Keys to Innovation
David Hamilton, Vice President for Strategic Innovation at YWAM’s University of the Nations, carries a record of doing just that; Innovating. Having lead ministries, developed training courses that impact thousands, done ground breaking research on the role of women in ministry, and helped develop the new framework for missions, called 4k, David carries a mantle of authority to teach on this subject. Following is a summary of a message David spoke to the YWAM Lausanne community.
You would think that innovation has a very secret formula to it, but according to David it all starts with five very basic keys, and you will find they are all highly related to character, not just skill.
David says today’s youth generation will be involved in one of the largest transformation waves we have seen. The next 15-30 years will be most significant for in the history of missions. How can we best push forward what God is doing?
Look to God
Every human being has creative ability. As we link this passionately to God the Creator, we tap into unparalleled potential. New ideas that impact nations will come through revelation. Revelation comes to those that are willing and committed to seek God as well as be an answer to their own prayers. Cultivating a loving relationship with God is the foundation and as we learn to hear His voice, acquire His heart and feel His pain, we find inspiration to be an answer that brings joy and healing. The promises are many, that if we seek God we will find Him, and our service should be out of love and not obligation.
Reach Out
Passivity is not a companion of innovation. New things happen when we are looking to reach out, looking for needs around us. With more needs than we can possibly respond to it is again critical that we hear the word of the Lord. The world will know the love of God when it is demonstrated.
God is a change maker, not about the status quo. Lives, communities and nations are changed constantly, and we have an opportunity to reach out to bring God’s change through new initiatives.
Ask Questions
Without questions, no answers. Are we question askers, and if so, what kind of questions do we ask? There are simple binary questions that give simple answers. Complex questions will take it deeper and give more understanding. Asking open ended questions like what, how, why, where and when, opens up new doors. What does a discipled nation look like? What breaks God’s heart? What brings joy to God’s heart? Learn to ask questions.
Cross Borders
Moving from the familiar to the unknown where disciplines intersect creates opportunity for innovation. Crossing generational, geographical, linguistic, cultural, conceptual or vocational borders gives a new perspective and openness with the potential for entire paradigm shifts.
What are these new combinations that God desires to bring through our lives?
Press On
Perseverance and tenacity describe this last key to innovation. Abraham Lincoln said: ‘You have to work like it all depends on you and pray like it all depends on God’. Having vision without a commitment to see it fulfilled only leads to frustration.
These five keys to innovation and co-creating with God give a simple, but profound starting point. God says in Isaiah 43:19, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Let us join Him!
