Fostering Creativity within Community

I believe that every local Church should have a creative identity that connects with and or reflects local culture. The messages, the sound of each Sunday morning worship services, the kinds of songs chosen or written carry a sense of identity or belonging. This kind of authentic expression is contagious. Not only does it nurture local talent but it also creates a magnet for experienced artists, musicians, and creators looking to engage with a faith community.

Hands on interactive Workshops

Instead of a series of lessons from a lectern it involves me working with your worship and or creative team(s) during the course of your day to day events, rehearsals, round table team discussions or dedicated writing or creative sessions. I become like a big brother within the team, observing, coaching, serving and if required, guiding the creative direction.

A live musical performance with a group of musicians and singers on stage, featuring a sign that says 'Our living hope' in the background, and an audience watching the show.
A band of seven musicians performing in a recording studio with acoustic panels on the walls. The band includes a guitarist, drummer, two keyboard players, a bassist, and two vocalists, one with a guitar and the other with a microphone. There are music stands with sheet music in front of some of the musicians, and various amplifiers and equipment around the room.
A group of musicians on a small stage with a woman singing into a microphone, three men playing instruments, and a man in a white shirt and glasses speaking in front of the group in a cozy room with framed pictures on the wall and surf flags in the background.

Critical Thinking

My coaching methods rely heavily on the practice of Critical Thinking. I went from a relatively obscure musician in Sydney to a successful songwriter and music producer working in LA, simply by applying Critical Thinking to each hurdle I faced. At first this was merely by happenstance. However, over time the practice of weighing up problems and seeing ‘things’ from the perspectives of leaders, clients, audiences, evolving markets & colleagues shaped my approach to both my own creative output and, my coaching business. 

Critical Thinking has now become normal thinking.

This continued practice of Critical Thinking lead me to the notion of The Fertile Mindset.

Developing a Fertile Mindset.

Digital illustration of a human brain with highlighted neural activity inside a transparent human head outline.

In the context of fostering creativity

I encourage everyone to adopt a Fertile Mindset

a practice that promotes:

Exploring new ideas, continuous improvement and collaboration, taking risks, learning from criticism, embracing challenges and finding inspiration in the success of others.

Creativity is often misunderstood to be a talent possessed by a select few, while in reality, it's also a skill that can be nurtured and developed by anyone.

By working within a community I can address this issue to empower everyday people to both recognize and then cultivate their own innate creative abilities, regardless of their prior beliefs or self-perceptions.

Fear of failure, lack of confidence, lack of resources, external pressures, routine and habit, resistance to change, risk aversion, limited exposure to creativity, negative past experiences: these are just a few of the inhibitors to creativity.

We can make excuses as to why we are not as creative as we’d like or, we can address these issues head on.

Scheduling:

We begin with you reaching out with an email. From here we’ll schedule a Google Meet to discuss your needs and how best I can help you.

The best scenario is that I am able to join your community during a long weekend (Friday through till Sunday evening), longer if required. During those 3 days we will plan one-on-one coaching sessions with your key leaders or creatives. I will attend any event or gathering I can to observe and or participate in, as desired. I can produce an event or a larger workshop for a larger community or, be less hands… whatever is needed.

After this workshop I’ll provide you with a written report detailing the strengths and weakness of your creative team. I’ll offer suggestions on how to develop your leaders and or your up and coming ‘talent’. The report will include suggestions on the kinds of events and or projects that might foster creativity within your community. I’ll also make myself available via Google Meet for follow up or, continued coaching sessions with your team.

The initial goal is to awaken a heightened sense of creativity within individuals and community.

It only takes a spark to kick start a fire.

If you want to know more about the workshop, scheduling and or costs, send us an email and Let's Chat.