Photo by Vitaly Gariev @ pexels.com
Production leaders love their systems and processes; they’re what make our world go round. The downside to our systems is that we can get locked into ruts, the same-old-same-old patterns that keep us from staying fresh. While we need systems and processes that keep our productions consistent, we should be pushing ourselves past our limits because people respond to a creative reach. That’s what we call it here at LifeMission, at least—making the reach.
How do we keep “reaching,” and stay out of a creative rut?
Play
The weekly grind of services can take a toll on just how much fun this job actually is. I know this all too well, and I have to remind myself sometimes to just sit back and actually have fun.
Obviously, what we do is not a game, but when we relax and decide to play around, we will stumble into creativity that simply cannot be forced with focus. Sitting down and saying, “Ok… I’m going to be creative now,” is the worst possible way to be creative. You have pick up that camera or that light and find your inner kid that thinks this stuff is just plain cool. Let the kid have a whirl. You’ll be surprised at the new things you find.
Break The Rules
Yes, there are fundamentals to our particular disciplines, but all the greatest creative minds will tell you that rules are made to be broken. It’s how we bend them, manipulate them, and press against the rules that bring creative freshness to our work. Push up against the rules of shot framing, audio mixing, or light busking and see what happens. You know the rules, and you’re good at the rules; that also means you know how to break the rules in a way that adds to an experience or an event without distracting from the mission of the Gospel.
Let Go
If you’re a leader worth their salt, you should have team members who are better than you. Your job is to “let them cook,” not make them fit in your particular mold. Hand over the reins—let them direct, mix, shoot, busk, whatever. Be their failsafe so that the wheels don’t come off, but if you trust them, actually trust them by letting them do what they’re good at. Chances are, you’ll probably learn something new and become more creative in your own right.
The Lord Loves Creativity
And he made you to be creative, not just a systems robot. You’re going to hate this job sooner than later if you let yourself get bored, so go out there and have fun with the Holy Spirit. Be playful. Push your boundaries, and let your team be there best they can be.
