| Techniques of Innovation
Innovation also helps us fashion original and interesting presentations for existing ideas and ministries. Through innovation we can help to renew interest, spark involvement and simplify complex and broad-based ideas. There are several tools we use to accomplish innovative ministry communication.
Themeing. A theme is an implicit or recurring thought. By applying an overall theme or motif to a ministry, we can communicate several things at once--with information working on one level and theme working on another. I have used themes extensively in children's, youth and summer programs.
Metaphors. A metaphor is using one thing to represent another. It allows us to present a complex ministry idea in a simple manner. Jesus used metaphors throughout His teaching because it allowed Him to share God-sized thoughts in a way that the average person could understand.
Throughout Matthew 13, Jesus compares "the Kingdom of Heaven" to "a mustard seed," "a treasure hidden in a field," and "a net cast into the sea." The average person in Jesus' time did not have an understanding of the Kingdom of Heaven that He was speaking of. But they could relate to a mustard seed, or a treasure hidden in a field, or a net cast into the sea. These are metaphors that Jesus used to relate an important truth.
Counter-programming. Another innovative way of presenting ministry is counter-programming--doing just the opposite of what is expected. Jesus was the Master of counter-programming. He never did what people expected. They called Him a king--He called Himself the Prince of Peace. They tried to get him to stone a woman who had sinned--He told them whoever is without sin should cast the first stone. Many times the Bible leads us to discover something in ministry that will appear as counter-programming. Often the Bible leads us in a direction that is opposite of the marketplace and external influences. Counter-programming is innovation that simply says, "We don't play by the world's rules."
Refreshing. Innovation can also occur by simply refreshing, or revitalizing, an existing ministry. This could be something as simple as a new logo or graphic. It may be a different phrase or keyword that becomes associated with that ministry. Refreshing never involves radical changes to the structure or work of the ministry--just a simple updating to something that is already working well. Through refreshing, people are encouraged to "take another look" at an area they may have overlooked before.
Toning. Toning is similar to refreshing, but this process involves changing the overall tone, or "flavor" of the promotion of an existing ministry in order to capture additional attention and involvement. The most commonplace example of toning at Brook Hills is our Pastor's Sunday messages. While this ministry is consistent in terms of time and place each week, the content of the message changes constantly. Consequently the tone of the promotion will change as well. A series on the family, a sermon about the War on Terrorism, a message from the book of Romans--all will have a different tone in our promotional efforts.
Serendipity. We can't discount what the world calls "the happy accident" and what we call "God pulling it all together." Serendipity occurs when several ministries just "fit together" without any pre-planning at all. Surprisingly this happens frequently. Recently there were several events planned separately for Mother's Day, including special music for worship, a baby dedication time and activities in our children's ministry. Though not planned together, they complemented each other in a serendipitous way, making the day "fit together" in a meaningful way for families. We shouldn't be surprised, because if God's people are earnestly seeking His will and are in His service, then serendipity will indeed occur.
 For Further Reading On This Topic...
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About the Author. Eugene L. Mason has more than two decades of experience in ministry communications and technologies. More...
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