(This project was conceived and contributed by Danica Thurber. Reach her at DanicaThurber@gmail.com.) Concept: A guided art response to help a congregation understand and engage in honest prayer. Background: Cultivating a culture of genuine honesty is always difficult–in a congregation … Read More
Marionette Nativity show is a throwback that connects with children and adults. Puppetry as ministry fell out of favor with churches as media and children’s expectations for entertainment became more sophisticated. Many churches now lean toward high energy programs and … Read More
Crosses painted live in Good Friday church services, then defaced, have a powerful impact. (Adapted from Creative Church Handbook) Concept: Provide a visual assist to the Good Friday story by painting three crosses on 4 x 8 Ft. sheets of … Read More
Submitted by Mark Steenbarger of Echoeffectarts.com. Concept: Brief dramatic use of a live acted scene to help a message stick. The scene only brings up questions, and does not resolve anything. How it Works: This approach is to use a … Read More
Personal Prayer Art provides exciting and effective means of one-on-one ministry. (Adapted from Creative Church Handbook.) The Concept: Use spontaneous art as a form of personal prayer ministry or outreach. Background: Many churches have ministry teams that pray for people … Read More
One of the benefits of the arts in the local church is that they provide experiential faith moments. They can connect us to deeper meaning when celebrating important traditions of the faith, like Advent. Here is an example of a … Read More
Will the tragic news of mass shootings ever stop? Certainly we should pray that God would deliver us from this violence, but as God’s people we also can’t ignore the immediate hurt, loss of life, and trauma events like these … Read More
Here is an update from New Renaissance Arts Movement director, Scott McElroy: Every couple of years I have the privilege of co-producing (through the New Renaissance Arts Movement) The CreativeChurch Arts Conferences, gatherings for leaders and artists who want to … Read More
The journey of faith is meant to be “interactive.” That’s what Jesus had in mind, for example, when he instituted the practice of communion. We don’t only hear or read about Christ’s sacrifice, we participate physically in celebrating it; we … Read More
“The church needs to take its position as the least anxious place in society.” Phil Strout, Vineyard USA As tragedy and violence seemingly become more commonplace, the local church can and should help their congregations and communities process … Read More