In the first quarter of the New Year, if leaders were to ask team members to generate new ideas describing possibilities for Internet outreach, would more effective ministry result?
I believe it would.
The key is having a practical process to inspire new ideas; to mobilize your people to create momentum for the gospel and Internet ministry.
Start with a one-page action plan
Use the KISS principle. Keep It Simple Soldier.
1. Set a strategic goal: Redesign how we use new media and technology for outreach.
2. Encourage everyone to submit ideas.
3. Use idea management software to provide a platform for collecting, sorting and evaluating ideas.
4. Make sure every idea is considered.
5. Bring your winning ideas to life.
6. Recognize the idea generators.
Eliminate the idea busters
We’ve all had our ideas busted with comments like these. And we’ve probably used some of them to bust the ideas of others. Eliminate them.
1. That won’t work here.
2. We’ve never done that before.
3. No budget.
4. No staff.
5. That’s too weird.
6. We’re too small.
Look to the greatest source of inspiration
Ideas can come from anywhere. The greatest source of inspiration ever produced is the Bible. Encourage team members to spend daily time with God, in His Word. Pray about the process. Ask God for His direction. In an instant, the Source of all wisdom can give birth to a transformative thought.
Create a climate that is more open and welcoming of new ideas for advancing your use of all communication technologies in 2011. Visual communication. IT. Social media. Internet broadcasting. Make getting new ideas for media ministry a sustained topical focus throughout the year.
Remember, “Little Is Much When God Is in It”
There may be times when it feels like all you’re getting, or capable of implementing, is seemingly small or insignificant ideas. Especially when the ideas are compared to the mission of winning cities and the world to Christ.
Please. Move ahead.
Even the smallest spark of an idea, no matter how weird, can ignite transformation in the use of communication technologies for outreach. Let me give you an example.
Just today, coincidentally, Mark Howell threw out what he called a weird idea to move forward on exponential outreach. The idea has to do with watching a Nickelback video and then using it as a discussion starter with non-Christian friends.
It’s small ideas just like Mark’s, set before the Lord and energized by His Spirit, that might lead to the next revival in your city.
OK, let the inspiration begin!
A little one shall become a thousand, And a small one a strong nation. I, the LORD, will hasten it in its time. Isaiah 60:22
In the harvest field now ripened, There’s a work for all to do. Hark, the voice of God is calling, To the harvest calling you.
Does the place you’re called to labor, Seem so small and little known? It is great if God is in it, And He’ll not forget His own.
When the conflict here is ended, And our race on earth is run, He will say, if we are faithful, “Welcome home, my child, well done.”
Chorus
Little is much when God is in it. Labor not for wealth or fame. There’s a crown and you can win it, If you go in Jesus’ name.