Lately, I’ve heard and read a lot of stories about artists feeling squelched and disgruntled in the church. Whether you’re a graphic designer, video editor, musician or fine artist, I’m sure you’ve been there (I know I have). What a shame, though, right? A lot of us are really lucky to be able to join our artistic abilities with our love of Jesus…it’s a blessing.
So what’s the deal? Why are we so “temperamental?” Is there something about working in a church that makes it impossible to feel valued as an artist? I doubt it. I think many of our problems come from unresolved issues and wild expectations. It doesn’t take much to make an artist feel squelched. The sad thing is, we usually get in our own way.
A typical church artist’s creative process:
- Get a sermon title and maybe a two-sentence description (if you’re lucky).
- Pour your heart and soul into an awesome looking piece.
- Show the pastor the direction you’re going.
- Listen to the pastor tell you everything that’s wrong with what you’re doing.
- Walk out of his office and either:
a. Cry
b. Start badmouthing him on Twitter (covertly, of course). - Think of ways to NOT do what he asked without talking to him about it. I mean, he’ll probably just forget, right? He has no idea what he’s asking for anyway.
Here’s the problem (and how you can fix it):
Your role isn’t defined.
When is the last time you sat down with your pastor/supervisor and looked over your job description? I’d be willing to bet that it’s changed a lot since you started and you’re the only one who knows it. Tension can come from not knowing what your job is and how you fit into the organization. You don’t want to be chasing after the wrong vision.
Try this: Talk to your supervisor and do an analysis of how you spend your time for 30 days. Then set up a meeting to talk about what you discover.
You have closed the lines of communication between you and your pastor.
You need to be in synch with this person in order for your work to reflect the mission and vision of the church. Don’t shut him out! Remember that his role comes with Biblical authority. Learn to trust your leader. Most artists spend more time complaining about their pastor to other artists than talking candidly with the pastor himself. That’s a waste of time, and it only serves to fuel your fire.
Try this: Ask your pastor and/or supervisor for a bi-weekly meeting to catch-up and get inside his brain. Get everything out on the table.
You haven’t been nurturing your professional relationships.
As artists, we tend to be ruled by our emotions and, if we’re honest with ourselves, we’re pretty good at holding on to grudges. Keep a very short list with the people you work with. Be upfront and direct about relational issues. Not only do these things halt creative juices from flowing, it’s bad for the church.
Try this: Be honest about your feelings. Deal with awkward and negative situations as they arise.
You interpret feedback as negative criticism.
Good critique is part of the creative process – it’s healthy. Welcome feedback! It will make you better. Remember the mission and that you are all on the same side. It can be frustrating to get critiques that are based in personal preference or bad information, but you should be able to filter that out.
Try this: Educate people about what a helpful critique looks like on a case-by-case basis. Surround yourself with people who will give you honest critiques.
You think you’re awesome.
If you’re reading this article, you’re probably really good at your job. You know what, though? The day you stop learning is the day you should quit, especially with all of the information available to you on a daily basis. Don’t ever become so awesome that you stop listening to the people around you. Terminal awesomeness keeps you from hearing opinions without being defensive, and it causes close-mindedness.
Try this: Find a network of people, some better than you and some worse, and learn from/teach one another.
You misunderstand the role of artists in the church.
There is nothing you can create that will save someone (yes, even if it looks really cool). Your artistic abilities do not bring people to Christ. As artists, it is our privilege to help remove barriers and encourage people to open their hearts to the Spirit’s voice. If we can wrap our brains around that, it will go a long way to helping us create God-honoring work. The joy is in the process.
Try this: Seek God’s face and pursue His will for your abilities and role. Pray that He will inspire you and your eyes will be opened to what He has for you.
Still Hate Your Job?
The problem might be…get ready for it…you. Self-evaluation is key for every believer and especially for artists. We need to keep these potential problems in the forefront of our minds so that we can become better artists and, more importantly, fully committed followers of Jesus. Here are some questions tied to the above problems that have helped me along in my creative process.
Six questions to ask yourself on a regular basis:
1. When is the last time I talked to my pastor about what he thinks of my work?
2. Do I have negative feelings toward someone I work with?
3. Who is getting the glory for what I’m doing?
4. Is this good for the sake of being good or will it help the ministry chase its vision?
5. Am I too awesome for my own good?
6. Is the Spirit leading me?
To put it plainly, we are a blessed few. We have been tasked with telling the most important story in the history of the universe. Let’s not squander it because we’re bitter and cynical. We owe it to ourselves, our coworkers, and our God to continually fight against these problems. You might not want to hear it, but I’ll say it again: the best place to start is with yourself. Get out of your own way, stop complaining and put your energy into producing God-honoring work. Let’s be fully devoted to the calling God has given us.
Danielle Hartland is a Graphic Designer and the Director of Communications at Grace Church in Erie, Pennsylvania. She blogs at daniellehartland.com. You can find her fastest on Twitter @daniellesuzanne.