Art is driven by story. Whoever actually understands the story – captures the essence of the human story – that person, there’s just space for them.
From the Catalyst podcast. The entire interview is inspiring. Artist/minister gold.
I was given what I consider to be a huge compliment the other day. My friend made the comment, “That’s why I like you, you’re a man of action.”
Of course, I don’t consider myself a hyper-productive person, but this past year has been an interesting season for me, and has me categorizing ideas in two ways:
Or
It’s quite simple, really. And, to be honest, the Action Method has really helped me put words to this simple to describe, difficult to produce, ideology.
When you get to the place where ideas all go through the is the actionable? Now? filter, what you act on becomes easier to determine. You waste less time chasing ideas, and get more things done.
But the power of the compliment is that while I may have been evolving into a man of action, I now see it as a part of my identity. I’ll claim it, and I’ll run with it. It’s empowering to hear that my intentionality is recognizable.
Maybe you should compliment someone’s hard work today, and see how the trajectory of their work is impacted.
I am ripping this question off from Carlos Whittaker, because when it comes to creatively embracing our faith expressions, well…he’s the man. He asked this question a while back, and it’s stuck with me, because it reveals so much about our personal tastes, our collective aspirations and, of course, our sense of design and style.
So, the question is, what would you do if your craft/dream/organization/etc. had a storefront?
Justin Wise, from the great blog, BeDeviant.com has just launched an incredible opportunity for those in ministry.
The BeDeviant Social Media Summit will be held in Des Moines on Saturday, October 23. If you are in ministry, whether you are an early adopter or a cautious observer, this is sure to be a great event.
The mission of the BeDeviant Social Media Summit is to create a network of social web-savvy ministry professionals and inspire them to use social media in their specific contexts.
I have had the opportunity to speak briefly with Justin about the event, and trust me, you are going to want to be there. At a very reasonable price of $39.00 (early-bird price) you get to enjoy the company of other ministers who desire to grow in their knowledge and leverage of social media.
Register here to get the great price, before it raises to $49.00 (still incredibly reasonable).
The definition of ART:
“The quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance.”
Let’s boil that down a second.
The production and expression of what is beautiful or more than ordinary in significance.
Now here’s the question:
What in your life isn’t the production or expression of something beautiful or extraordinary in significance?
Why the heck are you doing it?
There is something subtle and destructive that happens when artists begin to create for themselves. It usually happens over time; the purity and nobility found in a craft corrodes away under the pressure to produce.
When the artist shoulders that pressure, rather than freely creating for creation’s sake, the craft becomes about the artist. Once that transition happens, from creating in response to the unrelenting prod in our gut to creating in response to our own expectations and pursuits, the craft becomes perverted. And the artist suffers.
Artist: The craft is larger than your artistic contribution. Creating in response to the Creator must be good enough. Great art comes out of a personal depth, not a contrived scheme. Art is visceral.
Create because you can’t not create. And find freedom in that.
Gateway Church, recently launched Gateway Life, a monthly ezine highlighting the events and stories of the Gateway community.
I was asked to do a writeup on the story of a Gateway member who was baptised this Summer at Gateway’s first baptismal event. She has an incredible story, and is on a compelling journey.
Allow me to introduce you to Renee Fagan.
I just (officially) opened Creative Theology to advertising. A few reasons:
I have a couple companies who are currently advertising now:
Samwell Creative – who was the branding genius behind the Creative Theology logo as well as the header image on the blog. I loved working with Sam, and already have another project that I have enlisted his help on – he’s the real deal.
Charming Beard Photography – which is set to launch in September, just may have the coolest logo after Creative Theology. But that’s beside the point, I’m excited for the site’s launch; I’ve seen some of the work from the Charming Beard photographers, and it’s incredible.
I currently have a couple of affiliate links that I host on the sidebar. These are products that I use/recommend/believe in/think you will benefit from.
Michael Hyatt’s ebooks, Writing a Winning Book Proposal – this one’s pretty easy to figure out. I’m writing a book that I want to publish. He’s the CEO of the largest Christian publishing company in the world. He has tremendous insight into the world of publishing. And he writes a heck of a blog.
Danielle LaPorte’s Fire Starter Sessions – specifically a chapter of the digital experience to whet your appetite and help justify the price tag. She’s an unashamed entrepreneur and advocate for releasing potential. She also uses some colorful language, so consider yourself warned.
Standard Theme – this is my blogging theme of choice, and I have absolutely loved every second of it. It does all the hard work like SEO, built-in analytics optimized with Google analytics, widgetized sidebars, and on and on and on. Best of all, it looks great out of the box (zip file).
If you would like to advertise on CreativeTheology.com, check out the current options, and drop me a line. I’d love to hear about what you are making happen, and help be a part of spreading the word.
Here’s the thing about having a platform, and building an audience and gaining the ear of potential clients/buyers:
If you don’t do the work, none of it matters.
This is no secret, but it pains me to see people all over the web (many church people) who talk about their influence and reach, but don’t do anything. If you have a large platform, that is great. If you have a wide reach, that is wonderful. Use it for good. Use it to advance the Kingdom. Use it for…something. But please don’t just talk about it.
Side note: I would say this blog is my biggest platform, with a solid, humble handful of readers (thank you all, seriously). While I don’t draw thousands a week, and I’m not a household name, and haven’t developed a cult classic brand…I have been working hard on creating a book that deals with creativity and faith. The first third of the book came back from the layout designer this weekend. The speck of light at the end of the tunnel is growing.
I’m currently working on finishing the book, building this platform, borrowing other people’s influence and releasing this message I truly feel is a realization God opened my eyes to. It is insanely simple, and cosmically important.
You will be hearing more soon, getting a few sneak peeks and hopefully help me spread the word.
