// Note: Between the time I started doing art in church and now, the term “prophetic” has taken on various meanings and negative connotations due to scammers and false prophets inside and outside of the church. Frankly, it’s disgusting. I thought about deleting my online prophetic art stuff, because I certainly don’t want to be associated with the charlatans of the charismatic church world. That having been said, I do believe there is a place and a need for art in the church, and in Christianity. So I’ll very briefly clarify what I mean by prophetic art. It doesn’t mean I’m a prophet, and I have never claimed to be one. It also does not refer to fortune telling, psychic knowledge, or even the definition of prophecy that means foretelling. My use of the term prophetic means “from God”. Still, that’s dangerous territory, right? So I’ll add that IF a picture is from God, it will 100% align with what is already in the Bible. I would never claim to have some new or special revelation. As of the time I’m writing this note, I’m grappling with whether “prophetic” art is even the best term for it anymore. I’ll keep it for now, because it’s become a recognizable art genre that many people are seeking. So please don’t get hung up on the term. //
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In 2011, I was blessed with the opportunity to paint at church. For many years I had a desire to use art in worship and ministry, but I wasn’t sure how it was going to happen. In the time since then, I’ve had many opportunities to paint, and I’ve been able to grow in this gifting.
I’ve painted during prayer services, in corporate times of worship, and other live events. I don’t claim to be a “prophet”, but I believe that God may give me pictures.
Sometimes God impresses a specific image in my mind, and I simply paint it. Other times, it’s just a word or a concept, and I spontaneously paint what comes out. Yet other times, I just start painting and ask God to paint through me. I do not believe that I am special in this sense. I believe any Christian can hear from God.
Generally these paintings are painted quickly in a live setting, often in less than an hour.
I’ve found that this ministry is twofold (at least). It’s a picture FOR God and it’s a picture FROM God. My painting is an act of worship; an offering to God. No matter how it ends up looking, it’s all for Him.
At the same time, it may be picture from Him. He may give me the inspiration and ability to paint an image that is edifying to the church body, to an individual, or to simply to me. If it is from Him, it will undoubtedly align with what is already in the Bible.
For example, during corporate worship at a men’s event, God gave me a picture of a roaring lion coming out of a man’s chest. As it turned out, this was a picture of what was being taught in that night’s message, and I believe was also a representation of something God was doing in the church (again, based on Biblical teaching).
During prayer services, it seems that some pictures may be messages from God for specific people. For example, one time I was compelled to paint a picture of a ball of pain being exploded by the fire and power of God. This picture brought hope to someone who was battling a brain tumor. That does not mean that the person was healed. However, hope and joy are 100% in alignment with the Bible.
