Prime Directive: Moving Hearts toward God through the Arts
God’s Kingdom and Its Mission (penetrating/transforming society with the values and purposes of Christ) We believe in God and his kingdom mission first of all. This is our most fundamental value.
Truth (what’s real and what’s not, what works and what doesn’t, what makes sense, what is right, what gives life) We believe that some things are true and good, and some things aren’t. That which is true comes from God (via the Holy Spirit) and is defined as what’s real, what’s right, what works, what make sense, and what gives life. We summarize this as “the light and the love/life of God.”
The Bible The Bible is our primary truth source. Various levels of truth can also be ascertained via reason and in nature, which must be used, therefore, to connect with pre-Christians.
The Sacred (true and holy as in sync with the character and plans of God) Because God is holy, transcendent, and beautiful, things that are from God and like God are, therefore, “sacred.” Such key features of kingdom life are to be held up and honored as critical for affirming and finding life. These things are “special” and “sacred.”
Creativity and the Arts (artistry as expression of a piece of the image of God) We are creatures of a creator, made in his image. Creativity and “formal” expressions of such (“the arts”) are integral to who and what we are as humans made in the image of God.
Communication of Truth through the Arts We believe the arts to be some of the most effective forms of communication and, as such, should be utilized fully to experience and share the light and love of God.
Excellence (as a reflection of God and a tool for attracting audiences and artists) God is the epitome of all that is good and excellent. Excellence is, therefore, a reflection of the nature of God. Excellent things are by nature beautiful and attractive. Excellence must, therefore, characterize all that we do in order to attract (“move”) people/hearts toward God.
Entertainment (as a tool of experiencing and sharing life and truth) We believe that entertainment is a legitimate tool for experiencing/sharing the light and love of God. When someone is entertained, s/he is also attentive. Distraction, disinterest, boredom, and poor quality prevent effective communication. While someone is entertained, s/he may also entertain . . . (the ideas and values being communicated).
Audiences, especially Pre-Christian (people who experience EnArts productions, especially Non- or Pre-Christians as those who need truth/light the most) Because we believe being close to God (= salvation and spiritual growth) to be each person’s most important consideration and condition, we value those who experience EnArts productions (the “audience”) as individuals who are loved by God and who are potentially moved closer to God by means of what they see and hear. Those who are farthest away from God need God’s light and love the most.
Artists (who want to use their gifts for life-enriching purposes) We value those who serve EnArts (as performers or otherwise) as individuals who also need the life-giving experiences of God’s Spirit (which they will share in meaningful ways as part of the production process), and we value the use of their time and talents for EnSpirit purposes.
Progress (personal and cultural progress toward the life and values of the kingdom of God—think “stages”) We believe in progress—moving closer to God one step, script, song, stage at a time. Without progress, we can never accomplish the prime directive.
