A Simple Fleur De Lys

Use this simple Fleur De Lys pattern to
design your own Chrismons.

      The origin of this emblem appears to be lost in the haze of antiquity, whether we regard it heraldically or symbolically.

       Some suppose the common form to have first originated in the spear-head, so far, at least, as it is used as a charge in heraldry.

       Whether this be so or not, there is no doubt that a lily of some sort has usually been intended. A royal flower, even kin the days of Pliny --(flos rosae nobilitate proximus)-- the lily was regarded as a badge of royalty and dominion, whence its assumption by the Frank princes as their badge.

       Clovis, the first Christian king, is credited with its direct reception from heaven by the ministry of an angel; but Louis VII. of France was the first to bear it on his seal, in 1137.

Scripture References for the Fleur De Lys:

• "Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin." Romans 3:19-20 (NIV)
• "Therefore thou shalt love the LORD thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway." Deuteronomy 11:1 (KJB)
• "Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love." John 15:9 (ASB)
  

More Patterns:

• Additional Fleur De Lys Templates Here

More About Chrismons:

• Download and print the Chrismon description booklet (PDF) from East Liberty Presbyterian Church

An additional fleur de lys stencil pattern.

A Fleur de lyes drawn with a bit of dimension.

 

free little Fleur-De-Lys cross stitch design

The Magen David Symbol

The Magen David is the Star of David.

     During the 19th century the symbol began to proliferate amongst the Jewish communities of Eastern Europe, ultimately being used amongst the Jewish communities in the Pale of Settlement. A significant motivating factor was the desire to imitate the influence of the Christian cross. The earliest Jewish usage of the symbol was inherited from medieval Arabic literature by Kabbalists for use in talismanic protective amulets (segulot) where it was known as a Seal of Solomon. The symbol was also used in Christian churches as a decorative motif many centuries before its first known use in a Jewish synagogue. Before the 19th century, official use in Jewish communities was generally known only in the region of today's Czech Republic, Austria and possibly parts of Southern Germany, having begun in medieval Prague.

Scripture References for the Magen David Chrismon:

• "When thy days are fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, that shall proceed out of thy body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever." 2 Samuel 7:12-13 (JPS Tanakh 1917)
• "And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” Matthew 9:27 (ESV)
• ""What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?" "The son of David," they replied. He said to them, "How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him 'Lord'? For he says, "'The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet."' If then David calls him 'Lord,' how can he be his son?" No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions." Matthew 22: 42-46 (NIV)

More About David's Star:

• David's Star with a Pentacle 
• The Medieval Stars of David

Three Rings Represent The Trinity

This symbol "is dogmatic, reverent, and in every sense unobjectionable.  From unity as the centre, Trinity springs, yet the centre of unity is only found by the conjunction of the Trinity." Didron gives this as from a French Miniature of the thirteenth century.

• The Trinity Symbols by E. Goldsmith
• See also Holy Trinity Clip Art (Christian Symbolism)
• Scripture References for The Holy Trinity Symbol

       "Advent in the church is a time of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. It is the beginning of the Christian year and starts four Sundays before Christmas, December 25th. This year, Advent begins on November 30th. As part of the preparation, the church decorates for the celebration. A Christmas Tree is decorated with Chrismons. Chrismons are Christmas decorations with Christian symbols on them or made in the shape of Christian symbols. Some common shapes are..." (press video to read more)

Three-In-One, Holy Trinity Circles
simpler version

Italian Lamb of God for Chrismons

   An Italian example of the twelfth century. It is noticeable for the Patriachal Cross to which the banner is attached, as well as for the Chalice which receives the Blood of the Covenant. This pattern would make a lovely embroidery or woodcut pattern for the Chrismon tree.

Lamb of God by Matt Maher. Published by spiritandsong.com, a division of OCP, www.ocp.org.Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

In the Mass of the Roman Rite and also in the Eucharist of the Anglican Communion, the Lutheran Church, and the Western Rite of the Orthodox Church the Agnus Dei is the invocation to the Lamb of God sung or recited during the fraction of the Host.

 

Based upon John the Baptist's reference in John 1:29 to Jesus ("Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world"), the text in Latin is:

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem.

which means:

Lamb of God, you who take away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.

Lamb of God, you who take away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.

Lamb of God, you who take away the sins of the world, grant us peace.

Scripture References for The Agnus Dei Chrismon:

• "They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." Revelation 12:11 (NIV)
• "The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" John 1:29 (ESV)
• "These will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will conquer them because He is Lord of lords and King of kings. Those with Him are called, chosen, and faithful." Revelation 17:14 (KJB)
• "For the soul (or life) of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you to reconcile your persons (or souls) upon the altar; therefore the same blood reconciles the person." Leviticus 17:11 (Jubilee Bible 2000)
• "The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live; and when I see the blood I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt." Exodus 12:13 (NASB)
• "In fact, according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness." Hebrews 9:22 (NLT)
  

More About The Agnus Dei:

• Find more Agnus Dei symbols here
• Animated Agnus Dei symbols for the web

An additional Agnus Dei Chrismon stencil.

The Agnus Dei and Banner of Victory

 

Free little Agnus-Dei cross stitch design

The Baby Gives a Blessing

Description of Illustration: Virgin Mary, gold ribbon, wreath, baby Jesus, blessing, carving, sculpture, Dogwood blossoms, Morning glory, lilies, transparent background

 
Have a question about the illustration? Just type it in the comment box and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. I only publish content that is closely related to the subject folks

"Scripture Might Be Fulfilled"

John 19:36 "For these things took place that the scripture might be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken." (ESV)

Description of Illuminated Words: text "Scripture might be fulfilled" shows up in John 19: 36, John 19:28 and John 15:25

Have a question about the illustration? Just type it in the comment box and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. I only publish content that is closely related to the subject folks

Butterfly resting on a flower

Description of Illustration: a black and white drawing of a butterfly resting on top of a flower, daisy, insect, petals, stem

Have a question about the illustration? Just type it in the comment box and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. I only publish content that is closely related to the subject folks.

Children Clip Art Index

Four samples of child related clip art found in my collection below.

This clip art file is full of all kinds of children: red and yellow, black and white they are all precious in God's sight...

• Also check out Infant Ministry Clip Art

All graphics/illustrations/clip art on this web journal are free to download and use for personal art projects, church related hard copy or webpages. Images are not to be redistributed in any other collections of clip art online. Please include a link back to this web journal if you use the materials for web articles. Link to http://christianclipartreview.blogspot.com

Clip Art of Jesus & The Children:

1. A greyscale illustration of Jesus and the children
2. Christ with halo blesses children
3. A Watercolor of Jesus Blessing Little Children
4. Riding Piggyback

Clip Art of Modern Children:

1. "Nobody understands me the way you do" 
2. A Godly Mother (holds a baby)
3. 1 Corinthians 13:11
4. Vintage portrait of a young black student
5. Laughing Young Girls
6. Boy With Basketball
7. The Christmas Prayer (next to Christmas tree)
8. Eastern Orthodox Children Carry Icons
9. Banner of little ones eating and drinking
10. Laughing among the waves...
11. Psalms 74:16 (little girl in bed, star gazing)
12. A small boy with a train
13. Sitting in The Shade (Chinese children with parasol)
14. Mother and her children reading together
15. Clipart of fish bowls and clumsy boys
16. Little Girl Painting with Watercolors
17. Grape Picking
18. Remember the Faithful in South Africa
19. Matthew 19:14 (Native American)
20. "Run The Race" (child on beach)
21. Psalm 127: 3,4, and 5 (portrait of little girl)
22. African Child
23. What do you see?
24. My Little Ash Girl
25. Asian mother and child... 
26. African American Father and Son
27. Ready To Pray
28. The bad man... 
29. Deep in thought... 
30. Under the shadow of the Almighty... 
31. Guardians of Childhood   
32. "Do you miss me?"
33. "It must be Mother's Day again"
34. The Flower Girl 
35. The Busy Mother
36. The Baby's Sponsors...
37. Neighborhood Pitcher
38. "Why Bring That Up?" 
39. Won't swallow his medicine...  
40. Her Rights?
    
41. Little Children Illustrated by John Rae
42. Little Boy by Illustrator John Rae
43. Quality Family Time - 7 illustrations of children with their families 
    

Clip Art of Children in The Bible:

1.  coming soon
   

Clip Art of Children Praying:

1. "Ask for it and it shall be given." in Spanish
2. Praying Child (portrait)
   

Sunday School Clip Art:

1. International Rally Day Postcard for All Christians
2. Get Ready For Rally Day!
3. Vintage Sunday School Invites
4. Vintage Rally Day Illustrations
5. When churches used to post...

VBS Clip Art:

1. VBS Announcements
2. Hugs

Birthday Clip Art:

1. The Birthday Cake
2. The Children's Birthday Party
3. Psalm 118:24 Birthday Theme
4. Little Twinkie Cake
5. It's Your Birthday!

Sacraments, Dedication, Profession of Faith Clip Art:

1. Baby Dedication
2. Confirmed In Christ

Children In Choirs Clip Art:

1. The angels sing at choir rehearsal...
2. A choir boy sings, "He Is Risen!"

Poems About Jesus and The Children:

• Brotherhood
• Inasmuch
• The Fullness of His Presence
  

Poems for Sunday School: Life of Christ

• Birth
• Slaying of The Innocents
• In The Temple
• The Baptism and Temptation
• The Marriage Feast in Cana

Group writers talk about age appropriate children's

 ministry and education.

Page last updated on May 22nd, 2025

"Sacratissimum Cor Jesu"

 

Description of Illustration: "The light shines in darkness" or "In darkness THE Light Shines" Latin text, portrait of Jesus, cross halo, sacred heart symbol, what is in God's heart is most important, the heart with a buring (passionate heart) crown of thorns, blessing of the Second person of The Holy Trinity, Jesus., flowers and leaves, text "Sacratissimum Cor Jesu.

Have a question about the illustration? Just type it in the comment box and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. I only publish content that is closely related to the subject folks.

 

 Theological College Seminarians sing "Cor Jesu Sacratissimum"

Baptism by water and fire

Description of Illustration: Baptism title, Christians have two baptisms, one by water and the other by fire, Announce a Baptism in your church

“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." Matthew 3:11 (ESV)

Tiny sized Baptism title

Have a question about the illustration? Just type it in the comment box and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. I only publish content that is closely related to the subject folks.

St. George and the dragon

Description of Illustration: Saint George, queen, dragon, satan, geometric design stained glass, horse, knight, halo 

The episode Saint George and the Dragon appended to the hagiography of Saint George was Eastern in origin, brought back with the Crusaders and retold with the courtly appurtenances belonging to the genre of Romance. The earliest known depictions of the motif are from 10th- or 11th-century Cappadocia and 11th-century Georgia; While the veneration of Saint George as a soldier saint goes back to the 7th century at least, the earliest known surviving narrative of the dragon episode is an 11th-century Georgian text. Read more...

Have a question about the illustration? Just type it in the comment box and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. I only publish content that is closely related to the subject folks.

Shells from the sea...

Description of Illustration: shells, from the sea, ocean, symbol of Baptism, full color

Have a question about the illustration? Just type it in the comment box and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. I only publish content that is closely related to the subject folks.

Waiting at The Empty Tomb

Description of the illustration: Angels wait, Mary weeps, tomb of the LORD, empty burial cave, stone rolled away, wings, black and white drawing by Kathy Grimm, drawn from West African sculptures carved by Cornelio and Gabriel

"But Mary stood outside at the tomb weeping. Then as she was weeping, she stooped down into the tomb, and she sees two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say to her, "Woman, why do you weep?" She says to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him." John 20: 11-14 (BLB)

• The Empty Tomb at BibleGateway 
• Harmonization of Resurrection Day  
• At The Tomb of Jesus in Easter Morning

Have a question about the illustration? Just type it in the comment box and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. I only publish content that is closely related to the subject folks.

An illuminated manuscript of musicians

Description of the illustration: musicians play instruments, Celtic knots, patterns, lions, city, transparent background

Have a question about the illustration? Just type it in the comment box and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. I only publish content that is closely related to the subject folks

An altar for the cross

Description of the illustration: altar, windows, interior of a church, cross, flowers, black and white illustration

 

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Repairing the nets...

Description of the illustration: fisherman and his granddaughter, nets, beach, fishing boat, waves, sea, ocean, shore, fish, sitting in the sun, restored and in color, bare feet

 

Have a question about the illustration? Just type it in the comment box and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. I only publish content that is closely related to the subject folks

The Punk Thief

Description of the illustration: black and white comic strong man threatening a small man for his money bag, top hat, champion ruffian, fists, muscles, brick wall

Have a question about the illustration? Just type it in the comment box and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. I only publish content that is closely related to the subject folks

The bad man...

Description of the illustration: black and white comic of little girl and her father, pointing, guilt, speech bubble,

Have a question about the illustration? Just type it in the comment box and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. I only publish content that is closely related to the subject folks

For your sweet tooth...

Description of Illuminations: black and white illustration of cakes and cookies, peaches, stars, dishes, desserts

Have a question about the illustration? Just type it in the comment box and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. I only publish content that is closely related to the subject folks.

Is your art ministry . . . Christian?

Well, is it? I know that may sound a bit crazy but believe me, it’s not a strange consideration. Most ministries self-asses on a regular basis in order to avoid the following pitfalls or stumbling blocks.

The Top Ten Signs That Your Art Ministry Is Merely Self-Medicating

1. The contributors are defensive. Artists are more worried about themselves, their pocket books, their living conditions than they are interested in spreading the gospel. In other words, if you have to stop reading this list at number 1., you may be a little too defensive?
2. The community is insular in nature. The art ministry is primarily focused on their own people and their own agenda instead of interacting with other congregation members and pulling in non-church goers into their program. “Outreach” means that you are always looking to share the Gospel message with people outside of your own group. This is one of the primary reasons God leaves us here on planet Earth. Sharing Jesus’ love with the lost is the one activity that you will not ever be able to do again, once your body/flesh has died.
3. Education is treated as though it is unimportant because your leader may have very little of it himself. Excellent leaders, educated or not, will always surround themselves with educated, sober minded people. In self-medicating ministry, those who are not qualified either spiritually or intellectually are consistently appointed to positions of authority. This is because they will comply to every little whim and complaint of the members, instead of focusing on the greater agenda of Christ. Not only is it the most obvious tactic used by Satan to defeat ministry, it is also the most damaging. In other words, he uses it because, my friends, it works to defeat growth. Everyone hopefully understands that God sometimes appoints under-educated peoples to authority because He qualifies them Himself. So asses your leaders effectiveness based upon scripture, if his or her agenda has fallen under speculation. Spiritually led leaders behave with humility, faith, and uncanny resourcefulness.  If your authority figure neglects to appoint informed people to tasks that are dependent upon important knowledge base, because he is afraid of looking less educated himself, he or she may very well be nailing your ministry’s coffin lid shut. Don’t be surprised to see secretive smirks and hear resounding sighs of intolerance emanating from his or her lips. Spiritually led leaders are more concerned for their people than they are for their own reputations. They will not hide their lack of education and they will not glorify it either, if they’ve got it. They will seek those who have biblical wisdom and experience to make their ministry work better.
4. Artists are not expected to own up to their own sins? Creativity does not replace piety. While it is true none of us are saved by our own piety, to lack serious commitment to respecting biblical counsel or law is a sign of pride. Proud people never sacrifice* for those who are thirsty for forgiveness. God resists pride in His people and He will resist your ministry if it focuses too much on you and too little on the needs of others. God meets our needs by allowing us to fulfill the needs of others. In this occupation a Christian will find peace.
5. Living the Gospel message in front of others is discouraged. Are artists in your ministry embarrassed by innocence or unabashed conduct for the causes of ministry? Sometimes, in fact, many times, artists believe that those congregation members who do not perform well enough should be excluded from participation in a ministry altogether but this is incorrect thinking according to scripture. What scripture teaches is that leadership roles should be appointed by God and/or godly council, membership roles are given freely to whomever will serve with a happy spirit ripe with enthusiasm for God’s forgiveness. Would you be embarrassed by an infant who doesn’t yet know how to walk? Of course not. But many artists do treat their less successful colleagues with contempt when their work doesn’t measure up to a particular standard. The correct estimations of performance should be measured by the level of authority given the person in terms of provision to the whole of God’s community. In other words, if an artist is struggling, give him provision and support, but don’t hand him a job that is dependent on his success in order for your ministry to thrive for the sake of many.
6. Exhibits are created in order to flatter the artists first and perhaps God, second, maybe? Artists are often treated unfairly in the world, this is true. They long for a supportive, caring, attentive family. Every Christian community should grow and learn to appreciate it’s members equally. Unfortunately, we are sinners and sometimes in our neediness we become obsessed with our own success because we believe that it will insulate us from tragedy. But as Christians, we need to understand that our security is primarily in Jesus, not in worldly perceptions of our own creativity. Jesus is the giver of all life and the true lover of human souls. When you join into His “church” you have already been justified by His love. You do not need to be superior to others in order to have creative value. As His child, you are free to focus your energy on growing for and with His heavenly kingdom and when the time is right, He will give you more to do. Spend your earthly days flattering God and in this you will find the most wonderful home any person could ever want or dream of.
7. Other congregation members don’t interact with your art ministry’s members much. This is a pretty obvious sign that your ministry is self-medicating. People will take an active interest in those who show interest in them. This is true for both saints and sinners alike and because it is true for both groups, it is considered one of the most obvious signs of both success and defeat. The scriptures cannot be taught if people do not engage one another in conversation or community activity. God loves a moving target.
8. There is plenty of ‘back stabbing’ or ‘gossip’ happening between members, or even worse, members do this secretly to seekers.* Does this really happen. Yes, unfortunately I have witnessed it from both a distance and from a very personal and uncomfortable, close proximity. It is our sin nature that tempts us to triumph due to another persons demise. Remember the conflicts between King Saul and David? Remember how uncomfortable David felt at becoming a king at the expense of his sovereign and his best friend, Johnathan? Let me just advise here that it is very important to a Christian how they come into privilege, authority, or recognition. They may not have any control over the circumstances, but they will always feel a bit too uncomfortable with it. This is a sign of humility. A sign meaning that The Holy Spirit who is indwelling him or her is not letting the sinner get away with false pride. So, a Christian thinking leader is usually too self-conscious to gossip about others let alone alienate a seeker.
9. One or two individuals are given too much authority. A good missionary always invests energy in replacing himself with another who is just as qualified, if not better qualified. Good missionaries are also happy to have very helpful people about them. They look forward to going home to be with God and they also worry for those they will leave behind. It is in their nature to wish to replace themselves no matter how satisfied they are in the place God has appointed them to serve. This is because they are cognizant of God’s worth. They understand that only He can fulfill their deepest longing. Earth in all her glory is not capable of meeting the missionary’s need. If you are an inexperienced artist in God’s family, you are a missionary waiting to be born. You are more than just an artist, you are an artist with a different destiny.
10. Exceptions to standard practice are made because artists are thought to be too exceptional? As artists, we are not above the practice of understanding how we might improve a practice or methodology. We are living, thinking beings that are constantly evolving in the truest meaning of the word. Because God puts His Spirit in us, we are capable of improving our sin nature and adapting our dreams to enhance and provide for His Kingdom. But, if you never ask yourself these kinds of questions, how will you ever be equipped to give more away for God? People think that artists are the very least inhibited among Christians. In my experience, they can be more self-loathing than any other member of a congregation.

Helpful Art and Ministry Articles:

• Ministry and Art by Jeanne Torrence Finley 
• The Christian Artist in Ministry
• Art needs the church: How to create artisan communities

sacrifice* surrender, giving up, abandonment, renunciation, forfeiture, relinquishment, resignation, abdication for another

seekers* those who have yet to commit their lives to Jesus, the unsaved

What did Jesus look like?

Rainbow Jesus, painting
named by my youngest child.

       Our culture influences the way artists illustrate Jesus. But, what did Jesus really look like? Should this be important to us? I have been an artist for many years and what I have discovered about people is that they have an emotional need to see something of themselves in Jesus. People seem to relate to Christ better, when He is of their own race. Some people in our culture cannot even be satisfied with appearances. They need God to also be of their own gender as well. How far should an illustrator go when creating a representational illustration of Christ?

       I have painted Jesus many times both as a white man and as a black man. But when I think of Jesus, myself, I don’t seem to think so much about “how” His flesh looked at all. I think mostly of His heart and His kindness. For me, as an artist, the literal portrait of Christ must have something gentle in the eyes. If the eyes aren’t right, then the portrait is not successful.

       Perhaps there is something to be said of the old quote, “The eyes are a window to the soul.” What do you think?

• The question and answer from gotQuestions?
• What did Jesus really look like?
• What did Jesus look like? from Bibleinfo

Isaiah's prophetic vision of Christ -  "He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted." Isaiah 53: 2-4

Revelations description of His appearance in the second coming - "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God." Revelation 19:11-13

Do you have any suggestions concerning return links?

Here is a list of considerations when applying to other web masters for a link. Ask yourself the questions below before approaching someone about a linking partnership.

1. Does the website have similar content?
2. Would the website owner consider you competition?
3. Does the website already carry corporate advertising? If so, they are probably under a contract with that specific company and can not oblige some requests even if they would like to.
4. Does your product or content compliment the product or content of the website you would like traffic from and vice versa?
5. Would the owners consider your content immoral or unethical?
6. Would visitors from their web pages be offended by your content?
7. Do there appear to be other links like your own on their website already?
8. How old is the site? Is it possible that it is abandoned?

Where should people hang a church art exhibit?

Hanging an art exhibit inside of a church can be a bit tricky but it doesn’t need to be difficult. I’ve listed here some guidelines that will help the artists in your church to make smart politically correct choices and will help you to determine the most practical places to display art.

• Never hang any artworks that do not have religious subject matter in the sanctuary of the church. This is very important. Artists can unintentionally insult the congregation by doing this or can be deeply wounded if they assume that this is a possibility before getting shot down over the suggestion. The only exception to this rule is if you are displaying a textile exhibit. These are traditionally hung in Christian sanctuaries everywhere and people are not likely to be disturbed by the suggestion. It is true that the Lord made little green apples but, it is not generally acceptable to display these in the sanctuary as a tribute to your own artistic merit. There is a difference between an artist producing Christian subjects and an artist who is a Christian painting any subject. Don’t fall into the political mishap of displaying lemons as though they are icons or bible lessons. Lemons are great and when these are hung in just about any other room in a building, people like them. Sanctuaries are to be treated reverently though. The key to this is understanding that the sanctuary is a place to worship God not the artist. When the artist paints or sculpts about the ideas that are preached about by God then, he is submitting to the will of God. Just like everybody else who dresses modestly, sings music to glorify God, and speaks about the serious concerns of God’s people. Put God first in the sanctuary, not yourself.
• Church entry halls should also be treated carefully when considering topically appropriate subject matter. The front entrance is an introduction to the church. Be selective about what is hung here at all times.
• Hallways can be popular places to exhibit but most people will not linger in them while going to church on Sundays. Children also get a bit rowdy in hall ways, and artworks can be damaged here. If you choose a hallway, make sure to select one that is strategically located away from Sunday School rooms, bathrooms, and unattended out of the way parts of the building. Hallways leading to large cafeterias, libraries, offices, and meeting halls make good display spaces.
• For small exhibits we suggest a library or even better, the church parlor. This room type is a wonderful setting and often comes with a door that can be locked during times when the show is not open.
• Some churches set aside specific walls in their buildings where artworks are always displayed. This is a great idea! If your church hosts an ongoing ministry outreach to artists, this kind of space can be used on a regular basis and will come in handy. Try to get a supply closet near this wall cleared out and designated to your art ministry. This closet should have a lock and only be used by the artists to store works as these are alternated. The display wall need not be enormous at all. It could be quite modest to suit the needs of a Biblical illuminator’s guild, as these works do not usually exceed the size of a small page in a book. Some churches have glassed in cases for displaying items and these are marvelous for displaying small illuminated manuscripts.
• Be careful not to hang a show on a wall that kids bounce basketballs off of during the week or that Sunday school teachers must navigate around with a moving partition wall. If people will need to take artworks down during other festivities and put them back up again, then you should not display art in these facilities at all. Works are likely to get damaged during these events and handled by people who do not have the same value for your work. This is just a fact of life and it is best to avoid the situation all together. Have a show for one night only if this be the case.

Note. If you should have a wide variety of topical entries into your church art exhibit reserve the religious submissions for the public spaces. After all, this is a church art show, not a ordinary space and artists must learn to grow up and conduct themselves accordingly to the limitations that all kinds of people will expect of them everywhere else. The church should not be treated as though it is the very least to consider or respect. It is God’s house and should be cared for more reverently. Professional artists are well aware of the expectations required of them during a professional exhibit in a museum or in a gallery. These prerequisites are much more demanding in the real world than they are in the forgiving environment of a church. At the very least, the artist should do what is considered respectful to those he or she is dealing with directly.

Should artists be allowed to sell their work out of a church?

      This question feels sticky to most people who ask it, but it is not as tricky as it is generally thought to be by church folks. Most pastors ask this question of me like this, “The church shouldn’t become a market place should it?” and of course, the answer is no. God’s house is a place for prayer and worship primarily and for study too.
       Some exhibits that I have been in publish artist’s listing prices next to the artworks along with a title and other information. Some churches publish listing prices only in a bulletin handed out during opening night. I have never participated in a church exhibit where the church ever took a percentage of sales from an artist. This was primarily reasoned as “an agenda” for marketing by the church and therefore, an “inappropriate activity.” Are you surprised? Well, don’t be. Because this point of view is entirely Biblically correct. You see Jesus chased out the money changers because they were selling small animals for sin sacrifices that the Jews who journeyed from afar needed to make. These poor people often could not realistically bring sacrifices with them. Generally speaking the merchants would sell small doves to the poor who would then turn around and give the doves to the priest in that same church to slaughter. The money changers were also in the business of translating the value of coinage into products that the pilgrims might need for worship. In other words the merchants were making profits from things the pilgrims needed in order to worship God. They profited from that which should have belonged to God alone.

      In any case, I usually advise a church to keep a price list along with a contact number or e-mail discreetly tucked away with a secretary should any person ever be curious enough to buy an artwork. (And this seldom happens.) The church never should have the agenda of requiring church members to purchase something from themselves in order to keep in good standing with God. Grace has been paid on our behalf by the shedding of Jesus’ blood. There are no alternative or necessary money sacrifices to be made from a believer in order to worship God freely and gain His forgiveness. Having an art show should never be equated with selling indulgences or with taking advantage of the audience in any religious respect. But selling something by dealing with the artist directly after the show in the artist’s own home is perfectly alright as long as the patron understands that there is no connection to the church in doing so. In other words, buy something because you like it, not because you must buy it in order to appease God. And, churches should temper their money making efforts. Don’t make people feel guilty for not giving to your charities. Don’t make them feel as though they are not loved by God because they can only afford less than what you need or want from them. Money should not be a point of manipulation inside of a Christian church and it should never be a point of focus in terms of people’s salvation.

• Should churches sell stuff? 
• Buying and Selling at Church
• Should a church participate in fund-raising? and What does the Bible say about selling in church?

Are there artworks that shouldn't be exhibited in a church art show?

       I’ve included here examples of actual artworks that have been submitted to and hung in Christian churches were I have hung an exhibit. The following examples should not have ever been even considered by a review committee and are to be avoided by staff and pastors should they decide to hold a fine art event. Print the list and keep it as a reminder when planning your own event.

1. Wet paintings. Need we say more? Alright then, we will. A wet painting is an accident waiting to happen. These are easily damaged and if people rub up against them, they can damage their clothing. Oil paint is not easy to remove from any surface.
2. Unframed works on paper
3. Framed artworks without hooks and wire
4. Sculpture that will break easily if a child should happen to touch them. A “Do Not Touch” sign will not be paid attention to by an unattended baby that can not read, let alone one that can. Put fragile works behind glass or hang these up higher on the wall.
5. Topics addressed by artists that are not “child friendly.” Most parents will not tolerate topics about violence or nudity unless these are traditionally represented within the context of a Bible story. (Even then, they still will raise a protest.) I know that this is a touchy subject, but some subjects are better addressed outside of church environments where children don’t participate. I myself, produce work along these lines, but never do I submit it to a church art exhibit. These are best reserved for perhaps a show in a seminary, college, or public forum meant for adults. The only exception to the rule would be the “Passion Story.” This subject I would insist of parents to tolerate at all times. It is essential to the vitality of a Christian church that they comprehend the death and resurrection of Jesus. This a core belief of the church, taught by God, throughout Old Testament prophesy and through the New Testament accounts given by disciples and believers. If God had meant for it to be unimportant, He would have excluded it from the scriptures. But, He didn’t and so logic would follow that we shouldn’t.
6. Artworks that may perhaps cause physical injury to visitors. Make sure heavy artwork is stable and or hung to avoid injuries. If the artwork has too many sharp edges, be certain that a child can not rub against it.

Important Things to Consider:

• Visual Arts in Church: Making the invisible Word visible
• Why Art Should Matter to Christians
• How to Discourage Artists in the Church

Pictures of Jan Huss

Description of the illustration: profile portraits of Jan Huss, transparent backgrounds, medallion shapes, two colors: sienna and a greyscale

Have a question about the illustration? Just type it in the comment box and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. I only publish content that is closely related to the subject folks.

Saint Catharine of Sienna

Greyscale of St. Catherine illustration

Description of the illustration: greyscale illustration, skull, prayer, rosary, habit, crucifix, crown of thorns, open Bible

Saint Catherine of Siena, T.O.S.D. (March 25, 1347 in Siena – April 29, 1380 in Rome), was a tertiary of the Dominican Order and a Scholastic philosopher and theologian. She also worked to bring the papacy of Gregory XI back to Rome from its displacement in France and to establish peace among the Italian city-states. She is believed, in Catholicism, to have had miraculous visions and felt herself to be united in marriage with Jesus, stating in her letters that she wore the wedding ring he gave her but that it was invisible. Read more...

• Works by Catherine of Siena at Project Gutenberg
  • Letters of Catherine from Gutenberg

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Saint Paul using a typewriter

Description of the illustration: by Oliver Herford, configured by Kathy Grimm, halo in color, black and white sketch, typewriter, text:

It saddens me to think Saint Paul

Such lengthy letters had to scrawl,

And so to make his labor lighter

I picture him with a typewriter

Have a question about the illustration? Just type it in the comment box and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. I only publish content that is closely related to the subject folks.

G. K. Chesterton by Herford

 

Description of the illustration: by Oliver Herford, configured by Kathy Grimm, G. K. Chesterton standing on his head to watch a sunset, stripped socks, sun, ocean and poem, text reads:

 

When Plain Folk, such as you or I, 

See the Sun sinking in the sky, 

We think it is the Setting Sun,

But Mr. Gilbert Chesterton

Is not so easily misled.

He calmly stands upon his head,

An upside down obtains a new

A Chestertonian point of view

Observing thus, how from his toes

The sun creeps nearer to his nose,

He cries with wonder and delight, 

"How Grand the SUNRISE is to-night!"

Gilbert Keith Chesterton, (29 May 1874 – 14 June 1936), better known as G. K. Chesterton, was an English writer, poet, philosopher, dramatist, journalist, orator, lay theologian, biographer, and literary and art critic. Chesterton is often referred to as the "prince of paradox". Time magazine has observed of his writing style: "Whenever possible Chesterton made his points with popular sayings, proverbs, allegories—first carefully turning them inside out." Read more...

• The American Chesterton Society

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Must an art ministry be run by an artistic person?

      Yes, but it is best run by an artistic pastor. Primarily because the goal of an art ministry is to share the gospel with the artists and teach them how to share it with others through their artworks. This goal is often side stepped and forgotten by artists who do not ordinarily practice these ideas in their own work and lifestyle. A liturgical or biblical artist/professor is an excellent alternative to a pastor or priest. But he or she must stick to a curriculum that is agreed upon by the lead minister of the church.

      An artist who is not well trained in theology and biblical history may make some serious mistakes about “how” to portray subjects from a Christian world view.  Fine arts ministry is a specific field of study with deliberate agendas. It is best run by those individuals who understand the focus of ministry in general as well as have a in depth understanding of the creation of religious subjects. I have met some individuals who are very talented in these sorts of arenas and were not pastors or great artists. But be very careful about employing ordinary artists to undertake fine arts ministry inside of a church. It is not as easy as it may sound.

      A music minister sometimes is a very good choice in such cases. He may not be a fine painter, but he could be very talented with communicating art and the gospel in his own field. A fine arts ministry would not be as difficult for him to lead, if he reads some great literature before hand.

      Remember that to lead a fine arts ministry one must have fortitude and  honesty, but also a great big heart for people. This leader should also be humble so that he does not make decisions that are egocentric in nature. He should desire to teach and lift up others more than himself. Just because art is the vehicle for this kind of ministry, it does not mean that only the best artists should have a voice. That kind of conclusion is a “worldly agenda” and it must be kept within reasonable limits inside of a church art ministry.