Starting A Creative Arts Ministry In Your Church
There are many ways of bringing a creative arts ministry into the fabric of your church. However, there are only a few proven methods of building a lasting ministry. In this article we outline what has brought success for us and others.
STEP 1: PRAY
- Start praying for God’s guidance. Be clear. Be honest. Be willing.
STEP 2: EXPLORE
- Explore the interest of other artists: Those who would like to be involved in producing the arts.
- Explore the interests of volunteers: You will need a strong creative team. Look for people who have skills in music, visual arts, sound and lights, creative directors, and of course actors.
- The Big Idea: ” The Lord wants me to build…”
- Performance – Drama; Skits; Dance; Spoken word; Poetry; Puppets
- Visual art – Live painting; Pottery; Art tables; Set pieces; Stage design
- Gallery – Hallways; dedicated display real estate; Cafe setting; Public spaces
- Installations – Public spaces; Art in the prayer room; Sanctuary
- Workshops/Classes – Any aspect of art which can be taught in a public setting and for which there is interest.
- Community outreach – Community theatre; Relational arts ministry; Art fair
- Special live art events – Open mic/variety show; Live music; Night of worship and art
- Media/Film/Video – Projections; Backgrounds; Short films
- Art as outreach – Art for the homeless; Art by the homeless; Art in times of tragedy
- Art ministry to the elderly – Creative stimulation (music, dance, creating art)
- Start building something. Express the impact you desire to have upon the lives of those you serve.
- Values: “I will always…” Who you will be on this journey. Guidelines by which people, at all levels, can be held accountable. A behavioral compass.
- Mission: “We must…” Present. Measurable steps you will take to arrive at the Vision.
- Vision: “I see…” Future. Where you want to go. It’s about taking people on a journey. How you will impact the world.
- Purpose: “I believe…” Why you are building such a Ministry.
- Strategy: How Vision and Mission will be achieved.
STEP 3: INVITE
- Talk with leadership about integrating the arts into your church.
- Embrace structure. It’s important to integrate the ministry into the fabric of your church.
- Budget: It is important to realize that arts ministries can be done with little budget.
- Value proposition: The benefits of this ministry to those who will encounter it.
- Target audience: The approach to the work is often dictated by your target audience.
STEP 4: INSPIRE
- Inspire, empower and lead artists. Invite artists to meet and pray.
- Initiate a Discipleship program:
- Help artists understand who they are in Christ.
- Help them intentionally listen for God’s voice.
- Help them understand their calling.
- Help them pursue spiritual formation “being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others.”
- Help them identify lies and wounds in their lives and to overcome them.
- Help them overcome fear and hinderance.
- Raise up leaders. Look for “capable” and “trustworthy” people to serve under you, then lead them well.
- Develop a theology for the arts. Understand the biblical basis behind the arts and their place in the church. This will also help the leadership understand them in the context of what the church believes.
STEP 5: BUILD A COMMUNITY
- Engage your team and those interested in Community Gatherings.
- Prayer
- Worship
- Bible study
- Book studies
- Field trips
- Eat together
- Create in community
- Serve together
- Play together
- Explore the intersection of Christianity and the arts
- Artist retreats
- Arts salons – Intimate gatherings where speakers share their work, people have lively conversations. A setting to educate and spark discussion.
- Affinity groups – a branch of creative community that focusses on one creative interest.
STEP 6: BUILD A TEAM
- Start to identify leaders – mature Christians and accomplished artists who are empowered to lead other artists.
STEP 7: INITIATE
- Develop your inaugural event.
- Maintain community with your artists.