Innovation for the New Year

Welcome to 2022! Our prayer is that this is the best year of ministry and leadership you have ever experienced. The challenges of the last 18 months in our nation has put many roadblocks in front of those who are leading in ministry. Many have been discouraged because of the ramifications that the pandemic has had on their ministry and ability to connect with people. While there have been complications that we have never faced before, it has also given leaders an opportunity to be creative in their approach to leadership. Frankly, we have had to lead and minister in ways we never thought we would have to. However, at the end of the day, great leaders see through the obstacles and see the opportunity. Great leaders see past the problem and see the potential. It all comes down to having a creative mindset and approach.

So how will you innovate this year? Allow me to share some thoughts of what innovative leaders do to stay fresh in their approach to leadership.

Stay Flexible

An innovative leader and pastor is never content to accept or live with the status quo. There will be things that you try that simply do not work. An innovative leader does not throw up his hands in disgust and walk away but rather is flexible in his thinking and approach to leadership knowing that when something does not work it only means there is a better method out there to reach the desired result for which you are looking. What are you currently doing in your ministry or leadership that is not producing the desired results? Schedule a meeting with your staff or team of leaders and ask the question of why it is not producing. Then look at creative alternatives to changing the approach to the program or eliminating it all together.

Stay Energized

Innovation takes energy. When you are consistently looking for new ideas and methodology, it requires an intense amount of creative energy – not just mentally but even physically. Doing something physical every day boosts your brain function, fuels higher energy levels, and helps you manage stress more effectively. Get the amount of sleep that you need each night and shut your mind down when you go home from the church or office. Look for natural ways to increase your energy level. I have never seen an innovative leader that does not maintain and exude a significant amount of energy. Energy is contagious and will increase not only your effectiveness but also the effectiveness of those around you. Start a routine of physical exercise and activity this week. Put it in your To-Do list or goal tracking system and be faithful. Go to bed earlier so that you can get up earlier. Make the decision today to replace some of the junk food that you regularly eat with a diet that will increase your level of energy and focus.

Stay Positive

Innovative leaders are not perfect but they just learn better from their mistakes. The only way for you to maintain the right level of innovation and creativity is to maintain a positive outlook on life and leadership. Optimism is crucial because it builds the momentum you and your team need when things do not go as planned. Beyond momentum, optimism keeps your perspective open to new ideas, which is the basis of successful innovation. People want to follow a leader who believes in what God has called him to do and believes in the people he is leading! Take 5 minutes right now to assess your attitude. Do you walk into your church or your office with a smile on your face? Do you look people in the eye and greet them by name? What tone of voice do you use with people on your staff or team? Make a conscious effort to be optimistic in all situations. Optimism is not a feeling – it is a choice!

We pray that 2022 is a great year of innovation and creativity in your leadership. Take advantage of the opportunity to lead in ways you have never led before so the people you lead will become whom they have never been before. We are excited to take this journey with you throughout the year as we have the most innovative year we have ever had!