It’s evening. I’m at Camp Sunrise in Gibson, B.C., sitting at a table in the dining hall with two other adult leaders and four young people. All eyes are fixed intently on one girl. She’s not giving a sermon or performing a music solo. She’s drawing. We are captivated, watching in amazement as she does her thing. What makes it more incredible is that she’s composing a portrait of a person using only salt and pepper! Who knew someone could do that? I had never seen anything like it before.
As I reflect on that moment, questions surface in my mind: I wonder if her local church knows about her artistic talent? If so, how are they encouraging her to pursue her passions? Do they provide opportunities for her to share her gift and bless others? How are we cultivating all of the arts―not just the preachers, teachers, brass band, choir or contemporary musicians? Do we want these other creative young people to be a part of our communities? If so, what are we willing to risk and sacrifice to say “you have value and worth” or “you belong here”?
Earlier this year I was a part of the group that gave birth to the
Prayerful Manifesto. A line in the last paragraph of the prayer stands out for me: “May God bless us with creativity, divine inspiration and humility in all we do.” Creativity flows from creative people. Creative youth are among us. They are part of our camp staff, in our divisions and at our churches. Here is a small sampling of their work for you to enjoy and be blessed by.
Poets and Wordsmiths
Words have power. They can lift you up and make your day, bring a smile to your face, boost your self image or they can tear you down, make you think less of yourself and leave deep scars. The Bible itself is the Word of God that is “living and active, sharper than a double-edged sword…. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (see 2 Timothy 3:16 and Hebrews 4:12). We also know that Jesus, the God-man, was the Word with skin on, and that he left Heaven, came to earth and moved into the neighbourhood. Wow!
Words can also be art. Carefully crafted, they paint a beautiful picture. To the left are two poems by Salvationist young people.
Images, Graphics and Art
Images also are powerful. It makes sense that a generation raised on TV and the Internet would communicate through visual imagery and stimulation. Images can stir up strong emotions. For example, a crucifix is an image that helps us appreciate at a deep level exactly how much Christ’s sacrifice cost.
To the left are a few images by young people that were shot with a camera or drawn with a brush. What do they say to you?
Questions for Refection
• What message are we sending young creative people with our words and actions?
• Do we allow all expressions of the creative arts to contribute to our gatherings and worship services?
Ways to Unleash Creativity
• Have poets read their work during worship services
• Incorporate photographers’ images into worship experiences
• Display a “photo essay” in a worship service, letting the photographer lead and explain the photos
• Ask poets, photographers and artists to create pieces and share them during key holiday services and church calendar events
• Encourage artists to draw or write during worship time (either in their seats or in a designated area) to express what they are feeling
• Use youth paintings, sculpture and photographs as accents and decoration in your building space
• Create a small group or two that focuses specifically on teaching and practising a creative art form
For more information about Salvation Army young people, visit sendthefire.ca.