A recent book that I co-authored with Daniel Yang and Adelle Banks, Becoming a Future-Ready Church, compares 1950 with 2050. It identifies the tension between continually improving past ministry models and creating new forms that will better meet people’s needs and heart longings tomorrow. Because what worked in a world of three TV channels and one Sunday service will not be enough in a world of constant connectivity and shifting communities.
The gospel message is timeless and unchanging, but our methods need to welcome fresh, biblically faithful expressions. In our journey to make more and better disciples of Jesus Christ, we don’t want to blow up the good that’s already happening, but we do want to encourage ministry entrepreneurs to dream big dreams—especially as culture and technology rapidly change.
Championing Innovative Ministries
Anticipating the need for continuing innovation in the church, Exponential launched NEXT Ventures (Exponential.org/ventures) in January 2020 to identify, equip and support ministry entrepreneurs on the front lines of bringing the gospel to today’s culture.
“We want to pour fuel on new ideas—especially those of young people who are taking risks to explore innovation opportunities for evangelism, discipleship, mobilization and church planting,” says Carrie Williams, executive director of Exponential NEXT. “We want to empower them to be mobilized—to lead many others to Jesus.”
In the six years since its launch, Exponential Ventures has given away over $800,000 in grants to a portfolio of more than 70 ministries.
The following ministry snapshots are just a few of the examples of innovative ministries that are working well. Each one represents an effective emerging ministry model. Whether you’re a pastor, church leader or an everyday disciple looking to reach your neighborhood, we hope their stories will inspire you to innovate in your own ways. Together, they offer a preview of tomorrow’s outreach and a tool kit for leaders who want to start experimenting today.