Encouraging creative thought in the church
SBC blogger (that’s Southern Baptist not Soutwestern Bell) Wade Burleson suggests there may be a connection between mathematics and the Gospel.
It is interesting to note that in both the study of mathematics and gospel doctrine one learns precise systems of thought with established, constant truths that never change (at least from my conservative theological viewpoint).
Burleson takes a look at the academic life of Albert Einstein and how he flourished when he was encouraged to think creatively.
‘What kind of environment is needed for great thinkers and theologians to arise out of the Southern Baptist Convention who possess the creative genius to lead us into new and even more effective methodologies of gospel ministry?’
From Einstein’s life Burleson offers five pointers:
- Young evangelical pastors and leaders need an atmosphere where they are free to think and flourish in each his own, individual, and creative way as God has gifted him.
- Demands to submit to authoritarian control through mental assent to force-fed facts or truths, and demands for blind allegience to established systems of denominational structure will thwart any sense of creativity and possibly restrict new and more effective means for accomplishing even greater Christian ministry.
- The discovery and advancement of more effective methodologies in missions ministry comes from hands on experience of Southern Baptists who are actually doing missions rather than Southern Baptists who are hearing about missions.
- If young evangelical pastors and leaders ever get a taste of the freedom to do ministry as they visualize it needs to be done, but feel attacked or threatened by older mentors, they will eventually renounce their allegiance for, and membership in, the Southern Baptist Convention.
- The threat to the Southern Baptist Convention does not come from more freedom given to her members, but rather, the tightening of parameters and the authoritarian control that stifles creativity in missions and ministry.
I think God is a very creative God and encourages us to be creative as well. When people are restricted and not allowed to be creativity you lose passion and joy. But when people can be creative with their work, their ministry, their outreach and are given a chance to think outside the box, it’s amazing to watch them flourish.
I’m thankful myself that I have a place where I can be creative. I have a place where I’m allowed to stretch myself and be all that I can be and not tied down to tradition or “this is how we’ve always done it.”
And I love watching other people find their place as well.
