Monday, March 10, 2008

Evangelism for Artists

I am preparing a project that will conclude my class on Evangelism and Contemporary Culture. Because my life revolves around the making, arranging, rehearsing and preforming of music, I decided to construct a program from this foundation. In the book, The Celtic Way of Evangelism, George Hunter compares the right-brained way of thinking with the Celtic relational way of evangelism. Taking time to relate and build respect is key to so many situations. I find it interesting that a fellow class mate listed specific characteristics of a right-brained thinker as angles in which to approach artists with the Gospel. They include; emotions, intuition, and imagination. Keeping things real, not polished and slick is another offering to this way of evangelism.
I am OK with casual and comfortable, but never unpolished or shoddy. I believe real artists and musicians are their own worst critic and are constantly in an evaluation mode. They are looking for the next angle or technique to their own outlet and expect a particular level of intellectual conversation. This is not to say that sometimes we just want to relax. I agree with the said characteristics of a right-brained thinker listed above, but not the unpolished approach.
What would really be life-giving is if there was an artistically safe environment to connect with other artists and musicians. A place where we could talk, brain storm or relax and not perform... in any way.
I believe evangelism is about relationship and action, giving of self and creation, listening and challenging.... now, how do I put that into action among right-brained thinkers?

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

The next steps in faith


As Lent continues, a greater opportunity to collaborate becomes available. This year on Palm Sunday, we will create a celebration with a 4 octave handbell choir, trumpet, choir and praise band for two Sunday services. On Maundy Thursday, a beautiful, quiet Tenebrae service with strings, horn and flute is planned. This season of introspective thinking always renews my heart for the Great Commission and a broader perspective about worship. We have 7 weeks to make deeper commitments to both our God and ourselves that will impact the Kingdom. We are given a period of freedom to explore the costs of deeper surrender and greater services. Every year I give in to the flow of Lent and every year I am blessed with God's presence and gift. Each year I relinquish the "I can do it by myself" attitude and open my mind to different sounds of celebration... like a 4 octave handbell choir with praise band. May God bless your journey this Lenten season.
(Tenebrae: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14506a.htm)