So… I want to ask…. What comes to mind when you think of church? Come on, you are all artists and creators in some way… therefore I KNOW you have opinions and have probably had an encounter with a church or church person at some point in your life. Here is a list that I came up with. Haha. Choir robes, sheet music, bad breath, sweat, stale air, no energy, the same thing all the time, hypocrites, judgement, know-it-alls, no creativity, cheesy, over produced services, bad acting/drama, weird, boring, annoying, to long, nagging, inward focused, no place for art, cliques and not accepting. That is a terrible list.
Not all churches are like that… but haven’t we all experienced that at some point or another? And it’s sad… but that experience was probably embedded in our minds giving us OUR definition of church. Ha. YUCK!
I grew up in church. In fact I think I was born in the pews. All of my life my dad has been a Pastor in the Seattle area and my husband is a worship leader at a large church in Arizona. Let’s just say that I have seen my fair share of churches through conferences, visiting other churches, and being connected in the world of church. There is one thing that I have seen to be consistent in most churches. There is not very much room for artists, out-of-the-box thinkers, dreamers, culture shapers, perfectionists, or creators. For many people… art as seen a luxury; meaning: not practical and not needed.
This has been an issue that I have thought about a lot when it comes to art and the church. You see… I have to be honest and say that it’s hard for me to connect and volunteer in the church when I am not gifted at hospitality, holding babies, making people feel welcome, singing, playing instruments, counseling, coaching, speaking, or cleaning. But I can make stuff… Hmm… Well, I guess that could be a tough fit. What could the church do with those people who are willing to contribute to the church and society with their art?
The church used to be the only place that would PAY for art. If you wanted to see art in the 1500s you would go to the CHURCH to see it. Instead of church trying desperately to keep up with society, wonder if the church took back the arts and society tried desperately to keep up with the church?!?! What can we do to help develop a place for art and creative thinking within the church?
There is a particular movement that I want to tell you about for a minute. This movement has a passion for artists, liberal/outside of the box thinkers, leaders in our culture, politicians, designers, creators, people with ambition. This movement is passionate about serving others before ourselves, serving our community, engaging in the gay and lesbian community, neighboring our neighbors, and seeing transformation in people’s lives. It’s a movment that reaches out to the community instead of focusing inward. Please check out this RAD video.
God is revealing the new type of church to our friends Jeanne and Jarrett Stevens. This is a church that is really inspiring to me. We are really excited to see what God does through them in the city of Chicago in spring 2010. Check out this video about how this idea has been brewing in their hearts. It gives me the chills thinking about how a church like this will influence the city for the good.
If you are like me and you want churches like this to populate the city.. The first thing we need to do IS HELP churches like this get started. One practical way we can do that is to give financially. I am no sales girl and I don’t ever intend to be. haha…because I am terrible at it. All I ask is that you give $1, $5 or $100 to help the Soul City movement get started.
John mayer wrote a song that plays in my head alot:
“one day our generation
is gonna rule the population
so we keep waiting, waiting on the world to change
we keep waiting, waiting for the world to change..
we keep waiting”
Soul City is asking US to take a step in changing the world and give towards their “first impressions” category, so that they have the necessary funds for Soul City Church to have a strong and sustainable start in the spring of 2010. They are trying to raise $15,000 toward start up expenses for First Impressions. Of course, every dollar you give is tax deductible, but more than that, every dollar you give will be used to literally make the vision of Soul City Church a reality. You may never actually go to Soul City Church, but your generosity will make it possible for multiple people in the city of Chicago to experience the transformational love of Jesus. Your gift is a significant expression of your thanks to God.
First impressions are usually lasting impressions — and they always want to make great ones (even if it’s silly like avoiding bad breath, bad acting, sheet music, over produced services.. You get the idea). You can ensure this happens by supporting a variety of projects — from marketing initiatives to online and print materials, all the way to Sunday hospitality and signage. Your gift can supply all the essential start-up items needed to help people have a great 1st experience that will ultimately lead them to calling Soul City Church their “home.”
GO to http://www.yearendstart.com to make a one time year end gift toward helping the Soul City Movement in Chicago.
I would love to hear about your thoughts regarding the videos. HOW RAD ARE THOSE? Also, as an artist, what is your past experience with churches? Have you ever heard or seen of one like this before? Please link any other churches you have seen that are greatly influencing our culture.
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:01 pm
dig. Encouraging to see other churches like that across the nation…Blessed to be a part of one in the south east. http://midtowncolumbia.com/2009/index.cfm gospel gospel gospel!
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:03 pm
YAY! thanks so much for the link. That church looks Amazing! thanks for sharing.
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Promise thanks for posting this.. its funny the wife and I have had a growing tithe section of or budget because we are kind of in between churches… so this just fits well as a place to not only give but a place that will use that gift well!
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Great article. I also grew up in church. My husband is a graphic designer for a church here in Phoenix. He consistently faces wanting to put out creative materials and dealing with naysayers.
I think that the Church could use art to draw in those that are the the artsy/creative mindset and allow them a place to use the creative talents that God gave them. My husband is involved with something called [Mission] that is a venue for people like this to come in and display those talents no matter if they are saved or not but presents the Gospel in a non-churchy way.
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:11 pm
excited about Soul City church starting, I know there is such a need there for a community like what they are envisioning. Will be praying for Jarrett & Jeanne, keep us updated!
December 2nd, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Thanks Mike- Soul City will be greatly impacted by your gift.
Prudence- I am so thankful for people like you an your husband. Thanks so much for your ministry and work.
December 2nd, 2009 at 8:53 pm
Religion has caused more misery to all of mankind in every stage of human history than any other single idea. I wish for all people to free their minds from this tripe and experience this life to the fullest… not living one’s life for their death or ’2nd life’.
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:58 pm
There is a similar church in the Denver area…http://www.adullamdenver.com/
It is so refreshing to see what is happening in the emerging church. The church of the early church was so dynamic, it was a life and community. Not something you show up for on Sunday morning. It blesses my heart to see this revived, for all people…
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:52 am
Sounds like a great church to be a part of. I love open minds!
Speaking of being “a part of” I don’t mean to be technical, but I was wondering when you said, “being apart of the guy and lesbian community” if you meant “a part” or “apart” two majorly different definitions and it was a little confusing to me.
either way, still think it’s a great church being developed and I’m glad you shared. =)
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:53 am
gay*
December 3rd, 2009 at 3:01 am
Thanks j.dorey. i changed the word to “engaging” to avoid confusion. thanks for commenting.
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:56 am
I wish churches would engage more with artists, but I don’t know on what level they can, especially in Northern Ireland. If I knew how to engage the artists in my rather conservative traditional community I would, being a photographer I really want to, but don’t really know what to do…
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing Promise!:)
December 3rd, 2009 at 4:52 pm
This is awesome…. It was great to see a family reaching out in a city and trusting their father. He is an awesome GOD!!
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:20 pm
I LOVE Chicago and I LOVE Jesus even more, so to see these hearts embracing both with everything they have is exciting. Church done differently is what is going to make a difference to our generation. We want to be able to feel it and ART has a way of interpreting the Gospel like no other vessel…The Village Church in Texas has this goin on check them out!!– thevillagechurch.net
December 4th, 2009 at 10:57 am
I think church like this are revolutionary. That is what church should be, a safe place!A place to feel comforted and protected. Insted we have churchs that you get in trouble for bringing coffee in the sanctuary or for putting your feet up in the pews because its a little more comfortable. I feel as if today churchs are more concerned about their facility than the people in it or better yet the people outside of it.
I have found my place in the church as an artist but with restrictions of course. My favorite thing I was allowed to do was have a few sewing classes for the Jr High girls. Its was super fun. I have painted a few murals and backdrops for plays which to me seemed a bit mundane and any monkey could have done these projects but I feel like the higher that be people see me as oh the crazy artist girl, she’ll paint this giant candy cane, but in reality anyone could do it but no one wants to. I am in no way ungreatful for my church I just wish there was more of a place for me. I wish we as a church body reached out more to the community. I have a desire to be the church, its just hard to do it alone.
this church seems amazing, something i’ve never seen in my louisiana southern bible belt! I am excited for chicago and for the changes it will see because of this amazing concept for church
December 19th, 2009 at 1:05 am
Ok first, a common theme between churches everywhere, is they all have donuts! hehe. Thanks for sharing about this church, it was awesome! I’m definitely going to forward this post to some friends. As for encouragement for the Stevens and anyone else following God with “how?” questions, a pastor in Hawaii recently wrote this on his blog “God gives you everything you need to do everything he asks. You just need to receive it.”
December 31st, 2009 at 8:24 pm
Hi Promise, thanks for sharing and writing about church. I check your site and blog for inspiration and I always get it! Have a great 2010~
January 5th, 2010 at 8:15 pm
I studied Fine Arts at a private Christian university and it was bizarre that the school even offered such a degree because you could tell the administration was torn between wanting to support us and wanting to hide us away in a corner. I wish Christians could understand that creating something beautiful is an act of worship and that art, like music, can guide our hearts and minds toward God. Am I crazy in thinking that all of these churches that are housed in old grocery stores and KFC’s might be a little more inspirational if they were gloriously adorned?
My husband and I are glad to be a part of a church in Central Phoenix that really believes in the value of creativity to your spiritual walk. We recently had a gallery night where about 15 artists of all ages and mediums brought in their work and we discussed their creative processes and how they use their art as a light in the world. Amazing.
January 20th, 2010 at 7:27 am
Arrrrrr…i was on bout art and the church to someone the other day, great to hear someone else who feels the same way. Im an artist, crafter n photographer…i am also a christian. I often think to myself at times, is this allowed as I often struggle to find ways in which i can contribute to the church and its community, using the gifts that God has given me, because there simply isnt the space or understanding in most churches…its frustrating…as i believe churches could really benefit from it.I believe that churches really need to begin to engage more with those who are artistic, in any sense, as art is a very powerful medium of expression and its also a way of bridging gaps between people. Ive recently become a volunteer in the visual arts team at a liberal christian arts and music festival, called Greenbelt here in the UK – its given me a huge insight into the church and art, the importance and the need for it – its so interesting, i always learn so much from my experience there…its fab
January 20th, 2010 at 7:37 am
Check out –
http://civa.org – Christians in the visual Arts
http://www.greenbelt.org.uk – Greenbelt Festival – go to line up then visual arts…check out some of the art that was at the festival last year.
January 27th, 2010 at 12:12 am
Many blessings to this new church! My husband and I will be planting a church through a network called Acts 29 very soon http://acts29network.org/about/vision/…I hope to be able to encourage and include the artist that will be a part of our church body! The great thing about being an artist is that we are passionate people, and where this outlet or ministry does not exist in a church, we have an opportunity to be the change that we feel our church needs. Yay for church-y artists!
February 12th, 2010 at 11:48 am
Hi there.. it’s funny that I found a post about church because I was wondering how I could ask you about something “churchy” I am planning our annual mother/daughter lunch, and I think the message is going to be “handmade” 1. because we are completely handmade by God, He has created us perfectly and exactly how he wants us, and 2. I’m on a do it yourself/handmade kick thanks to you and others inspiring me. Soo I was wondering if you had any simple, cute ideas to use as a favors? I’d just like to be able to attach a tag or something with a bible verse on it. I don’t know if you have ever done anything like that or have any ideas.
Also, as far as the whole “new emerging” church, I don’t know if I believe it’s the right way to go. A church based solely on the word of God — that’s the way to go
Your creativity and inspiration should be let in to any church you go to, and I hope that you find a place to use it in the ministry. God wouldn’t let your talent go unused. You are an inspiration to me, and I’m sure you would be in any church you were involved in.
Thanks for always sharing with us! It’s awesome!