Why Innovate?

What is Innovate09? Innovate is a conference TVCC staff has attended before in Granger, IN. It is for those churches, i.e. TVCC, that God has planted to reach a generation who've missed it. They didn't get it the first time through or have never gotten it at all. These churches work outside the lines, throw away the box, do whatever is necessary in order to reach this generation. As Rick Warren says, "The message never changes but the methods must change." We can't reach an ipod generation with teletype or ticker tape. Shoot, we can't even reach this generation with email; it's old to them. I know, I know - it seems impossible but it's true. Communication is morphing at such a rapid pace. Is it all good? No. Is it the best? Probably not. Can we ignore it? Absolutely not. We must engage our community where it is and so we must INNOVATE in order to do so.

Here's the scenario: West TN Wilson & Wanda are in despair. They're looking for answers. Most of them have tried church at some point but the 'rules & regs' got old and didn't produce the life change and life answers as promised, so they bailed. Now, they've been invited to this 'life changing-how to' church that will change their lives and impact their tomorrows through the power of Christ. The crisis is real time and the message better be too. We'd better be ready and we'd better bring it because God has called us to be DISCIPLE MAKERS. And the way I understand the call of Christ is, in order to make disciples, we have to go where they are, understand how they live, and be ready to present them the answer, Jesus Christ, in a real & tangible way that is built on relationship not religion; community not committees; where we're a family, not a business.

What God is doing through this family at TVCC of 'misfits that fit' is growing a people (as He is in many other churches and ways) to reach a generation with a radically inclusive message of hope in an ever darkening world that says, "God loves you just like you are and too much to leave you that way!" They are looking for Hope. We know His name: Jesus Christ, Savior, Lord & Master. Nothing short of Him will do - ever.

Keep up the great work Mark Beeson! Innovate!
www.innovate09.com