Tool: A culture of learning and innovation

All of us know Christian ministries – or even entire denominations – who started out well but then faltered because they were not able to keep up with their constantly and rapidly changing environment.

For example, a youth ministry experienced great success in reaching large numbers of young people in their city. However, several years later, the ministry was declining because their core strategies were outdated and irrelevant. The ministry did not have a culture of learning and innovation.

A learning organisation is one that:

Is not willing to settle for “business as usual,” but has a passionate vision to pursue God’s highest.
Has leaders who face reality about its current relevance and impact, ask the hard questions, and challenge the status quo.
Has leaders who listen well – both internally and externally.
Gives attention to both the short-term details and the long-term big picture.
Has a culture that values and encourages continuous learning by everyone.
Emphasises humility, particularly in areas of strength and success.
Constantly and honestly evaluates everything.
Is proactively learning about its ministry environment.
Prioritises innovation at every level and in every area.
Provides opportunities for people to continually grow and explore new things.
Schedules regular times of prayerful reflection, learning together and brainstorming.
Encourages reasonable risk-taking and experimentation at every level.
Learns from both successes and mistakes.
Learns from other organisations.
Shares its learning freely and openly both internally and externally, and has the communication systems and tools to be able to do so.
Has leadership that is willing and able to lead significant or difficult change when necessary.

With your leadership team, please prayerfully evaluate your organisation according to the above criteria.

In what specific ways is your culture healthy? Give examples.
In what specific ways do you need to change? And how will you accomplish that change?