1 Liberty University John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Developing A
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Liberty University John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Developing a Discipleship Program for Artists in Naples, Florida A Thesis Project Submitted to the Faculty of Liberty University School of Divinity in Candidacy for the Degree of Doctor of Ministry By William S. Barnett Lynchburg, Virginia April 2021 1 Copyright © 2021 William S. Barnett All Rights Reserved 2 “I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return]” (Phil.1:6 (AMP]). To my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who has loved me with an everlasting, unconditional love; the One who has called and equipped me for service; the One who is faithful, strong, and true. I dedicate this work to the glory of God that it may transform and equip others to advance Christ’s Great Commission for generations to come. To God, be the glory! Thirty years of my life and ministry are woven into the pages of this thesis. I celebrate and praise God for bringing me to the completion of a milestone that I could only see in the far distance. The good work that the Apostle Paul speaks of began with an inner stirring to create. At the age of 11, while attending a youth retreat, the facilitator handed all of us small pieces of paper and challenged us to write down what we wanted to be in the next five years. Without hesitation, I wrote that I wanted to serve in full-time ministry for the rest of my life. As early as I can remember, art was my passion. I served in the church for many years in various leadership roles; the arts were integral to every ministry facet. Coming from a broken home, one of six children, abandoned by my father at eight years old, the arts were comfort and healing for me. It was through the arts that I came to know Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. Worship, liturgy, and other creative elements have always been an inspiration for me and an avenue to draw closer to God. God graciously made it possible for me to study at public schools and universities specializing in the arts. These were some of the most fulfilling years of my life and also the most painful. I experienced first-hand peer pressure, high-stress levels, and sadly, my artist peers’ pains and struggles. 3 The formative years of my involvement in church ministry are priceless. In 1992, God called me to pursue formal ministry training, later opening many other ministry opportunities. The arts were still my passion, and I often wondered how I could minister in both areas. I empathetically related to the struggles of my artist peers. I innately knew that God had a particular purpose and plan for artists. God poured Ephesians 2:10 into my spirit in the most impactful way, and it was through that verse that a ministry was born. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10 [ESV]). God used my struggles and brokenness to develop a ministry to artists who likewise have similar stories. A generation of artists, writers, musicians, singers, and performers is emerging, and a resurgence of the arts is happening throughout the world. God is raising, calling, equipping, and sending artists to saturate the world with the Gospel, infused with the arts. It is my prayer that I will continue to encourage and equip artists to bring the Light of hope into a darkening world. Dedication This thesis is dedicated to my loving mother, Lillie Mae Barnett, committed servant of God, fearless prayer warrior, perpetual overcomer, and friend, who has remained steadfast and unmovable despite hardships and challenges. My resolve to persevere mirrors her impeccable life of unwavering faith. My mother is my greatest support and encouraged me through some of the most challenging times in my life. Her love for music, worship, and the arts planted a powerful seed within me that has yielded unimaginable fruit for the Kingdom of God. I will always love you. 4 Acknowledgments To my family, I am forever grateful for your love, prayers, and support. I am honored and blessed to have had the guidance, wisdom, support, and prayers of individuals who have helped to make this thesis a reality: Rev. Dr. Robert Arnold Petterson, my best friend, confidante, pastor, and the driving force of encouragement for me to pursue a Doctor of Ministry. I am forever grateful. My mentor, Dr. Ralph Baeza, who has walked with me through this journey of completion, Dr. Steven McDonald, my reader – thank you for your inspiration; Dr. Laverne Smith, for your support and Dr. Adam McClendon –for faithfully praying for me. Thesis study participants: Artists, pastors, ministry, and community leaders – thank you for committing personal time to this project and for your willingness to share your inspiring stories, wisdom, and experience. The Storytellers Creative Arts Board, for your prayers, support, and financial assistance to complete the Doctor of Ministry. Eric Fleetham, JD, my editor, and trusted friend. Thank you for your faithful and efficient editing and constant encouragement. Throughout my more than thirty years of ministry, God has blessed me with some of the most inspirational mentors who are indeed my teachers, heroes, and brothers and sisters in Christ. My skills, creative and ministry leadership experience were nurtured and encouraged by these great individuals: Rev. Dr. Arthur W. and Rev. Norma Gean Bethea Davenport, Eugenia B. Angel, Rev. Chenetta Hagin, Jeanette Campbell, Roxanne B. Moses, Violet Saylor, Robbie and Hope Webster, Zelmetta Copeland, Gwendolyn Hurd, Marlene Chisholm, Violet Saylor, Rev. Roy L., and Alice Conwell, Rev. Virginia Robinson, Rev. Charles and Sybil Collymore, Naomi 5 Sanders Drouillard, Rev. Michael and Rev. Nomey Peynado, Rev. Clinton and Claudette Pough, Rev. David and Haydee Torres, Dr. Friedhelm K. and Elizabeth Radandt, Rev. William and Katie Sweeting, Dr. Jeffrey and Karen Hayes, Dr. Shawn Craigmiles, Dr. Michael Sanders, Dr. Jesse McClain, Dr. Chris Cottrell, Dr. Timothy Dwyer, Dr. David Hoag, Dr. Tim Irwin, Dr. Robert and Joyce Petterson, Roy and Sherry Smith, Anton and Tamra Richardt, Chuck and Carole Meyer, Larry and Mary Catherine White, Wilson and Carol Bradley, Kenneth and Barbara Larson, Ron and Victoria Holden, Jack and Harriette Noller, Robert and Barbara Hattemer, John and Kathy Hunter, Judith McNamara, David and Patti Berg, Michael and Constance McNamara, Richard and Marie Stonesifer, John and Sharon Poole, Carl and Jill Wilbanks, Rev. Tom and Emily Comella, William and Marilyn Mitchell, Doug and Becky Neve, Daniel and Cornelia Vellenga, Harold and Carolyn Green, William and Pamela Conger, John and Donna Stumpf, James and Bettie Hall, Hart and Betty DeGrafft, Daniel and Michele Lavender, Basil and Patti Anderson, Neil and Christa Fehr, and so many others. In Loving Memory Mary L. Phillips, Doreen Barnett-Mikell, Eunice B. Newell, Frank Chisolm, Sr., Rose M. Terry, Matthew and Elsye E. Ashton, Christine Benn, Rev. Otis and Deanie Wilson, Aileen Patterson, Nathaniel Davis, Rosamund Garrett Eubanks, Rev. Benjamin and Uldine Garrison, Gilbert W. Joell, Mabel Antonio, Daniel Antonio, Rev. John A. Bethea, Rev. Dr. Hattie Downer, Rev. Bessie Covington, Ruth Whitaker, Jessie Judson, Rev. Barbara Owens-Hayward, and Dr. Daniel Mercaldo. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Col. 3:23-24). 6 Liberty University John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Thesis Project Approval Sheet ______________________________ Dr. Ralph Baeza, DMin, DBA, PE, Mentor ______________________________ Dr. Steven McDonald, B.B.A., M.B.A., Ed.D., Reader 7 8 THE DOCTOR OF MINISTRY THESIS PROJECT ABSTRACT William S. Barnett Liberty University John W. Rawlings School of Divinity, March 19, 2021 Mentor: Dr. Ralph Baeza, DMin, DBA, PE Naples, Florida, is home to many talented artists. Many hold to various worldviews that are different from a biblical one. Both secular and Christian artists are on a mission to transform the culture. This divide creates challenges for Storytellers Creative Arts’ mission to do evangelism through the arts. Artists, over centuries, have functioned in various roles within the church, marketplace, government, communications, entertainment, and education. The arts have always been one of the most powerful forces in transforming the world. God has instituted the church as His most redeeming force to transform culture. Rather than allowing the arts to be taken over by the forces of darkness, the church should disciple, and unleash artists to transform culture with their God-given talents. Artists need to be affirmed and celebrated as partners in the mission of the church. When artists are not nurtured by the church, they often disconnect and question their faith. Storytellers Creative Arts aspires to work in tandem with churches and ministries to evangelize, develop and deploy artists as disciples who transform their families, communities, and world. This research thesis will provide methods to disciple artists and impactfully engage the secular culture with the Gospel. 9 Contents Chapter 1: Introduction ..............................................................................................................16 Ministry Context ..............................................................................................................17 Storytellers Creative Arts .......................................................................................18