Now, Where Did I Put that Idea?

We all get ideas. Some are amazing, with the capacity to change the world. Some are not worth the napkin we've recorded them on. So often ideas are lost because we don't have a central place for recording them.

So here are 10 ideas for collecting ideas. Choose one and make it work for you!

1. Carry a pocket-sized notebook.
2. Use your fancy iPhone for notes (or most any cell phone will do).
3. Keep a bedside notebook for middle-of-the night brainstorms.
4. Keep a list on your refridgerator.
5. Email yourself.
6. Leave yourself a voicemail.
7. Facebook yourself.
8. Write your idea on a scrap of paper and shove it in your pocket, then collect them in a jar at the end of the day.
9. Call your administrative assistant and have him or her record your idea.
10. Write it on the palm of your hand.

Good Change

An interesting thought came to me last night as I was driving away from casting my vote in the election. It wasn't really a thought about which candiate would win, nor was it a partisan thought. It was more a subtle knowledge that change was in the air. Yes I know, we're getting a new president and change is inevitable. But the change I felt last night and the change we all feel coming is more than a new person in office. It's a change of the culture of the United States of America.

I am really a very unpolitically-minded individual. In fact, I often feel guilty that I push hard against getting mentally or conversationally involved in politics. So, this post really has little to do with who won the elections. It has to do with change.

My question of the day is do you fear or embrace change?

We certainly cannot deny change in America has come. The question is how will leaders in the church lead their congregations to either fear or embrace it?

And we cannot deny change is needed in the church. Whether your church is highly progressive or quite traditional, change is needed. Time doesn't stand still. Will you help your congregation fear change in the church or will you lead them to embrace it. If you're a leader, you do have a choice!

Make your decision today - to be a leader in the church who embraces change!

Innovative Leadership

What does it take to be an innovative leader in the church?

Let's simplify:
Innovation = designing change or introducing the new
Leader = one who goes first and guides

Put them together:
Innovation Leader = one who goes first and guides in the design of change or introduction of newness...in the church

It starts with a need for something new or something revised. Then, we add a vision. Then, we stir in the power of leadership. And you end up with your church leading into the future.

Are you an innovative leader? If so, lead!

One Idea Beyond Small Groups?

One idea can transform the church. Seriously?

Yep! One great idea can change everything...for the better. Think about it.

When someone invented Sunday School, they had a great idea. Sunday School worked! We know it worked, because much of the boomer generation grew up in Sunday School. They heard every major Bible story there. From Daniel in the lion's den to the birth of Jesus, they can still recite them all. And God changed lives through Sunday School!

Then...something in the culture changed and Sunday School seemed less like the thing to do.

So, someone invented Small Groups. It was a great idea! People spending time in biblical community; growing in relationship with each other, growing in their knowledge of God and supporting one another. We love small groups. Not only do we get the Bible, but we study in the context of relationship. People visit when we're sick. We laugh together when we're happy. We cry together when we're sad. We love it, because it works. God uses it.

But soon...something in the culture will change and Small Groups will seem less like the thing to do.

That's when the power of one great idea surfaces. One great idea might lead the global church to the idea beyond small groups. And you could be the one who God has entrusted with one great idea. Do you believe in the power of one great idea? What are you going to do about it?

Ministry Flashpoint

So what is a flashpoint? Aside from chemistry?

How about we start with chemistry. The simplest definition states that a flashpoint is the point at which something is about to blow up or ignite when heat is added. In a sense, this is the point at which a critical positive reaction takes place. So...in ministry, what if we defined a flashpoint as that point at which the Holy Spirit causes our human efforts to ignite?

My question for the day is: what does it take for us to innovate in such a way that the Holy Spirit causes our church or ministry to reach a "flashpoint" or a point when all our hard work takes off?

Ideas?

Thought and Innovation Leaders

Everyone thinks. But every thinker does not end up a leader.

If you're wondering whether or not you're a thought and innovation leader, let's take stock. When is the last time you swayed a group of people toward a healthy decision? When did someone last look to you to provide course and direction...for anything? When did you last spend time dreaming about the future of your church or ministry and then take action? If "today" is the answer to any of these questions, it's likely you're either a thought and innovation leader, or you're on your way to becoming one.

This blog is dedicated to those who sense they can make a difference in their church with their ability to catalyze change and create momentum. If you have the ability to discern and design the future for your church, this blog is for you. Our world needs the church of today to show up! Together let's help our churches to become relevant, transformational, proactive, truth-centered bodies of Christ!

Are you a thought and innovation leader? How so? It's okay. Brag a little. Because your story might provide a stepping stone for someone else to make an impact.