Advice for Churches Seeking to Launch "Arts Ministries"

AOA NEWS
By Ernest Britton

In a recent blog post in the Gospel Coalition Blog, P.D. Young offers timely, and clear advice to the growing number of churches seeking to launch an "Art Ministry." His six suggestions are:

1. First define what you mean by "Art."
2. Name at least 5 contemporary artists before beginning your plans. 
3. Don't do it because you think it will make your church gallery the center of the art world.
4. Don't do it to evangelize the arts community. 
5. Showcase the art being created in your own community.
6. Read-up on Art: Art Theory, Art History, etc. 

P. D. Young is the music coordinator for Cityview Presbyterian Church in Chicago and a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and so he's a good source for these suggestions. I'd add two more items: #7. Ask some local artists what they'd like to see; and #8. Buy some local artwork for your church collection. [Read: GospelCoalition]