Help church members and neighbors connect with God and each other through creative expression.
WHO
This practice is for anyone in your neighborhood to come together and share an experience around art.
WHY
Artist Deb Gelerter says, “When we open up space for people through art, we give them a chance to share the joy and struggles and grief and searching of their lives in a constructive, supportive way.”
HOW
- Identify a biblical passage that will serve as the jumping off point for the event.
- Get some basic art supplies: canvases, paint, paint brushes, etc.
- Dwell in the Word. Print out copies of the passage and share it with the group. Read it two times out loud, inviting people to draw or sketch what comes to them in response.
- Turn to the canvas. Ask participants to create a painting inspired by the text or the response they felt. Remind them that there is no right or wrong way to interpret the text or to express their creativity.
- Invite participants to share. According to Gelerter, “It’s so powerful to see how the Holy Spirit is working with people in different ways. What comes up for you might be different from what comes up for someone else, and to see it from the perspective of someone else is refreshing.”
Resources
- Not sure how to lead Dwelling in the Word? Watch this tutorial from Michael Binder.
- Download a PDF infographic that walks you through the entire practice.
Photo by RhondaK Native Florida Folk Artist on Unsplash
