Page 43 - Empowering Missional Artists - Jim Mills.pdf

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great artist. Their Christ-centered lives and their commitment to true excellence in their art are

known by their work ethic, integrity, dignity, passions and compassion. All these traits reveal their

identity as Christians who are intent upon glorifying the God they know and serve. Their works

convey perspectives, values and truths that are consistent with the Bible, though often, their

creations do not contain Biblical characters or stories. They are a classic example of covert

subversive Christian presence in society.

These artists, some freelance and some hired by theatres and performing arts companies,

are cognisant that all art ultimately reveals something of the values and the worldview of the art-

maker. They are aware that art bends and influences society. Though they are subversive, they

are neither utilitarian nor pragmatic in the exercise of their craft. They do not often use their art

as a tool of direct evangelism; still they disseminate their faith and the Biblical values and truths

that are resident at the core of their lives. Their ultimate aim is to enhance their audiences and

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entertain them with worthy thoughts through their art. These artist-leaders are voices in the
wilderness, piercing the darkness with light and disseminating salt for healing the wounds of

society.

For this essay and for brevity sake, I will only introduce three of these artists: a sculptor, a

stage-actor/playwright and a professional dancer. These few are in a growing parade of God-

fearing visionary artists whose lives and their actions speak profoundly. Their thinking, passion,

compassion and their in-reach strategies make them excellent role models and leaders worth

being emulated.