God's Creative Gift is an in-depth study for the creative Christian. It is intended for both professional and lay artists, for the casual crafter and hobbyist, and for those in both sacred and secular settings. It is for those who see things where others do not and for those whose imaginations cannot be confined by religious dogma and tradition. It is for musicians, singers, painters, sculptors, dancers, dramatists, writers, poets, carvers, weavers, film editors, photographers, filmmakers, architects, designers--anyone who finds inspiration in creativity. Focusing on the creative spirit within, it is designed to help you draw your inspiration from a Deeper Source. It is deeply rooted in Scripture--for the creative Christian must enter into the Word of God on a regular basis in order to know the choreographer of her steps, the crafter of her designs, the author and perfecter of her faith, and the sculptor of her creative heart, soul, mind, and body. And to know Him intimately.

A tried-and-tested resource for the renewal of the local church. Faced with the unsustainability of many inherited patterns of church, the temptation may be to fall into despondency rather than seeking to regenerate patterns of mission and ministry. This book is the result of a two-year research project aimed at enabling local churches to regain a sense of confidence through exploring God's blessing and how that might be shared with the communities they serve. In Part One, Robin Greenwood explores the meaning of blessing and the power of face-to-face group conversations to transform church congregations. Part Two of the book contains outlines for five guided conversations for change on the theme of blessing. Part Three contains case study material of how this material has been used in different contexts, including for Mission Action Planning (MAP).

Ideal for multi-cultural settings.Add meaning and muscle to your worship services with high-impact dramaPresenting Lights, Drama, Worship!Diverse!-sweeping in different cultures and speaking to a broad array of issuesExciting!-packing a relevance and creative spark that will captivate your congregationPowerful!-brimming with dramas, sketches, and recitations that will touch hearts, break down barriers, and help people connect with GodEach book in this four-volume series offers a variety of performance materials, from short, easy-to-perform sketches and readings to longer, more structured plays. Whether your church drama ministry is brand new or has been established for years, there's something for everyone, from beginners with little or no experience to seasoned players who want a challenge.Your one-stop drama resource covering . . .- Key aspects of Christian living-such as salvation, forgiveness, God's provision, love, persistence, and faith- Special occasions-Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, Black History Month, and more- Each play includes-production tips for costuming - set design, props, and rehearsal notes - Scripture references - themes, summaries, and character lists- The volume also includes blocking tips - helpful tips from other dramatists - topical indexVolume 2Reader's theater: Is It Love or Noise?Sketches: Easter Play; Watch What You Hold On ToFeature Play: Tongue Twisters; Spiritual Bank

As an increasingly significant aspect of primary teaching, Creative Approaches to Teaching Primary RE is the essential companion to help bring creativity to life in the classroom. The text begins with a discussion of creative education and the value of Religious Education, moving on to reflect on the cross-curricular nature of the subject, exploring ways of introducing creativity to the classroom, through the medium of Religious Education. Each chapter provides ideas and activities demonstrating how pedagogy and theory can be applied in practice within a school setting. The inclusion of case studies will help you consider how to develop creative approaches in all curriculum areas. This book invites you to ask questions such as: · What is Creative Education? · Why should RE be included in the ever-changing curriculum? · How can I use Religious Education to generate a more creative environment in the classroom?

What is the difference between good worship and good entertainment? Too often, people disparage some aspect of worship by calling it "just entertainment" or "just a performance." Others say that they do not need to go to church because they have profound spiritual or even religious experiences at concerts, plays, movies, or dances. How is worship different from these performing arts? How is art different from entertainment? This book looks at the history of the performing arts both in worship and as worship, with particular attention to the attitudes that shape our ideas about both worship and entertainment. Working definitions of words like "art," "excellence," "liturgy," and "play" help to illuminate what different people mean when they use them in conversations about Christian worship. Putting theological, scriptural, and practical writings on worship and the performing arts in conversation with interviews with dancers, musicians, actors, preachers, and liturgical scholars, this volume is intended to help pastors, performers, and everyone who plans, leads, or cares about worship talk with one another in mutually respectful and helpful ways.

Compiles cultural, theological, and psychological perspectives on spiritual experience in worship from scholars and laity, paying particular attention to the role of the arts in facilitating spiritual transformation.