I think there’s a lot of truth in here. And yes, I agree, that it isn’t all specific to artists and applies to many different people. One aspect that helps me put it into context – artists’ work is regularly on display in front of others. It is regularly evaluated and judged, and sometimes that judgment is very subjective and sometimes it is very harsh and negative. It can become difficult for an artist to have his/her work criticized over and over again, especially since most artists have a more sensitive side than many others. I believe that the constant criticism is what leads to some of the “junk.” I believe it’s important for those who lead artists to make sure they are celebrating the good in the midst of the criticism, and that the words used to criticize are chosen carefully.

Definitely some truth there. What he seems to be describing is an immature artist. I’ve seen this many a time … but I’ve also seen mature artists/musicians who know better, who don’t do the stuff listed. Because they are more mature, more restrained, get how to do interpersonal a bit better.

The larger problem I see is this – why do pastors, especially worship pastors, invite immature artists to help lead the church? “Well, because they are really hot players.” So what? Hold out for the mature AND talented artist/musician. They DO exist. Really.

Tim, I personally believe the term “artist” and the description type “creative” are WAY over used. Primarily what is happening today is people cutting corners and ripping off other people who have themselves ripped off ideas that work from other people. It’s an endless cycle.

I draw and paint people from life and teach Art in the public schools. I have a very difficult time considering myself an Artist in that what is happening is that the pencil and brushes in my hand are merely describing what God has already done. Any ability I have is His, not mine.

In my opinion TRUE artists usually starve in the shadows and are either way ahead or way behind what is going on. From what I have seen “ARTISTS” and “CREATIVES” within the Church are usually merely adapting what is going on in the World and I suppose it has always been that way.

I think Gary knows a little better. The word that should have been used was not artist, but amateur.

Dear Tim—I am an artist. I have also spent 30+ years doing large drama productions in church settings and working with leaders and the creative people who serve the church. The other part of my life is that I have spent the last ten years as a personal intercessor for a man who is part of the multi-site movement.

We have had this same discussion about intercessors in the church and about leaders who are immature and certainly about artistic people on all levels in the church. For me the issue is about maturity and the solution is mentoring whether you are an artist or a leader or whatever kind of creative person you are. It seems to me that if intercessors were properly mentored by church leaders they could be a real blessing to the church. If actors and musicians had mature christian artists who would hold them accountable and help them grow into the image of Christ they would also be a blessing and not a curse. The church needs the same kind of pipeline for prayer people and creative people that they have for leaders and I am convinced that you would not have so many problems with creative people. I am also not sure that it ever helps to label people this way and put them in such broad brush categories.

If people matter to God and he has gifted every one of us then we have to find a way to redeem these things and work together. My prayer is that this will happen soon because we all need each other so desperately.

I’m a third-generation artist and creative professional. One thing I bring up when I’m mentoring artists (who are in the professional world, or at least trying to do ‘serious’ work), is to think of themselves as craftspeople. Craftsmen are about beauty & aesthetics – but also usefulness and practicality. Craftsmen are about *getting it done*. A craftsman isn’t afraid of criticism, and the constant demand of having to meet clients’ needs keeps us humble.

A biblical example that I cherish is of Bezalel, the artisan who was “filled with the Spirit”:

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft!” (Exodus 31:1-5, http://read.ly/Exod31.1.NLT)

I love that! Here’s a guy that God chose to fill with his Spirit and amplify his talent not only to do, but to teach.

Artists can learn from the concept of the master craftsman as someone who is fully free to explore and create – the things that boundary-pushing artists love – but also to work for a higher purpose and provide practical value to their community.

Absolutely amazing article and i agree, these characteristics apply to artist and non-artist. I believe life change happens when people get the guts to see themselves for who they really are and adjust accordingly!

I have to agree with most people that this seems to be generalizing artists a little too much and seems to hold true for a lot of different people. Seems basically to be a description of many people falling under the category of depraved man.

I have noticed in my years leading and serving with artists and so called creative people that many of them were very unwilling to ever apologize for a wrong doing. In fact I can’t remember once, anyone on my team ever saying it was their fault or that they were sorry. I thought we were to lead by example so I was always the first (and only) to apologize and ask for forgiveness. It never caught on. Another area I lead in by example was getting to services and rehearsals on time. Certain people were repeatedly late. I don’t attribute this to being artists, just unorganized or disrespectful people with kids to take care of.

I’ve noticed many of my musician artist friends being very moody at times and worrying about someone else taking their place. This seemed to always include female vocalists. They never invited new singers or accepted them with any grace. I also have to say that every female pianist I’ve worked with was very territorial. I can’t figure that out. I had my areas of sin and things I need to work on, bitterness being one of them. I also have to say in defense of artistic people that lead pastors need to take into consideration that people on the worship team have families, jobs, spouses, and other responsibilities and need ample time to learn new songs, for example more than a week before they can learn a new song and perform it on sunday. My x-pastor would give me a song to learn on Tuesday, teach to the team on Thursday, and do it Sunday. Right!!