Tag Archive - ministry

[Creativity] What Is Creativity?

June 27, 2011 in Creativity with 5 Comments

There’s a lot of talk about creativity, but do we really know what it is? Especially in the church or ministry context? Is everything we define as “creative” really so?

I’ve heard creativity defined or expressed in many different ways. To some it means:

• Adapting
• “Borrowing”
• Always having something new
• Right brain activity
• Something only a few have or can do
• Mysterious
• Only seen in the fields of art, music, and dance
• Inborn
• Something that can be learned

The New Oxford American Dictionary says that ‘creativity’ involves the use of the imagination or original ideas, esp. in the production of an artistic work. In starting its article on creativity, Wikipedia begins by saying that it refers to the phenomenon whereby a person creates something new (a product, a solution, a work of art etc.) that has some kind of value.

I do know the church used to be the center of creative excellence and innovation. People like Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel. Bach regularly composed amazing pieces of music. The cathedrals of old had amazing architecture and depictions in stained glass. These were done to capture the mystery, wonder, and magnificence of God. And they did it rather well.

I think another thing to remember is that creativity is part of what we were given by God that sets humans apart from animals. When the Bible says that we were created in God’s image, it’s not referring to the fact that we have legs and hands and eyes. What we have are souls, the capacity for good and evil, and the ability to create.

There is a lot written about creativity. One article that I read recently on ChurchLeaders.com by Chase Layman [Blog|Twitter] is called Creativity: The Person and the Process, and in it he addresses some of the myths and truths about creativity.

It is important for those involved in creative endeavors to have some understanding of what we’re doing. That understanding can only help us as we do what God has called and equipped us to do.

How would you define creativity? Be sure to share in the comments below.

[Creativity] Art or Idols?

June 6, 2011 in Creativity, Ponderings with 1 Comment

As artists, there is a fine line between loving art and idolizing art. It’s easy to slip into idolizing creativity, art, and what we do without realizing it. Even in ministry.

Recently, I was challenged in this regard by a post from Gary Molander. Gary is founder and co-owner of media producer Floodgate Productions, and served as a pastor for many years before that. He blogs over at GaryMo.com. Before you start creating this week, take a moment and read what he wrote. Take a moment to reflect and do a heart check.

Then, create this week to communicate the truth of God for the glory of God.

Creating Art or Creating Idols?

The art we create can give us great joy.

The art we create can provide peace.

The art we create can demand our entire focus, over a long period of time.

The art we create can be frustrating.

The art we create can point toward something deeper, stir something uncomfortable, or introduce something unknown.

But there’s one thing our art cannot create. And we need to be extremely careful here. The art we create cannot save.  And when we ask our art to save us in any manner, we’ve created something more than art.

We’ve created an idol. Continue Reading…

Intentional Devotion, Intentional Ministry

May 24, 2011 in Ponderings, Worship Leading with 1 Comment

Take a look at this short story about two brothers who make chocolate in small batches. Not something that is done very much.

[youtube width="560" height="349"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DspDrgLcwds[/youtube]

I was struck by their devotion to and love for what they do. It was obvious they are passionate and committed to their work. I was impressed by their acknowledgement that it wasn’t always easy and that they didn’t always get along, but they worked it through each time.

I was also challenged. If they are wiling to put that much effort into making chocolate that will be consumed and then gone, why do we often give our “left overs” or average effort to the amazing spiritual things God allows us to be a part of? Think about the ministry you may are involved with, whether it’s preaching, teaching, worship leading, planning, serving, mentoring, discipling, praying, whatever. Do you give a strong level of devotion and commitment to it every time? Do you give your best in time, effort, and energy? Not because you have to, but because you want to? Or are we okay with “good enough” because it’s good enough?

I know there’s been times when I’ve given what could be called “routine” effort to worship planning and leading. Not because I don’t care, but because I’ve done it so much and, when life gets busy and stressful, it’s easy to go with what we know instead of engaging and creating fresh expressions of worship. Yet, each morning God grants new compassions and mercy to us. It’s never routine.

Seeing these guys’ commitment to their chocolate making reminds me of how every time I have the opportunity to lead people in worship, I have a great opportunity to engage, lead, and reflect the truth of God. It should never be routine or good enough. My commitment should be even greater since God is worth it.

What about you?

Can We Be Anything and Everything We Want to Be? Part 2

May 18, 2011 in Ponderings with 0 Comments

This is the continuation of this thought that began yesterday. If you haven’t yet, be sure to read Part 1.

Just because we want to be good at something, doesn’t mean we can. That isn’t a bad thing. God has created each of us unique. When we discover, acknowledge, and live in those strengths, it is wonderful. Rath writes that “each person has greater potential for success in specific areas, and the key to human development is building on who you already are.”

Most people think they know what they are good at. They are usually wrong… And yet, a person can perform only from strength.” - Business guru Peter Drucker

There is great truth in what Rath is writing. We spend more time trying to overcome our weaknesses, even choosing to spend most of our time in them, then we do on our strengths. And we wonder why people are burnt out, frustrated, disengaged, and apathetic about work and ministry. God has given each of us amazing gifts and talents. Why don’t we embrace them? Instead we desire to be like someone else, or we believe the lie that we can indeed do or be anything. And the anything we pick isn’t the thing we’re cut out to do.

Maybe the only thing that truly sets apart people who excel in their field is the fact that they’ve discovered their strengths and have chosen to live in them. Maybe it isn’t because they are smarter, more talented, or lucky. Maybe we don’t succeed at something because we aren’t supposed to be pursuing it. Continue Reading…

Can We Be Anything and Everything We Want to Be? Part 1

May 17, 2011 in Ponderings with 1 Comment

I’ve recently started reading the book StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath.  It’s a book that I’ve seen recommended by others, especially a worship minister friend of mine named Jim (Twitter|Blog). I figured that since I’m currently engaged in the search for our next ministry postion, it would be a good time to use that resource. Why?

  • To provide greater clarity of who God has made me to be
  • To be better prepared to answer the inevitable “what are your strengths” and “what are your weaknesses” questions.

I’ve just begun reading, but already resonate with the author. His premise, based on years of interviews, research, and study is that it’s a much better idea to invest and spend time in our strengths than to constantly focus on our weaknesses.

One of the things he addresses is the classic phrase that is hammered into us as children and that shapes our approach to life.

You can be anything you want to be, if you just try hard enough. Continue Reading…

Who Are You?

April 27, 2011 in Ponderings with 0 Comments

I was reminded recently that God is infinitely wise. He is unendingly creative. He created each of us just as He wanted to. There is no one like me. There is no one like you. And that isn’t a surprise to God. (You can read about it in Psalm 139)

So, if God has created each individual with a unique appearance, gifts, talents, personality, skills, and abilities, what does that mean?

Could it mean that instead of trying to duplicate or copy, each of us should instead be discerning and living in the fullness of who God is making us to be in Christ?

What do I mean? Continue Reading…

New Rehearsal Copyright License Available

April 21, 2011 in Uncategorized with 1 Comment

I just found out today that the final piece of the worship leader/church copyright conundrum has been resolved. What piece is it? The ever present question of how to get recordings of songs into the hands of worship team members so they can learn songs before rehearsal, and do so completely legally.

Let’s be honest, we’ve all been “flexible” in getting original recordings to our teams so that they could listen to and learn the songs.

But now, CCLI has resolved that issue with the publishing companies, and now has an add-on available to your regular license (which you have, right?).

It’s called the Church Rehearsal License and allows your ministry to legally distribute recordings to your worship team. Instead of me recapturing all the details, I encourage you to check out this new license here.

Copyright compliance is a lot of hassle at times, but I believe it is important and a testimony of integrity as worship leaders to be faithful in this area. I hope that in the church you serve that this is something that isn’t ignored.

Be sure to check out the new Church Rehearsal License today. I’m grateful to finally have this option available.

[Video] Kids Explain Cloud Computing

February 18, 2011 in Media, Random with 0 Comments

If you’ve recently started reading this blog, you should probably know that I usually (but not always) break from the normal worship and spiritual related topics on Fridays and post other stuff. A funny or creative or informative video or other cool thing I’ve run across on the Internet.

This week, I ran across this cool video of kids talking about cloud computing. It’s quite well done and actually quite informative. If you’re still not sure what the “cloud” is, take a look at it. If you are an old pro at the “cloud”, it’s a good idea to watch it anyway. The insights and perspectives have bearing on the future of life and ministry (see, there is a spiritual/worship connection).

P.S. I previously wrote about the Dropbox service and how great it is. Check that post out here. If you’re not using Dropbox, you should consider it. Use this link to sign up for free, and we’ll both get a space bonus.

(Thanks, John)

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