Kingdom Innovation

A summary of Paul's process of developing a missional imagination

I’m reading New Frontiers in Missiology in preparation for my Thirdmill Seminary class, “Global Christianity,” which starts next week. W. Jay Moon has written an insightful chapter on “Missional Imagination” that I think applies to all churches, not only those on the front edge of Kingdom expansion.

Here’s his bullet-point summary:

1. Practice “Double Listening” (Acts 16:6-7) In one ear, listen to the Holy Spirit. In the other ear, listen to the local culture/people.

2. Embrace Limitations (Acts 16:8) Ask, “What do we have available to us that can be useful for kingdom innovations?”

3. Act on Insight Available (Acts 16:9-12) Take a step of faith. The path ahead may not be totally clear, but it is enough to take the “next right step.”

4. Avoid the “Curse of Knowledge” by Adopting Lateral Thinking (Acts 16:13) Only asking, “What has worked in the past?” can stifle innovation. Use lateral thinking, which can be described as “seeing the same thing as others but thinking more thoughts.”

5. Seize the “Adjacent Possible” (Acts 16:14-15) New possibilities are incubated when you gather with those that are different that you to get their input.

6. Undertake “Holy Experiments” (Acts 17-18) Experiment to find new opportunities, just like Paul did, to connect with people outside the synagogue and in the business sphere.

7. Implement Innovation in Ministry (Acts 19) Take actions based on your holy experiments, like Paul did in Ephesus based on his holy experiments in Athens and Corinth.

8. Empower Others in Innovation (Acts 20) Paul’s work in marketplace ministry inspired church elders and leaders around him. Your work has the potential to do the same.