Lins, Mary and Katy Palmer. (2003) "Artistic Youth," S. Hamilton, MA: Center for Youth Studies.

 

"You cannot depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus."

--Mark Twain

             

The arts have long waited in the dark and dusty shadows for many youth groups, and the new resurgence of interest in the arts for various churches is incredibly exciting. Experiencing art in its various forms can be a powerful and highly spiritual experience for many adolescents, perhaps because in quality art, people are drawn to the beauty of God.

 

In his book Visual Faith, William A. Dyrness states that there are generally three avenues by which folks come to know God~ through the experience of affliction, through religious practices, and through the experience of beauty. With the comforts of post-modern America firmly in place, our culture leaves us with one essential way to connect with our Creator.  In an article entitled New Media in Late Twentieth Century Art, author Simone Weil states “The beauty of the world is almost the only way by which we can allow God to penetrate us.”

 

The arts and artistic youth can play a vital role in any youth ministry.  There are numerous ways to teach biblical truths through hands on art experience, and helping youth to develop their artistic gifts can deepen their understanding of faith.  It remains essential for youth leaders to be intentional about incorporating the arts into youth group activities, particularly as funding for much of the arts programs taught in both public and private school is cut due to demands on budget.  No matter what the combination or personality make-up is for any youth group, bringing the arts into the scope of youth ministry can serve to enhance everyone’s experience.

         

 

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION

 

1.       What are some practical ways to incorporate the arts into youth group programming?  How can the arts be a metaphor in relation to God and His people?

2.       Who can offer their talents and gifts in the arts as a ministry to the young people that you are involved with?  What programming format would best utilize this time?

3.       What ideas about incorporating the arts into your ministry are you unsure of, or perhaps even make you uncomfortable?  For example, are you concerned about what expressions may surface in the artwork from the youth?  What are some          ways to wrestle with and resolve these issues?

4.        How can you help to spread energy and excitement about the arts, even amongst those adolescence that don’t see themselves as very artistic?  Why is this important?

 

IMPLICATIONS

 

1.     Creative expression is vital to a healthy inner life for a teenagen style="">  Facilitating positive avenues for expression can draw a teen   closer to God. Art gives youth a space for stress release and constructive decision-making. Finally, art allows folks to develop their understanding of the world and their place in it by expanding their horizons and challenging stale perspectives.

2.     Teachers, parents, and youth leaders need to take a proactive role in sanctioning a place for the arts in the lives of teenagers.  There are a variety of exciting ways in which to go about doing this, and the venture can be beneficial for   everyone involved.

3.     The lack of artistic experience within a faith based setting can stunt the growth of a group and keep it from reaching it’s full potential, as well as each individual’s full potential.  The lack of artistic inclusion can greatly disservice those youth              particularly inclined and gifted in the arts, restraining them from their own potential ministry.