We have all had to become inventive over the past few years. Our routine has been hijacked, our discomfort level pushed, and our plans disrupted so just like that, we became INNOVATORS. Now, entering another calendar year of the new normal, words like disruption, epidemic, pivot, ‘super-spreader,’ and herd immunity roll off the tongue…sort of.
In Young Life, I have had the privilege of working with a group that has been tasked with thinking about Innovation and how Young Life not only survives, but thrives during this season. We see hope and are convinced that if we are aware of the innovative opportunities in front of us we could ultimately be more relevant in engaging adolescents as a mission over the next several decades then ever. Recently, it has been encouraging to witness how staff around the mission are ‘finding a way’ to reach more kids, the next kid and especially the furthest out kid.
Innovation is foundational to our faith and rooted in our mission’s history. The Incarnation and the Cross are both innovations that changed the world. Jesus is an innovator: the 39 Parables and 37 Miracles found in the New Testament Gospels are in some sense, his way of using creative means to reach humankind.
What is unique about God’s methods is his desire to include us in the process. Jesus’s plan for reaching the world is men and women. An example of the role we all play in sharing the good news can be seen in Acts 10 through the interaction between a roman soldier, a disciple and an angel. The Roman Centurion, Cornelius, was living in Caesarea. He’s described as a good man, disciplined, responsible and courageous. He had a heart that sought God and had questions. Through an encounter with an angel, he was instructed to send for Simon Peter as a person who would be able to answer his questions. Interestingly, the angel arranged the meeting but the disciple shared his message. Perhaps God knew that a man would be able to relate, connect or empathize. Whatever the reason, God seems to like to reach people through people.
Whatever current definition you embrace around the culture of Innovation, FINDING A WAY seems to say it all. It is exactly what Jim Rayburn was ‘charged’ to do in Gainesville, Texas 80 years ago and what we passionately continue to do today.
The team I serve with have had success in discovering new ways to reach every kid. Below you will see three short videos on how WyldLife, Young Life College, and The YL Leader Blog are serving the Field by partnering in innovation. Watch the videos and feel free to contact the staff through the link provided if you are interested in learning more.
A God who can transform water into wine, would also like to transform communities and hearts. Finding a way may mean that the traditional ways are blocked. It also implies that a new opportunity is there, just not seen yet! It is our privilege to see them and share them. That is hope!
WyldLife (Julie Clapp)
Young Life College (Kenny Nollan)
YL Leader Blog (Drew Hill)
Written by: Ken Tankersley