A Guide To Creative Faith

Creativity is a key part of faith, but starting up your own creative process can feel daunting.

Since God is the creator of heaven and Earth, and humans were made in His image, it’s not surprising that human beings are creative and expressive by our very nature.

We’ve come up with a simple formula: MAKE. Materials, Approach, Knowledge, Execution. This super simple formula demystifies the creative process and makes it accessible to everyone.

Why Should You Embrace Your Creative Side?

Creativity is a way to take ownership of your thoughts in a tumultuous world. It allows you to process negative emotions, as well as embracing and rejoicing in positive ones. The creative process is a release. It helps you to live a more stable life day to day, leaving more energy for what’s truly important.

Gather Materials

The first step on your journey is to choose how you want to express that creative instinct. There are plenty of options out there, so I’ll highlight three great places to start here.

Maybe a sketchbook with many different coloured pens and pencils calls to you to create beautiful drawings of faith?

Or do you fancy yourself as a writer, with a simple notebook and pen to hand? Express your thoughts on biblical teachings, like the story of Jonah and the Whale, or write your own stories of people learning lessons from their faith which mirror your experiences in your own life.

You don’t have to write for anyone other than yourself. If your creativity is introspective, then a journal will best suit your needs, and you can express yourself within the comfort of your own pages.

What if you’re looking for beautiful sounds to express yourself? Why not join the thousands of faith and worship musicians out there making joyous music in the name of the Lord? Discover how to start learning an instrument and which instrument you should choose. Whatever you decide, our extensive range of musical instruments will have you covered.

Refine Your Approach

Now you’ve gathered your materials, it’s time to pick your approach. Inspiration to create can come from so many places. You might look for lessons from your everyday life or choose verses from the Bible.

One great way to get inspired is with a promise box or perpetual calendar. These will give you daily verses or reflections to meditate on. They provide a jumping-off point, from which you can explore your creative instinct in whatever way takes your fancy.

The key factor in the perfect approach is that it works for you. Maybe you don’t need scripture or a daily promise to get inspired. You may prefer sitting alone and being introspective. Or maybe you prefer meeting with friends and creating with them. Make sure you prioritise what works for you, and not what someone else thinks you should do.

Grow Your Knowledge

No two people are the same. Your unique experiences are what make you you, and what makes your story one worth telling. Draw on your past and present, as well as your relationship with Christ to paint a picture or tell a story. You can also take inspiration from the knowledge of scripture.

Try learning new skills within your craft. If you’re a musician, learn a new scale and incorporate it into your playing. If writing is your thing, then read a short book by an author you’ve never read before, and see what you can take from their literary style and add to your own.

Start Expressing

Now you’ve got everything together and a plan for a way forward, the only thing left to do is take the reins off and express yourself! Set aside some time, as little as 10 to 15 minutes if that’s all you have, and get creating. Remember, you don’t have to be Michelangelo to start drawing, or CS Lewis to start writing. Starting off small and being authentically you is the best way to express yourself in the beginning. Let the creative juices flow and see what your heart, head and hands can come up with.

So there it is. Now you have our MAKE formula, you’re ready to embrace your creativity and deepen your connection with your faith. If you’ve gotten this far, then you’ll also love our posts on how to start journaling and how to learn an instrument.