Friday, May 22, 2009

Creativity, Failure, and the Church


The video I linked in my earlier post claimed that outside-the-box thinking (aka - creative and/or lateral thinking) is a discipline to be developed more than an opportunistic spark that simply hits on occasion. He posited that there are societal and systemic reasons for the restraint and/or the unleashing of creativity amongst people. I completely agree.

"there is no word in the English language that communicates: a fully justified venture which, for reasons beyond your control, did not succeed. We simply say mistake - and people see mistakes as problems, barriers to advancement, etc..."

Erwin McManus (http://erwinmcmanus.com/podcast/) says:

"there are all different aspects and forms of creativity. It isn't limited to artists. All of us have creative expression to discover and unleash, and it is how we contribute to bringing God's Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven."

Every organization wants to succeed; the church included. Often our desire to succeed (or fear of failure - which is a fear of insecurity) inhibits freedom to risk and mitigates lateral/outside-the-box thinking. There never seems to enough time, energy, or willingness to entertain ideas that may be a "fully justified venture" but stand a strong chance of failure. In this reality success will only last as long as the current modus operandi brings it. We see this happening to GM. They are captive to old paradigms and riding them all the way down. Their window to risk, try new things, and learn new paradigms to reach a changing market has closed.

I would argue that the paradigm and operating idea of the christian church in America is changing rapidly and our fear of failure, our unfamiliarity with creative thinking, and low tolerance for risk are undermining our ability to adapt and solve new problems. This statement, of course, is a sweeping generalization. There are several churches and Jesus movements across America that are pioneering new territory and thoughtfully trying new and radical ideas; but they are miniscule (in my opinion) compared to the majority that are entrenched and often blind to the realities leading to their demise. If they wait much longer they will follow in way of GM.

Working towards a solution - 3 things that will help bring change:
  1. Empower (no...require...demand....provoke) your church community to dream. If Erwin is right (earlier quote) then they have a calling and imagination that will be critical to the future...just as much as the dreams and imagination of the staff.
  2. Change the culture of your leadership by rewarding risk and lateral thinking. We learn more when we fail than when we succeed.
  3. Take a long and hard look at reality. Get to know the stats about the church in America. Understand the perception that many in your community have of your church. Keep it Real.