsed . . . if that is possible with three kids. Actually we spent time doing things we hadn't done in a while - watched a movie, took care of the lawn, you know how it goes.
But this highlights a good point. When you reach a key milestone in your innovation work, you need to have a plan. Do you need rest? Do you need a change of scenery? Do you need to go out with some friends? Do you need a vacation on a beach somewhere? Whatever recharges your batteries for the next push . . . DO IT! If you don't, the next idea will be harder to bring to life.
As for our new book - more to come soon. It will be released early 2009.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Do you have an Innovation Sherpa?
New innovations are coming at us quickly these days. With each new one, a whole new set of rules and realities must be digested and understood. That can get overwhelming so easily. In many ways, taking advantage of a new innovation is like a serious mountian climb.
You wouldn't consider climbing Everest without a guide, so why do we try to understand and utilize these new innovations without one? So in the spirit of getting help, I would like to introduce you to the idea of the Innovation Sherpa!
Actually these people are all over. They are those people who love to be on the leading edge. They explore a new innovation thoroughly and then come back to the bottom of the mountain to help others enjoy it as well. These people are like gold if you are a busy person. They will help you find the right trail and identify how this innovation can help you in your ministry.
I would like to introduce you to someone like this today. Chris Forbes runs a facebook group called "Facebook for Pastors" (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=18403101472). He is also the founder of his own company - Ministry Marketing Coach.
I would encourage you to join the group and learn from him as he helps church staff to climb the mountain of this particular innovation. You can also download a free E-book on how to use facebook in church ministry: http://ministrymarketingcoach.com/free-e-books/.
We all need guides. The intracacy of life is very tricky and getting help makes all the difference. Learn to identify the key Innovation Sherpas in your life and follow them, or you might just get stuck on that mountain!
You wouldn't consider climbing Everest without a guide, so why do we try to understand and utilize these new innovations without one? So in the spirit of getting help, I would like to introduce you to the idea of the Innovation Sherpa!
Actually these people are all over. They are those people who love to be on the leading edge. They explore a new innovation thoroughly and then come back to the bottom of the mountain to help others enjoy it as well. These people are like gold if you are a busy person. They will help you find the right trail and identify how this innovation can help you in your ministry.
I would like to introduce you to someone like this today. Chris Forbes runs a facebook group called "Facebook for Pastors" (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=18403101472). He is also the founder of his own company - Ministry Marketing Coach.
I would encourage you to join the group and learn from him as he helps church staff to climb the mountain of this particular innovation. You can also download a free E-book on how to use facebook in church ministry: http://ministrymarketingcoach.com/free-e-books/.
We all need guides. The intracacy of life is very tricky and getting help makes all the difference. Learn to identify the key Innovation Sherpas in your life and follow them, or you might just get stuck on that mountain!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Books and Resources for the Innovator
I spoke at a conference recently and shared a list of books and resources helpful in innovation work. I wanted to share them with you as well. I hope they are useful.
Books to Consider
Blink, Malcolm Gladwell
Spiritual Leadership, Henry and Richard Blackaby
Well Connected, Phill Butler
Credibility, James Kouzes/Barry Posner
The Age of Access, Jeremy Rifkin
Blue Ocean Strategy, W. Chan Kim/Renee Mauborgne
The Innovator’s Dilemma, Clayton Christensen
Crossing the Chasm, Geoffrey Moore
Making Innovation Work, Davila/Epstein/Shelton
10 Rules For Strategic Innovators, Govindarajan/Trimble
Small is the New Big, Seth Godin
A Whack on the Side of the Head, Roger Von Oech
Mindset, John Naisbitt
Other Resources to Consider
Fast Company Magazine, www.fastcompany.com
Evangelical Missions Quarterly, www.emqonline.com
Momentum Magazine, http://www.momentum-mag.org/
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/
Books to Consider
Blink, Malcolm Gladwell
Spiritual Leadership, Henry and Richard Blackaby
Well Connected, Phill Butler
Credibility, James Kouzes/Barry Posner
The Age of Access, Jeremy Rifkin
Blue Ocean Strategy, W. Chan Kim/Renee Mauborgne
The Innovator’s Dilemma, Clayton Christensen
Crossing the Chasm, Geoffrey Moore
Making Innovation Work, Davila/Epstein/Shelton
10 Rules For Strategic Innovators, Govindarajan/Trimble
Small is the New Big, Seth Godin
A Whack on the Side of the Head, Roger Von Oech
Mindset, John Naisbitt
Other Resources to Consider
Fast Company Magazine, www.fastcompany.com
Evangelical Missions Quarterly, www.emqonline.com
Momentum Magazine, http://www.momentum-mag.org/
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Look where God is Moving!
When we are striving to think innovatively, it can be such a challenge to get past the challenges in front of us. One of those areas that presents seemingly enormous challenges is fundraising for missionaries or for organizations. The world has changed so much and it is easy to get caught in what we can't do.
Recently, Tim Rickel (who heads up Development and Marketing for World Gospel Mission) shared with me a unique approach that his team at WGM took.
What I liked about it was that they got around simply rehashing the struggles/challenges and zeroed in on where God is moving today.
Check out his blog posting about it:http://rickelblog.wordpress.com/2008/03/21/where-god-is-working/
Recently, Tim Rickel (who heads up Development and Marketing for World Gospel Mission) shared with me a unique approach that his team at WGM took.
What I liked about it was that they got around simply rehashing the struggles/challenges and zeroed in on where God is moving today.
Check out his blog posting about it:http://rickelblog.wordpress.com/2008/03/21/where-god-is-working/
Monday, March 24, 2008
Clutterless Innovation
We live in a world where one more of anything is too much!!
We are overloaded, overcommitted, saturated, innundated . . .
So what is an innovator to do in a world that is crying for people to stop creating new things that they will have to pay attention to?
Here are some thoughts on how to innovate in a full world:
1. Even though people's lives are full, they want solutions to very specific challenges that they feel are a need. If you can identify a true need out there and speak to those people about your solution it will not be seen as more clutter.
2. Gone are the days when one tool works for all. Instead of broadcasting your innovation out generically, you will see better results by finding a smaller niche market.
3. Tie your innovation to something people are already using. If your innovation helps make another established resource more valueable, people will be more willing to add it into their lives.
4. Tell personal stories of impact with your invention. People don't want marketing hype. They want to see that a new idea/product/vision can help them with their daily challenges.
Finally, don't assume that anyone cares. Don't take anyone who you excite for granted. Each person who adopts your innovation is a huge milestone and it takes this one-by-one approach to really grow a new idea.
We are overloaded, overcommitted, saturated, innundated . . .
So what is an innovator to do in a world that is crying for people to stop creating new things that they will have to pay attention to?
Here are some thoughts on how to innovate in a full world:
1. Even though people's lives are full, they want solutions to very specific challenges that they feel are a need. If you can identify a true need out there and speak to those people about your solution it will not be seen as more clutter.
2. Gone are the days when one tool works for all. Instead of broadcasting your innovation out generically, you will see better results by finding a smaller niche market.
3. Tie your innovation to something people are already using. If your innovation helps make another established resource more valueable, people will be more willing to add it into their lives.
4. Tell personal stories of impact with your invention. People don't want marketing hype. They want to see that a new idea/product/vision can help them with their daily challenges.
Finally, don't assume that anyone cares. Don't take anyone who you excite for granted. Each person who adopts your innovation is a huge milestone and it takes this one-by-one approach to really grow a new idea.
Monday, March 17, 2008
21 in 21 - A New Generation on Mission
There was an exciting Symposium that happened recently at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. It looked at the 21st Century of missions and what a new generation would bring to it.
One of our facebook group members is a leader at the seminary - David Livermore. See what he said about it and take a minute to check out the presentations:
"At Jon's invitation, I just wanted to mention a symposium we recently convened at the Global Learning Center here in Grand Rapids. With Bill Taylor as our keynote presenter and some 20-somethings of course, we wrestled with the issue of what it looks like to learn from 20-somethings in how they view mission. A great deal of fascinating dialogue ensued. We'll be posting more results from the symposium in the future but for now, you can see some of the presentations at http://grts.cornerstone.edu/resources/glc/symposium"
Some of the presentations include:
- Learning to Listen to 20-Somethings
- Confessions of a Boomer
- Common Ground
This topic is of utmost importance because it is so hard to think outside of our context. We struggle to engage with younger or older generations so many times. However, if you are already in missions, this is the time to understand how a new generation will do missions differently.
If you are one of those 20-somethings (or maybe even younger) who is working through what missions is - be encouraged. Your journey is exactly what missions needs. As you think through the issues, pray about how you will approach it, and innovate with the challenges and opportunities of the day, God is going to use you in incredible ways!
One of our facebook group members is a leader at the seminary - David Livermore. See what he said about it and take a minute to check out the presentations:
"At Jon's invitation, I just wanted to mention a symposium we recently convened at the Global Learning Center here in Grand Rapids. With Bill Taylor as our keynote presenter and some 20-somethings of course, we wrestled with the issue of what it looks like to learn from 20-somethings in how they view mission. A great deal of fascinating dialogue ensued. We'll be posting more results from the symposium in the future but for now, you can see some of the presentations at http://grts.cornerstone.edu/resources/glc/symposium"
Some of the presentations include:
- Learning to Listen to 20-Somethings
- Confessions of a Boomer
- Common Ground
This topic is of utmost importance because it is so hard to think outside of our context. We struggle to engage with younger or older generations so many times. However, if you are already in missions, this is the time to understand how a new generation will do missions differently.
If you are one of those 20-somethings (or maybe even younger) who is working through what missions is - be encouraged. Your journey is exactly what missions needs. As you think through the issues, pray about how you will approach it, and innovate with the challenges and opportunities of the day, God is going to use you in incredible ways!
Monday, March 10, 2008
Innovation means digging deep
So many times when we set out to innovate in our ministries we realize that the problems we are seeking to solve have many layers. Just as we dig into the first issue, we begin to understand the many other issues that have lead to this problem.
The tendancy is to stop digging and focus on the solution to the top layer of challenges. We say, "This is a big enough chunck to deal with for now!" There is a problem with this however. So many times the top layer cannot be solved until the underlying layers are dealt with. This is no fun to hear but it is true.
As I have dealt with this issue in the past, I have had no other choice than to keep digging. It is painful and challenging, but as you dig deeper into your particular challenge you begin to understand what real innovation in that area must look like.
You see, when you were working on the top layer, your innovation work might end up only compounding the problem. But if you really understand the depth of the challenge then your innovation work will be informed by all of the layers.
Hopefully this will lead to richer and more comprehensive solutions to the significant problems that face missions. It isn't fun work, but it is the work that we must do if we are to uncover the new ideas that will help us serve Christ in a changing world.
So lets get digging!
The tendancy is to stop digging and focus on the solution to the top layer of challenges. We say, "This is a big enough chunck to deal with for now!" There is a problem with this however. So many times the top layer cannot be solved until the underlying layers are dealt with. This is no fun to hear but it is true.
As I have dealt with this issue in the past, I have had no other choice than to keep digging. It is painful and challenging, but as you dig deeper into your particular challenge you begin to understand what real innovation in that area must look like.
You see, when you were working on the top layer, your innovation work might end up only compounding the problem. But if you really understand the depth of the challenge then your innovation work will be informed by all of the layers.
Hopefully this will lead to richer and more comprehensive solutions to the significant problems that face missions. It isn't fun work, but it is the work that we must do if we are to uncover the new ideas that will help us serve Christ in a changing world.
So lets get digging!
Networking - so little time so many options
Have you noticed how many opportunities you have these days to network. Whether it is conferences or networking web sites, they seem to be popping up everywhere. How do you make these choices when your life is already too full?
Here are some tips worth considering:
1. In regards to networking web sites (linkedin.com, facebook.com, myspace.com), each one has a personality and a style. Join all three and watch how the features play out. You will probably find that one or two really fit you and how you operate. Then stick with that one instead of trying to manage 5-6 networking profiles successfully.
2. When looking at a potential conference, the first thing you should do is throw away the promotional materials they send you. There are many good conferences but you won't know it from the materials.
3. When you find a conference that looks interesting, find someone who has gone. Usually these conferences tend to focus on a certain type of person. Some attract CEO-level people and are most beneficial to them. Others attract workers who are dealing with very practical day-to-day issues. You need to know that so that you will understand what kind of networking can be accomplished.
4. The city where it's held is important. Are there other organizations/people you need to meet with in town? If so you can combine the event with other key meetings.
5. The keynote speakers are usually hyped significantly. Think about listening to something they have online via podcast. Or read something they have written. Decide whether hearing from them will help you in your specific ministry/function.
I hope these help you as you wade through the onslaught of networking opportunities.
Here are some tips worth considering:
1. In regards to networking web sites (linkedin.com, facebook.com, myspace.com), each one has a personality and a style. Join all three and watch how the features play out. You will probably find that one or two really fit you and how you operate. Then stick with that one instead of trying to manage 5-6 networking profiles successfully.
2. When looking at a potential conference, the first thing you should do is throw away the promotional materials they send you. There are many good conferences but you won't know it from the materials.
3. When you find a conference that looks interesting, find someone who has gone. Usually these conferences tend to focus on a certain type of person. Some attract CEO-level people and are most beneficial to them. Others attract workers who are dealing with very practical day-to-day issues. You need to know that so that you will understand what kind of networking can be accomplished.
4. The city where it's held is important. Are there other organizations/people you need to meet with in town? If so you can combine the event with other key meetings.
5. The keynote speakers are usually hyped significantly. Think about listening to something they have online via podcast. Or read something they have written. Decide whether hearing from them will help you in your specific ministry/function.
I hope these help you as you wade through the onslaught of networking opportunities.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Crowdsourcing Your Ministry
The concept of crowdsourcing can revolutionize our ministry initiatives. By looking to the crowds of people who interact with your ministry for new ideas and creative strategies, you can seriously expand your potential.
Many times when we are in need of new ideas we look to consultants or other vendors. There is nothing wrong with that for sure . . . outside vendors play a key role in innovation. But what we don't often consider is that the crowd of people around us might play a role as well.
What projects do you need a breakthrough in? What crowd of people might you mobilize today?
Many times when we are in need of new ideas we look to consultants or other vendors. There is nothing wrong with that for sure . . . outside vendors play a key role in innovation. But what we don't often consider is that the crowd of people around us might play a role as well.
What projects do you need a breakthrough in? What crowd of people might you mobilize today?
Monday, March 03, 2008
The conference you didn’t go to
This has happened to everyone! You open up a magazine and see an advertisement for yet another conference. As you scan the list of speakers and seminars, you get more and more excited. Then you see the details. Yes, its in Switzerland. Yes, the cost per attendee is huge. Yes, the only hotel you can stay at cost 150.00 per night. “Oh well, so much for that opportunity,” you say as you flip the page.
Well, this time the story will be different. I would like to introduce you to one of the premier conferences in the area of innovation. And the good news is that it is FREE! Well, better said, the conference is insanely expensive but all the content is uploaded to the internet for everyone afterwards.
TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) is a unique event that brings together innovators from these three areas to produce a very exciting event. The speakers are the top innovators and thinkers. This is a great opportunity for you to access some of the newest thinking and apply it to your ministry context.
I would recommend you start with these:
Hans Rosling brings life to data and helps us apply it practically - http://www.ted.com/index.php/speakers/view/id/90
Paul Bennett shares how to innovate with design –
http://www.ted.com/index.php/speakers/view/id/40
Jeff Bezos from Amazon talks about innovation online –
http://www.ted.com/index.php/speakers/view/id/101
Robin Chase, founder of Zipcar, shares about practical conservation –
http://www.ted.com/index.php/speakers/view/id/101
If you are reading this from somewhere in the world where high-speed Internet is not yet your reality, don’t worry. You can also get much of the concepts and ideas through the TED blog: http://blog.ted.com/ .
I hope this resource will help you engage with new ideas and apply them creatively to missions.
Well, this time the story will be different. I would like to introduce you to one of the premier conferences in the area of innovation. And the good news is that it is FREE! Well, better said, the conference is insanely expensive but all the content is uploaded to the internet for everyone afterwards.
TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) is a unique event that brings together innovators from these three areas to produce a very exciting event. The speakers are the top innovators and thinkers. This is a great opportunity for you to access some of the newest thinking and apply it to your ministry context.
I would recommend you start with these:
Hans Rosling brings life to data and helps us apply it practically - http://www.ted.com/index.php/speakers/view/id/90
Paul Bennett shares how to innovate with design –
http://www.ted.com/index.php/speakers/view/id/40
Jeff Bezos from Amazon talks about innovation online –
http://www.ted.com/index.php/speakers/view/id/101
Robin Chase, founder of Zipcar, shares about practical conservation –
http://www.ted.com/index.php/speakers/view/id/101
If you are reading this from somewhere in the world where high-speed Internet is not yet your reality, don’t worry. You can also get much of the concepts and ideas through the TED blog: http://blog.ted.com/ .
I hope this resource will help you engage with new ideas and apply them creatively to missions.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Today was a good day
Today was a good day. You know those days when the ideas flow, you get resolution and you feel like all that hard work is paying off.
Today was a good day. It was one of those moments when the idea I have been struggling with for weeks became clear. For no apparent reason, today it was like looking at a vivid picture with every detail.
Today was a good day. That ongoing discussion I have been having got resolved. I didn't even expect it to happen, but with one short meeting things fell into place.
Today was a good day. Those hours of detail work finally came to a close and I was able to move on to a new stage.
But I ask myself the question, "Why was today a good day?"
It was a good day because yesterday wasn't.
Yesterday my ideas were stuck in a hole so deep I couldn't even see them. I tried to dig for inspiration, but all I got were words and ideas flying around in my head.
Yesterday was full of conflict. People not agreeing, confusion, and miscommunication ruled the day.
Yesterday was the detail work that never seemed to end. It was all those little things that don't seem to matter but they do when you add them up.
Yesterday was not a good day.
But because I kept working yesterday, I arrived at today. Thank you God for the strength to survive the yesterdays and I pray for the humility to take advantge of today.
Today was a good day. It was one of those moments when the idea I have been struggling with for weeks became clear. For no apparent reason, today it was like looking at a vivid picture with every detail.
Today was a good day. That ongoing discussion I have been having got resolved. I didn't even expect it to happen, but with one short meeting things fell into place.
Today was a good day. Those hours of detail work finally came to a close and I was able to move on to a new stage.
But I ask myself the question, "Why was today a good day?"
It was a good day because yesterday wasn't.
Yesterday my ideas were stuck in a hole so deep I couldn't even see them. I tried to dig for inspiration, but all I got were words and ideas flying around in my head.
Yesterday was full of conflict. People not agreeing, confusion, and miscommunication ruled the day.
Yesterday was the detail work that never seemed to end. It was all those little things that don't seem to matter but they do when you add them up.
Yesterday was not a good day.
But because I kept working yesterday, I arrived at today. Thank you God for the strength to survive the yesterdays and I pray for the humility to take advantge of today.
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