Greetings from Grainger!

It boggles my mind that there's such a cool church in the middle of a corn field!  The management team and I are getting to learn firsthand how technology and relevance works in a large church.  The conference is called "Innovate", and they know a lot about that.  Make no mistake, though, the message of the Gospel is very clear.  In fact, the purpose of technology is not to be cool, but to aid us in spreading the Gospel. 

The first session was author Guy Kawasaki, who used to work for Apple, and is a believer.  Notes on his session: The Art Of Innovation:

1.Make meaning- our goal is to make the world a better place, not money.

2.Make mantra- mission statements for organizations are much too long...2-3 words are best.  (How's "culturally relevant, word based, and spirit led"?)

3.Jump to the next curve- dont stay in the same curve everyone else is in.  Break out and find the next need that God wants you to meet that no one else is meeting.

4.Don't worry- don't wait for everything to be perfect before you launch out.  Innovate, and get out there!

5.Polarize  people- trying to please everybody will kill you!  Some people will love what you're doing, and some people will hate what you're doing.  But if people don't care what you're doing, you're in trouble!

6.Find a nitch and be unique.

7.Don't let the bozos grind you down.  Some people are not going to believe that the dream you have is possible.  Don't allow them close enough to influence you.  Apple was successful because they anticipated people's needs rather than just meeting people's needs.