Missionaries Tap Power of the Arts
More than 50 Christian artists and church leaders are gathering this weekend for OM Arts International’s first European Art Forum in Mosbach, Germany.
The program, which includes keynote speaker Dr. Colin Harbinson, challenges participants to understand the power of the arts for witness in church and missions, and garner a clearer common understanding for the church’s mandate to transform culture through the arts.
“Unfortunately evangelical Christians have neglected the arts to some extent for too long,” explains Hartmuth Hanisch, area arts facilitator in Europe. “If we are to let our light shine, we have to put our God-given talents on the candle stand and let the light shine, that all the people see the good works and praise the Father in heaven.”
Making its premier showing at the Arts Forum will be the Imago Dei, a large canvas mosaic displaying the image of Christ, based on the image of the San Damiano Cross, where St. Francis of Assisi received his calling. It is composed of sermon notes from OM leaders around the world, written in their native languages. The notes were cut into square pieces 3 cm x 3 cm, and each square was individually tinted with transparent colour.
“I had the idea of creating a piece of art that conveys the supremacy of Christ being the head of His church,” says Hartmuth, “and at the same time reflects the unity of His body, serving the nations.” After displaying at the Arts Forum, the Imago Dei will be auctioned at a future event for the benefit of the OM Arts ministry.
