Project Nexus loves to talk about innovation, faith and culture. It is not just innovation by itself, faith alone, or a singular focus on the world around us. They are all important. For us, it is how they combine that makes the “new thing” powerful.
But how do they come together? The long answer is everything we aim to do at Project Nexus.
The short answer is a framework I created for a youth leadership course. It helps me have a simple big picture for any project, task, or idea I am working on. The framework helps me to break down what we are doing into a simple story form.
- God and I...
- are going to create something… (What are you doing?)
- that involves a series of events or stories or complexities…. (Innovation?)
- for ONE character…. (Individual/group?)
- who has their own struggles and choices…. (Do I know them? Their culture?)
- and take them on a journey toward a meaningful decision…. (What choice am I giving them?)
- that will redefine their self, faith and world. (What result am I hoping for?)
The important part here is the start: God and I. “Start as you want to finish,” they say.
We are not doing this work for God, we are doing it with God. He doesn’t just join us in the process but is intimately with us as we innovate and create – and with others as they respond, choose, and join in.
Can you tell the story of what is on your heart using this framework? Start with the premise that you and God are going to create something new. Then work through the rest.
And, if you have time, I would love you to email us and start a conversation about what you come up with!
