Hello…
from the editor
Do you consider
yourself a creative
person? Hopefully
after a good read
of this edition
of Resonate you
will recognise
that you are (no
matter when you
last picked up a
paintbrush!). This
edition explores
the many and
varied expressions
of our God-given
creativity. From
problem solving
and innovation to
writing and using
our imaginations,
creativity is so
much more than
just the arts.
Creativity and doing things differently are essential to cross-
cultural mission and effective ministry locally. While we hold
tightly to the core of the Gospel, we hold loosely, or even let
fall, all the other ‘stuff’ and qualifying measures that may form
barriers around the Gospel. Among many of the communities our
teams serve, people perceive Christianity to be tied to particular
clothes, music, language and styles of worship. All this other
‘stuff’, separate to the core of the Gospel, are not compatible with
their own culture, so most are not able to see how they can follow
Jesus and remain within their community. Think of the community
you live in, is the story so different within your context? Globally
and locally, effective sharing of the Gospel requires people and
faith communities to creatively respond to the context of those
they are engaging with.
In her article ‘Created to be Creative’, Sue Tanner explores this
idea, challenges us to break creativity out of the box we have put
it in and live our lives as people created in the image of a creative
God… all of us. Also in this edition, we continue to adventure with
Craig and Kim Barnes who are finding their feet in Cambodia
after arriving six months ago, and Dan McGrechan, WA State
Director, offers some answers to the question of why God pushes
us to take risks and try new things. Plus… for those of you not sure
how to start embracing your creative DNA, check out the simple
guide to creative thinking on page 9.
A big thank you to everyone who responded to the Resonate
survey (and a shout out to the person who let us know they only
filled out the survey because they were procrastinating exam
study ). Honestly, we are blown away by your positive response
to the publication and your genuine engagement with the issues,
ideas and stories that have been covered over the years through
Resonate. Take a look at the survey responses on pages 7-8 to
see how you compare to the average Resonate reader and get a
special sneak peak on 'The Next Step' for Resonate and how you
can be involved.
The following pages are filled with contributions from people
living out their faith and expressing their God-given creativity in
all different ways and in varied mission, ministry and life contexts.
So be inspired!
TEAGAN
resonate
· issue 32 · page 1