the
Faithful
Innovation
Framework
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Faithful innovation means learning new ways
to embody Christian identity and purpose
in a changing cultural context.
It's about adopting practices
and habits
that allow the treasures of Christian tradition
to speak afresh today.
Often, it involves the rediscovery of ancient spiritual practices
as much as the discovery of new technologies.
Faithful innovation requires the entire people of God, not just the pastor, to participate in discerning where God is leading.
Who are faithful innovators?
A passionate community of lay and ordained leaders from across the Christian landscape
who want to grow in their capacity to live out a gospel witness in today's cultures.
Why do we innovate faithfully?
Because we believe:
The Triune God is actively creating, reconciling, healing, and restoring the world.
God is with us in Christ and invites us to join in what God is doing.
The reconciling and renewing gospel of Jesus Christ is a matter of life and death for the whole world.
The Holy Spirit gathers and sustains the local church.
The primary leader of the local church is God.
All baptized Christians are called to follow Jesus by joining God's work in daily life.
Together with our communities, we engage in three core practices:
Listen
to God,
one another,
and neighbors.
Act
experimentally,
collaboratively,
and reflectively.
Share
generously
with the church
and world.
Leaders are called to embody and equip their communities in these core tasks:
Connect with God
Christian communities need a Christ-centered identity,
grounded in theology, scripture, and spiritual practice,
that empowers them to live as disicples of Jesus Christ in everyday life.
Tell the Story
All baptized Christians need to be equipped to tell the story of Jesus
and invite others in to Jesus’ way of life and love
in words secular neighbors can recognize.
Cultivate Community
Christian communities need to be centers of deep listening,
where God’s presence is named
and life-giving relationships are formed
across all dimensions of diversity, both within and beyond the church.
Practice Justice
Through mutual relationships with the neighbors among whom they’re hosted,
Christian communities need to join in acts of compassion, justice, and reconciliation
as a witness to the ministry of Jesus—
particularly in places of suffering and despair.
Shift Ministry Models
Christian communities need to harness skills
of agile leadership, stewardship, social entrepreneurism, and management
to be nimble enough to respond to a changing cultural landscape.