Everyday Creativity
(StarThrower Video, 1999)

One of the most exciting and informative new resources we have discovered in the past few years is Dewitt Jones’ Everyday Creativity. Used in both Quest and FaithQuest training seminars, Everyday Creativity presents compelling visual images in support of such concepts as systems thinking, continuous improvement, transformational learning, and the power of vision. In less than thirty minutes, National Geographic photographer Dewitt Jones challenges viewers to look at the world in significantly new and different ways.

As a former professional photographer, I especially appreciate Jones’ view of the world. Through the lens of a camera, a photographer continuously seeks new perspectives and "the next right answer." What we see depends on the perspective we choose. If we don’t see what we want, our only option is to reframe the scene. By moving to a new place or changing a lens, a photographer can change an entire landscape. Only by taking a variety of pictures can a photographer hope to capture the best one possible.

Through regular practice, we can train our technique and improve our craft. Without patience, perseverance, and commitment, nothing of value can ever emerge. These are the valuable lessons that Dewitt Jones offers throughout Everyday Creativity.

The fundamental premise of Everyday Creativity is that creativity is not reserved for the artistic few, but that everyone has creative capacity. Creativity is the lifeblood of a full and meaningful life. It is not dependent on some inherent gift, but on the ability of individuals to break free from limiting practices, beliefs, and attitudes that hold them in the past. Ultimately, any act can be a creative act -- depending on the way we choose to view it.

Dewitt Jones defines creativity as "a moment where we look at the ordinary and see the extraordinary" and as "falling in love with the world." Creativity is the key to being able to move beyond our current problems to new realities. Continuous improvement and effective leadership depend on our ability to see the world in different ways. Through a series of beautiful images, Jones illustrates critical lessons for today’s leaders.

Everyday Creativity presents the story of an individual, and few creative endeavors are more individual than photography. While some of the lessons are aimed at singular leaders -- "How many times is it up to you to figure out a solution?" -- most are equally appropriate for leadership teams. Some of the more compelling lessons are:

• Never stop at one right answer. Always look for the next right answer.
• Reframe problems into opportunities -- think "win-learn," not "win-lose."
• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Take risks and learn from every attempt.
• Break existing patterns. Do something different just to see what it’s like.
• Train your technique. Work to continuously improve your strengths.
• Put yourself in the place of most potential; that is, position yourself for multiple right answers.
• Care about what you do. Be authentic.

Life presents us with multiple windows of opportunity. Everything we do has the potential for improvement. Every existing pattern in our lives needs examination from a new perspective. Questioning the way things are is the surest way to see new possibilities. Creativity is the potential to see what we have not seen before. Dewitt Jones shows us how to do just this in Everyday Creativity.

Check with your conference resource center for availability of Everyday Creativity, or contact The General Board of Discipleship (1-877-899-2780, ext. 7295) for ordering information. Or contact StarThrower, Inc. 26 Exchange Street East, Suite 600, Saint Paul, MN 55101; Phone: 651-602-9630; Toll-free: 800-242-3220; Fax: 651-602-0037; E-mail: info@starthrower.com; Web Site: http://www.starthrower.com/

Discussion Guide for Every Day Creativity (StarThrower, 1999)

The following questions may be used after viewing the video Everyday Creativity to help focus leadership teams on ways that they can increase their "everyday creativity."

1. What lenses are we using to look at the ministry needs of our church? Do we zoom in on individual parts? Do we focus on the current reality? Do we hold the big picture in a wide-angle? Are we focusing through a telephoto lens on the future? Are we mixing the various perspectives?
2. How often do we settle for one right answer? What would fundamentally change in our church if we refused to make decisions until we discovered at least three right answers?
3. How do past failures limit futre possibilities in our church? What are the benefits for our church by moving from "win-lose" attitude to a "win-learn" attitude?
4. What are three ways that we could "train our technique" -- both individually and corporately? If we could improve our knowledge or skills in just one area, which area would help move us to "the place of most potential?"
5. As we examine the regular patterns and processes in our church, how could we do each one better?
6. How do people in our congregations and community know that we care about them? What is a concrete way that we can increase our care for the people in our church? for the people in our community?

Dan R. Dick is a former staff member of the General Board of Discipleship.

(originally posted February 3, 2000)

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