An Avante Garde by the Protestant Church

Are you familiar with the term “Avant Garde?” The term was coined by a French political writer to explain an art movement being displayed before its time. When an art community challenged the norm by implementing new ideas and techniques back in the nineteenth century, they refrained from waiting for the next Picasso to introduce it. Instead, they took it upon themselves to initiate the movement, despite the inevitable backlash they would receive from prestigious art institutions. Today I propose an Avant Garde initiated by the Protestant Church — one where ministries can nurture and encourage their artists to come out of hiding and use their talents of painting and sculpting to promote the gospel.

Christian Art

Ever since the Renaissance period, Christian artworks have been significantly depreciated. Paintings of the crucifixion and sculptures of the saints were replaced with social gatherings and confrontational events of the town without any mention of the Triune God. This individualistic and industrial discovery became the focus of new born artists by the twentieth century — a shift, I believe, that has lead many to say that Christian art is an era of the past.

After all, who still believes in God anyways? As a matter of fact, majority of the world’s population claim that there is a god. And the most impact a religion has left upon humanity is the faith of Christianity. Still, artworks that incorporate anything from the Word of God take a back-seat in the art world, and are not taken quite as serious anymore. The only remnants we see of Christian art are noticeably lacking in professionalism and craftsmanship. To even suggest, promote or reintroduce such a movement would be unwelcoming for us. But if churches change their approach to artists maybe there is a chance for Christian art to gain exhibition space again — but maybe not so Catholic in nature this time.

A Ministry of Paint and Sculpture

It is true, along with the inventions of modern technology came new forms of art mediums. Graphic design, film making, and every other current innovation of art have gained ground and opened a whole new world of expression not previously known. The traditional art forms of paint and sculpture have been set aside to make room for these technological advances. However, this is where I believe churches like mine can organize a ministry specifically catered to it.

For a leader to implement an art ministry at their church, they must first consider students that have already have an interest in art, and for my example in terms of painting and sculpting. It is better to teach one who has the desire to learn over one who has taken their talent for granted. However, for my case it does not necessarily mean they have to be a painter or sculptor.

Potential students can include those who have exceptional drawing skills or experience in assembling many parts together to make a greater whole. In all reality, the purpose is not to turn any student away as if a piece is required in order to audition, but rather present an opportunity for artistic believers to create good art.

Meeting on a weekly basis would probably be the best route for these hobbyists. This gives students time to fulfill any other obligations they need to adhere to while also setting aside time to develop their craft. Group projects should also be considered occasionally if the ministry has faithful attendance. Donations and fundraisers would be a main source for supplies since my church is established in a low-income community, but as for other churches who have funds to spare, a portion can used to support this new ministry.

The purpose of this ministry would be to inspire and stimulate the creative minds present within our congregations. If we continue to bypass this talent, the believing artist can neglect their gift. True, there are numerous schools and classes that can offer these students state of the art supplies and extravagant field trips (and who’s to say our churches can’t provide them this?), but they will not be able to provide biblical insight that connects their gift with their Maker quite like a ministry can.

The Protestant Artist Movement

If we were being technical, an avant garde movement requires a revolutionary idea never seen or contemplated before. And in reality Christian art has had its peak during the Renaissance. But if we could be honest, our belief has been rarely depicted in any modern style since. Additionally, Christianity today is either being portrayed as a hypocritical religion or as fairytale living. How is it that only these false representations of Christianity make it into mainstream art? Unfortunately, Christian art is no longer revered as it once was, not only because it has been done before, but because the world has come to believe that God is “irrelevant.”

This is where the Protestant artist come in. Churches who provide artistic ministries will promote art in its most authentic form of beauty — inspired by, reflective of, and glorifying to God. And though it will be a long while before we see Christian Art in the mainstream artworld again, the time is now to nurture artists of any form, to be vocal about their faith though both skill and concept. And maybe, just maybe, the Avant Garde of the Protestant Church can begin her Era.