What is an Innovation Greenhouse?

Sixteen United Methodists from across the United States gathered for four days in Southern California this past July for a roundtable event to ponder the nature and challenges of ministry innovation in a connectional church. They were planters, Fresh Expressions leaders, pastors in large churches, coaches, and academics. From their work, an Innovation Greenhouse is emerging.

A greenhouse exists to offer climate conditions to nurture and sustain plants that might otherwise struggle. This group of leaders is pondering the climate conditions that will help ministry innovators thrive in United Methodism. Among these conditions is better communication and clear networking pathways between apostolic and innovative leaders. This effort is based in the belief that culture change requires constant reformation of ministry forms and strategies, consistent with the Christian good news.

As we build such a greenhouse, with the blessing and aid of Path 1 at Discipleship Ministries, please be on the lookout for opportunities that gather and network innovative leaders in the coming months.

Participants in the Innovators Greenhouse roundtable included Michael Beck, Justin Cason, Rodrigo Cruz, Candace Lewis, Kathleen McShane, Lexi Hernandez, Luke Edwards, Scott Chrostek, Kris Sledge, Kenda Dean, Paul Nixon, Rai Jackson, Patricia Pena, Marcelo Gómes, Elaine Heath, and Nicole Reilley.