1. Does the phrase “artistic temperament” have a negative connotation to you? Why or why not? No, I don’t think so. I always thought it was kind of cool to be abnormal and eccentric. And I don’t mean myself when I say that. I always associated an “artistic temperament” with being part of the “in crowd”.
2. What kind of art moves you the most? I would have to say music. It can overwhelm me. It can change my mood in an instant.
3. In your opinion, what should the role of the arts be in church? I’m not sure. I have a huge distaste for “performances.” When the arts are used appropriately to add to an event or service, they can be remarkable. Other times, they detract or worse, take center stage. They should support. And be spiritual.
4. Are you optimistic about the future of the arts in the church, pessimistic, or somewhere in between, say cautious? I’ve never considered it. I think at the moment, I’m pretty pessimistic.
5. In your opinion, are the arts utilized effectively in your church? Sometimes. I think we’re best at High Church days. Reformation, Good Friday, some Christmas services, but not all. If Sundays could always be Reformation Sundays and Good Friday, I’d be satisfied. Sometimes I feel that the arts are all over the place, but separate and not a part of the whole.
6. How can the church become more of a safe place for artists? In some areas, I feel pretty safe. In other areas, I feel like I need a mediator. I hate confrontation. I feel that there is a great deal of trust in allowing me a lot of freedom in what I do in some areas. I also feel a huge lack of distrust in other areas. I wish that I had one person to deal with rather than a bunch. Someone that an artist can trust, which perhaps is not another artist.
7. What’s the best way for the church to go about helping artists grow in character? I think the church must hold high standards for their artists. And be willing to sideline them even if it means going without. I’d rather have a more spiritual person leading me than a more gifted person leading me. It would probably be nice to have an arts department that had a good grasp of who the artists are and their gifts and their willingness… When there are multiple people asking you to do projects, they tend to hound you even when you tell them you’re already busy. I feel alone and used and not assisted. Certainly not being aided in growing in anything let alone character.
8. Share an area of your life that has changed since you became a Christian. How did that change happen? I always hate this question. I’ve always been a Christian. My change was in becoming an artist and the church was instrumental in that. The change happened because someone asked. I can only imagine that God led that person to ask. No one could have known what I could do since I didn’t even know.
9. Why is it hard for people to change? It’s hard for me to change because I don’t see anyone else changing. I’m not seeing other people’s growth. I’m not a part of something. The problem here is that I’m not supposed to change for other people or even for myself. I’m supposed to change out of my relationship with Jesus. I’m too comfortable.
10. What kinds of things cause us to grow spiritually? Someone to hold us accountable. Someone we can trust to let them within our fences. Someone to mentor us to a greater righteousness. And someone depending upon us to lead them forward as well.
I’m supposed to choose a personal ministry verse – a Bible verse that reflects my passion and/or giftedness. I don’t even know where to begin. I guess I’ll begin searching … starting with the author’s verse …
But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.
1 Corinthians 14:24-25 (ESV)
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