Bobby Gruenewald is founder of the YouVersion Bible App, which has been downloaded about 170,000,000 times!  Gruenewald is a great example of a Christian entrepreneurial leader. He personifies the interplay of skills in innovation and creative thinking which can be applied in both non-profit and commercial contexts. He has moved between business and the church, deftly applying his abilities in both contexts. He has used his innovation skills to take the Gospel to the far corners of the world.Bobby Gruenewald’s approach provides many lessons for both business people and church leaders.

1. Business skills, honed in the marketplace, can be effectively deployed in ministry contexts. The ability to change when something is not working is necessary for mission effectiveness.
2. The importance of being firm in the goals but flexible in how to get there. Bobby wanted to spread the Gospel—that goal was clear. How to get there? If one thing was not working, then try another.
3. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Often we hear, “we never done that before.” That’s the point. Have the courage to try something new. Engage in holy risk.
4. His title? Pastor of Innovation. How many churches has leaders with that type of title? I don’t think I’ve ever heard of that type of title before. We are creative individuals made in the image of the original Creator—we are designed to be creative and should embrace that more often.
5. Don’t stand still—things keep changing. Bobby hasn’t rested on his laurels. Just as the Bible App was born in a particular time and place, the changes, especially in the field of technology, keep coming. They keep looking at how to leverage the platform of the Bible App for greater effectiveness of their mission.