Isn't it amazing how God has created mankind to be creative?

Its inbuilt, we can't escape it only suppress it.

The role of the arts in contemporary culture is vital on so many levels. It captures a mood, it can define a generation yet why is the Church still playing catchup?

I find it amazing that despite so many of the worlds greatest works of art being found inside churches or being inspired by the Divine, its almost as though something changed when Michelangelo put his paint brushes down.

Now I know that's a massive generalisation but on the whole, the Church is no longer the cathedral of creativinty that it once was. We seem quite content to look back to what was rather than forward to what could be.

Now there is a flicker of change on the horizon, As I write this, I'm listening to a Chris Tomlin album from iTunes. Chris isn't on his own in creating excellent music aside from the lyrics, but its always great to hear the two come together. I am constantly reminded to ask myself 'How great is our God', I suspect Chris declares this as a statement but I am personally challenged by adding a question mark at the end.

I think my answer is this: God is great beyond my comprehension but if anyone can creatively express something of his greatness and grace then it invites others to investigate what we have found.

I am encouraged by what's going on in the wider christian community here in the UK, but maybe we should all be encouraged to promote the arts within our congregations. By doing so, we not only inspire others towards greatness, we can touch lives too.

Paul