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A Key Component in Innovation:  Risk

Orginally published on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 8:29 AM
by Todd Rhoades

According to Scott Berkun, the author of The Myths of Innovation, the key word in those who innovate is “risk”. Berkun says that that some of the companies that we look at as being the best at innovation, like Google, Apple, Pixar and 3M, promote innovation through a culture where ‘it’s ok to take risks, where failure is acceptable if valuable lessons can be learned. Whenever risks can be taken in a safe environment, innovation is much more likely to be successful.’

Another interesting caveat: while innovation can happen in both small and large organizations or churches, the larger your organization, the more dedicated resources you’ll need to fuel the innovation process; and the more you’ll need to risk failure. That is particularly hard (especially the failure part) as your church grows.

You can listen to a 30 minute interview with Berkun here.

QUESTION:  Is your church willing to accept risk and failure when there are lessons to be learned?  What is the last big risk that you took in your leadership that actually paid off in some type of innovation?


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  There are 4 Comments:

  • Posted by Rick Whitter
    Monday, August 18, 2008 at 9:15 AM

    Todd,

    Great article and thought for today’s MMI.  The timing for me is perfect. I am speaking this weekend at a small conference for younger pastors and my topic is “Risky Business: Taking Risks in MInistry”.  I agree with the concept of risks being a natural part of innovation and I also believe that the larger the organization, the greater the risks.  In 1987 Terry Muck wrote a book that I consider to be a classic: “When to Take a Risk: A Guide to Pastoral Decision Making”. I would suggest it for any readers who want to dig deeper into the process.  He develops three categories of decisions: Theological, Institutional/Organizational, Interpersonal. Although over 20 years old, I found the info very helpful.  One of the things I hope to leave these young pastors with is the idea of - understand the necessity and reality of taking risks in ministry but please do so with wisdom. Learn the “art” of Risk Management in ministry.

    Thanks again, Todd!

    Rick Whitter
    rickwhitter.com

  • Posted by Ken B
    Monday, August 18, 2008 at 2:04 PM

    First thing I thought of too, was the book by Muck.  I’ve been in ministry for over 40 years, and my evaluation would be that I did not take enough risks - I would call me a “scared leader.” No that was not a typo - I wish I could look back and call myself a “sacred leader.” I admired men who were those natural born leaders - and took their congregations to do great things for God.  I was more of a maintainer.

  • Posted by
    Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 10:38 PM

    Starting our church was a huge risk. Going to two, three , four, services was a risk. Starting a second and third campus was a risk. But our greatest risk and I think innovation was going to 7 Nights of Worship a year and a half ago. (7NOW).
    We were able to add several hundred more into our two large services on Sunday morning. Now they are full again and will attempt to move 100 out of each service this Sept. to one of our nights of Worship. The reason I know its risky, is I still havent heard of any churches doing church 7 Nights a Week!!! Any takers. I love to attend the diff. more intimate enviroments, each night.
    http://www.visitoasis.org.
    .

  • Posted by Graham
    Thursday, August 28, 2008 at 12:51 PM

    We are currently partnering with two organizations to build a building we can all use.  We owned the property and have taken out the loan, and they will lease space from us to meet in during the week.  There are many complexities in making this come together, shared building usage has it’s difficulties, but in the end the Church has a place to meet and is using it to meet need in the community too!  A bonus is one of the organizations is a high school - giving us great opportunity to have intersections with students and their families as they enter our building every day of the school year.

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