Here are three thoughts for you today:
First, God made culture to be our quickest and most intuitive means of connection. You know this on an intuitive, gut level. When you go to a sporting event you feel most at home with fans dressed in support of your own team. When a visiting pastor stands up to preach, they usually begin with comments or a story designed to communicate, “I am just like you in some way– you can trust what I have to say.” This is a natural phenomenon and it happens all the time, everywhere – in education, in politics, in ministry. We feel safest, most relaxed, and most likely to listen to people most like us. It’s about TRUST. And demonstrating a cultural connection is the quickest and most intuitive means of connection.
Second, God made artists (like you!) to be our most gifted intuitive communicators. Artists are able to communicate in ways that speak to people on an intuitive/gut level rather than just a cognitive/head level. People engage with artistic communication through music, dance, and visual arts in holistic ways because the artistically-bound message resonates on many different levels at the same time. Whereas, people engage with cognitive teaching on a point-by-point basis which invites critique. Alexander Schure, the founder of the animated motion picture company, Pixar says, “When you tell people facts, they criticize. When you tell them stories, they listen.” The many parables in the Bible demonstrate that Jesus was a master storyteller. Most gifted preachers are also gifted storytellers, this is because preaching is an oral art form that is highly prized in the Church. Today I want to encourage all of you artists and craftsmen, you creative types, to engage your gifts in such a way as to advance the Kingdom of Christ. Whether within a worship setting or outside the walls of the church, God has gifted you to communicate in intuitive ways that resonate deeply within your local culture. God made artists (like you!) to be our most gifted intuitive communicators.
Third, Local culture and the local arts MATTER for ministry and mission! So stay engaged with your craft. Become more skilled in your craft. And ask God to help you discover how to use your gifts to advance local ministry. Local culture and local arts MATTER for ministry and mission.
Tune in next time when we look at gifting, training, and becoming skilled in your craft in ways that honor God.
Thoughts? I would love to hear your comments – reply below to engage in the discussion!