- Introduction:
- What does Noland mean by “those artsy types”?
- Why have churches ignored character issues in artists?
- Describe in your own words the good qualities that Noland describes in the artistic temperament.
- What are some artistic styles described in the Bible?
- How does Noland describe the power of the Arts?
- What kind of attitude does Noland recommend we artists have toward the church?
- According to Noland, what is the role of arts in worship, evangelism, encouragement, and celebration?
- Ch. 1
- Would Noland prefer a highly talented musician who wasn’t very spiritual or a deeply spiritual musician who wasn’t very talented?
- How is Bezalel an example for Christian artists?
- What are the signs of a person of character?
- How does your life compare with the character described by Noland?
- Describe ‘authenticity’.
- What does growing in Christ look involve?
- How does character compare with reputation according to Noland?
- How are character and integrity related?
- Why don’t we expect the same character from artists as we do from other ministers?
- Describe how testing grows character.
- Ch. 2
- What does if mean when Noland says that servanthood is a counter-cultural notion?
- What are the three things that stand in the way of true servanthood?
- What does Jesus’ example teach us about servanthood?
- What does servanthood start with?
- Describe Noland’s definition of humility in your own words.
- How does Noland suggest we forget about us and throw ourselves into serving others?
- Why does Noland make the point that the message is more important?
- What does Philippians tell us about servanthood?
- What does Noland mean by “dangerous prayers”?
- What is the difference between volunteering and being called of God?
- Where do people called of God find their source of fulfillment?
- What does it mean to be ministry minded?
- Describe what it means to serve an audience of one.
- Ch. 3
- What reasons does Noland give for his statement that relationships matter?
- Why does Noland suggest we belong to a team?
- Describe in your own words those things Noland lists that kill teamwork.
- How can a code of ethics be a change agent?
- Describe what it means to be a team player.
- Can relational conflict be avoided? Why or why not? What is the point Noland makes in describing relational conflict?
- What does it mean to hold your gifts loosely?
- Does Noland suggest that a church pay musicians?
- Ch. 4
- Describe the signs of perfectionism in your own words.
- Describe the suggestions for the perfectionist in your own words.
- Describe the difference between excellence and perfectionism.
- What does it mean to have artistic integrity?
- What does Noland say about communication in the church? What is the point for artists?
- How can you spiritually prepare for artistic endeavor?
- What is the most important ingredient for effective communication?
- Ch. 5
- What does Noland mean by ‘defensiveness’? Why is it dangerous to the artist?
- What does Noland say is “one of the biggest differences between performing and ministry”?
- According to Noland, how should you respond to feedback?
- According to Noland, how should you give feedback?
- What is the most important criteria in evaluating worship, according to Noland?
- Describe the suggestions Noland gives for overcoming defensiveness.
- Why is defensiveness about sin so dangerous?
- Ch. 6
- Define ‘jealousy’ and ‘envy.’
- How does jealousy manifest itself in artists?
- List and describe the steps Noland suggests to overcome jealousy.
- What does Noland say is the ‘real issue’ in the parable of the talents?
- Why is comparing dangerous?
- How does Psalm 73 instruct us in dealing with envy?
- Describe the positive alternative to rivalry that Noland gives.
- What is the proper response in a situation like Cain’s?
- How does Noland suggest we act when we are talented and recognized?
- Ch. 7
- Does Noland think that emotions are friend or foe?
- Describe the variety of emotions seen in the Bible.
- Describe a person who is controlled by their emotions. What are some of the negative consequences?
- List and describe Noland’s suggestions for managing our emotions.
- What is the result of truth without emotion? Emotion without truth? What is the better alternative?
- What does it mean to ‘live’ in the Psalms? How is it helpful?
- Complete this sentence from Noland: “You can’t control how you feel about something, but…”
- How does Noland suggest we deal with disappointment?
- According to Noland, can the church be described as a performing arts organization? Why or why not?
- What does Noland mean by “sweet spot”? How does that look in your life?
- How does Noland suggest you react if you are unfulfilled as an artist?
- List and describe the benefits of waiting.
- According to Noland, what is the most important measure of success?
- Ch. 8
- Describe the tension between being a leader and being an artist.
- How do you balance the tension between being an artist and being a leader?
- How can you be a full time artist?
- How can you be a full time leader?
- Who is the best person to lead artists?
- What does Noland say about life being easy?
- What does Noland suggest is the key to reconciling the tension between being an artist and being a leader?
- What does being shrewd as a serpent mean according to Noland?
- What does workaholism look like?
- How does Noland suggest to fight workaholic tendencies?
- What does being innocent as doves mean according to Noland?
- Describe in your own words the three points of Jesus’ encouragement to us.
- Describe the leadership styles that don’t work for artists.
- What does Noland suggest you do when you have a personality conflict with a leader?
- What is the point Noland makes by describing his relationship with his two boys?
- Describe Noland’s dream of arts in the church.
- What are the two keys to treating people gently and with sensitivity?
- List and describe the five principles Noland suggests for nurturing artists.
- What is the great paradox of leadership?
- What does it mean to be a giving leader?
- What does it mean to be a demanding leader?
- Ch. 9
- How do you know that what happened to Brad and Veronica won’t happen to you?
- Do you agree that artists are more susceptible to sin? Why or why not?
- Can we get by on talent alone?
- What does Noland say about the idea that we can be disobedient in a few areas of our life?
- In which two areas are artists typically weak?
- What does positive accountability look like?
- In what ways can accountability be abused?
- Where does living a holy life start?
- What are the reasons for artist’s lack of ability in spiritual warfare?
- What is the pull/nature of temptation?
- How did Jesus handle temptation?
- How do you renounce sin?
- What should we do when we fail?
- What should be the goal of the church’s disciplinary action?
- What does it mean to use God to advance our talent?
- Why do you live a godly life?
- When we have a sin problem, we have a ___________ problem.
- How can art be idolatry?
- What is the real payoff of obedience?
- What is ‘grace driven obedience’?
- Ch. 10
- What does it mean to be selectively disciplined?
- When is ministry most powerful?
- What is Noland’s warning about doing religious music?
- What should our highest priority be?
- How does Jeremiah 9:23-24 apply to arts ministry?
- What does Noland describe as a hindrance to true friendship with God?
- What does Noland describe as “My Personal Lifeline”?
- Where does character growth happen?
- What are the two most foundational disciplines?
- What does it mean to be God’s mouthpiece? How can we be God’s mouthpiece in the best way?
- What are Noland’s suggestions for a successful prayer time?
- What is the main reason Christians don’t have a quiet time? How can we overcome this obstacle?
- What is a dangerous prayer?
- How can you tell the difference between guilt and conviction?
- What is the true mark of a Christian?