Most of us have big ideas and plans when we begin working in the world of youth ministry. We have programming ideas, series ideas, retreat ideas, outreach event ideas, and more. And while we probably implement some of those creative plans, over time, the creativity and innovation muscle in us tends to wane. On this episode, we’re talking about the dangers of becoming stagnant creatively, what to do when you’re stuck in a creative rut, and how to bring creativity back to your youth ministry.
EPISODE RECAP
- When ministry beats the creativity out of you (5:15)
- Why the church continues to be stuck in a creative rut (9:25)
- Reasons it’s difficult for youth ministry workers to stay creative (11:05)
- How to take a step outside of what you’re doing regularly (12:16)
- The importance of finding a creative team outside of your church’s walls (17:45)
- The importance of staying creative and the dangers of falling into a predictable routine (18:45)
- How to be creative when you don’t have a team (23:00)
- How to be creative in all areas of your ministry (24:53)
- How to keep your brain thinking creatively each week (35:15)
- Advice for the youth ministry leader who feels like they’re stuck in a rut and wants to be creative again (45:09)
QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE
One of the biggest keys to being successful creatively is being willing—and having the freedom—to fail. —Jon Williams Click To Tweet We lose students when our youth ministry is cookie cutter. Students need variety. —Brett Talley Click To TweetThe strategic side of creativity is more important than the lights, the paint, and the music. —Jon Williams Click To TweetYour WHY should always drive your creativity. —Jon Williams Click To TweetRest rejuvenates creative ideas. —Charlie Conder Click To Tweet
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
Website: The So & So Show
Event: The 2020 Orange Conference
Resource: XP3 Middle School curriculum
Resource: XP3 High School curriculum
Resource: 252 Kids
Just For Fun: Jonathan D. Williams’s IMDB page
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VOICES IN THIS EPISODE
CJ PALMER
JON WILLIAMS
Jon is part of the 252 Kids curriculum team at Orange. For 252 Kids, he writes, creates, and innovates concepts and content to keep the curriculum fun and relevant for kids. Outside of his work with Orange, Jon is an Atlanta based actor and freelance writer and is known for his work in Ozark (2018), TURN: Washington’s Spies (2015), and Star (2017).
CHARLIE CONDER
Charlie is an XP3 Orange Specialist at Orange after spending the past 20 years working with students in educational and ministry settings. Most recently, Charlie spent 12 years as the middle school youth pastor in a thriving Methodist church in the Metro Atlanta area. Charlie grew up in rural Illinois but has been living in metro Atlanta, GA for the past 14 years. She lives with her husband Eric, her sometimes snarky but lovable daughter, and their three pups.
BRETT TALLEY
Brett is an XP3 Orange Specialist with Orange after spending 11 years in full time ministry. He’s been married to his amazing wife since 2004. They have three amazing and hilarious kids who constantly keep them busy and laughing. He loves baseball, golf and makes amazing turkey melt sandwiches (if he has the time and ingredients, otherwise they’re just average).
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What about just depending on Gods Spirit for inspiration? Disturbing that this was not even touched on. When we take time to stay connected to God, He is the master of creativity. And if we aren’t listening to His voice, we don’t need to be in ministry.