Structuring Brainstorming Sessions That Actually Unlock Ideas
How to run creative sessions that work (and the collaboration framework that lets it happen)
( PSST… We are going to reference some tools in this article that will help make your brainstorming all the more enjoyable and effective! All of these tools and diagrams are available for PDF download at the bottom of the article. Happy reading! )
The Question Everyone’s Asking…
As I was writing this article, two separate worship pastors reached out with the same question:
“How do you actually run a brainstorming session that works?”
Pastor (Australia):
“Sometimes we struggle in coming up with creative ideas or inspiring our team to be creative. I loved your session at Renaissance Conference 2025! How do you structure a brainstorm so it’s open, but also realistic?”Pastor (USA):
“We’ve drifted toward isolated work. How do we get back to authentic, face-to-face creative connection?”Collaboration is either a creative team’s greatest superpower, or its biggest Achilles’ heel.
Get it right, and you unlock:
beautiful ideas;
deep connection;
and true innovation.
Get it wrong, and you end up with:
groupthink;
awkward silences;
or the same tired ideas on repeat.
Post-COVID, it’s gotten harder. Many teams are still stuck in “isolation mode”… squeezing creativity into 45-minute Zooms or relying on AI prompts instead of real, face-to-face dreaming.
Why Most Brainstorming Sessions Flop
Let’s be honest, most “brainstorms” are just regular meetings with a new name.
The loudest voices dominate.
The extroverts too often take the gap.
The best ideas get shut down too soon.
People play it safe instead of dreaming big.
This is a crazy fact:
We have found that traditional group brainstorming can actually produce fewer ideas than individuals working alone, unless you add structure and safety.
But when you do, group creativity skyrockets.🚀
Unlock the Secret to Brainstorming Breakthroughs
Over the years, we’ve discovered a simple but powerful method that transforms chaotic, unproductive sessions into spaces of creativity, connection, and real progress. It’s not just theory, it’s a step-by-step process, complete with practical prompts, scripts to handle tough moments, and printable tools to guide your team. When you’re ready to lead brainstorming sessions that actually work, the full “Three Chairs” method and all the bonus resources are waiting for you below.