Innovation Needs a Foundation: Why Infrastructure Must Come First

Innovation is a powerful tool in ministry—but for many congregations, it’s a privilege they can’t afford. In this compelling piece from Rahel Mwitula Williams of the ELCA Innovation Lab, we are challenged to consider how crumbling infrastructure, financial instability, and lack of basic resources prevent many churches—especially in marginalized communities—from engaging in bold new ministry. True innovation, she argues, must be grounded in justice and stability. Click here to read the full article on the ELCA Innovation Lab blog.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 1, 2025Innovation, ELCA Innovation LabComment

An Introduction to Equity Design

As design thinking is utilized to solve big-problems and ultimately redesign systems, the process of design thinking itself must be examined closely to mitigate the causes of inequity. Design thinking as a field often refuses to acknowledge power imbalance or the exclusive nature of many design processes. That is where equity design comes in.

ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardAugust 17, 2021Innovation, ELCA Innovation LabComment

Open Doors Initiative update

The Open Doors initiative was launched to support ELCA congregations interested in meeting new people during this time of transition and re-gathering in physical spaces. ELCA congregations were invited to share their concrete, actionable ideas for meeting new people during this critical time.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 15, 2021Open Doors, ELCA Innovation Lab, InnovationComment

ELCA Innovation: An Introduction to Design Thinking

Have you or your worshipping community ever encountered a tough problem and found yourselves unable to come up with a solution? Then design thinking might be able to help! Design thinking is being used every day by global companies, top universities and people around the world to help solve big challenges.

ELCA, ResourcesBrian FlatgardJanuary 28, 2021Innovation, ELCA Innovation LabComment

Maximizing Social Media for Congregations presentation available

Maximizing Social Media for Congregations, presented by Pastor Charles Newman and Melanie Moscicki of Crossroads Lutheran in San Tan Valley, is available for viewing on Vimeo or in this post. You can also view the Powerpoint presentation file.

We are grateful for the real-world expertise from the leaders at Crossroads, who are continually refining their digital presence.

Resources, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJanuary 27, 2021Crossroads San Tan Valley, Innovation, Rio Salado ConferenceComment

Experiments in Action: Christian Minimalism Community

This “Experiments in Action” blog series features individuals and communities who are trying something new. This post features a story from The Rev. Rebecca Ehrlich, Interim Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop in the Allegheny Synod and founder of an online community exploring Christian Minimalism.

LettersBrian FlatgardDecember 9, 2020ELCA Innovation Lab, InnovationComment

ABIDE in Failure

Last week, Mikka McCracken, Director of the ELCA Innovation Lab, spoke about our call to “fail boldly” and what it means to ABIDE in failure.

Check out this video which explores the importance of taking risks in service to our neighbor, and remembering that our worth is not defined by our success or failure but rests in our identity as loved children of God.

ResourcesBrian FlatgardNovember 3, 2020ELCA Innovation Lab, Innovation, Youth and Young AdultComment

What we are reading: Collective Genius

ELCA Innovation Lab is reading “Collective Genius: The Art and Practice of Leading Innovation.”

Authors Dr. Linda A. Hill, Greg Brandeau, Emily Truelove and Kent Lineback say innovation is not about solo genius but focuses on building the culture and context for collective genius.

ResourcesBrian FlatgardOctober 28, 2020ELCA Innovation Lab, InnovationComment

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