Incorporating Art and Creativity in the Life of New Hope Christian Church
Date
2019-05-08
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Abstract
Artistic endeavor and creative expression in the life of the New Hope congregation in Columbus, Indiana was encouraged by conducting a ten-week “season of church life” titled “Maker: Celebrating Creation.” The series included sermons exploring biblical themes related to the topic, presentations of personal creative work shared by church members, and eighteen special activities including attending a ballet, architectural tours, culinary opportunities, a blues concert based on the story of the Prodigal Son and visits to an Orthodox church.
Evaluation of the project included surveys and Appreciative Inquiry Interviews. Findings of the project led to the conclusion that “New Hope must continue to find ways to honor the gifts and talents of our artists and crafts persons with built in times that allow people to share what they like to make. Likewise, we have to continue finding ways to enjoy art together, whether that be by going to performances, visiting churches or museums, or talking together about a book. We need to remember that the Creator built us to create.
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Arts, Creativity, Congregation