Innovation:
“I love to tell the story;
’twill be my theme in glory,
to tell the old, old story
of Jesus and his love.”
– Refrain from “I Love to Tell the Story,” ELW #661
“We are in good company! For 2000 years, every generation has told “the old, old story” in new, new ways. We are always called to translate the riches of the faith into a new cultural vernacular.”
– Rev. Matthew Short, Former Assistant to the Bishop for Evangelical Mission
An article written by Dwight Zscheile, Vice President of Innovation and Associate Professor of Congregational Mission and Leadership at Luther Seminary. The article ends with six “things we can do now,” and would be a good way to begin conversations with congregational leaders about taking small steps to shift into a more mission-oriented approach. He is also the author of the book The Agile Church, a fantastic resource for congregational councils or mission teams to read together. Chapters are short and each end with questions for discussion.
2. Podcast Interview about the article
ELCA Bishop Jim Hazelwood (New England Synod) interviews Dwight Zscheile about the article above and the research beneath it. This is a terrific companion to the article, because you can hear the hope in Zscheile’s voice as he describes what we can do to more deeply root ourselves in mission, not institutional survival.
A six-page document compiled by synod staff, listing 13 different “shifts” we can live into that will help move us in the direction of mission. This includes some suggested ways to live into each shift, and can be useful as a discussion-starter with leaders.
A four-minute video from our partner Dr. Michael Binder explaining the central spiritual practice of “Dwelling in the Word.” Dwelling in the Word is a way of hearing scripture that doesn’t depend on the ordained leader explaining the “right” interpretation of a passage, but trusts that the Spirit will speak to the group through shared discernment.
We do not have to choose between tradition and innovation. Learn about what it looks like to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our neighborhoods by blending both tradition and innovation. Dwight J. Zscheile and Blair Pogue lead an introduction to a “mixed ecology.”
Would you like to learn more about how to put these tools into practice? Visit our “Adventures in Renewal” webpage for videos, tools, and coaching that can renew your congregation’s sense of mission.
