Creating a healthy creative arts environment.
Growth, the very essence of change and transformation, is about pushing back “what is” – and making room for “what can be”. The dynamic tension between “what is” and “what can be” fill the environment in which we work, serve and live everyday. Healthy relationships operate from mutual support and concern for others. (John 13:34, 35) (Philippians 2:4) When we engage with others to remove barriers to growth and discipleship we miraculously feel more inspired and full of life.
Healthy cultures, music ministries, and families build rituals into there everyday lives that encourage spiritual growth, maturity. (1Thessalonians 5:11) as I reflected on some of the work I have done and am doing doing with music ministries, the conditions for health and lack of health in there ministry, and its team members became apparent. When the culture felt territorial, or toxic, there were signs that I could now clearly identify. For example, in unhealthy cultures:
1. Team members failed to communicate about challenges until it’s to late – they fail to get the assistance from there leadership or others around.
2. Teams members lack sensitivity toward one another – they react territorially, blame others for problems, and produce unhealthy, toxic environments.
3. Team members turn inward and become egocentric, creating positive beliefs about themselves and negative beliefs and assumptions about others, which turns their environment into one of fear and reactivity.
On the other hand, when a Music Ministry’s culture was healthy, I would see the opposite set of behaviors showing up among the team members for example.
1. Team members send out signals when they are in trouble and feel safe to do so. (Due to a safe environment and healthy atmosphere) Therefore gain help of there leadership and others around them in time of need.
2. Team Members have incredible sensitivity toward one another – and therefore work side by side to hold each other accountable, giving mutual support to one another’s maturity development and spiritual growth.
3. Team members did not allow themselves to turn inward, to become overly egocentric or to fixate on past success, all of which only serves to sap them of energy for growth. Instead, they learn from the past, let it go, and focus on embracing a future in which they can depend on God and one another.