Imago Gloria

We're trying something different this Fall in the Worship Ministry at Grace. We're going to have an art exhibit. This is the first one of these things I've ever tried, so it could turn into a horrible disaster, but probably not. We've got a ton of really talented folks at our church that have a gift in visual art: painters, quilters, photographers, sketchers, etc. There has never really been a place for them to use their gifts in a way the church can benefit from. So I had this grand idea, and the premier is in November. Basically people are going to submit their works and we're going to hang them around the buildings and make an "exhibit" out of it. I'll post some pics of my favorite pieces when it gets here.

I'm of the opinion that the fine arts [visual, dance, drama, music, film, literary] are only partially used in most churches. And when they're used, it isn't always done very well. I think we can get a clearer, deeper image of God's glory by using more of the arts in worship and our church life. Take the Sistine chapel for an example of how amazing the arts can be when used in the church. Why aren't there more Sistine chapels in the world? Why can't every church be flowing out with art and creative stuff. Why are we afraid to use a little "color" in our worship and the presentation of the Gospel?