The Creative Process of Praying through the Creative Process

From Nothing to Something Narrative 1 The whole process of creating this unique collection has been an exercise of practicing what I preach. I had never produced a film before and when I partnered with my friends Tim Omara with Organic Videos, Todd Fadel with Love Is Concrete, singer-songwriter Aaron Strumple, and my brother Jonathan, at Bronsink Design, I had to loosen up and let them get into playful space. We took several iterations to get a feel that we all felt comfortable with. I had to let go of my own images and perfectionism as we all were drawn more deeply into a new collaborative synergistic space.

Bring Forth narrative 2 Walking with the Voice of God narrative 3

Worship leadership is no different.

How often do you create something with your worship curators that get them involved in the theological exploration? How often do the exercises, prayers, songs, sermons in your worship gatherings involve the congregation in using their imagination, their hands, and seeing creative projects come to life? How often does the art of worship teach the ways that moving novels, portraits, and paintings can teach? How often does making church reflect the process of making our lives?

Each of the six narratives in this collection are organized into these four segments:
1. LET GO: releasing ourselves to be fully present
2. DREAM: opening our hearts to God’s will
3. LISTEN: receiving God’s comfort and provision for mission
4. LEAP: participating in the mission of God in the world

Creative Sabotage narrative 4 Re-Connecting with Creation narrative 5 This “order of worship” is designed to reverse engineer what we want worship to “do.” We become what we practice. And so if we know that God is calling us to the body of Christ, loving and serving the world that God loves, then why not create prayer and learning environments that lead to such an outcome? If we believe that God is still speaking, then why not name space in worship for quieting our pre-conceived notions? We can more responsibly accentuate the “missional” character of the church with a flow that moves from listening to leaping.

Taking Our Part narrative 6 The collection video ends with the images of painters, warehouse workers, chefs and teachers, being part of the song of praise. Hopefully this collection will give your faith community the chance to translate worship into life calling as well!