Innovating for Love: Joining God's Expedition Through Christian Social Innovation

by Kenda Creasy Dean

Genres: Theology, Church

192 pages, Paperback

Published March 13, 2022

About the author

Kenda Creasy Dean is an ordained elder in the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference (United Methodist) and professor of youth, church, and culture at Princeton Theological Seminary, where she works closely with the Institute for Youth Ministry. A graduate of Wesley Theological Seminary, she served as pastor in suburban Washington DC and as a campus minister at the University of Maryland-College Park before coming to Princeton Seminary. She is currently appointed as the coordinating pastor of Kingston United Methodist Church in Kingston, New Jersey.

Reviews

[Tyler Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for my Transformational Leadership in Innovation & Design course at Nazarene Theological Seminary under Dr. Dean Blevins.

I found this book to be an accessible and inspiring little book prodding Christians on to innovative ministry. Kendra Creasy Dean gives a practical and theological framework for why we should think outside the box as we seek to mediate God's love to the world. My favorite part of the book was the sidebars of real stories of people doing innovative ministries. I was continually inspired by their creativity and initiative.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's short and sweet and well worth the read. Kenda gives inspiration on how to become innovative in ministry and outlines some pathways of what other people are doing.
I'd recommend this to anyone wanting to get more involved in their church and not sure where to start.

[Wesley Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Innovation" is a word that has yet to be wrested from the baggage of modernity, neoliberalism, and developmentalism. It is a product of an epistemic landscape of dynamic stabilization that cannot sit still. It is a pining for the "new" at the expense of the present moment. Its logic is distracted and it misdiagnoses the problem of human experience as a problem of scarcity, "not enough," so it advances the modern project of "more" and "better" as its solution. It's message is "you are not enough," and thus, is paradigmatically in opposition with what I understand to be a theological vision of human vocation and Christian discipleship which begins and ends with the bold gospel assertion that, by the grace of God, we ARE enough already.

But.... that being said.... I trust this stuff in the hands of Kenda Dean. If there is someone in the world that is going to inspire the creativity of the church without allowing it to get swallowed by its own ambitions, it's Kenda. If you're a critic, like me, of the whole "innovation" trend in America, or if you are going to make the mistake of innovation no matter what I say about it, you need to read this book. It will help you.

In this book, Kenda applies her unique and impressive skills as a theologian (a giant in the field of practical theology) to the questions and problems of the church's apparent need to find new ways to be a witness in the world. She is a prophet within what has become a growing movement in Christianity and if innovators will heed her warnings and theological insight, there may be some hope that this might actually be a good thing.

I truly loved this book!

[Nurya Parish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent work of theology and hugely encouraging for anyone considering ministry innovation. It has a gap in practical and financial concerns, but these were probably beyond the scope of the intended goal. Unfortunately these tend to be outside the scope of most books about ministry innovation, yet these concerns often are the hardest to navigate for new planters. I appreciated the multiple inspiring stories from the field and I especially appreciated the example at the end that included frank discussion of practical challenges. Lots of good exercises for congregations or small groups to consider are very helpful to spark initial innovation. A great read for a Christian who feels “stuck” and isn’t sure how to get going. As a ministry innovator, I truly appreciated the excellent theology. I will be quoting and sharing this book!

[Abigail Matheny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that I would have never picked up this book based on its cover or title. I'm glad I did though because this book was great. It is filled with practical resources, thoughtful questions for group reflection, and testimonies of unique innovation. If you've ever wondered how the modern Christian church can be considered useful in their communities, then perhaps you should pick up this short book.

[Stasi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommend to all friends in ministry.

[Greg Rapier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeah, this is it.