#92: Beyond Church Growth Strategies: Is Innovation a Helpful Category for the Church? (1 of 2)

Is innovation a helpful category for churches seeking to thrive in changing times? (Part 1 of 2)

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Are conventional church growth strategies falling short in today’s changing religious landscape? In this episode (first of a two-part discussion), we dive deep into the concept of “innovation” in church contexts, exploring whether it’s a helpful framework for ministry or a potential distraction from our core mission.

Dr. Andrew Root offers a critical perspective on adopting business-world trends, while the Rev Dr. Michael Binder and the Rev. Dr. Dwight Zscheile present a case for “faithful innovation.” Their spirited conversation reveals both cautions and possibilities for churches seeking to thrive beyond traditional growth metrics.

Discover insights on:

  • The limitations of conventional church growth strategies
  • Balancing faithfulness with adaptation in changing times
  • Practices for deep listening and discernment in congregations
  • Measuring ministry effectiveness beyond numbers
  • Embracing uncertainty while remaining grounded in gospel truths

Whether you’re rethinking your church’s approach to growth or seeking fresh perspectives on faithful ministry, this episode offers valuable insights for navigating the complexities of church leadership in the 21st century.

Show Notes

Featuring

Andy Root Headshot

Andy Root

Andrew Root is the Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary, USA. He writes and researches in areas of theology, ministry, culture and younger generations.  His most recent books are Churches and the Crisis of Decline (Baker, 2022), The Congregation in a Secular Age (Baker, 2021), The End of Youth Ministry? (Baker, 2020), The Pastor in a Secular Age: Ministry to People Who No Longer Need God (Baker, 2019), Faith Formation in a Secular Age (Baker, 2017), and Exploding Stars, Dead Dinosaurs, and Zombies: Youth Ministry in the Age of Science (Fortress Press, 2018).

Michael Binder

Michael Binder

Michael Binder is a professor, church leadership consultant, and small business owner. He serves on the faculty of Luther Seminary teaching ministry leadership, innovation and church planting. Michael serves on the leadership team for the Seeds Project at Luther. He and his wife run a five-generation family HVAC business. They live in Saint Paul with their three children.

Meet Your Hosts

  • Terri Elton

    Terri is a teacher who loves Jesus and God’s world. She currently is a Professor of Leadership and Dean of Academic Affairs at Luther Seminary, but has also served in congregations and non-profit settings. In her free time, Terri loves to bike and explore nature. She, along with her husband Eric, believes the world is interesting and together they travel to different cultures and places as often as they can.

  • Dwight Zscheile

    Dwight Zscheile is vice president of innovation and professor of congregational mission and leadership at Luther Seminary. His latest book is Leading Faithful Innovation: Following God into a Hopeful Future (with Michael Binder and Tessa Pinkstaff, Fortress Press, 2023).

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