Disciplined Innovation
Matthew 6:33 calls us to "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness."
For Christian nonprofit leaders, this is both an anchor and a challenge. Disciplined innovation offers a way to align creativity and problem-solving with God’s call to steward resources wisely and advance his mission.
Dispelling the Myths of Innovation
Too often, innovation is misunderstood as simply throwing things against the wall to see what sticks. For donor-supported organizations, this approach is neither sustainable nor faithful. Innovation isn’t about trying every good idea in the hope that something works; it’s about identifying and implementing the right solutions through discernment and strategy. This approach ensures that every dollar and resource is maximized for kingdom impact.
Innovation can happen on any scale...
Another common myth is that innovation is only for tech-savvy or highly resourced organizations. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Innovation can happen on any scale, from small process improvements to transformative program designs. What matters is not the size of the innovation but its alignment with God’s purpose and its effectiveness in advancing the mission.
Innovation as Kingdom Stewardship
For Christian nonprofits, innovation begins with stewardship. Disciplined innovation invites us to think critically about unmet needs, explore creative solutions, and evaluate their impact – all while seeking God’s wisdom and guidance.
This approach aligns beautifully with the call to "seek first his kingdom." When we prioritize kingdom values in our innovation efforts, we ensure that our solutions reflect God’s justice, love, and truth. For example, rather than pursuing innovation for the sake of novelty, we ask questions like:
- Who is my neighbor? How can we identify and serve their needs?
- What does the kingdom look like here? How can we address both spiritual and practical needs?
- How do we multiply impact? How can our efforts equip others to join in kingdom work?
The Framework for Disciplined Innovation
Disciplined innovation starts with a clear process. While creativity plays a role, structure ensures that our efforts are focused, measurable, and aligned with our mission.
Here are four foundational steps:
- Understand the Needs: Begin by deeply understanding the people you serve. Jesus’ ministry often began with listening and observing (e.g., Mark 10:51, when he asked Bartimaeus, “What do you want me to do for you?”). We must listen to those we seek to serve, identifying both their spoken and unspoken needs.
- Generate Ideas: This step involves solutions that meet those needs. This is not a solo effort. Collaboration with a diverse group of stakeholders, from staff to board members to beneficiaries, brings fresh perspectives and ensures that solutions are comprehensive.
- Test and Adapt: Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Pilot your ideas on a small scale, gather feedback, and refine your approach. Proverbs 19:20 reminds us to “listen to advice and accept discipline,” a principle that applies equally to organizational learning.
- Scale with Intent: When an innovation proves effective, scale it thoughtfully. This may involve replicating a program in a new region, leveraging technology to expand reach, or equipping other organizations to adopt your model. Ask, “How can this effort glorify God and advance his kingdom?”
Seeking Kingdom Impact
One example of disciplined innovation comes from a ministry that struggled to engage a multitude of students effectively during campus outreach events. By leveraging a communication automation tool, the team streamlined the process of capturing student information and following up with personalized invitations to Bible studies and events.
Disciplined innovation multiplies kingdom impact...
The result? A 300% increase in new contacts and a 90% event retention rate. This wasn’t just about efficiency; it was about creating more opportunities for students to encounter Christ and grow in relationships.
Disciplined innovation multiplies kingdom impact, blending strategic thinking with unwavering relational ministry.
Overcoming Barriers to Innovation
Despite its benefits, innovation can feel daunting. Many nonprofit leaders worry about the risks, costs, or complexity involved. However, when approached prayerfully and strategically, innovation becomes a tool for faith-filled action.
As Christian leaders, we are called to steward our organizations in a way that reflects God’s kingdom priorities. Disciplined innovation is not about chasing trends or achieving worldly success; it’s about faithfully responding to God’s call to meet needs, transform lives, and advance his mission.
Let us remember that our ultimate "why" is not to build our organizations but to glorify God. By seeking first his kingdom through disciplined innovation, we can make a profound impact—living between the already and the not yet.
###
Stewart Severino, a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and Head of Innovation at Navigators, he empowers ministries to achieve sustainable growth and operational excellence through disciplined innovation. With 25 years of experience in MarTech and OPEX, Stewart consults with nonprofits to maximize their kingdom impact. Connect with him at stewart@i54agency.com
Learn more about Outcomes magazine.
Stewart Severino will be teaching a workshop at The Outcomes Conference 2025 entitled “Seek Impact in Disciplined Innovation.” Join us April 29 – May 1, 2025, in Dallas: www.outcomesconference.org.
