A fortnightly column in which Marzanne Slabbert explores the enigmatic fusion of faith and art in South Africa. Join her on an artistic journey and explore the many ways in which God is using the visual arts!
I can still hear my grandfather say: “People are like sheep, we were made for a flock.”
Throughout my years as a believer, I’ve seen how God uses a variety of people in my life to encourage, to lift up and to propel, to bring healing and restoration, to give a word of wisdom or bring knowledge and understanding; to bring clarity…
Over the years I have surrounded myself with different groups of believers to help me in my race, following the wisdom of Oupa and keeping the words of Paul before me: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Tim 4:7
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Part of the journey is not only to learn what to do but also to learn what not to do: I have seen how easy it is to give up the gift of community; having tasted the benefits, yet letting go of it when one’s diary gets full and the busyness of life creeps in, or when you lend an ear to those “other voices” instead of the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Make no mistake, we have a real enemy that studies us. He knows our weaknesses and how to push our buttons, he knows how to distract us or confuse us with misplaced priorities, tiring us out, getting us addicted to pleasing people or filling us with fear of being transparent or not good enough. He knows how to keep our mind busy with all kinds of conversations that are not from God. He is relentless at trying to separate us from the flock in order to dim our flame at the very least, if he can’t put it out.
O how he hates it when believers come together! Why? He understands the power of community!
One of the life groups every believer needs to intentionally go out and find is a group of people that share their own unique gifting; their “super power”. This is your tribe in the Kingdom!
In a tribe everyone speaks the same language, often goes through the same challenges, has the same set of beliefs and passions, each tribesman stretches the other and serves one another to reach new heights in the Kingdom.
In short, a tribe helps you to up your Kingdom game, walk closer with Jesus and stay focused on the eternal prize!
Interestingly enough, I have found, this group or tribe is often not exclusively associated with the local church you attend. More often than not, this group will form part of the bigger body of Christ and may even stretch across continents and time zones, assisting you to grow your gifting and take it back to your family, local church and marketplace.
What am I getting to? I have discovered that at the heart of God’s Kingdom is a multitude of tribes! And the sooner you find yours, the sooner and faster you will grow, overcome and feel you belong!
If you are an artist at heart and you believe Jesus is Lord, then I have a few suggestions for you on which creative communities you can tap into to assist you in growing in your identity and purpose as a Kingdom Artist:
South Africa:
Prophetic Art SA (Facebook Group):
About this community:
“This is a support page for Christian South African prophetic artists to share their work and to fellowship. Prophetic painters, singers, scribes, musicians, dancers, photographers, designers and all other godly creative vessels are welcome on the page. Let’s take hands and form a wall of fire in the South African arts industry!”
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1773282042963916/
Time 2 Rise Army of Artists
This national group of primarily visual artists formed in October 2023 during the Time2Rise event held in Bloemfontein, with the objective to be a visual prophetic voice of what God is doing in this season in South Africa, specifically with the lead up to the national elections on May 29. (https://gatewaynews.co.za/army-of-prophetic-artists-in-action-at-time2rise-event-at-weekend/)
The aim of this group is to support, to pray and to share information on creative Kingdom projects and events that artists can get involved in via whatsapp and Zoom.
Contact me, Marzanne Slabbert on 079 976 1344, if you would like to be part of this group and find a tribe in your specific area.
International:
Theresa Dedmon: Create Academy
Create Academy was developed by the creative visionary, Theresa Dedmon: “I have always felt the whispers of God ever since I was young, calling me into ministry, where I have pastored, equipped, and taught for the last 30 years. In 2002, my family attended Bethel, which led to a 19-year staff position, overseeing Bethel’s School of Supernatural Ministry and forerunning the Creative Arts both at Bethel, in the school, and overseeing projects for cultural transformation within Redding.
All of this has led to worldwide speaking engagements, where I help churches and communities start their journey of releasing God’s creativity to supernaturally move in and through every believer’s life
For the past 5 years, I have developed an online creative university, called Create Academy, where students from around the world are mentored by me and my leaders through my courses, weekly Zoom meetings, and small group interactions, where they learn who they are and how they can work together for the changes we need in our communities and church experiences.
We are changing the world. Together, a mighty creative army of laid-down lovers of Jesus is emerging that can’t be stopped, bought out, or compromised.”
This group is for you if you:
- desire to see God move in the prophetic & healing through your creativity
- You want to create from LOVE instead of performance
- You need to jump-start your creative God-given dreams
- You are hungry to create from God’s presence & affirmation
- You want creative strategies & tools to share the Gospel that’s authentic to your gift mix
“I would highly recommend Create Academy because it helps you to get past several hurdles such as fear, shame, and perfectionism in creative endeavors and equips you to jump over them. “
“Learn how to supernaturally partner with God in cultivating your creativity to bring heaven on earth!”
For more information or to become a member of Create Academy, please visit: https://www.theresadedmon.com/createacademy
>> Receive a 50% discount on your first month by using coupon code: ca50off
Matt Tommey: Created to Thrive
Matt Tommey helps starving artists to become thriving artists. He has a unique gifting to connect the dots between the arts, ministry and business. “Deep down, every artist who loves Jesus wants to know how their life and art honours God and is making a difference in the world while being able to make a living doing what they love.”
“I have increased my art teaching income over 60% and am on my way to a 6-figure year after doing the Artist Cashflow Bootcamp and becoming a member of CTT!” – Ann from Oregon
For more info or to join this community: www.mattommeymentoring.com
Finally, I don’t believe that any conversation would be complete without consulting God’s Word. Here are a few Scriptures about the importance of community: https://dailyverses.net/community
Dear reader and fellow citizen of the Kingdom, I pray you find your community; your very own Kingdom tribe!
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