What Classes Do I Take To Be A Creative Pastor?
I get this question a lot! It’s a good question but maybe not the most important question you could ask.
Learn. Then learn some more. Then keep learning…
“What classes can I take to do that?”
Creativity is about instincts and experiences more than it is about lessons and lectures.
The New York Times ran a story a few weeks ago about Bret Turner – a freshman at Hamilton College. Bret thought it would be beneficial to his education to ask every teacher one question: “Why is X (your field of specialty) important?” Needless to say, Bret made some waves with this line of questioning. During his term at Hamilton, Bret asked 200 of 223 professors this question. When asked why, the answer was simple: “I have shallow interests.” It actually was a brilliant way to learn a little about a lot.
Recent research supports data that indicates the most creative people in the world are people who know a little about a lot. Psychologists have coined the term “T-Shaped Thinkers” to describe this type of creative learner. The concept is shallow knowledge on a variety of things and depth in one specific area. In order to maximize our full creative potential, we need to be able to speak into generalizations not just a specialized area.
It’s vital that we Learn. Then learn some more. Then keep learning…
Make sure you’re investing in you. Read. Write. Develop. Fight to keep learning so you can keep developing as a creative and a creative leader. Then you will be ready to be a Creative Pastor…but you will still have to keep learning!
Maybe start with some of these questions.
- Are you passionate about the local church?
- Are you excited about telling amazing stories of life change at your church?
- Can you get excited about making ministries more important than art?
- Do you like the tension of creation and connection?
- Are you comfortable making things people won’t like and will question, but you do it because you know you have to!?
- How will you handle sacrificing an idea you think is the coolest ever to accept activating an idea a communicator is passionate about but you may not personally think is as “cool”?
The truth is…there is not a class but instead the job itself is the the training field.
This is right on. However the tension is that churches are often looking for tangible qualifications – degrees, precious employment, etc. Look for opportunities to practice and learn and pitch in. Those relationships you develop will also be helpful moving forward.