4 Conditions For Creativity

Being creative is a big part of life and leadership. Ideas, strategies, & illustrations all start somewhere. To cultivate creativity, sometimes the right conditions must be in place. Where does it all start? As Christ followers, we serve the ultimate "Creative Planner", God Himself. So let's start there.

4 Conditions For Creativity:

1. Creativity requires PRAYER. The best kind of creativity is a "holy creativity". Ideas don't always have to be born out of a huge time of prayer & fasting, but they should be inspired by God. Brian & I pray that even the thoughts that drop into our heads as we're watching a movie or TV, sitting at a sporting event, listening to music, sipping a Starbucks, or traveling will all be God-thoughts. **The idea for iListen came from watching "Don't Forget the Lyrics". Once God drops the idea, then our responsibility is to pray over the details, timing, and direction of that idea.


2. Creativity requires TIME. Once in a while, ideas will come quick and easy. Most of the time, you need to carve out "creative time". Start with the calendar. What holidays or events are coming up that you can theme around? Whether you're planning for a church, a class, family vacation, athletic team, or your meals for the week--you need time to think. Old school it with a yellow pad & pen if you have to!


3. Creativity requires KNOWLEDGE. You won't be creative if your head is in the sand--spiritually or pop-culturally. Plugging into books, articles, blogs :-) and podcasts will increase your knowledge and inspire you. Guess what--whatever you're idea is...somebody's probably already done it! So find out what they did and how they did it and then make it your own. Also, being up on pop-culture broadens your creative opportunities and jump starts interest in your activity or topic.


4. Creativity requires TEAMWORK. You can increase your creative potential by involving others in the process. You need outside input. Brainstorm and bounce your idea off others. You may find out your idea....stinks! Don't get defensive; you were just saved from a big embarrassment! Or someone may add that missing element that moves your idea from good to great! Insecure people will rarely ask for the input of others. They may tell you about their idea, but never ask for your opinion or help. Use teamwork. You'll get there faster, smarter, and better than you would by yourself.

In part 2, we'll talk specifically about God's Creative Formula for ministry leaders.

Recommended reading: The Creative Leader by Ed Young, Jr.; Can We Do That? by Andy Stanley and Ed Young, Jr.; Reaching Your Dreams by Tommy Barnett