 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
What are the Top Church Innovations in the Last 25 years?
Orginally published on Monday, June 09, 2008 at 7:17 AM
by Todd Rhoades
I need your help... I'm compiling a list of the top church innovations over the past 25 years, and want to be sure I don't miss anything. It could be something as simple as the introduction of the video projector in church services, or one-use communion cups. Or it might be the video venue or the introduction of the start of internet campuses. I'm trying to put together an exhaustive list. Could you take a few moments to rack your brain... then that come to your heads (some of you might find this exercise fun, and can come up with a longer list... that'd be great). Of course, I'll be sure to compile the list and publish it here at MMI in the near future.
This post has been viewed 1181 times so far.
There are 8 Comments:
Hi... I'm Todd Rhoades. I'm a Christ-follower, husband, father and I love to connect leaders with other leaders. Hopefully you'll find something here at MMI you like and will return often. If you want, you can find out more about me or follow my every step on Twitter.
MondayMorningInsight.com | PO Box 446 | Bryan, OH 43506 |
-
Posted by Tye Male
Monday, June 09, 2008 at 11:15 AM
-
Posted by Josh Shepherd
Monday, June 09, 2008 at 6:36 PM
-
Posted by Peter Hamm
Monday, June 09, 2008 at 7:16 PM
-
Posted by Rick White
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 9:49 AM
-
Posted by John Morris
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 12:36 PM
-
Posted by Monte Sahlin
Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 6:52 AM
-
Posted by BHolt
Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 8:30 AM
-
Posted by
Monday, July 14, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Post Your Comments:1. Arena Database system. (or any quality database system for better tracking and communication.
2. The return of the Hammond B3 Organ in contemporary worship settings.
3. Large gathering spaces instead of cramped hallways.
4. Servant leadership.
5. Use of technology in worship.
6. Email for communication.
7. Emphasis on small groups
8. Direct and concentrated marketing.
9. Embracing of numerous learning styles.
10. Worship Centers are more in the half-round than pews lined up in straight rows.
5. Once the CCM market discovered the power of worship, the church benefited from better songs, better production (which seeped from the records to church) and the power of the marketplace.
4. Podcasting of sermons.
3. Digital publishing and marketing that enabled common curriculum such as Wild at Heart, Purpose-Driven Life and Cleansing Stream
2. Song lyrics projected. What a concept.
1. Coffeehouse in church. Love it.
I got another one Todd!
Monday Morning Insight!
This is a hard question to answer. Taken at face value, there are few “innovations” that actually come from the church itself.
In many ways, churches only contextualize, borrow and adapt rather than truly innovate. Innovation is actually quite rare in the business world as well. Innovations generally change the way people work, live and exist. The internet is truly innovative in that it has changed the way people live. The Church--and others--have only adapted it. Ditto with countless examples.
Perhaps a better question would be “what are the top 25 innovations that the Church has used to leverage for the Gospel?” Or perhaps that is what you meant with the question? Regardless, it is an important distinction that should be made.
- Non-lInear worship projection software
- Re-introducing solid theology to worship songs(although I think we’re still working on this one!)
- The mainstreaming of Charismatic/Pentecostal churches
- Non-Denominationalism(though I am happily in a denominational church)
I would suggest these items:
1. Growing number of practical ministries to help the poor and suffering in the community
2. Emphasis on praise in worship and contemporary Christian music
3. Utilizing the worship service as the primary locus for reaching out to unchurched people
4. Awareness of generational shifts in needs and styles of ministry
5. Recovery ministry
6. Relational approaches to evangelism and ministry (small groups, “Friendship Evangelism,” etc.)
7. Mega churches modeled after the rise of “big box” retail stores
8. Decrease in denominational identities; increase in non-denominational churches
9. Expansion in specialized or para-congregational ministries
10. Short-term missions
Monte Sahlin
Chairman
Center for Creative Ministry
Speaking from a children’s pastor perspective. I think we’re seeing:
1) Great improvements in Children’s Ministry programming - (ie:Elevate, Kidstuf, Kidmo etc.) -
2) As mentioned before: Greater use of technology for:
- Large group worship/teaching
- Church management (ie: fellowshipone) -
- Overall church communication.
3) Simplicity of overall church programming. fewer programs = more focused ministry!
I would like to add evangelism has changed to a marketing approach. (Less door to door and more mail-outs, billboards and direct marketing for efficiency and safety.)
Page 1 of 1 pages