The Artist as Teacher Unique aspects of leading a Sunday school class for creative Christians
How I came to teach • • • • • •
Desiring to be an art professor Applying to graduate schools Being challenged by a friend to teach Wondering what I could teach about Teaching a class on creativity at church Discovering that I was now doing what I wanted to do
Eric Nykamp Grow Where You Are Planted 2002
Who attends my class • About half of the members are visual artists (though not all would call themselves “Artists”). • The other half of the class is comprised of dancers, writers, and musicians. • Most of the members have not used their gifts formally in ministry. • Members are age 16-80.
How is the class time structured? • We meet for 45-60 minutes on Sunday mornings around a dining room table. • Open in a brief prayer • Read lessons on creativity and Christianity for 20-30 minutes, using the balance of the time for discussion. • We close in prayer, sometimes taking extra time to pray for any member that has a special need that day.
Materials used • I have written most of the materials myself, the body of which I am hoping to have published as a book soon. • This could also easily be done with existing books, such as “Walking on Water” by Madeline L’Engle, or “Seeing God in the Ordinary” by Michael Frost.
What makes the class work? • Small class size allows for a family environment • Sharing our most personal creations takes courage, but bonds members together • Keeping the focus of the class on why God entrusted certain gifts to each member, and encouraging all members to use their gifts for God in many ways.
Underlying principles: • God speaks to creative people through the use of their gifts • By encouraging people in the use of their gifts, they will come to grow closer to God as they grow in their artistic abilities • All creative people experience dry times, just as many Christians experience the dark night of the soul. We need travel companions during these times the most.
The members of the class share an artistic journey together. We are each other’s artistic travel companions. We belong to each other.
Class Dynamics (What to expect when leading a group of creative Christians)
1. “Many are called, but only some attend.” • Some creative Christians deeply mistrust the church in general, and may be wary even of the churches they attend. • Some creative Christians would find it “too conformist” to join a group that talks about Christianity and creativity. • Many artists are solitary people and may just prefer to be more private.
2. “If silence is golden, then this class is very rich.” • Many creative people are introverted, taking time to process information and answer questions. • The “customary moment of silence”, “traditional post-question lull”, “pregnant pause” and time for “mental marinating.” • Often those with verbal gifts talk first – hmmmmm?
3. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed…” • Many creative people think outside the box, or have no box to think in. • Encourage differences of opinion anchored in Christian thought. • Emphasize the complexity of life, the diversity of approaches to issues, and the necessity of divergent thinking as the pressure to conform will kill creative living.
The four laws of leading (What I learned as a group leader)
1. Develop Tolerance • People may express views critical of the church. – In my haste to render judgment, let me not sin. • People may have been hurt by the church - All people are broken and in a process of healing • Healing often comes from speaking to someone who will only listen.
2. Celebrate Together • The importance of CHECK-IN. • Food • Remembering that the creative journey is one of highs and lows, dry times and harvest. Bring those who are creatively dry into the celebration, normalizing their experiences too.
3. Pray together • Pray for each other’s creative gifts, and the barriers to creativity. • Pray for each other’s lives. • Cry together • Touch each other when needed. • Send encouraging notes, phone calls, visits.
4. Love Creative People • This is the most important element of leading. • You do not have to be a creative force to love creative people. • Smile, support, speak kind words • Tell each member that you think that they are special. You may be the first person to ever do this. You will mirror God to them.
Review: • The artistic journey is often lonely. A class can provide needed creative companionship. • Some people will not attend, others will attend but need encouragement to talk, but many will see things in a new way. • Leaders need to develop tolerance for divergent thinking, remember to celebrate each other’s achievements, encourage prayer for all members and most importantly demonstrate love for creative people.
All of life is art All of art is prayer All of life is prayer