Creativity Precedes Innovation: An Introduction

Several years ago, I had the privilege of hearing Danielle Strickland, author of A Beautiful Mess, speak about the importance of chaos.  Prior to the creation account in Genesis, chaos was present.  In addition to various biblical accounts, she witnessed this cycle of creation emerging from chaos in her own life, both organizationally and personally.

This past week I listened as Dr. Frank Yamada, Executive Director of the Association of Theological Schools, recounted how the Israelites experienced their own creativity during their season of exile (he referenced Isaiah chapters 40-55, to illustrate).  Again, we see this cycle of creativity emerging from a season of exile (which, if you’re at all familiar with the Old Testament account, had many moments of chaos).

Much has already been written about theological higher education and massive amount of transition, chaos, and change that is occurring. It is during these times that creativity is both an outcome and a necessity.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be digging into this theme more deeply to (hopefully) make better sense of what is occurring within the landscape of theological higher education in North America as well as more clearly situate Winebrenner’s place within this larger picture.

Next week I’ll be highlighting some of the factors that make this such a chaotic time and exploring Creativity Precedes Innovation: From Chaos to Creativity.