“In the beginning, God created…” Genesis 1:1
Our first introduction to God in scripture is as “Creator”. The first introduction to humanity is God creating us in his image (Genesis 1:27). Since the Creator designed us to be like him, we are inherently creative. Adam’s first task was to name the animals (Genesis 2:19-20). What a creative endeavor!
Throughout scripture we see that God deeply values creativity. From filling Bezalel with the Spirit to create art for the Tabernacle (Exodus 31:1-6), to David’s writings in Psalms, to Jesus teaching in parables, and the creation of the New Heaven and Earth in the last chapters of scripture. Creating is a direct reflection of the heart of God for humanity.
If God values creativity so much, how can we cultivate it within our ministries, especially with the younger generation?
1. Cultivate creativity in your life
Creativity is a practice that takes time and effort, not an innate talent. It is a discipline that opens us to the work of God in our lives. What creative endeavor did you pursue as a child/teenager? Did you write poems, doodle in book margins, take dance lessons, make mud sculptures or tinker with legos? Perhaps the best place to start cultivating creativity is going back to the place you felt most free to create.
2. Facilitate an environment
Creativity requires time and encouragement to flourish. Consider having art supplies available for students during your worship time. Invite musical students to a jam session with your church worship team. Encourage students to share poems or creative stories with you. Show your students that you value their art.
3. Encourage expression
Western culture has a pretty strict format for expression. Impressionist painters, like Claude Monet or Vincent Van Gogh, were ridiculed for not lining up with artistic standards. If they had not pushed outside society’s boundaries, we would not have masterpieces like Monet’s “Water Lilies” or Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”. Some artistic expressions may be beautiful, some might be filled with grief, others may push the bounds of what we feel is acceptable. Trust that the Holy Spirit will guide you in those moments. These expressions are opportunities for deeper discipleship and windows into a students soul. Perhaps you have been entrusted with the next Van Gogh.
Cultivating creativity in our ministries is cultivating an expression of the heart of God. Creativity, when opened to the leading of the Holy Spirit, can be an act of partnering with God in his plan for the Earth. The Creator created us to create. So go create.
