When you think of creativity, what comes to mind? Many people picture artists, musicians, or designers—but creativity is so much more than that. It’s about problem-solving, innovation, and reimagining what’s possible. Ministry leaders, whether they realize it or not, are some of the most creative people out there. They’re constantly adapting, finding new ways to reach people, and creating environments where faith can grow.
I’ve seen firsthand how creativity in ministry can deepen engagement. At my first parish, we had high school students take the story of the Prodigal Son and retell it from the perspective of one of the characters using multimedia. Then, we hosted a film night where they shared their productions. The results were incredible. It showed how creativity in ministry isn't about being artistic—it’s about approaching faith in fresh, meaningful ways. Creativity is about problem-solving, experimenting, and engaging people in a mission-driven way.
But many ministry leaders struggle with embracing creativity. They either don’t see themselves as creative, feel too busy to experiment, or don’t have permission to take risks. In this post, we’ll break down these barriers and give you practical steps to bring more innovation into your ministry.
THE FALSE NARRATIVE: YOU HAVE TO BE "ARTISTIC" TO BE CREATIVE
Many ministry leaders believe creativity is reserved for artists, musicians, or designers. In reality, creativity is about thinking outside the box to overcome obstacles and create new ways to fulfill the mission of Christ. Every ministry leader needs creativity, whether it's designing engaging small group discussions, rethinking volunteer recruitment, or building a culture of innovation in their church.
3 CREATIVITY KILLERS IN MINISTRY
1. Waiting for Permission
Too many ministry leaders hold back creative ideas because they don't feel like they have permission to experiment. Leaders must create space for innovation by encouraging their teams to try new things. At my first parish, one of our small group leaders, a professional chef, hosted her group in her industrial kitchen, teaching the teens how to cook while connecting it to faith. This creative approach not only built relationships and helped these girls grow in faith, but gave them confidence in learning a new skill.
2. Being Too Busy
Most leaders are drowning in small tasks like answering emails and attending meetings, leaving no room for innovation. Sometimes we need the right tools. Personally I use a planner like the Monk Manual. Productivity tools like the Monk Manual help leaders reassess their priorities so they can focus on meaningful, creative work.
But, sometimes we need a little more than a resource. In addition to having the right tools you need the right people to check-in with you, ask you how it's going and create accountability to reaching your goals.
If you are too busy, start by blocking out an hour each week to brainstorm, plan, or simply think. And even if you don't need help doing that, find a peer or a parishioner (avoid family and friends) to ask you, "How's it going?"
3. Not Knowing Where to Start
Creativity thrives when it has a structure. Journaling, using ChatGPT prompts, or engaging in mastermind groups can help spark new ideas. If you're stuck, step away from ministry settings and learn from other industries. Field trips to places known for hospitality, like a top-tier restaurant or a theme park, can teach us more about ministry than another church conference.
PRACTICAL STEPS TO GET CREATIVE TODAY
Now that we know the obstacles, how do we get started? Try:
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Setting aside 30 minutes a week for creative exploration (journaling, brainstorming, or just thinking). Doesn't matter when, although making it a part of your morning or evening routine is easier to remember.
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Experiment with a side project in your ministry (e.g., trying new hardware/software for developing a video newsletter). Ask yourself, "What's a skill I wish I had that could help me in my ministry?" Take a class, watch some videos and see what it might do.
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Change your environment – visit a museum, attend a live performance, or try an activity outside your comfort zone. Redirecting your attention on a new experience can dislodge some of the obstacles holding you back.
- Take the MCODE™ Assessment to understand what drives your best work.
When people are energized by their work, teams and ministries thrive. MCode is the only assessment that uncovers what drives performance and predicts where someone will struggle and succeed. Click HERE for more.
Creativity isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for ministry. It allows us to think differently, solve problems, and connect with people in new ways. Whether it’s through small experiments, structured reflection time, or learning from other industries, you can take simple steps today to build creativity into your ministry. Give yourself and your team permission to try new things, even if they don’t always work out. The most important thing is to start.