Using Art for Ministry

By Sandra Joy Perini

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. 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 painted red symbolizing the blood of Jesus. When the viewer sees himself in a piece of the mirror with the word PRIDE or PREJUDICE or 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.

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 nestled between the branches the viewer sees three crosses on a distant hill. 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).

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS Queen Esther: This is a fine-art print of my original oil painting on a surface that is illuminated from the back. Esther is holding a torch walking into a dark, unseen hallway. The painting is framed with a sculptured lattice archway reminiscent of ancient Persian architecture. "For Such A Time As This" in raised letters is sculpted directly under the frame. This verse is from the Biblical book of Esther, spoken by Mordecai. He told her that perhaps the reason she had been chosen to be queen was to save her people from certain extermination. Even though her actions might have cost her own life, Esther chose to do the right thing. In front of the painting, but behind the sculptured frame, is a see-through mirror. When back-lighting is on the viewer sees Esther, but as it dims off the viewer sees himself in the mirror. Each of us will come to a cross-road in life where we, like Esther, have to make a decision. Will you do what is right or take the easy way out?

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. When the 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. When one light goes off the man walking out the door the other side of the relief sculpture lights up behind the mirror to reveal the words: I Will Never Leave You. Love, Jesus. Women have had tears well up in their eyes; others react with "How could she know?" when I show them this sculpture and then share that they are getting divorced. These reactions are a sure sign that this art work 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.

Included with each artwork I create is the inspiration text for the piece on fine-art paper and framed 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.

Ministry Art doesn’t have to be as complex as the examples above, but it should have a positive impact on the viewer so he or she is a little different after experiencing the art.