Engaging local culture . . . for lasting good.
We catalyze strategic interactions between local creative artists and ministry leaders. Leaders and artists learn to unpack local cultural forms and practices, identifying deep and multi-layered meanings, and analyzing each genre for potential use for advancing local ministry.
We also initiate and encourage collaborative networks through which local artists and musicians can remain connected to each other and to church leadership. Through these sustainable networks, artists share ideas and resources and inspire one another to use their unique talents and cultural insight to amplify the impact of the church.
Our Methods
Strategic Song Initiatives: Song is a primary means of declaring, storing and transferring core beliefs, values and traditions among indigenous cultures. Through strategic song initiatives we challenge local musicians not simply to create new songs, but to embrace a vision for how local artists can advance the ministry of the local church. Strategic songs come in various forms:
Cultural Bridge songs: These are strategic songs that build bridges between the church and the dominant culture by emphasizing areas where the two overlap. Songs are created that present Bible texts and story characters that are the most relatable so that the distinctives of the gospel message can then emerge as if coming from a shared cultural background rather than from an outside culture.
Scripture memory songs: These strategic songs that enable people to memorize scripture passages. This is especially helpful in cultures with limited literacy or where Bible translation is not yet complete.
Discipleship & training songs: These strategic songs remind new disciples and key leaders of all they have learned in their training. These can include scripture songs, story songs and songs that present key metaphors and wisdom sayings used to teach and strengthen believers.
Heart-language worship songs: We help local artists see the power of using local song styles which comprise the heart language of the people. This training helps them to make strategic decisions about which language and music styles will have the most powerful impact.
Public service songs: These songs become part of a strategy of outreach whereby the local church chooses to bless the community without any direct benefit or recognition in return. Church musicians and artists donate their talents to strengthen public service or public health initiatives. After all, one catchy song will play over and over again in people’s heads – repeating the important behavioral change word-for-word!
Cultural reclamation projects: We partner with local and regional church leadership to address the erosion or elimination of indigenous song, instruments, dancing and even weaving that were the result of missionary influence. We create forums in which church leaders and artists.