Spend a few minutes gazing at the natural environment, and it’s evident that God is creative. There are between 9,000 and 11,000 different species of birds. No two human beings have the same fingerprint. God never seems to run out of variety, and one of the ways we reflect God’s creativity in the world is through artistic expression.
Art is everywhere. There are ancient drawings on cave walls and petroglyphs etched on boulders in Wyoming. Murals in urban centers tell community stories using images instead of words. When we’re old enough to hold a crayon, someone gives us a piece of paper and invites us to draw. Words, too, are powerful tools of creativity. As he reflected on his body of work, J.R.R. Tolkien wrote that “we make in our measure and in our derivative mode, because we are made: and not only made, but made in the image and likeness of a Maker.”
Congregations are called to celebrate art and embrace creativity because we are “made in the image and likeness of a Maker.” While we regularly challenge people to serve and to use their administrative skills, how often do we cultivate creative gifts beyond the gift of music? Are we looking for young artists in our children’s and youth groups? Who are the talented writers in our faith communities? Some people are visual learners, which suggests that art has a profound theological purpose. Seeing the word may help some people to hear the word. Where does art show up in your ministry?
