Innovation vs. Renovation

As I’ve continued to read The Art of Innovation by Tom Kelley, I’ve been thinking more and more about whether I’m an innovator or renovator. Tom hasn’t really talked much about the art of renovation, but I think it deserves a conversation just as much as innovation.

On the one hand, the church should be the innovator of ideas for the purpose of advancing God’s work on earth. Leading the way, shaping culture, defining the norm, and not in the tailgate of the truck (along for the ride, not driving, and fearful of falling off the bandwagon at any bump in the road.)

On the other hand, the church needs to be an expert at the fine art of renovation. We have a 2,000 year old message that needs a fresh face: a new look, a new appeal, a new way to interpret it’s meaning. The church needs to be in constant renovation to remain relevant while holding on to the main structure, a firm foundation, some way to look at the outside and see the house that was built long ago.  

So am I an innovator or a renovator?

Sometimes both, but more so a renovator. I have a vision of what the church could be. And it looks a little like your church, a little like my old church, a little like a church  I’ve only seen on the web. I’m going to steal all their ideas and make changes based on our audience. 

My goal in 2008:
Innovate.Observe the behavior of our people, and birth a new idea. a new solution. a new way to get meaning in our lives.