7 Reasons Why Artists Should Leave the Church

[@marketa4074]

I just discovered your channel and I was really missing a content like this. As a spirit lead artist I still struggle with thriving. Definitely gonna listen to your videos while painting in my studio.

[@deidretao2532]

That was an awesome post!! I could not agree more. I used to kind of resent my church friends for not coming out to more of my shows and gallery openings. I had to adjust my expectations and realize that though they love me, the art world is a place where they may not feel as familiar or comfortable as I do (duhh!!) lol. Four years ago I joined a non-religious artists organization. Game changer!!! More friends, more clients, more connections, more blessings, opportunities to share the light of Christ with others who may not be close to Him just yet. Total game changer. And I didn’t leave the church, LOL. Thanks Matt I confirm and affirm all that you shared!!

[@Lion-pj6ye]

Great episode!!! 🔥🔥👑👑 These have all been my thoughts for a long time too. Here in Germany we are still years behind. 😔 Since I left the institution of the church a few years ago, I've gone through such a huge development spiritually, personally and artistically. Nothing better could have happened to me. Thank you Matt for your wisdom and truth from the Kingdom and for sharing that with us artists. So valuable! I've been able to learn and implement so much through this already. 🧡🔥👑 Many blessings and greetings from Germany, Katrin ☀️

[@LarryKimbro]

Just the moment I hear one of your videos and have been so moved by your scripture based wisdom that nothing ever could top this … you release a video like this. Wow! As an emerging Christian artist returning to my passion simply, Thank you, dear brother, for your encouragement and wisdom that is so desperately needed. May GOD continue to Bless you!

[@annaarty4656]

If I’d hear this encouragement about five years ago 😅 But great that you are here at least now, thank you

[@MariKayCreations]

You do know how to have a provocative title!! I have 4 of my kids at home and none of them are Christian - yet. So I had to wait for a time none of them are up and about to watch this 😄. Whew! As you were talking about the interaction between church and marketplace, I was reminded of a scripture I had remembered from one translation, which put it rather harshly, but looked it up just now. The NLT is a little kinder in its language: Proverbs 12 v 22 Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren, but the sinner’s wealth passes to the godly. And with how you put it, the sinner is also 'witnessed to' by the art, for the kingdom.

[@thisislynndert477]

Were you talking to me? You've nailed what I needed to hear right on the head!!!!!❤❤❤❤ thank you

[@hjhill1465]

Thank you, brother. That word "plan" came to me during prayer this very morning.

[@deelynn8611]

I've found church people degrade artists as selfish, evil, following "the world". They do not look at it as a job like any other job. Does a Christian truck driver refuse a load of liquor if he doesn't drink? of course not. Does a professional musician stop playing restaurants that serve liquor or wineries because they are Christian? Do professional musicians stop playing secular popular songs like Jimmy buffet and Adele? This is their job. The songs don't say anything particularly bad. They are silly love songs or fun "cheeseburger in paradise" style songs. people love them. The church people seem to hate this and call you a satanist. it is truly a dilemma.

[@carolineharnish5633]

Excellent, Brilliant thoughts!

[@vibschulle2178]

Wow! Wonderful perspective. Thank you!

[@cowgirljane6976]

Wise counsel. Thank you.

[@MartyYokawonis]

Creative prophet. Interesting

[@สมควรนิลทับ]

You write very well.

[@cchemmes-seeseeart3948]

Mentoring artists. Step out of the box. My church doesn't get me. There is more for you, than operating w/in bounds of your church; cannot find the full expression there. Artists w/ passion. 7 reasons step outside the bounds of the local church (not the place where you will have the most impact/ lots of issues can arise, expectations, etc). 1. a variety of experiences best inform your art/ as seed bed of imagination, so not a limited view creatively. museums, great literature; shows; walk park, have 'wow' experience. 2. worship can happen anywhere. studio can be a sacred space/ commune w/ God. play worship music, commune with God. cultivate Spirit, in studio, in marketplace/ booth. pray for divine appointmt/ supernatural opportunities, in this place. So can see God move outside the church. 3. Go & tell gospel. can't happen if in church all the time. 4. Artists are cultural prophets. release the light & life of God. release imagery that captures hearts in unexpected ways. 5. It's ez to be big fish/ in little pond... at church. there's so much more. Your art is not your identity. It is how God has designed you to release the kingdom, uniquely, as an artist. 6. earn income outside the church, in marketplace. The church is not a culture of art collectors. 7. church can be insulating bubble. The church equips the saints to do their thing outside the church. God has a great plan for you

[@victoriaculbertson8266]

❤❤❤

[@DavvyKat]

I just want to share something right now: A few years ago I found myself being so frustrated with the church and I felt like my creative gifts and passions have been stifled and out of frustration I left the church. I even feel guilty for not attending church nowadays because people might accuse me for "not being right with God", and being a "filthy sinner" and also "not focusing on the will of God." Those thoughts were so frustrating and also very defeating for me. See, deep down, I'm an animation geek, and I really like animation, especially comics too. I'm a huge anthropomorphic animal characters fan and I really enjoy drawing these kinds of stuff all the time. I have my favorite animators and artists on the internet that I look up to that draw these amazing anthropomorphic animal characters in their art and they have been a huge influence on my work. I have this graphic novel/webcomic idea that I want to create revolving around anthropomorphic animals about a young anthropomorphic cat who decides to take up this year long journey of hiking after a lifetime of going through poor life choices. But there is this one Christian that I had on the phone who told me to never create that graphic novel and to "let God guide me first." You have no idea how frustrating it is for someone to talk to me like that. I'm a bit of a nerdy person and an artsy person who personally likes animation and video games and KZbin stuff and making my own time lapse art videos revolving around anthropomorphic animal characters, and right now I have a lot of accusing religious thoughts going through my head telling me that "this is not God's will." I don't know what to do anymore.

[@MattTommeyMentoring]

So glad you’ve found your way here. We’d love to support you any way we can inside Created to Thrive at www.matttommeymentoring.com/artmentor

[@vickibaker8372]

We can volunteer at the church....we can make Art projects for the kids

[@MattTommeyMentoring]

That’s great for artists into volunteering but not for growing an art business. All the more reason to know what you’re doing you’re art for in this season on life.

[@Greywolfgrafix]

I pretty much grew up in independent so-called "funnnndamentalist" Baptist churches, and they have a very negative opinion of art and artists. They don't consider art to be a legitimate "job". I'm 65 and got fed up with the IFB in 1992, and the Southern Baptist bunch wasn't much better. Left them in 2007. I've not joined another church since. Never will.

[@MartyYokawonis]

Really interesting. I think the marketplace is so challenging but the church feels stale when it comes to art. Yes free is the key word. Very disvouraging.

[@sherrycrockett4734]

Personally, I go to church out of obedience to God. I go to serve not to be served. We are created after God's image; we were designed to create. The church needs the creativity we bring anointed by the Holy Spirit!

[@MattTommeyMentoring]

Yes I think I mentioned that too in the video - that being a part of a healthy church is essential and beneficial for all believers but to look to the church as the main outlet to sell / make art is not a great idea IMHO :) that’s kinda the point of this video.

[@suesmith9665]

You leave the church first

[@Greywolfgrafix]

I left the denominational church (SBC) in 2007. I'll never go back. I'm done. I haven't lost my faith. I just no longer attend church services. God isn't present in the vast majority of them.

[@LarryKimbro]

Just the moment I hear one of your videos and have been so moved by your scripture based wisdom that nothing ever could top this … you release a video like this. Wow! As an emerging Christian artist returning to my passion simply, Thank you, dear brother, for your encouragement and wisdom that is so desperately needed. May GOD continue to Bless you!

[@LarryKimbro]

Just the moment I hear one of your videos and have been so moved by your scripture based wisdom that nothing ever could top this … you release a video like this. Wow! As an emerging Christian artist returning to my passion simply, Thank you, dear brother, for your encouragement and wisdom that is so desperately needed. May GOD continue to Bless you!

[@MattTommeyMentoring]

Thanks man!

[@LarryKimbro]

Just the moment I hear one of your videos and have been so moved by your scripture based wisdom that nothing ever could top this … you release a video like this. Wow! As an emerging Christian artist returning to my passion simply, Thank you, dear brother, for your encouragement and wisdom that is so desperately needed. May GOD continue to Bless you!

[@MattTommeyMentoring]

You’re welcome!