Holy Disorientation: Innovative Ministry with Young Adults that Takes Risks,Builds Confidence, and Anticipates Failure

Abstract

When leading congregations through a process of innovation to faithfully engage young adults, should leaders prepare congregations for the inevitable experience of failure related to the risks they are taking? This paper provides an overview of the research aims of the Zoe Project, a summary and analysis of the findings related to the participating congregations, as well as, the coaches who were involved in the project. We found that as congregations risked innovative ministries with young adults as leaders, their confidence grew. For some, however, failed projects proved to be an overpowering experience leading them to drop out of the project, despite awareness that innovation includes the possibility of failure. Finally, the parable of the talents shows us that Jesus had similar concerns regarding investment, risk, and failure. This paper concludes with theological reflections on leadership in projects that distribute resources, encourage risk, and anticipate failure.