93: Theology of Art and Ministry to Artsy Youth (Melody Bellefeuille-Frost)

Youth Group isn’t always a place where artsy youth feel a sense of belonging. And yet, the Church, historically, has been a haven for the arts. How can youth workers develop a biblical appreciation for art and serve our students who are artistically-minded? 

Discussion Includes:

• Historically, there’s been a rich relationship between the church and the arts. But what have you observed about the church’s posture towards the arts in today’s church? 
• Could you walk us through the biblical and theological significance of art? 
• Can you share a little about the creative mindset, and how artists might think through things like the bible and theology differently from others?
• Do you think the church is doing a good job ministering to and discipling artists? 
• What are some of the unique challenges of youth ministry to teenagers who are artsy?
• If a youth pastor isn’t artsy, what are some ways they could connect better with students in their ministry who are? 

Melody Bellefeuille-Frost is a PhD candidate at the Instute for Theology, Imagination, and the Arts at the University of St. Andrews and is a minister in the Wesleyan Church. Her research examines the images of Christ from European Jesuit and Japanese Christian religious cultures. 

Recommended Resources: 

• Art and Faith: A Theology of Making, by Makoto Fujimura
• Visual Faith, by William Dyrness
• For the Beauty of the Church: Casting a Vision for the Arts, by W. David Taylor
• Visual Commentary on Scripture 

Melody’s Website: https://www.melodybellefeuillefrost.ca/

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