Creativity can feel like a goal that’s always just further than your reach. We all agree that creativity is important, but we might think it’s not for us. As leaders, the focus is usually on systems, building positive culture, casting vision and developing relationships. However, creativity is one tool every great minister needs in his or her tool belt.

Why is creativity important? It’s more than just having an eye-catching graphic, a funny illustration, a dynamic video or an entertaining segment. It’s thinking outside the box. It can also mean finding ways to take care of problems and build an organization that is ready to grow.

So, if creativity is so important, why don’t more leaders find ways to foster it — both on their teams and in their own ministries? For one, lack of margin may stifle the creative process because we’re so focused on putting out fires instead of setting aside time to be creative. Then, the idea may challenge logic or conventional wisdom so it’s not allowed to be tested and developed into something actionable.

For another thing, a lack of follow through with your team can decrease trust and extinguish creativity. Finally, the curse of originality can rear its head. Has this been done before? Of course, creativity doesn’t have to be original, only original in your context.

Here are some ways to foster creativity on your team. When you put these into practice, your organization, church or ministry can be more creative. It’s not about having a bigger budget, a larger team or the next big thing. It’s about consistently doing the right things to get and stay creative.

You Have to Work at It

There’s an image in most people’s minds of creative types sitting around all day waiting for inspiration to hit. Then there’s the notion that for some, creativity is easy — as if creative people can take a look at a question, problem or design request and, within a few minutes, come up with a fully developed idea. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Creativity is hard work. Think of it as a muscle. You need to exercise it, move it around and get it to work. Creativity involves practice, and a lot of it. Artists aren’t just naturally skillful. They spend hours upon hours over several years to perfect their craft. And they never stop practicing. It’s the same way with any other area of expertise.

If you want to foster creativity on your team, begin with fostering a strong work ethic. Let them know that you expect them to give their full attention and energy to a project. And join with the hard work as well. Creative meetings are often long and involved, and sometimes frustrating. But without the upfront work, you’ll never see results on the other side.

You Have to Plan It

Some say, “You never know when creativity will strike.” That may be true. But that doesn’t take into account deadlines. So, if you want your team to produce creative elements and solutions for your church, you have to come up with a plan.

You’ll never find out how creative your team can truly be until you challenge them to their limits.

Author Scott Belsky talks about two phases of creativity: ideation and execution. People love the first stage, when you dream about design or brainstorm some issue. But they often fall flat on the second one. The reason any creative type fails to succeed is not because of a lack of talent, but a lack of execution.

Ideation is fun! But execution is where you put it all together and see it happen. And that will never occur until you have a plan. That involves the one word that all creative types are afraid of: meetings. But when you can see the power of organization and execution, ideas will take root and grow.

You Have to Challenge Your Team and Expect Results

Give your staff an obstacle to tackle in a creative way. Clearly define what you see as successful creativity. Lay out your expectations, and then challenge them to deliver.

Raise the bar, don’t lower expectations. I think many times we settle for second best and leave a lot on the table. There will always be natural obstacles that cannot be overcome, whether it’s a lack of resources, manpower or time. But you’ll never find out how creative your team can truly be until you challenge them to their limits.

You Have to Lead It

To foster creativity on your team, you have to lead the charge. First, assemble a team with complementary talents, interests and abilities. And then lead them. Don’t just hand off an assignment, telling them, “Here’s what I need. Now go get it for me.” Get on the team with them, and direct them.

Leading creativity means that you take charge in creative meetings — or put someone else in charge. Make sure to assign tasks, appoint ownership, follow up on progress and reward productivity. Just because it’s a creative task doesn’t mean you have to lead any differently.

A lot of creative types are not good leaders. Or at least that’s the foregone conclusion. Whether or not that’s true, creative types will always respond well to leaders who recognize their unique gifts and release them in the direction of their passion. Make sure to share the spotlight with them, and let them find out for themselves the power of hard work.

When you foster creativity, you’ll face a lot of hurdles. There is bound to be conflict on the team as people have opposing visions for a project. You’re sure to feel the pressure of deadlines. There’s going to be pushback about the budget.

Anticipate hurt feelings and bruised egos when someone’s work isn’t chosen over someone else’s. And you’ll probably encounter contradicting agendas. Creative people often have very strong opinions.

But when you foster creativity on your staff, you’ll find that stretching them causes them to grow even more. Initially, they may not feel up to the task. But when they see the fruit of their labor, experience the glow of success and realize the power of your church’s vision, they’re sure to be thankful for it.