Ministry Resources
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A Tale of Two Fishermen
Did you realize that day wasn’t the first time Andrew and Peter had met Jesus? It’s true. According to John 1, they had both encountered Jesus much earlier while Andrew was a follower of John the Baptist far away from the Sea of Galilee.
Are You Reflecting or Directing?
Let me admit this right up front—I’m a child of the ‘60’s. Although I grew up in Waco, Texas, our family spent most summers in Boulder, Colorado where my Dad taught summer classes at Colorado University. Talk about a clash of cultures!
Relating Imagination to Worship
Worshiping the true and living Triune God, at its core, is participating in the mystery of reverentially approaching the morally beautiful, Supreme and Transcendent One through the work of Christ as energized by His Holy Spirit.
A Biblical Definition of an Artist
The first area of expertise for the “artist” involves craftsmanship. The term craftsman seems the best biblical expression for what people today think of as an artist. Certainly, there are numbers of different kinds of crafts, industries, and trades noted in the Scriptures. There are at least nineteen different artistic crafts mentioned in the Bible. But craftsman seems to be one of those wide-ranging terms, a class term, that serves as an umbrella under which exist many more specific craft areas.
The Importance of Public Worship
When people worship in public, their worship is more fully facilitated by their environment, the influences of worship leadership, their understanding of theology, and the cultural contexts surrounding them. People come together, in some sort of “environment,” to participate in human activities, that involve metaphors and symbols. When the experience is genuine, fused with reverence and faith focused on God, the worshiper often comes to a point where the “whole” of the experience is greater than the sum of its parts.
Ethnic Arts — A Key to Mission Strategy
Missionaries today stand increasingly aware of the need to acculturate as much as possible their message and work. Dr. Leonard Rascher of Moody Bible Institute has stated that “the overriding objective (of missionary training) . . . is to sensitize . . . (those) from the majority culture with regard to (the nuances of cross-cultural communications) as it relates to those in minority cultures.” Moreover, it is obvious that those in mission work must continually press toward increasing their sensitivity to the dynamics of culture. Only in this manner can we even attempt to avoid the mistakes of our past.
The Essence of Worship
While people may attempt to categorize worship as public or personal (corporate or private), all worship is personal. Musicians may lead a congregation in corporate praise but, that which goes on in the heart–communication between God and the worshiper–can only be experienced personally. And every person’s worship experience is different. This is because worship is experienced in the heart.
Evangelism, Imagination, and Artists — A Critical Mix for Modern
My life’s work and my passion are to motivate the Church toward thinking more deeply and seriously about the importance of creatives and artists who serve as “imaginative expression specialists.” And, toward these ends, my goal is for pastors and others in church leadership to treat singers, musicians, fine artists, dancers, and others as not just performers but as key strategists on their evangelism and outreach teams. Why? Because God has gifted artists with the ability to uniquely communicate his infinite, unfathomable transcendence.
The Importance of a Biblical Definition of Imagination
It’s important to have a biblical definition of imagination and imaginal intelligence. We know from Genesis 1:26, 27 that humans are made in God’s image. As such, we possess imaginal intelligence. Dogs, for instance, have instinct; people have imagination.
Seven Important Steps Toward Becoming a Worship Leader
If you have a heartfelt desire and a specific calling to become a worship leader, then you’ve chosen a ministry profession that goes back to the earliest days of the Israelites where God’s people were led in their praises by those with musical gifts. I’ve been blessed to serve on staff as the Worship Leader at several churches through the years. What a privilege, as well as a responsibility! To have this position and do it well involves growing in your own personal relationship with the Lord and then developing the necessary skills to effectively lead others through music. Here are seven steps to help guide you on your journey towards becoming an effective worship leader.
Discovering Your Creative Process: Unveiling the Path to Inspired, Christian Artistry
Creativity is a journey that takes many gifted artists on winding paths of discovery, exploration, and expression. Unveiling your unique creative process leads to the creation of meaningful, authentic, and impactful art. However, before delving into the creative process, it’s essential to ground yourself in your identity as a Christian. Remember that you are a child of God, created in His image. Your creative endeavors can reflect His character and the love He has for His creation. This foundation will infuse your work with purpose and depth. With all of this in mind, here are some tips to consider as you embark on the journey of finding your creative process:
Navigating the Narrow Path: Challenges of Being an Artist in the Church
The intersection of art and faith has been a source of both inspiration and frustration for artists within the church. While the church is a place that values creativity, spirituality, and community, artists often face unique challenges in this context. This article explores some of the challenges of being an artist in the church and offers insights on how to address and overcome these obstacles.
Harmony in Creation: The Significance of Community for Christian Artists
Art has the power to transcend boundaries, touch hearts, and communicate profound truths. For Christian artists, their creative expression goes beyond aesthetics; it becomes a means of sharing their faith and values with the world. In this journey of artistic exploration, community plays an indispensable role. This article explains the importance of community for Christian artists, highlighting how it nurtures their creativity, supports their faith, and enriches their lives.
The Divine Intersection: How Christians Can Give Back to the Arts Community
Art has been an integral part of human civilization since time immemorial. It serves as a profound medium for expressing our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, transcending language barriers and cultural divides. For Christians, who are guided by principles of love, compassion, and service, giving back to the arts community is not only an opportunity to enrich society but also a way to reflect their faith and values. This article explores how Christians can actively engage with and support the arts community in meaningful and impactful ways.
50 Creative Ministry Ideas for Churches, Artists, and Worship Leaders
Today, churches, artists, and worship leaders have more opportunities than ever to use creative gifts for ministry. Whether you’re looking for ideas for Sunday services, outreach events, digital ministry, or arts-based discipleship, this guide provides 50 creative ministry ideas to spark imagination and inspire action. These ideas work for churches of all sizes, and many can be led by volunteer artists using the gifts God has given them.
Using Your Art to Share the Gospel: A Life-changing Path of Creativity and Faith
Art is a universal language that transcends boundaries and speaks to the depths of human emotions. It has the power to communicate complex ideas, evoke feelings, and inspire change. As a Christian, your artistic talents can be a potent tool to share the gospel message, spreading hope, love, and the life-changing power of Christ's message to a world hungry for meaning and purpose. Here are some insights on how to effectively use your art to share the gospel:
Making a Living as a Christian Artist: Navigating Faith and Creativity in the Marketplace
The pursuit of a career as a Christian artist can be both a fulfilling expression of your faith and a practical endeavor to sustain your livelihood. While the journey may present challenges unique to the intersection of art and faith, it is certainly possible to thrive as a Christian artist in today’s diverse and dynamic creative landscape. Here’s are some things to consider as you work to make a living as a Christian artist:
Building a Vibrant Community of Artists: Cultivating Connection, Collaboration, and Creativity
Artists are often solitary creators, working within the confines of their studios or sitting alone at a coffee shop. However, the power of community cannot be underestimated. Establishing a thriving community of artists provides a nurturing environment for growth, inspiration, and shared artistic journeys. From the spark of initial connection to the sustained flame of collaboration, here are some suggestions for building a vibrant community of artists:
The Cost to Record an Album
Recording an album can be an expensive and time-consuming process. There are many factors that contribute to these costs, including studio time, equipment, musicians, and production costs. In this article, we will take a closer look at the cost of recording an album and how musicians can prepare for this expense.
Time Management Strategies for Artists: Balancing Creativity, Productivity, and Life
Time is both a precious resource and a creative canvas for artists. Managing your time effectively allows you to strike a balance between nurturing your creative spirit and fulfilling practical responsibilities. As an artist, finding the right time management strategies can empower you to make the most of every moment, fuel your artistic pursuits, and lead a well-rounded life. Here's a short guide on how to manage your time as an artist: