Keep Innovating, no matter what Others say

Apple had their annual iPhone event last week showcasing the new iPhone 7 and 7 Plus as well as the new Apple Watch Series 2. During this event and the aftermath that followed a few things that stood out to me that directly applies to ministers and ministries.

For starters, Apple keeps innovating and pushing the envelope. Now, I can already hear the nay-sayers interrupt saying, “Apple didn’t innovate anything”. So, I want to remind everyone what innovate actually means. In the dictionary to innovate means two things. It means to “make changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas, or products.”  And, it means “introduce (something new, especially a product)”.  So, according to this definition they innovated with the new iPhone 7 and the AirPods.

Speaking of those AirPods, there was a lot of mockery and people upset with them for innovating and coming out with these AirPods. I will not defend Apple here as that’s not the point of this post.

“Ok, ok Tom thanks for recapping some of the Apple Event, but how does this apply to me and my ministry?”

Apple’s event directly applies to ministers and their ministry in 2 very specific ways:

1. Innovate. This applies to definition 1 and 2 of the innovation. Keep changing and making things better in your ministry AND keep introducing new ideas and events. Everything we do as ministers NEEDS to get better and better every year. I understand that we have events or activities that are staple to our ministry. Or, we do things a certain way in our ministries. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t keep on innovating and pushing the envelope and make changes to the way we are doing them.  And it doesn’t mean we can’t introduce new ideas. The more we innovate and push the envelope the more effectively we will be at ministering to others.
2. Don’t let peoples criticism of you stop you. The reality is that not everyone will be happy with your innovation or change. People are not happy with the AirPods, but that doesn’t mean Apple shouldn’t create new products. In the same way, people may not understand why you are doing this or that in your ministry. They may even criticize you. That’s ok. As long as you have sought after the Lord for his guidance, gotten good input from other leaders and have been clear in sharing your vision and strategy with others you have gone through the process good. If they still are critical that’s ok.

Times change, people we minister to change. We need to keep innovating to best minister so that everyone has an opportunity to hear about Christ.

What about you? How are you and your ministry at innovating? What are you doing now in your ministry innovate? Share below or on social media using #ymsidekick to share.