Week 24 Kingdom Chat: Innovation in the Midst of Crisis
Greetings Family! The topic for this week’s Kingdom Chat is innovation in the midst of crisis. During the global COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen an overwhelming amount of tragedy and loss. At the same time, in the past year and a half, we have also witnessed incredible innovations and advancements in society. Isn’t it fascinating that the most intense crises can drive us to become our most creative selves?
Scientists raced to develop vaccines in record speed. Before COVID-19, the mumps vaccine was the fastest that a vaccine had ever been developed, and that took 4 years (back in the 1960s). The COVID vaccines were developed and pushed into mass production in 1 year, using ground-breaking methods like mRNA development.
Zoom and other virtual collaboration tools skyrocketed in value. Businesses, non-profits and churches alike quickly learned how to integrate these tools into their operations to keep things running smoothly. Even families and friends quickly learned to embrace virtual communication for the sake of keeping in touch while social distancing.
We saw Fortune 500 businesses shift from an in-person office culture to a remote work or hybrid work culture, relying heavily on virtual collaboration. Even Facebook employees almost always worked in the office prior to the pandemic, but now the company plans to shift at least 50% of its staff to a work from home schedule over the next 5-10 years.
Innovation isn’t just about advancements in business and technology. An innovation can be any new way of doing things. For example, there have been many “virtual” celebrations (weddings, birthdays, etc.) due the social distancing mandate. Though it’s not quite the same as having everyone physically together, it does mean that friends and family who are out of town can join the party when they otherwise couldn’t. Another example: I have a coworker who loves hiking and being in nature. She takes advantage of the remote work policy at our company by driving a van around the country to visit national parks. Now she works from wherever she is, instead of just working from home. That is innovation too!
Let’s take some time to share about the innovations we’ve witnessed and experienced during this season. Please join this week’s discussion by clicking on the title of this post and responding to the questions below:
What are some other examples of innovation that you’ve noticed (or developed yourself) as a result of the pandemic?
Is there a particular innovation that has impacted your day-to-day life that you are especially grateful for?
- 6 Replies
For me, one particular innovation that has impacted my day-to-day routine is using zoom for telehealth services for therapy with the kids that I work with. I never thought it would work with kids, especially kids with autism and developmental disabilities, but it has proven to be effective to run certain programs for kiddos on the higher end of the autism spectrum. I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to conduct sessions via zoom because honestly, the drive time to and from my client in-home sessions had been so brutal and stressful. Of course there was the learning curve to do these sessions online but I didn’t mind it very much because it saved a LOT of gas money 😅. That, and I enjoy learning new things. Another innovation is this KLCC app where we convey our thoughts about various topics and listen to daily devotions. I’m grateful for this platform that bridges and fills the conversations from Monday to Saturday.
Great examples, Feng! It’s true that virtual work saved us a lot of commuting costs (time, energy and money)! When you mentioned the money saved on gas, it made me remember the financial implications of commuting! People will not only have to adjust their mindsets to go back to working in person but they’ll also have to adjust their budgets! And like you mentioned, this app has been incredible for us to stay connected and continue to grow spiritually.
You nailed it @feng. The points you mentioned are good examples. I am equally grateful to the Holy Spirit for the idea of this app and even the technical know-how and strength to make this happen. Glad to know that it is a blessing to all of us.
As I read this week’s discussion excerpt, I am reminded of Ecclesiastics 10:10,
“Remember: The duller the ax the harder the work; Use your head: The more brains, the less muscle.”
Ecclesiastes 10:10 MSGThe Holy Spirit is the chief innovator and and the verse tells us that God wants us to move to more brains and less muscle. Isn’t that interesting? Some Christians have been made to believe that anything that involves the creative human mind is soulish, hence innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship is not encouraged in the church, generally speaking. But I am persuaded that there are new ways of doing life and ministry that the world and the church are yet to discover but we have got to draw closer to the Spirit of creativity which Christ has given to us as His children. The question then is, ‘how do we cultivate the spirit of innovation?’
Absolutely! You summed it up well. Innovation isn’t just a carnal thing. We’ve talked in previous discussions about God being the ultimate Creator and how we are “creators” because we are made in His image. The way that humanity has innovated over the years is a reflection of that… that’s why I’m inspired by any example of innovation that improves the quality of people’s lives – to work smarter, not harder as some would say. I love to hear new ideas from believers and non-believers alike – we are all creative by nature. But as believers, we have the supernatural ability to be led by the Spirit to create and innovate… those of us who make up the church have the opportunity to create the best innovations out there!
Thank you @purposefaith for this intriguing discussion. I think the pandemic brought innovation to the forefront as every aspect of the usual life was impacted by the unprecedented changes in the world. Even the church had to learn new ways of winning souls and fellowship which have also opened new doors. We also see in the bible about the sons of Issachar who understood the times and knew what Israel ought to do so they had command of their brethren. Innovation means staying current and bringing the future into today. As believers we have the advantage but we need to actively put this innovation to work. In my job we have devised new ways of seeing patients while limiting physical contact which has proven quite effective. Now we have access to educative materials at a click of a button. All these fulfil prophecy as in Daniel 12:4, that knowledge shall increase. We should take advantage of these God-given knowledge to preach the gospel in ways that everyone can relate. That’s what God has called us to do in Kingdom concept.
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