LVC Cast of Godspell...
I’ve been working to develop an arts program at the LVC for about 2 years now… In that time, we’ve tried a few different kinds of things, but always seem to find ourselves falling back on theatrical projects that consume all of our artistic resources for months. I wouldn’t describe the program as ‘comprehensive’ but it has certainly been successful.
It might be helpful to give you a bit of statistical data:
The LVC is a small church (under 200 in typical attendance), with a small staff (1 full-time and 2 part-time staffers) and a rented, retail facility that I always describe as being ‘in a hole.’ We’re currently putting up a production of Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol, which will probably activate 30-35% of the total average attendance. Our Godspell production activated about 15%. Our Facebook group (of individuals active in the program) has a membership of around 60 (more than 30%). Our Godspell production reached an audience of about 700 and our Night In Bethlehem event (which involves artists but is actually produced by our kid’s ministry) reaches an audience of about 1250 in the years that we do it. NiB has an activation percentage around 75%. We are prepared to reach an audience of around 1000 with our current production.
So, our focus on events and productions has been rewarded with good attendance, 3-1/2 to 4 times the typical reach of our church at-large.
Gallery presentations have activated 8-12 artists (<10% of attendees) and have required a great deal of work on my part.
Our current plan also calls for bi-annual ‘cafe night’ events that will include gallery presentations, art lessons for kids and adults and an open-mic forum.
That’s what we do because that’s who I am…
The form and focus that your arts program takes is largely dependent on your own gifts and artistic skills. It is essential, however, to recognize and embrace the basic qualities that make programs in church successful…
By my count, there are four… A successful program will be:
Unique… Regardless of how you organize your program, the opportunities offered by “Arts Ministry” must be unique within your church. For instance, our worship ministry is build around a five-piece band format, consisting of musicians who, for the most part, read charts or tabs and have little formal music training. Arts ministry offers opportunities for ensemble singing and musicianship outside of the worship team format.
Finite… The scope your program must be purposefully limited so that events and activities meet the goals of leadership. Our tendency is to jump off into major projects because these productions meet the goals of leadership. In most cases, these projects stretch us to the very limit of our capability, but the scope of the overall ministry remains limited.
Duplicatable… While the specific activities or the program may change with a change of leadership, the show must go on. In our arts group, there are 2 people who could take up leadership of the ministry and continue the same or similar emphases if I were to go away.
Open… Becoming a part of your program should be explicit and simple. Newcomers should be able to find their way into the program easily. By embracing a project approach, we are always announcing open auditions and vying for new recruits from within the church and from the community as well.
In the coming weeks, we’ll explore each of these factors in more detail…
Wow. It's Quiet Here...
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