Innovation in ministry is any new change of practice that improves performance.[1] To say it another way, church innovation is doing something new that results in more impact.
While digging through the Leadership Network archives, I came across this NetFax article, Jumping the Sigmoid Curve, and I think it clearly explains why churches must innovate:
One of the most useful tools in understanding the natural life cycle of a product, an organization, a church or even a relationship is the sigmoid or S curve. The secret to constant growth is to start a new S curve before the first one ends and the right place to start the second curve is at point A when there is the time, energy and resources to get the new curve through its initial stages before the first curve plateaus and declines.
Why do we not recognize the obvious principle of beginning the new curve at point A? At point A all the messages received by the individual or organization indicate that everything is fine... there is no need to change. Why tinker with success?
The second curve, whether it is a new product, a new strategy, or new program, is going to be different from the old. It has to be and so are the people leading the new curve. Those who lead the second curve are often not the people who led the first curve. For a time, new ideas and new people have to co-exist with the old until the second curve is established and the first begins to wane. The shaded area thus becomes a time of great confusion. Two, or more, groups of people and two sets of ideas are competing for the future.
In the 1990's, the first curve is now peaking for thousands of institutions and organizations... and yes, churches and denominations. Where is your church or organization on the S curve? And where are you personally on the S curve of your career or ministry?
A church natural life cycle of 60 or 70 years (just a guess; cf. chart). It's normal for a church to survive for a certain duration of time. And, if that church doesn't innovate when things are running well and plateauing, then it will naturally decline and close its doors one day. It's just a matter of time.
This Rev Magazine article, Innovate or Die: How to FIGHT THE FORCES OF STAGNATION AND fuel the fires of innovation IN YOUR CHURCH, adds this idea about the theology of innovation: Innovation is one of the trademarks of God’s nature. Humans, made in the image of God, are also endowed with creative abilities...
What does church innovation look like today? Look at this list of characteristics of highly innovative churches.
Where is your church along this organizational sigmoid curve?
// DJ Chuang, Director at Leadership Network
DJ:
You are right. Highly innovative congregations should consider jumping the Sigmoid Curve at point "A" which is the Adolescence stage of their life cycle.
When doing so they should realize that resistance may come from those connected with the congregation more than ten years who are committed to the former vision. Allies will be those who have connected within the past three to five years.
Beyond innovative congregations it is very unlikely other congregations will jump the Sigmoid Curve until they reach Maturity or Empty Nest--point "B"--where they feel the pain of loss.
George Bullard
Posted by: BullardJournal | April 27, 2009 at 10:17 AM
People want to experience God Himself. Candles are nice but His Shekinah Presence is what every one on the planet wants and needs. You cannot have that unless you focus on Ecstasy with Him. A little dab of God does not do us. Power manifested accompanies this heavenly atmosphere. People become whole and meet Christ. We must want Him more than ministry. Learning to have doves eyes. Pastor Barbara Moore www.harvestmountain.org
Posted by: Barbara Moore | July 04, 2009 at 09:20 AM