Art Ministry

The Role of Arts in Ministry

 

Our world is arguably more media/arts driven than ever. How do we reach it? Creatively.

 

From closed countries in the middle-east, to remote villages where the languages aren't even written, to post-modern Christian societies, art breaks through barriers and moves the heart. 

 

In his role as Global Arts Ministry Coordinator for our agency Jon has the joy of being a catalyst for church growth by serving (1) missions team leaders who express their need for more creative approaches in ministry and (2) missionary artists who are learning to embrace their unique role within their church planting teams.

 

What is the role of a missionary artist?

To create art that invites others to experience God.

 

Artists can see things in culture that others cannot see and find natural opportunities for connection. Their art abilities can cross language and racial barriers to touch hearts. Their creativity inspires the imagination, challenges thinking, and prepares the heart and mind to receive truth.

 

Bottom line, art ministry provides a platform where relationships can be built - relationships that lead to knowing God and long-term discipleship. Jon loves encouraging and supporting art missionaries as they apply their gifting in this way, in their local context, in collaboration with their church planting team, and then see the impact it has.

 

At a time when Christian leaders are expressing the need to find more creative approaches to ministry, we need to embrace the potential and power of arts ministry. Efforts to make disciples in any context can be enhanced when we empower artists to use their gifting strategically for the Kingdom.

 

When founded on biblical principles, guided by the Spirit, and motivated by a love for God, arts ministry can inspire worship of our God worldwide.

 

Jon’s Job Description - Global Arts Ministry Coordinator

 

Jon is the Global Arts Ministry Coordinator for The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM). After serving as an art missionary short term throughout young adulthood and long-term over ten years serving in Italy, Jon is passionate about empowering art ministry worldwide. In a nutshell, Jon works to foster a culture in our global missions organization (TEAM) that values art ministry, equips TEAM artists to intentionally use their gifts for the Kingdom, and provides a platform for connection among TEAM artists and the missionaries who work with them.

 

His role allows him to come alongside other art missionaries with a unique level of understanding that allows him to connect easily and deeply so that he can support and disciple them as they serve. He is also able to see ministry from the viewpoint of the non-artist missionaries who are leading teams that include artists and give them insight about how to collaborate with their art missionary teammates in ways that can honor their critical roles in reaching the nations for Christ and building the church. He is able to have strategic influence as part of the global leadership team for TEAM as they where he shares in discussions and decision making about the direction of the global ministry TEAM has happening around the world.