The Church and Clustering Forces

Over at caffeine, please, Pastor Bruursema is talking about a concept called clustering forces. He begins by quoting Richard Florida (the mind behind this concept):
"When people--especially talented and creative ones--come together, ideas flow more freely, and as a result individual and aggregate talents increase exponentially: the end result amounts to more than the sum of the parts. This clustering makes each of us more productive, which in turn makes the place we inhabit even more so--and our collective creativity and economic wealth grow accordingly. This in a nutshell is the clustering force."
Pastor Bruursema would like to apply this to the church:
artistsI'm convinced that the church's spiritual influence capital can be increased when the artists, musicians and creatives hanging around in the church begin to cluster and create.

I want to see the creative force of the people of God released in a new way. I'm becoming convinced that it is the key that unlocks the door to our next season.

I've had conversations with several folk over the last month who have deep creative urges (BTW, is there treatment for that?) and who want to cluster with others with similar passion and talent to dream, pray and create. I'm convinced its time to create intentional space for creative clustering, invite participation and see what God stirs up.

A few months ago I tagged along with a friend who was moving out to Seattle. As we were driving around the city taking in the beautiful landscaping and public art, she made the comment that the kids who grow up in Seattle have constant exposure to quality graphic design, and not just in the museums. They have an ingrown visual aesthetic that naturally disposes them to artistry.

Speaking as someone who tries their hand at being a 'creative' now and then, creativity does begets creativity. Likewise, interacting in any sort of community can beget all sorts of positive ideas. And living in a community centered around Christ can beget a rich spiritual experience.

I'd be interested to hear your reactions to Pastor Bruursema's point, "its time to create intentional space for creative clustering, invite participation and see what God stirs up."

Should the church actively create spaces in which 'creatives' can connect? If so, why? Have you ever been a part of a community where you felt that you thrived? Ever been a part of a group that felt like it was draining you?

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Comments (4)

I tried that in a group form and called it Sunday School class, but just a little different. All had a say in what was going on in the classs and could contribute to the class openly. However, the pastor and a few others thought that it was becoming to crowded in the class room and suggested that it split up into other groups. Not to do what was already being done, but what this little group wanted to be done. When I refused and stated they would have to announce a change, I would not. Maybe I was being selfish in that it becamce a joy to see people talk and react to lessons given by Christ so long ago and maybe I should have agreed, but I didn't. That is when little lies started that I really didn't want to be there and some became confused. So after almost a year I left the class room and the church, don't worry I will never leave the one who loves me the most. He is my Lord and Savior and I owe all to him. I haven't committed myself to this again as of yet, but I'm sure that it works and it should be done everywhere Christians gather. In God's Grace John
Cluster--what?? Is it safe to point out that there is already a term for this? It's called "synergy" and it's been around long enough to find its way into Webster's Dictionary. The concept is widely used in both the corporate and acedemic world.
While the average "committee" seems to be Anti-Synergy, this seems to be because the members of most committees can't seem to grasp the idea of submerging their individual egos into the collective mind. On the other hand, as a member of a creative group that --when we can manage to be in the same place at the same time--has often benefited from our shared creative talents and intuitions, I'd have to say it can certainly work wonders and take an idea to heights one artist alone would likely not acheive.
Hm, I commented on this post via my own blog but the trackback isn't showing up . . . odd.
I'll look into it...Thanks for bringing this up!

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