Embracing an innovative mindset is challenging but essential for future-focused leadership, especially in ministry. With technology, social media and cultural shifts redefining how people engage, connecting with the next generation often demands fresh approaches. Yet, the already immense responsibilities of pastors can make adopting these new strategies feel daunting. Despite the difficulty, adopting innovation is crucial to effectively meet people where they are and stay relevant in an ever-changing world.

Recognizing these pressures is essential for leaders who want to create space for new ideas and approaches. It starts with prioritizing and setting realistic goals that allow innovation to thrive without adding to the already overwhelming workload.

Glenn Packiam, lead pastor of Rockharbor Church in Costa Mesa, California, and co-host of Barna’s Resilient Pastor podcast, uses Subsplash and other digital tools as a future-focused leader. He offers these insights to help pastors adopt an innovator’s mindset:

Establish a Strong Support Network
Innovation is rarely the product of one individual; it flourishes in environments where people collaborate and share diverse perspectives. Churches often struggle with limited staff or volunteer support, restricting their capacity for new initiatives. Leaders need to cultivate a strong support network that includes not just paid staff but passionate volunteers. This collaborative community provides the creative and logistical energy needed to brainstorm, test, and implement new ideas effectively.

Balance Stability with an Innovative Edge
A successful church needs both stability and innovation. The core of a church—a steady congregation engaged in its spiritual life—provides a foundation for any new venture. Leaders should focus on nurturing this stable core to create a sense of security within the community. This stability, in turn, allows the church to explore an “innovative edge”—initiatives that push boundaries and try new approaches while preserving the essential elements of the faith. This balance ensures that innovation doesn’t disrupt but rather enriches the church’s mission.

Redefine Participation in Spiritual Formation
Innovation goes beyond introducing new programs or technologies; it’s about reshaping how congregants engage with their spiritual growth. Traditional Sunday services involve a mix of participation and passive listening. To go further, churches can incorporate elements that encourage deeper involvement throughout the week. This might include self-paced online courses, interactive prayer guides on social media, or Zoom sessions that bring people together for shared practices. Reimagining spiritual formation in a more participatory way creates sustained engagement and fosters personal growth.

Create Safe Spaces for Experimentation
Fear of failure can hinder innovation, particularly when church culture doesn’t encourage risk-taking. Leaders should work toward fostering an environment where trying new things—and learning from failures—is normalized. This culture of experimentation is often enriched by younger staff or new volunteers who bring fresh ideas and perspectives. By building safe spaces for innovation, leaders can ensure that both successes and failures contribute to the church’s evolution without fear of severe consequences.

Understand the Deeper Role of Technology 
In today’s digital age, it’s crucial for church leaders to view technology not just as a tool but as a space where people gather and engage. Apps, social media, and online resources shouldn’t simply broadcast the church’s voice but should facilitate conversations, shared practices, and community building. This shift in mindset allows churches to harness the full potential of digital platforms to nurture their congregation beyond Sunday services, making faith a daily, interactive experience.

Embrace Spirit-Led Innovation
While innovation is vital, it must align with the church’s mission and be guided by the Holy Spirit. Forms and methods may evolve, but their purpose should be to serve the living faith of the community. By staying discerning and spirit-led, church leaders can maintain a balance that honors tradition while responding dynamically to the needs of their congregation. Innovation, then, becomes not a departure from the past but a means of letting the word become flesh in fresh, relevant ways.