Innovator Retreat Reflection

Innovation isn’t a word I typically associate with my faith. It sounds more like a corporate push for the next big thing. However, after attending the Innovator Retreat on July 25th,
I’m ready for more.
 

How many of us are asleep in our life with Christ? We go to church, we go to work, go to school, or enjoy retirement…which are not bad by any means, but innovation is a wakeup call; a call to make disciples, yes, but a call to simply take the first step. To break out of the cycle and look at your neighborhood and your neighbors with fresh eyes. In my “walk with Christ” I’ve been to many retreats. I listen, I take notes, and then shortly thereafter lose the notebook. Can anyone relate? Stepping into this retreat, I wanted it to be different. After wading through tremendous church hurt, I developed a protective shell…kind of a one in-one out way of life. To get the most out of the teaching and activities, though, I decided to engage and participate to the fullest. To be uncomfortable.
 

Many of us in the room did not know each other, which is enough to make many people clam up. We began the morning by Dwelling in the Word (Matthew 26:36-46), and with the thoughtful leadership and guidance of Rev. Blair and Jen, we all opened up to each other. We were raw and vulnerable. The atmosphere created by them at the Blessing House felt like a safe space to ask questions, to share authentically, and to acknowledge how sleepy we and our churches are.

The key takeaway for me for me was the importance of storytelling. Innovation is not about creating new programs—the next big thing. We can’t wait for people to come to
us. We’ll be waiting until Christ returns. It begins with a conversation. Being in community and being present with your neighbors. By getting to know their stories and inviting them into yours. And yes…that might also mean you feel uncomfortable. It also won’t always be convenient. The Innovator Retreat provided the means to put these ideas into practice, and it opened doors for meaningful discussion and connection. We were challenged to answer the question, “Why Jesus?”. For each of us, why, at the end of the day, does Jesus matter? What is your “why”?
 

It was a gift to be at the Innovator Retreat, an alarm clock with no snooze button. “Awake, O sleeper, arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”