What's in a name?

We live in a world that embraces creativity. Remixing YouTube videos, flash mobs, street performers, prodigy artists, side walk chalk artists, child singers, and so much more!

One day it hit me. "Every good and perfect gift comes from God" (James 1:17). So why aren't we using these gifts for Him? I mean, don't get me wrong, lots of people are. But, just like the act of discipleship itself, most churches, beyond just the worship team, do very little to encourage creativity. Painting, poetry, dance {gasp}, creative writing, tag art (spray paint on a wall), videography, music, tumbling, weird tricks, juggling, photography, even computer programming! 

"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks." (John 4:23). What an amazing promise, that the Father is seeking his worshipers! Worship is defined as: "The feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity". Worship is not just about singing or playing an instrument, true worship is all about expressions of your love for the Father. In the Bible, we find people worshiping through sacrifice (Isaiah 19:21), obedience (1 Samuel 15:22), shouts, song, & thanksgiving (Psalm 100), instruments of every kind (Psalm 150), dancing, shouting & instruments (by the way, David was dancing in his underwear...) (2 Samuel 6:14-15), even just how we live (Romans 12:1-2). There are a multitude of other examples of worship in the Bible.

The Bible tells us, "whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord" (Colossians 3:23).  God didn't say, "when you are at church, work with all your heart...", or, "when you are on a worship team, work with all your heart". He goes on to say, "... since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." (Colossians 3:24). God is challenging us, He is saying IN EVERYTHING, whatever it may be, no matter how big or how small, give it everything you've got! Your talents, your passions, your giftings... Give it all! And, don't just stop there, encourage other to do the same (1 Thessalonians 5:11)!


SO, when it comes to the philosophy behind a name like "Creative Discipleship", it all comes down to expressing your love of Christ through creative & passionate worship (Psalms 150, 2 Samuel 6:14-15), intentionally drawing near to God (James 4:8) through the study of His word (2 Timothy 2:15), and bringing others along with you on this journey (Matthew 29:19-20) as we all learn how to live (Romans 12:1-2) and to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind (Luke 10:27)!