What is Ministry Art?  Simply, it is art used for the purpose of ministry.  For this article I will focus on the visual arts.

Art that is used for Christian ministry, or any other ministry, must connect with the viewer to make them think as well as feel something in a deeper way than viewing a pretty landscape or interesting abstract painting.  It should promote awareness of one’s inner self such as needs, desires, and unanswered questions.  A beautiful sculpture of a person or animal can be greatly appreciated and admired, but does it compel the viewer toward action or to consider a new way of thinking?

 Ministry Art tells a story and demonstrates a truth that evokes feelings of thankfulness, comfort, security, hope, faith, joy or peace.  It can also compel the viewer to rethink spiritual beliefs or convict him of his need to change his behavior or values. 

To help you visualize what I mean, here are some examples of Ministry Art that I have created.  For a visual art piece to be classified as ministry art it should clearly present its message to the viewer.  The artworks I do have also been referred to as: God Art, Bible Art, Christian Art, Jesus Art, Church Art, Spiritual Art, Evangelical Art and one I don’t care for, Religious Art.

TETELESTAI Cross Sculpture:  See yourself in the broken mirror embedded in the cross sculpture.  Various sins are engraved in the silvering behind the mirror; then they are painted red symbolizing the blood of Jesus.  When the viewer sees himself in a piece of the mirror with the word PRIDE, or PREJUDICE, ENVY or LYING, he is compelled to examine himself.  Then he sees the nail-scared arm of the Savior holding the Roman nail, used to crucify Him.  The meaning is clear - Messiah Jesus died to pay for your sins and mine.  The last word Jesus said on the cross is sculpted into the background of the piece:  TETELESTAI (a common trade/accounting term) meaning Paid in Full or It is Finished.  The artwork incorporates a broken chain into the sculpted frame symbolizing the bonds of our sin and eternal damnation being broken by the emancipating power of the resurrected Christ.

FROM HERE TO ETERNITY Tree of Life Sculpture and Drawing: This piece is a relief sculpture of a grand tree generously covered in gold leaf flakes.  Underneath one side of the tree is a mirror with etched drawing depicting people in the Heavenly City with the River of Life running through it.  All races of peoples are seen enjoying ETERNAL LIFE in perfect peace and unity. They are happily engaged in activities like playing the harp, guitar, sax, drums, painting, reading, swimming, flying, picking fruit, and loving being with one another.  Many kinds of animals are depicted, but the focal point is THE LAMB and THE LION OF JUDEA.  It is a joyous picture and inspires real hope.   Behind the other side of the tree sculpture the viewer sees three crosses on a distant hill, nestled between the branches.  My desire for this piece was to express the Biblical truth “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have Ever Lasting Life” (John 3:16).

I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU: A sculpture of a woman sitting at her vanity.  As she looks into the mirror she sees the reflection of her man leaving her, suitcase in hand, and walking out the door.  I accomplish this visual using a transparent mirror with a relief sculpture behind it.  When light illuminates it, the viewer can see the relief sculpture behind the framed mirror.   There is another side to this story.   The sculpture utilizes two lights and a timer to enable the lights to alternate coming on and off; lighting up one side of the relief sculpture at a time.   When the light goes off the man walking out the door, the other light goes on to reveal the words: I Will Never Leave You. Love, Jesus.  When I show women this sculpture, several have had tears well up in their eyes; others react with “How could she know?”  Then they share that they are getting divorced.  These reactions are a sure sign that this art ministers to people.

I KNEW YOU: Based on the scripture from Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” This sculpture has bigger-than-life arms and is situated on a round rotating base displaying the scripture verse.  One hand holds a clear glass orb with an unborn baby inside.  The other hand is touching it.  Both hands have nail scars. The obvious message is that our Creator and Savior knew us and loved us even before He formed us in our mother’s womb.  It teaches how sacred life is and how precious each one of us is to God.  The powerful visual expression of this truth encourages people to feel loved and secure, but it can encourage others to rethink their beliefs on abortion.  

I included the inspiration text with each artwork I create on framed fine-art paper so it can be displayed along with the piece.  The details of the message are explained and the truths are backed up with Biblical references.