Creativity without CompromiseDr.Charles Blackstock The Goal: Effectively Ministering To People for Christ. The Control: Not Altering OurBiblical Convictions. The Conflict: DoingThings Differently and Making Changes. The Challenge: Developinga First Class Attitude about Ministry. DefiningCreativity within the Ministry of a Local Church: 1. Taking a fresh look at what we do, why we do it and how wecan do it better and more effectively. 2. Thinking outside of the box of tradition for answers to howwe can become more effective and productive. 3. Climbing out of the rut of routine to see new views of theministry landscape. 4. Venturing out into new areas with new materials and newmethods to accomplish Biblical mandates. Jesus is Our Best Example for Creative Ministry: Gen. 1:1 In the beginning God created… John 1:3 All things were made by him… Col 1:16 For by him were all things created… all things were created by him and for him. Think of all the innovativethings Jesus did in his earthly ministry. · Described salvation as abirth. · Instituted baptism to illustrateour new birth and life in Him. · Organized a new group(the church) to get the gospel to the world. · He used parables toillustrate his teachings. · He sent witnesses outtwo by two. · He washed the disciples’feet to illustrate servant leadership. · He instituted the Lord’sSupper to perpetuate a spirit of remembrance. · Everyday elements oflife became objects for his teaching. · The cross became asymbol of his and eventually our commitment. · Love instead of lawbecame the motivator for obedience. · He tookthe ministry global with a world-wide commission. · Jesus spent over 50% ofhis time on illustration and application and less time on information andcontent. · He criticized theleaders for becoming set in their traditions. o Mar 7:9 Andhe said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keepyour own tradition. · He isdesigning and developing a new world for his people to live in for eternity. · He is author, editor andproducer of the greatest literature in the history of the world. (The Bible) PlacesWhere Creativity Flourishes: · Worship · Literature · Media · Facilities · Ministry Themes · Staff Positions · MinistryMethodology PlacesWhere We Get Into Ruts: · Programs o Service Routines, One Visitation Program, Boring Ministries · Presentations o Old Brochures, Black & White Literature, Signage, Poor AudioQuality, Slide Shows…Flannel Graph in a Video World · Preaching o Alliteration, Text Oriented vs. Need Oriented, Non-Illustrated, Content Saturated Messages ThingsThat Choke Creativity: o Complacency: awillingness to accept mediocrity and a low standard within ministry. o Col.3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord… o Laziness: excusing alow standard out of an unwillingness to put forth the work necessary to makecreative changes. o 1Co 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but onereceiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. o Fear: anunwillingness to make creative changes out of fear of what man will say. o 2 Tim. 1:7 For God hath notgiven us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. o Poor Leadership: not makingthe proper effort to lead people into Biblically appropriate creative change. o 1Pe 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking theoversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthylucre, butof a ready mind; Questions: What can we do that willmaintain our doctrinal purity and better accomplish the goal Christ has for usto reach people with the Gospel and Bible truth? Are we fresh in presenting theBread of Life each week, or do we let things become stale? What are we doing in antiquatedways that are yielding negative results? How Can We Become More CreativeIn Our Approach to: o Evangelism & Mission o Education o Discipleship o Ministry Image Worship | 
