Rural Think Tank Podcast Episode 11: Unleash the Creatives!
The Untapped Creative Potential in Your Church
Every church has them. The artist who sketches in the margins of the bulletin. The musician who plays in a band on Saturday night but never on Sunday morning. The writer who journals but has never shared their words.
These are the creatives. And in most rural churches, they are an untapped resource.
Pastors.com puts it bluntly: “If we can ever awaken and unleash the massive talent, resources, creativity and energy found in the typical local church, Christianity will explode with growth.”
Why Creatives Are Overlooked
In many rural churches, the creative arts are seen as secondary — nice to have, but not essential. The focus is on preaching, teaching, and the “serious” work of ministry. Creativity is relegated to the children’s Christmas program or the occasional special music.
But creativity is not secondary. It is central to the gospel. The God who created the universe is a creative God. And when we suppress creativity in the church, we suppress a reflection of God’s own nature.
How to Unleash the Creatives in Your Church
Identify them. Look around your congregation. Who draws? Who writes? Who plays music? Who designs? These are your creatives.
Create space for them. Give them a place to serve. Start a creative arts team. Create a gallery wall. Invite them to lead a worship night.
Give them permission. Many creatives in the church have been told — explicitly or implicitly — that their gifts are not “real” ministry. Tell them otherwise.
Connect creativity to mission. Art shows, concerts, poetry readings, and creative workshops can be powerful outreach tools in small towns.
The Impact of Creative Ministry
When creatives are unleashed, the whole church benefits. Worship becomes more engaging. Outreach becomes more effective. The congregation becomes more vibrant.
You do not need a big budget to unleash creativity. You need a willing pastor, a supportive congregation, and a willingness to try something new.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start a creative arts ministry in a small church?
Start by identifying the creatives in your congregation. Ask them what they would like to do. Create a small team. Start with one project.
What if our church does not have any creatives?
You do. You just have not looked hard enough. Creativity is not just about art and music. It is about problem-solving, storytelling, hospitality, and innovation.
How do I get the congregation to support creative arts?
Start small. Show them the value. Connect creativity to the mission of the church. And be patient.
What if the creatives in our church are not Christians?
Even better. Creative arts ministry can be a powerful outreach tool. Invite non-Christian creatives to participate.
Where can I find resources for creative arts ministry?
Small Church Ministry (smallchurchministry.com) has a creative arts section. MinistryPlace.net offers toolkits for small-church ministry.
Brent Lacy has spent over 25 years in small-town and rural ministry. He has seen the transformative power of creative arts in small churches.
Rural ministry is different. Your resources should be too.
MinistryPlace.net exists to serve small and rural church leaders with free and low-cost resources — curriculum, toolkits, and practical guides that help you build God’s kingdom in your community without the big-church budget.