Date of Award
2-2023
Document Type
Project Portfolio
Degree Name
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Department
Seminary
First Advisor
Ekaputra Tupamahu, PhD
Second Advisor
Jeffery Savage, DMin
Third Advisor
MaryKate Morse, PhD
Abstract
In this project, I am addressing my NPO: A healthy church nurtures a culture of humble exploration and responsive innovation. One of the key findings is that there is not enough material focused on how a healthy church can process and explore ideas. In addition, church leaders often feel ill-equipped for a process that requires creativity. Believing that God made everyone creative, especially the church, this project is a book that details a system to explore ideas, properly discern strengths and weaknesses, and prepare leaders to make informed decisions. I created the Gather-Discern-Decide (GDD) Process from research findings, personal experiences, and feedback to guide ideation for churches. The project targets pastors and church leaders with 400 or fewer members in congregationally led systems. The book currently contains six chapters plus an introduction and a conclusion. Part 1 (chapters 1 and 2) of the book seeks to establish humanity’s partnership with God in the works of creation. It includes four values that a healthy ideation process reinforces in a congregation. Part 2 (chapters 3-6) details the GDD Process and its ability to leverage low-risk creative endeavors into larger, risky church goals. The GDD Process helps build a culture of humble exploration and responsive innovation.
Recommended Citation
Shelton, Scott M., "Ideas Explosion! How Church Can Create More Ideas" (2023). Doctor of Ministry. 564.
https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/dmin/564