Some Results from the Lower Mainland (Greater Vancouver) Musicians & Artists Networking Directory Questionnaire
August 2003
Here are some responses to some of the questions that we had for those that filled in the form for the networking directory here in Vancouver, which will hopefully be emailed out this week. I thought you might find the results interesting and potentially helpful as you consider your situations across the country, as well...it would be interesting to know whether some of the main felt needs in various regions are similar... This only covers the responses of about 15-20 people at this point...
Networking Directory Form we used: http://disciplethenations.org/networkingmaform.html
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If you are an artist/musician,
are you working mainly within church structures or mainly in the marketplace
in the use of your gifts?
+ Within the church
+ Marketplace
+ Both
+ Mainly within the church at this point, but hoping to become more involved
in the marketplace.
+ Ummmmm....singing only in church, dancing for performance only in the secular
environment.
+ Right now I am working mainly in the church with worship but am hoping to
bring it out into the streets. With a group of friends we did some worshipping
on East Hastings, which was really good.
+ in the marketplace but mostly in the church
+ mostly in the marketplace
+ Mainly within the Christian community so far. Although murals can be accessible
to the public.
+ in a church setting
+ marketplace
+ depending on which country, one or the other or both
+ both, depending on which country I'm in at the time
+ within the church structures
+ both but mostly with churches/ministries
+ Mainly in churches and crusades in Europe (but also in Asia, N. America,
Australia and Africa)
+ within the church
+ mostly within the church
+ mostly within the church
Do you feel that your
church is generally supportive of the arts and has a vision for the arts,
or...?
+ Yes.
+ Yes
+ The church that I’m sent from as a missionary has been very supportive
of me and what I’m involved in and also has a Worship & Arts ministry
and a growing missions heart.
+ don't know; just moved and at a new church
+ I feel adequately supported by my fellowship but I feel that it is going
to be up to me to prayerfully inform myself of other networks (such as the
Great Commission Worship & Arts Center) and grow and learn as doors are
opened. I want my home fellowship to be involved closely with this process
as well.
+ My fellowship is indeed supportive and does have a vision for the arts.
It has also been prophesied that our fellowship will be a major center for
equipping of the arts.
+ Yes, they have become more and more interested in using artwork (visual)
and dance within the church.
+ I presume it is generally supportive
+ Fairly well supported by my church although it’s a very small congregation
& well supported by the ministry I'm with (VHOP) in terms of my vision.
However I feel a need to commune with other artists.
+ Yes, I have been encouraged and supportive by my church family. I would
say Yes. For a Baptist church to have dance and choreography, we are open
to God moving!
+ very much. It is one of their strengths
+ It's been a major felt need...just changed after 25 years at last church...so
am optimistic and encouraged for that to change
+ It is a major need since I do not know many churches in the west and do
not find the time to promote the ministry since I am on the move all the time
ministering to immigrants and travelling
+ I think that my church is really expanding in the area of worship arts.
We are really growing and supporting the arts in church settings.
+ fairly supportive
+ I am more than adequately supported by the church at large.
+ the church is fairly supportive of the arts/artists
+ yes
+ yes, very supportive
+ part of a house church and house church network which are very supportive
If you are an individual,
do you have a fairly clear vision of what you sense God is wanting to do re
the arts? and if so, what might that be?, especially as it relates to you
personally?
+ That the arts may be redeemed and restored - that Jesus will
be released and glorified through the arts. To see the arts also used as a
form of warfare, intercession and evangelism.
+ My heart is to work with all people through all aspects of worship and music.
I personally want to work with the pre-saved. That seems to be what God has
spent a lifetime training me to do.
+ I want my culture to know that God is extremely creative and expressive
and not boring, that He actually likes dance. I want to bring the glory of
God into the marketplace.
+ I'm really not sure what God wants exactly. I think there might be some
opportunities at my university (Simon Fraser) with an open mike night to do
some songs or read poetry. I want to worship God in the parks, on the streets,
in bars, or wherever God calls me to.
+ to effectively partner with Christ-centered churches, schools, missions,
ministries, businesses and individuals in order to train, equip and release
biblically established artists and musicians into their roles in seeing cities,
nations and ethnic groups discipled into becoming whole-hearted, total-life
worshippers of God. To facilitate those involved in ethnic worship & the
arts as a vital part of church planting among ethnic peoples locally and overseas.
To glorify God:
1) by influencing, challenging, and resourcing artists who will declare the
supremacy of Christ among the nations and
2) by serving local churches in facilitating worship that is both artistically
and culturally relevant."
Therefore the Network exists to see a worshiping church for every people.
(edited for Urbana 2000). Also, to provide multicultural training and resources
in culture and the arts in international settings...To continue to develop
art as the Holy Spirit leads hopefully more in the marketplace in the future…I
really have a growing longing to see the arts used to glorify God in the realm
of justice and reconciliation issues and in ministering to the poor and down-trodden,
etc. I desire to see it elicit awe of God and to help bring encouragement
or loving exhortation where needed, etc. Mostly, I desire the artistic gifts
He’s given to be given as gifts of worship back to Him, and that He would
use me, in conjunction with those with whom He connects me (and the ministries
I’m with), in whatever ways He might desire in order to see artists and
the arts reclaimed for Him throughout the Lower Mainland, Canada, and the
nations - I desire to see arts / artists in the Church restored, rebuilt and
rising up into their rightful place in these days as His coming draws increasingly
near.
+ going through a life adjustment and things are a bit unclear at this time
+ I feel that God definitely is going to demonstrate his own Presence within
every tribe and tongue and nations culture. I see music, dance, poetry, drama,
sign language, drawing, painting as a vehicle for experiencing deeper level
of celebration, community, intimacy with Yeshua in a chamber-like experience
as described in the Song of Solomon. It will draw in the people in the world
who are seeking entertainment in every other arena when in reality they are
looking for Christ, and it will deepen the believer's walk individually and
as a body in a tangible and radical way.
+ I have a vision for a Christian Coffehouse where the artists in the local
Body can flow in their gifting in a non-churchy environment, to build one
another up in their giftings, as well as to reach out and demonstrate the
gospel to people who don't know Yeshua(Jesus) yet personally.
+ God has been gifting me in the area of heart worship and song-writing and
singing. It is for healing in the church, and for myself. It also has evangelistic
focus
+ I am a visual artist and God gives me visions to paint, and I take them
out to the shopping malls, and artshows and tell them about my wonderful Jesus,
and people get saved at the paintings. Awesome - the Holy Spirit is there
to testify to them, and will come and heal them to show that Jesus is alive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I also make art cards from the visions- to give away, (a few I sell), with
scriptures on the back. I take His images to opportunities that arise and
in juried shows secular, so that they may be the sword that brings a person
to repentance and his eyes open up!
+ “intercession to see the power & presence of God transform the
city” Right now it is to use painting as a way to express worship to
God & to express prophecy as God directs, to teach others about worshipping
through the arts, to share this vision with others through speaking &
networking. I also have a strong belief that God is going to move powerfully
through the arts & that unity among artists is important. Though I won’t
attempt to guess what this will look like or know when, I feel like God is
giving me increasing faith & vision for this to happen. Part of my teaching
involves releasing other artists so they can respond to God to see this powerful
move happen. I also think he is unfolding a ministry through mural painting.
+ I see God anointing people... songs being written, the rhythm of dance and
choreography cascading out of hearts across the lands of desolation symbolizing
life and hope and truth in adoration of the King of Kings, I see instruments
being reclaimed to be used in honor of the Lord to create a dynamic blend
of worship. I have had the priveledge of writing a few songs and having our
worship pastor help arrange the songs and put them down on paper. What a blessing!
I love to create and design and put verses with images that bring the word
to life.
+ To go wherever, whenever, however, to whomever and whatever He wills. My
ministry is to love and the expression of it changes according to God's will.
I just take it one day at a time with the Lord.
+ Network artists; open music schools for immigrants and others and teach
playing by ear, preach the gospel to the unreached in the countries where
south asians have immigrated.
+ My mission/vision is to lead people into spirit led, and motivated worship
where the congregation stands together to seek after the Lord. Music and the
arts is/are a powerful vessel that can lead us into the presence of the Lord,
and there is a growing need to be in that presence. I also have a vision/mission
to unite the church's generations in a blended worship (music) setting, where
contemporary and traditional songs are integrated into worship sets. I think
that God is really opening up gateways for ministry through the arts. The
media is majorly impacting our world today, and the arts are having a huge
impact on life. Music, art, drama, speak to all generations powerfully. Evangelism
is definitely being impacted by music and drama, dance and art, and God is
moving through individuals who are working to spread the good news through
these forms of worship.
+ using media as a tool for evangelism and discipleship
+ God wants us to use our giftings and talents to go into the world and preach
the gospel. Praisecharts is a collaborative endeavour of web designers, arrangers,
song companies and writers. I also occasionally take local musicians with
me to participate on crusades in Africa and Europe and N. America
+ Here’s the nutshell vision statement of FarAway Music: To serve the
world and the Global Church with the encouraging, truth-infused music, speaking
& song-writing of Debbie Fortnum.
Here are my specific goals:
1. TO BRING GLORY TO MY GOD BY …
a. exhorting and encouraging Christians in their worship journey
b. touching the hearts of pre-Christians in their quest for God (I have a
heart for the nations and evangelistic values in my ministry)
2. TO SHARE MY MUSIC WITH THE WORLD & THE BRIDE OF CHRIST on CD’s
that are …
a. marked with credibility and excellence
b. true to my personal style
3. TO ASSIST THE CHURCH IN ITS WORSHIP RENEWAL BY WRITING SONGS THAT …
a. help facilitate believer’s and/or pre-Christians’ worshipful
response & expression to God
b. strengthen & empower men’s, women’s and children’s FAITH!
c. are full of Biblical, solid theological, and prophetic-Truth content
d. are congregation-friendly &/OR will minister God-life to any congregation
+ To tell my story through music to as many will listen.
+ Personally I feel called to use my gifts in music to draw people closer
to God. I have a particular passion for hiding the word of God in my heart
and in the hearts of others (Ps. 119 :9-11). This is strongly reflected in
my songwriting (which is very scriptural), with many songs existing for the
explicit purpose of aiding people in memorization of scripture.
Is your vision for the arts
mostly local? mostly national? Mostly international? all of the above? some
of the above? (if the latter, which?)...
+ all the above.
+ Anywhere that I feel led
+ Mostly local and national
+ My vision is to have a place where Christians with talent can perform and
to have a physical centre in which they can perfect their craft (Grace's note:
by the way, this is a desire that many local leaders have had burning on their
hearts in the past years and I believe it's going to begin to come together
shortly as we begin to have our networking meetings with local music/arts
ministry leaders, etc.)
+ All of the above. I see teams going out internationally, I see teams going
cross-country and I see a home base for training and equipping. I see local
Christian artists having a prominent presence in the secular entertainment
culture.
+ I think God wants me to start more local, but eventually internationally.
+ I suppose my vision has always been to start locally and see where it goes.
I have organized benefit concerts in the past that focused on meeting international
and local needs (ie. World Vision, Afghanistan and Pro-Life).
+ So far my work is mostly local. Recently did a mural in Saskatoon. Have
a desire to do more teaching & networking re: worship & the arts nationally
& internationally.
+ Publishing would be more than local. I would love to impact our world with
fresh images giving evidence of an amazing God who cares about us so much
that even the smallest things are not left without a trace of the Masters
Touch! To serve such a loving caring God... how He must love us when He puts
such attention to detail in the smallest things! To help people see the details
of our world speaks to this!
+ international
+ local I suppose. I have a real heart for my city, and a heart to see the
arts spread through the Fraser Valley with a mighty move of God accompanying
it.
+ local, national, international
+ international
+ both
+ both
+ mostly local
+ international focus but also local development
What are one or two of the main
things that you feel God has put on your heart (concerns or encouragements,
etc.) re music/arts/media in the Lower Mainland and/or beyond? - in the Church
and outside the Church?
+ That the wounded artists be healed and restored so that they
may be released into the full potential of their calling.
+ Places to perform
+ I am just thankful to have found that the Great Commission Worship &
Arts Center is in a relatively accessible place, and I would love to see my
fellowship here on the Island become involved and have mutual building up
with this ministry.
+ Networking, support, lots of communication, touching base, and a common
vision statement.
+ To the church I feel it is important that we have God's anointing more than
anything else, that's gives us something special.
+ I think a lot of times Christian music ministry has become very separated
from the world and is not effective in touching those outside the church.
That bothers me. Many of our songs do not really reach people where they are
at-working through pain and hurt. I think music has the power to do that,
but I would like to see the church use this tool more.
+ To encourage the new song from members of a church community that may have
no musical knowledge
+ To use both old and new beside each other to minister to all ages, not just
youth. To understand the history of the church and music-making and the proper
role of musicians; to honor different cultural expressions of music
+ That God is going to move powerfully in the arts in a way we can’t
even imagine right now, internationally. I see evidence & hear stories
of how the arts & artists are being sought out to be supported & use
their giftings within the church.
That the Spirit of God can be tangibly present to speak & heal within
an art form or art piece.
+ A desire & belief to see God move - among artists & those supporting
artists. Financial & time investment from churches. A place for artists
with prophetic giftings to speak through their artform, to be heard &
be received. To see artists released from fear & other holds & empowered
to use the arts as a weapon for spiritual warfare.
+ The one thing that comes to mind is; II Timothy "In the end times people
will love what is evil and hate what is good" There is a bias against
beauty in our world. Hearts are being hardened and too many are turning toward
what breaks God's heart. Much prayer is needed that those the Lord has called
would see Him in their world. I believe the
arts can be used to touch hearts and help them hear the call of God.
+ To reclaim the joy and expressiveness of the human spirit. To embrace life
with passion....to truly know that in Him we live and move and have our being.
As we walk in the creativity God has put in us we express the imprint of God
upon our souls in our own unique way. Freedom!!!
+ 1. The importance of the use of the arts in evangelism ministry
2. The use of the arts in the church as a method to unify the body of believers...to
get people excited about Jesus, and to deepen faith in the church. A major
concern is the passion in the church.
+ using media as a tool for evangelism and discipleship
+ changing lives through Christ, friendship evangelism, unrestricted love
towards each other and the lost
+ 1. To write charts for all the top worship songs from around the world and
make them
available to churches around the world.
2. To go into the world and lead worship and see people saved and healed through
www.christlove.org
3. To train up young worship leaders to minister in churches and around the
world.
+ Dance / God & Truth-based worship as opposed to worship based worship!
+ Networking is how we will all succeed in our callings
+ As above, a passion for using music to memorize scripture.
+ I see a huge need for the church, ministries, Christian musicians/artists
and arts supporters to WORK TOGETHER in unity in order to see the things God
wants to do through us, together, coming into being. I see a need for servant
hearts desiring to work together rather than trying to build our own kingdoms.
+ A major need seems to be for the Church at large, and especially Christian
musicians and artists, to really understand the biblical foundations of music
and the arts in the great scheme of things, and the vital role of God's musicians
and artists in our day - and as a vital part of the Church, discipleship,
evangelism, church planting, seeing the Kingdom of God expanded!
+ There is a need for arts supporters who can facilitate the many artists
that need business/administrative assistance so they can focus their time
on developing and showing their art, etc.
+ There is a need for creative thinking in terms of how finances can be released
so that Christian musicians and artists can flourish and make an effective
and positive impact in the marketplace.
+ There seems to be a huge need for fellowship among Christian musicians and
artists.
What do you see as the most
relevant issues that need to be prayerfully discussed regarding music/arts/media
ministries locally and/or beyond?
+ The widespread misunderstanding that God's artists have experienced by the
Body. Also, the reality that creative art needs to reclaim its rightful place
as an expression of worship not only in the church, but in the world. WE are
Kingdom Citizens and basically WE should have the "best" quality
art!
+ God gave us talent and He must come first.
+ that God's presence would fill our churches and city streets, and the arts
would proclaim His beauty and creativity in the church and beyond.
+ The blending or co-existence of both old and new musical forms hymns in
worship as well as choruses. To allow churches abroad to make their own cultural
musical expressions of praise to God
+ - unity among artists!!
- how do we involve the Holy Spirit in our art form?
- finding common ground between professional & non-professional artists
who are Christians
- how do you bring God’s presence into the mainstream arts community?
+ Bringing balance to the secular media that influences so many people away
from the truth. Pacific Theatre is doing a GREAT job in this area... they
need prayer that the seeds planted will bear fruit!
+ The concept of bringing people to the Lord in the most practical and interesting
way and promoting languages and cultures without diluting the gospel or compromising
with the eastern religions
+ Committed leaders....with a true and passionate heart for Jesus. People
who live lives of integrity and honesty in the church. I see the need for
people to rise up that aren't just worship leaders, but lead worshippers....the
need also for spirit led worship that isn't so set in stone....versatility
of a worship set that allows for the movement of the spirit. I think mainly
prayer for the leaders and teams. (not too sure.....)
+ To keep them focused on reaching the people who don't know Jesus.
+ That they be solidly based upon the Word of God. There is, in my humble
opinion, way too much “worship of worship” and not enough worship
of the Triune GOD!
+ The divide and separation between secular and sacred to be smashed apart
in our minds and practice.
+ For churches to re-evaluate why they sing the songs they do. My observation
is that the modern/western/evangelical church is following the trend of choosing
songs based on who wrote them rather than on the content of the song itself.
It is more important to prayerfully find the songs that express the heart
of God for your church.
+ I think we just need to be cautious about the commercialization of God's
music.
+ There seems to be a major need to come to terms, as able, with the dichotomy
between ‘secular’ and ‘sacred’ which exists in our society
and in our worldview as N. American believers…the biblical worldview
is that all of life is to be lived in worship to God…we are to live as
disciples in every area of life. All of it is pleasing to the Lord as it is
done to glorify Him.
+ I believe there is a need to re-evaluate the music/art of our N. American
cultures in much the same way that Christian ethnomusicologists, ethnodramatologists/ethnodoxologists,
etc. are doing as they are seeking to work with indigenous believers to develop
new art forms from within the people’s indigenous backgrounds and to
encourage the reclaiming of various arts (contextualization) in the midst
the various ethnic peoples they are working among
+ local ‘Christianity and the Arts‘ Resource Networking Centers
which can provide a place for consultation, research, training, fellowship,
networking, etc. etc. -
http://disciplethenations.org/index94.html
Have you mentored other
musicians/artists? If so, please explain. Is this something you would like
to do more of? and/or see a need for? Further comments?
+ No, but may do so in the future.
+ I've taught some ME dance classes as a substitute for my teacher.
+ I do teach people to paint, so that they can also share their visions with
others.
+ Not formally. But my role with VHOP includes empowering artists in worship
through teaching, encouragement & sharing vision.
+ Not mentored but encourage where I can. Do not have time to mentor someone
on an ongoing basis.
+ I have mentored many and plan to mentor many many more....mainly through
these schools and by giving personal attention.
+ I think I need the mentoring actually....I'm still pretty new, and fresh
in the ministry
+ would be open to mentoring others in the video production aspects would
need to be negotiated
+ Yes, I've mentored a number of people who are currently leading worship
in the Lower Mainland and different parts of the world.. It's part of my mandate.
+ Yes, there is a tremendous need, and will continue to be open to God’s
leading this way.
+ Yes, I have mentored various musicians/artists and this is a major vision
on my heart..to continue to do so as the Lord brings those that seek to be
mentored. I desire on-going mentorship as well as the Lord brings the appropriate
people into my life.
Are you potentially interested
in working together with local music/arts/media ministries to put together
an intro video on various local music/arts/media ministries which could then
be used to help encourage local churches, believers/businesses, educators,
etc. to partner together to see the arts reclaimed locally and beyond?
+ yes
+ yes
+ yes
+ yeah, I would!
+ yes
+ SURE I would. I am looking to make some of my own resources and hope that
we can network and use the material.
+ TOTALLY! that is something that i really have a passion for!!!!!
+ yes
+ possibly
+ very much so
Great Commission Worship
& Arts Center