Worship arts retreat

Last summer I was invited to conduct a workshop on painting in the church. With the conference scheduled for February of '09 year I readily agreed. As February drew closer I wondered whether I really had anything to add to a retreat dealing with corporate worship.

As I prepared for the trip I struggled with how I would approach the subject and how to present painting as a viable and valuable art form that should be embraced and celebrated by the church. I wondered how many people would even want to participate or try to understand my point of view. Often when I have participated in church services as a painter people either don't understand what's happening or see me as a distraction from the "singing."

To me that kind of attitude is the reason why artists have trouble in the church. They find their talents discounted and feel as if they don't fit in. It's interesting that in the book of Exodus God tells Moses he has given a group of artisans talents and abilities to create the Tabernacle-the place where God is to be worshiped. These artisans then create and amazing place of worship where all of Israel is invited to encounter God.

Why have we drifted so far that we now go to worship in buildings devoid of any kind of artistic expression? Why does the church see any kind of artwork not containing a dove, rainbow, cross or praying hands as suspect? And how is it that worship has become purely auditory (singing, playing instruments) and not visual as well?

God is creative. Just look at the world around us. We should celebrate that with whatever talents and abilities we've been given.

The retreat I attended featured music, drama, dance and yes painting. My fear of not being understood was, thankfully, not realized. The response to the workshop was tentative (just four people showed up), but the overall response during the general meetings the painters participated in was very positive. It was a good weekend. I hope to give more specifics in an upcoming post.