Innovation in the Ministry

Innovation in the churches, is this possible? Can any church ministry have innovative ideas? Will it cause more problems than help? Without innovation what can happen to a church ministry? For one thing, without innovation, morale dwindles, it may cause of an organization or small group to die a slow, painful death. With innovation, it will enable a ministry, organization or small group to refocus on the very reason it was create. Innovation is like a breath of fresh air, eliminating the stagnation of a crusted environment.

As a leader, you must ask yourself these painful questions:
How do I find the time to implement innovative ideas?
What if I fail, how will others perceive my failures?
Is it really worth the effort to innovate?

As a leader you should make innovation a requirement. It is a tool used to repackage or to re-engineer stale processes that no longer are effective. Effective leadership in any ministry helps create innovative organizations. New ideas should become the DNA or culture of an organization. In other words, the big “I” should become a part of the character and personality of the organization. So the next question for leaders to consider is how do you develop a culture of innovation? There are six tips that a leader should follow.

1. Communication is key: involve staff members
a. Discus how you should meet the targeted audience.

2. Schedule a retreat for leaders
a. Get away for 2 to 3 days to strategize the steps for innovation.

3. Provide training, seminars and workshops for staff members and volunteers
a. Training is key to innovative success.

4. Develop strategic planning guide with board members
a. Create a vision: Where does the church need to be going?
b. Create a mission: How is the church going to get there?
c. Create goals: What steps need to take place to achieve success?

5. Attend conferences
a. Networking and sharing your ideas with others.

6. Talk to other leaders
a. Ask other leaders about the tools and practices they use to embed innovation into the culture of the organization.


Developing a new way of thinking requires patience, consistency and nurturing. The payoff may just win more souls to Christ. Now isn’t that what it is all about?