“Yes! At my church, we have art therapy classes. “
You may need to study or partner with someone knowledgeable in psychology and counseling. Not everyone is very good at expressing themselves verbally, and we have found that different
art forms (painting, poetry, dance, etc.) offer alternative ways for people to share their feelings or tap into feelings that they didn’t know they had. In particular, art can be a very strong tool for helping people to process grief and trauma.
Also, we have found that encouraging people to share their testimony through art is a good way to disciple them and train them to evangelize to others!
Answer from Dylin in Asia, who has served in Asia for the past 8 years, working primarily with youth and college students. I split my time between a Christian school and a church plant, both of which were started by missionaries from my organization.
“Yes, you can teach art to future Christian teachers.”
We have nine teacher-training colleges established to equip African nationals to be Christian classical teachers. All of them need to be taught art during their three-year college experience. We can use artists!
Answer from Karen in Florida, who has served with Rafiki Foundation in Nigeria and several other countries for 26 years, and is currently the Executive Director.Yes, you may teach art to future Christian teachers who in turn will reach young people in schools with a great education and Bible study. We offer this opportunity at the Rafiki Foundation in ten countries in Africa.
“Use art for evangelism and more.”
You could take art classes in overseas and witness to other art students.
You could share the gospel outdoors using art. Draw portraits of people and show on the same picture that good works, church, etc. will not get them to heaven!
Answer from Ken, webmaster of Mission Resources.You could give lessons in art in another country if you knew the language. You could use that opportunity to share the gospel or invite your students to church just like others do using English lessons.
“Use the arts to transform a community.”
“This practical handbook combines real life stories with tested methodologies to create a new paradigm for the role of the arts in Christian ministry and mission. Taking It to the Streets provides a historical perspective and theology for understanding the transforming power of the arts, a vocabulary for discussing the arts outside the sanctuary, and creative methods for turning faith into action in society. An ideal textbook for urban missions and youth ministry courses, Taking It to the Streets will also be a valued resource for churches devoted to creative mission.”
You might also contact the ministry Artists in Christian Testimony.
See the book, Taking It to the Streets: Using the Arts to Transform Your Community, by J. Nathan Corbitt and Vivian Nix.
