What Happened @ Innovation 3?

Attendees from across the United States, Canada and Europe came together in Columbus, Ohio, September 30 to October 2, for the third annual National Conference on Innovation.

Describing the growing role of global South nations (Africa, Latin America, Asia) in Christianity, and their varying approaches to Scripture, Dr. Philip Jenkins described how the distinctive values held by the Adventist Church such as our emphasis on wholistic healing of mind, body, and spirit can have a positive impact in this changing environment. Dr. Jon Paulien established a theological framework tracing the role of the movements of remnant peoples throughout time. Doug Pagitt offered a case study of Solomon’s Porch, an unusual contemporary Christian community of which he is pastor. And Rabbi Marcia Prager traced the history of Jewish Renewal, with sample Renewal teachings on subjects like prayer and the Sabbath. Breakout groups explored how the information presented applied to Adventist life, ministry, congregations and schools.

Vervent, the North American Division Ministries Resource Center, awarded its first Innovative Church of the Year award to Pastor David Jamieson on behalf of the Aldergrove Seventh-day Adventist Church in British Columbia, Canada [click on their link at the top of the "Links" column of my blog]. In other words, we didn't win. But like Martin Scorsese at the Oscars, it was an honor just to be nominated. Specifically for our Mission Trip to Toledo. Next year, Innovation 4 takes place October 5-7 in Columbus, Ohio.