I am so excited to announce that The Creative Church Handbook: Releasing the Power of the Arts in Your Congregation has been released by InterVarsity Press (IVP)!
This book has been the main focus of my work for the last two years. There were many times that it seemed a nearly impossible task–a comprehensive book on the arts in the church?!–but God was faithful to make a way and to keep pushing me on it. In the end it was a wondrous privilege to be involved with writing it.
But I’ll write more about the process of the book and its ideas later. Right now I want to let you know about a special promotion we are doing on Amazon tomorrow, Tuesday May 12th. If you are planning to buy the book would you consider getting it from Amazon tomorrow?
Here’s why: One of the main goals of this book is to spark discussion in churches and denominations across the world about God’s purposes for the arts and creativity in the local church. When a large number of people buy a book from Amazon on a specific day, the book and its topic get special attention, causing observers to ask, “Is there something happening with the arts and creativity in the church?”
Here is the Amazon link.
As a thank you for joining in, The New Renaissance Arts Movement and I are offering, Finding Divine Inspiration: Working with the Holy Spirit in Your Creativity for $3.99 after you order your Creative Church Handbook on Amazon Tuesday May 12th. Simply go to THIS PAGE (linked) on May 12th after you place your Amazon order and claim your $3.99 copy of Finding Divine Inspiration! (Supplies are limited. One copy per order. Shipping is additional.)
Just for fun, here’s a look at the Creative Church Handbook’s contents:
Chapters
1. A Renewal of the Arts and Creativity in the Church
2. Ten Ways the Arts and Creativity Support the Church’s Mission
3. Envisioning the Arts and Creativity in Your Church
4. How to Launch an Arts Ministry in Your Church
5. Inspiring, Empowering, and Leading Artists in the Church
6. Crafting a Creative Arts Community
7. Structure for Arts Ministry
8. Building a Creative Congregation
9. Applications for the Arts and Creativity in Sermons
10. Five Interactive Art Projects for Churches
11. Live Art in the Church
12. Dance in the Church
13. Media, Film and Video
14. Creating an Art Studio and Workshops to Foster Creativity
15. An Art Gallery in Your Church
16. Creating Sacred Space Experiences
17. Beyond the Church Walls
18. Artists-in-Residence in the Church
19. Your Church as an Arts Patron, and Working with Outside Artists
20. Working Around Barriers to the Arts and Creativity in Your Church
And here are a few reviews from arts leaders:
“Essential. Comprehensive. Inspiring. If you are an artist of faith, or lead artists of faith, you absolutely need to get this book.”
—Manuel Luz, author, Imagine That: Discovering Your Unique Role as a Christian Artist
“…Whether you are a seasoned arts pastor or just investigating how the arts might benefit your church, this book’s gathered wisdom and curated advice will serve you greatly.”
—Jason Leith, Arts Initiative Director, Saddleback Church
“… shows the church how to reclaim its creative calling, and outlines powerful and road-ready strategies in the church’s struggle to comprehend and create beauty.”
—Leonard Sweet, bestselling author, professor, Drew University and George Fox University, and chief contributor to sermons.com
“…offers practical insights for every church and believer to begin to incorporate the arts into their church and vision for their community. I highly recommend this as a practical guide with lots of wisdom for those who are hungry to be relevant to where we are headed in the life of the church—a must read.”
—Theresa Dedmon, artist, author of Born To Create, creative arts director at Bethel Church
Blessings!
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