Many Christians and church leaders remain skeptical of bringing art into the pulpit. I have been preaching for 23 years now, and using art to illustrate many of the messages for 20 years. I also sing and play the piano and accordion at times to further exalt God’s precious Word in a service. All of these are tools in my ministry toolbox. But, as an evangelist and Bible teacher, it is the simplicity of the preaching of Scripture that God uses to impact souls. A skilled tradesman knows the usefulness of various tools for each job, and yet the consumer often sees the result with little knowledge of the tools. Allow me to dispel a couple of myths about the tool of chalk-art in ministry:
Myth #1: Chalk-Art Is Not Preaching
In fact, the focus of chalk-art ministry is the teaching and preaching of God’s Word. Some artists talk and draw at the same time, thus the title of my ministry, “Good News Chalk Talks” (www.ChalkTalks.net). Sometimes we play a musical background while we draw and share a Bible-centered message before or after the drawing. Either way, chalk-art simply provides a creative and interactive illustration of the Bible message that God has placed on the heart of the evangelist, teacher, or pastor. I personally hold two degrees, a Bachelor of Theology and a Master of Religious Education, both of which emphasize the practical preaching of Scripture. Chalk-art has become an effective tool to open doors for ministry as well as a means to interact with the audience so that the message of the Bible is remembered for years to come. I am a preacher using the effective tool of art to interact with broad audiences.
Myth #2: Chalk-Art Only Appeals to Children
This pastor stated the following after we held revival services: “Dwight Haynes blends his understanding of God’s Word and his artistic talent. His messages speak to the hearts of all ages. Dwight’s articulation of biblical truth brings Christians and seekers face-to-face with the Savior. God worked through this ministry to bring about a powerful time of refreshing and revival.” There is no question that there is a special appeal to children, because they are often active learners. However, we also realize that adults need more activity in learning the Word, since many a dreary eye haunts the church pew during adult Bible studies. With Chalk-Art, people of all ages actively engage in creating the drawing in their minds, connect the message with a picture, and thus retain much more of the teaching. In reality, chalk-art is a tremendous resource to minister to the entire church family. Thus, the chalk-art ministry draws the church body together to receive Scripture like no other medium for times of refreshing and renewal.
An interest in creation comes from God’s image embedded in our humanity. Animals do not stop to watch an artist in a park, and yet humans take a keen interest in that creative action. So, the artistic illustration of a Scriptural message that comes together in front of the observer provides a powerful tool for God to use in ministry. May our Lord impress upon you ways to incorporate a chalk-art evangelist into your ministry. If you would like more information, please contact me, Dwight Haynes, 540-230-5782, Dwight@ChalkTalks.net.
Good News Chalk Talks 