Summer creative arts ideas
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED JUNE 22, 2019
I live in the Midwest, in Michigan, and we are just now experiencing some consistent sunny days. Like much of the Midwest, we have been enduring an unusually raining and cool spring, and so it’s great to finally see the sun!
Summer is, or at least can be, a downtime season in creative arts ministry. Christmas and Easter are over, the fall is a couple months away, and the lack of major events to plan for can open up time in the work week for other pursuits.
Today I’m simply providing a list of summer projects at my home church, Crossroads Community Church in Ottawa Lake, MI. Maybe this will inspire you to make a list of your own!
Tech Repairs
I’ve been working on fixing some non critical but annoying tech problems. We have a mover on stage that is temperamental, and we’re looking to sell off some older equipment that has been lying around to upgrade our lighting software “wing.” Our new videographer and I are messing around with stage camera angles and settings. And we are looking at plans to enclose our drum kit in order to get better control of our house mix.
Reading and Podcasts
I’ve got some extra time for reading and listening. Books I’m taking in this summer include Heromaker by Dave Ferguson, The Power of Moments by Chip and Dan Heath, and I’m rereading a classic with another staff member- Mere Christianity by CS Lewis. I’m also listening to a few talks by one of my favorite pastors, Tim Keller, in addition to my usual podcasts.
Christmas Planning
I haven’t asked my team to start Christmas Planning but I’ve started thinking about it. I’m making a few notes so we have something to talk about in September (when we usually plan our Christmas Eve outreach service). Doing the actual planning in the summer is something I’ve heard of some churches doing…could be a good way to free up time in the fall if you can take listening to Christmas music in July!
Streaming Upgrades
I’m not content with our overall presentation online. We have made great strides in visual and audio areas, but I would like to communicate better with our live viewers and people who check out services at another time. I’m having fun gathering ideas to try.
Finally, I’m also working harder on my own business, Capo, and the Virtual Creative Arts Assistant idea. I think it’s a game changer for church ministry so I’m learning how to get my message about this out to pastors, worship leaders and churches that could benefit from it!
Happy Summer! JIM
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