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 Art in the Church2002-06-13 As I entered the sanctuary, my eyes were drawn to the scaffolding set up on either side of the stage. Large white canvasses stood blankly on the top, but before too long, young people armed with paints and brushes climbed up, speaking their hearts in living colour. I surveyed the rest of the scene. There were banners all around, flags flying high, and dancers on and off the stage, passionately moving, offering their praises to God. The musicians stood behind them like an army, and the congregation joined them in one song. High above them all, a big screen was decorated with lyrics and video clips to accent the event. This is church, I thought. It was not too busy, too loud, or distractive; but it was attractive - it was passion reflected in art, something that is sadly absent from many churches today. The art in that beautiful service was alive with praise to God. Modern praise and worship in the church has not kept up with our culture. Christian music has flourished over the last few decades, but not many churches encourage creative worship outside of music. The worship team usually only consists of musicians and singers, but what about using more of our senses and creative gifts to praise The Creator? Art is an incredibly broad term; it includes painting and drawing with unlimited media, photography – still and motion, dancing, drama, costuming, make-up design, hairstyling, music, literature, architecture, landscaping design, graphics, gourmet cooking, flower arranging – you get the point: art is everywhere. Art in every form is a wonderful part of how we express ourselves, and it was never meant to be repressed in the church. When Moses built the temple, the skilled craftsmen were so important that they were chosen directly by God (Exodus 31:1-11). In fact, throughout history, skilled craftsmen were important in the church – consider the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo, or countless other famous paintings, buildings, and sculptures found on church property. Historical churches used art as a way to express themselves to God. Today, with so many new careers and technology, there should be even more opportunities for artists in the church. Video production, for example, shouldn’t stop at recording seminars and services. Put the screen in your church to greater use. Support the members of your church body who have technical and artistic skills. Give them opportunities to use their talents creatively for God. How many undiscovered artists are in your congregation? Commission the artists in your church. Find out what creative gifts they have to express themselves with, and encourage more creativity in worship. After all, we’re worshipping The Creator!
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