Metaphorical Christs

Because arts are inherently imaginative, ministry never functions purely on an intellectual level.

A “Metaphorical Christ” refers to living life in a way that embodies the distinct nuances and character of Christ's life.

It requires exercising wisdom in daily decisions and remaining self-aware of the multifaceted ways we communicate God's kingdom.

Your life, actions, and words act as signposts that point others toward the gospel.

This concept emphasizes the "how" of sharing the Christian message, rather than focusing solely on the "what."

Paul captured this idea of a metaphorical Christ when he wrote, “In my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions” (Colossians 1:24b). Since the believers in Colossae could not physically witness Jesus’ sufferings, Paul understood that his own endurance served both literally and metaphorically to make Christ visible to them.

Five Redemptive Artist Archetypes

Let's assume artists possessed the Ephesians 4 APEST-type gifts. Here is how I believe we can discover a redemptive persona of them each:

• Sons of Issachar: this apostolic artist type is a catalyst or blueprint maker. The Beatles, Walt Disney, or Lin Manuel Miranda all have this one thing in common: they are incredibly innovative, paving new artistic nuances that did not yet exist within a society. Just as the Sons of Issachar “understood the times and knew what Israel should do” (1 Chronicles 12:32), so these artists have an intuitive sense for what needs to be put in the world, even when no one else does.
  

• Naked Isaiah: In Isaiah 20:1-4, we see Isaiah the prophet naked…for three years! Isaiah “performed” such a sign as a message from God to the people of Egypt and Cush. Egypt would suffer the same fate at the hands of Assyria’s king. The artistic archetype fears no evil. They care about God’s heart to such a degree that social cues fade into the distance. As an embodiment of the prophetic wiring, they are not afraid to use their craft (in the totality of communication) for the sake of truth.
  

• The Woman at the Well: The woman at the well is like the Johnny Cash or Normal Rockwell of the artworld. She’s a story teller. She has been so moved by Jesus that she’s compelled to tell others as excitedly and wonderfully as she can. She’s unashamed. She makes it so that Jesus is accessible for any who will heed her ear. This artist is not afraid. They’re bold, yet subtle. They’re committed to doing what it takes to make the beauty of the kingdom meaningful. These are evangelistically-minded artists.
  

• David the Soother: In 1 Samuel 16:14-23, Saul is haunted by an evil spirit. David the harp player is brought in and brings a soothing refreshment to Saul, the king. His artistry heals. The evil spirit departs from Saul. The beauty of David’s sound waves refresh the king. So it is for the shepherd type of artists. These are the Mr. Rogers of the artworld. The Van Gogh’s in whose art many find a resonance for their chaos.
  

• Habakkuk & Bezalel: These are those artists who have such vision for God’s beauty, yet translate it in ways to contextualize and inform the learners. Such artists are endowed with craftsmanship alongside a spirit of wisdom (Exodus 28:3). They possess a heart for others to learn the ways of God in all its totality. Such artists understand their craft is particularly suited to shine the light of the kingdom for others. 
  

Not all artists are created equal and not all artists will squeeze into one of the archetypes. But this provides a helpful starting point for artists to see how God may have perhaps prepared particular good works for them which differ from their other Christian artist types.

If All the Bibles Went Away

If all the Bible’s went away, who in your life (not the internet!) would you follow around to remember what Jesus was like?

Perhaps we can all spend our lives attached to someone like that and being someone like that.

Don’t Be Incrediboy

The Incredibles is such a fun movie.

Yet I found Incrediboy’s character, Syndrome, quite sad.

He’s a splash of pride and idolatry. He doesn’t naturally possess the super hero gene. But he wants it so bad that he turns his childhood trauma into what ultimate destroys the city and its real super heroes.

I don’t think Incrediboy is an allegory of one real person. I think part of him lives in us all. It’s easy to compare ourselves with others, hearing that soft whisper, “I wish I had their gifts.” It’s simpler to imitate those we look up to to the degree that we appease the little Mayor Humdinger voice in our heads. It’s devastating to invest your life in cultivating someone else’s traits within yourself.

The better path is to discover those dormant traits already allocated to you. Excavate them. Sharpen them. Breath life back into them. Get that middle-aged belly back into that suit God made for you and you alone.

How Lewis & Tolkien Changed the World

C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien are renowned for sharpening one another’s thinking and supporting each other’s world-changing creative work.

But how did their friendship begin?

In his biography of Lewis, Alister McGrath highlights several key factors that brought them together.

First was a shared passion for Icelandic mythology—its gods, giants, and legends of Asgard.

Once Tolkien recognized Lewis’ genuine enthusiasm, he invited him to critique one of his poems.

Furthermore, McGrath notes that Tolkien needed a specific kind of friend and mentor who would encourage and nudge him to bring his projects to completion.

By forming a “little Icelandic club,” Lewis and Tolkien built a bond that ultimately changed literary history.

So, what club are you starting?

Visually Remembering My Uncle

Uncle Brian, 2026 © Matt (Gouche)

Earlier this year, my Uncle Brian passed away.

Perhaps it was due to watching a lot of Portrait Artist of the Year, I felt inspired to capture my uncle’s essence in this painting. I wanted to capture his larger than life personality. How could I visualize the stories I heard from others at his memorial lunch?

Blessings to my family, especially my cousins.

How Culture Dies

It is a tragedy when birth rates decline. A society moves toward population collapse when this occurs. 

It is equally tragic when we cease multiplying our ideas and the works of our hands in service to others.

When we hoard our ideas, acts of love, and service—and carry them with us to the grave—so culture itself begins to die.

Don’t cease making.

Sub(tract) the Points

Just as “Missions” is not a drop down menu sub-point of the church, so the arts are not a sub-point of church planting.