Leadership Journal

C. McNair Wilson is crazy. The nephew of Billy Graham's chief financial officer, Wilson grew up in the church. We use the term "grew up" loosely. He describes himself today as a "former third grader." Part Rip Taylor, part mad scientist, his mission is to bring fun to our work.

Drawing on his ten years as a Disney Imagineer, designer on six major theme park projects, artist, actor, and playwright, Wilson inspires business and church leaders in the fine art of creativity.

At pastors' conferences and Christian media conventions, his sessions are easily spotted. Look for the room with people sitting two to a chair and spilling into the hallways. Listen for the room emitting hoots and cheers and all manner of raucous noises. We wanted to share with you a C. McNair Wilson imaginative problem-solving session. We meant well. That's all we can say by way of apology.

Creativity. It's so much more than artistic expression, though the artist, composer, actor, author have powerful tools for presenting fresh perspectives. These are, quite simply, tools of human imagination. Everyone is born with imagination—your creative spirit—though few pursue and develop it beyond early childhood. The few who keep their imaginations active become theme-park designers, write multi-volume end-times bestsellers, or—if they can't make a living that way—become youth ministers. So just what is creativity?

creativity (kree-ay-TIV-eh-tee) verb

1. to make the new, or rearrange the old to appear new. 2. action taken as a result of imagination.

Notice, the word "art" doesn't appear in that definition. Is there creativity beyond artistic expression?

Creativity can be frightening—also disorganized, noisy, and chaotic. And, by the way, "Who's gonna clean up the mess in the Fellowship Hall?!"

My assignment is quite simple: inspire pastors and ministry leaders to be creative, in 2,000 words or less, "with bullet points." Along the way, remove personal insecurities ("I am NOT creative" and "What will people say?").

Before you read on: get three colored writing instruments—NOT ballpoint!—and unlined paper, to take notes. I'll wait here …

In the image of God—the Creator—we are made. First, a myth dispelled: there's no such thing as creative people and NON-creative people. It would be nice if it were that simple. No, we are all actively or inactively creative throughout every single day. How does one craft a sermon or Bible study when you don't feel inspired? How does one lead a planning team when dry, tired, and crabby? (If you're crabby, call in sick. Please.)

Start by believing that new, wild, powerful, creative thinking can be used throughout ministry, and lurch forward toward the impossible.

Christianity changes through its youth. "A child will lead …" the young man from Galilee said (I take that as a command). As children, not a one of us had to be encouraged to paint, sing, draw, dance, make up stories. Playfulness is a naturally occurring ...