conference schedule
We took extra time this year to create a new and unique experience at INNOVATE_09. We’re keeping what is unique to us, killing what is old and overdone and are introducing some new things never done before—we’re not playing around. Check out the following INNOVATE_09 resources:
- INNOVATE_09 Brochure
- Misplace your INNOVATE_09 Welcome Packet? Look no further.
NEW:
- Innovate Arts Mash-Up (four churches, one theme, four live interpretations.)
- People's Choice Storyteller (you pick the speaker, on the spot, from the crowd.)
- Guest speaker Shannon O'Dell from BrandNewChurch.com (he broadcasts church from a Hummer in the middle of nowhere, uh, wow.)
- Live streaming of all general sessions on InnovateConference.com (you can't bring everyone, but everyone can watch.)
- Registration fees rolled back to rates from 2005 (times are tough, we get it, we're trying to help.)
YOU:
- You're in control of more topics and real-time questions via live texting and roving mics.
- Your live tweets will show up on the ginormous big screen live during the conference.
DAY 1: September 24
SESSION 1 | YOU DON’T HAVE IT ALL TOGETHER, NEITHER DO I.
Mark Beeson
It’s true the more transparent we get, the more God can do through us. But there’s a balance between acting like we’ve got it all together and sharing too much. Where’s the line? Mark shares from his own experiences about leading with authenticity and discernment.
SESSION 2 | ORIGINAL OR RECYCLED?
Tim Stevens
Can you be innovative without being original? Sometimes the most innovative idea for your church or community can be something you recycle from somewhere else. Tim talks candidly about why original can sometimes be overrated.
LUNCH | Go get lunch off-site or attend a Casual Q&A on-site.
SESSION 3 | FEATURED BREAKOUTS
Attend a Featured Breakout. Or sit down with a Granger staff leader for a Casual Q&A.
SESSION 4 | PART 1: PEOPLE’S CHOICE STORYTELLER
Here’s what we know. In every conference setting there are hundreds of stories that should be heard, but don’t have the platform. That’s going to change. This year, you’re going to pick one of the speakers, live, real-time from the participating Innovate audience. That’s right. You pick. On the spot. What?! We know! It’s crazy. What can God be up to? We can’t wait to hear.
SESSION 4 | PART 2: GRANGER FILM FESTIVAL
Sit back and enjoy some of the most innovative medias produced by churches just like yours. Want to enter? Get submission details.
DAY 2: September 25
SESSION 5 | INNOVATE ARTS MASH-UP
FEATURING: Relevant Church | Crossover Church | Community Christian Church | Liquid Church
One of the key ingredients to innovation—regardless of ministry size, shape or style—is new perspectives on the same topic. So, to demonstrate this aspect of innovation in a unique way, we gave four churches a unique challenge, and they said, “bring it.” Approximately one month before Innovate, we’ll reveal one topic to each of these churches. They’ll have the same amount of time to brainstorm and program their own artistic expression of the same topic. Anything goes as long as they use only staff and volunteers from their church—no contracted professionals are invited.
SESSION 6 | BREAKOUTS
Choose one from the six options. Or attend a Casual Q&A with a Granger leader.
LUNCH | Go get lunch off-site or attend a Casual Q&A on-site.
SESSION 7 | PART 1: PEOPLE'S CHOICE STORYTELLER
Listen to the person chosen yesterday speak about their ministry, their journey and their passion.
SESSION 7 | Part 2: CHURCH IN THE STICKS
Shannon O’Dell, Brand New Church
The county Shannon serves in Arkansas has only 19,000 people in it. If you want to minister in rural America, you better get some tough skin. It’s difficult. One of the biggest obstacles is the local families that end up running the church. Shannon shares the story of his church and the crazy math that resulted from its re-launch: 31 minus 12 equals 2,000.
SESSION 8 | EXPOSED: LESSONS FROM THE LAST 12 MONTHS
Mark Beeson
Your journey is being watched by those you are watching. What you do matters. Mark shares specifics about what he’s learned over the past 12 months (on the mountain and in the valley) to help inspire confidence in others who may be on the mountain or in the valley.

