Okay before you accuse me of sensationalism, stick with me, I have a point. There is something that will stop a Christian creative in his or her tracks. And no, its not AI, or one of the numerous “ism’s” that divide so much of the church and our culture. It’s also not people who oppose the mission of the church, or the greater culture beyond. It’s far worse, it comes from within.
We Have Met the Enemy…
Cartoonist Walt Kelly, in his comic strip in 1970, paraphrased a famous quote from Oliver Hazard Perry, by saying, “We have met the enemy and he is us.” When we lament the lack of creativity in the church, before we go being accusatory, we may want to look in a mirror. There can be a crushing level of criticism found within the walls of the church.
I’m Blessed…
Lest anyone think this is a veiled commentary on the church I serve as pastor, rest assured, it isn’t. I am blessed. My church is a unique group of people. This little church has allowed me to try a fair amount of new things and been very compassionate to me. Hear me when I say this. I honor that latitude by doing everything I can to be faithful to them, to God and to His Word, but they have been supportive even when things haven’t quite worked out as I hoped. You have to break a few eggs to make an omelet, and you won’t get it right every time, when you try new, creative things. I am blessed, and if you want your church to be innovative and creative, you could learn a lot from my little country church.
So What Started This?
What started this post was a trip to everyone’s favorite source for “anti-social media,” Facebook. A friend of mine posted an absolutely beautiful clip from The Chosen. Namely, it’s the scene where the Roman soldier, Gaius, came to Jesus to ask him to heal his servant, “from a distance.” The scene is a touching scene from the Word, and I thought the folks at The Chosen did a fine job of bringing it to the screen. Now to be clear, I know the story from the Bible and I am fully aware that they fleshed out the scene a bit, but I felt like they did a good job of capturing the essence of the moment. My friend was touched by it too, but his first commenter wrote, “The Chosen? Compromised Christianity.” What?
Holding Back…
Confession time. I have spent most of the last three decades using the arts as a tool to communicate the Gospel. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit, there have been times where invisible trolls have kept me from doing things I felt led to do. No, I’m not hallucinating, nor do I believe in actual trolls. That being said, I have kept from doing things that I think could have done some good. This was because I feared what the online trolls would do with it. I also feared what they would say about me. Yes, some of those trolls are people outside the church who would not be pleased by many Christian messages. I’ve also been just as concerned about what folks like my friend’s commenter would say. They may be invisible, but I know they are out there, ready to pounce at a moment’s notice.
Imperfect
Look, I know The Chosen doesn’t get it perfect. Neither has any other Christian artist ever, but could we be a little charitable? Can we look at the work and try to see the heart behind it, and what the person is trying to do? The Chosen is helping a lot of people to see the Scriptures who may never have thought look to the Word for help or guidance. They are also helping people to see the people we read about in the pages of the Word, as real people living these stories out in real time. This is exactly what they are. The Chosen is not a substitute for the Word of God, but I don’t think that was ever their intent. Rather it’s a tool being used to help people to consider Jesus, and isn’t that a good thing?
I’m Not Talking Heresy
I’m not saying we should support false teaching, but I am saying we need to show grace for an honest effort. I’m saying exhortation is a wonderful thing and kindness and gentleness are fruit of the Spirit. I believe the gifts and talents people receive, especially as believers, are gifts God has given for the expansion and edification of His Kingdom. And if that’s the case, maybe we should give some grace, constructive criticism, dare I say, encouragement, and most importantly, prayer.
Oppose False Teachings but Encourage Godly Creativity, Even If It’s Not Your Taste
If there is false teaching, by all means oppose the effort. If on the other hand you see something you don’t like stylistically but the creativity is coming from a heart for God, maybe it’s not for you, Maybe you’re not the audience for this creation, but thank God this person is called to reach the people that are. I remember when Stryper first appeared on the scene. There was a lot of criticism from the church because of their heavy metal style and yellow and black clothes, etc. At the same time, I know of a new believer who was a fan of that kind of music. This new believer found himself suddenly without music that fit his new life. Stryper’s music was a bridge into a new way of life for him, and I know this because he’s me. Their music wasn’t for everyone, but it worked for me.
In Conclusion
Encourage the creative people in the church. Better yet disciple them. Remember 1 Peter 4:10: “Each one should use whatever gifts he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If the person is gifted by God, utilizing that gift to the glory of God is the call. If you oppose them, ask yourself, “Am I opposing a false teaching, or am I opposing God in that person’s life?” If it truly is a false teaching oppose it at will, but if you’re opposing it as a matter of taste or preferences, you’re being a creativity killer. Stop It! Instead, pray for them, disciple them and cheer them on as they do what God has created them to do.
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