Creativity is a Messy Church Value
A Blogpost from Roberta J. Egli
Creativity is one of the five foundational values for Messy Church. As a young adult, I did not view myself as creative because I did not like to draw, paint, sew, knit or crochet. I mistakenly thought that if I created, I needed to have a finished product. I don’t remember when, but many years ago, I was introduced to a video…yes it was a VHS video…titled Everyday Creativity by National Geographic photographer Dewitt Jones.
There were two things he shared in the video that made a big impact in my thoughts about creativity. First, there is always more than one right answer. Second, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. For me, these two concepts are closely related since my fear of making a mistake is tied to my perspective that there is a ‘right’ way and a ‘wrong’ way. When I attended a writing workshop week, I actually named my inner critic Rebecca Right-way and wrote her a letter telling her to take a vacation while I wrote any first drafts!
Creativity is foundational to the ‘who’ as well as the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of Messy Church
It has been liberating to realize that is always more than one right answer… in fact there are a multitude of right answers! The fear of making mistakes is taken away allowing creativity to flow! When we play, we free ourselves to create! More play! Less Worry! In her quote on creativity, Lucy Moore writes that in Messy Church as we create and play together, we echo God’s playful creativity. I am thankful that Creativity is foundational to the ‘who’ as well as the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of Messy Church.
Questions for your team to explore on Messy Creativity
- What is a Bible Passage or Bible Story that you see as a key one around the value of creativity?
- Do you have examples from your own life of how creativity has helped you on your own journey of faith?
- What does being made in the likeness of God, who is Creator, mean to you?
- Do the activities you use at Messy Church enable participants to learn from one another’s creativity?
- How can you use creativity with your planning team as you prepare for Messy Church?
During this first official month of summer, take some time to play and create. Remember that there is always more than one right answer and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Share your ideas in our Messy Church USA team leaders Facebook and Instagram groups.
You are made in the image of God our Creator…go forth to playfully create!
Peace, Roberta