Disruptive Seed Planting by Kathleen Cooke
We all know those commercials with catchy jingles or tag lines that are repeated on our screens so often we hear them in our sleep. But cute, comedic videos that trend on social media, or jingles that are designed to stick in our minds can manipulate the truth. It’s a good idea to keep a list of trusted researchers, stat finders, professionals, and resources in your back pocket. One platform I trust is Barna Research and they have discovered some interesting statistics you might want to consider as you become a seed planter for God’s Kingdom while working on your creative projects, on sets and in production offices.
Are people interested in hearing about Jesus? According to Barna Research, 80% of people say they are certain or somewhat certain that Jesus Christ was real and lived on earth. 70% of all people say they want to grow spiritually. 50% of teens believe that the Bible is the Word of God, 75% say they want to know more, but sadly, 42% say that religious hypocrisy keeps them from engaging in any faith.
Will you be a disruptive seed planter?
Knowing the facts shows us that the culture wants to know who Jesus is and how to connect with Him. They want to engage with God but need trusted, real people to show them that faith in God is the game-changer in life. But how do you begin? As an actress in Hollywood for many years, I know that every eye movement, facial expression, and nonverbal communication is essential if you want to be a successful actor. Keen listening, watching the other actor and staying “in the moment” is even more important than the script or words coming out of the other actor’s mouth. In life, it’s no different. Cries for help and the need for love and prayer are often masked in angry words, bitterness, depression or desperate acts. But if you take time to care, listen, and are a keen observer, I believe God will guide you in asking the right questions and sharing who He is with others. Jesus taught us to love, listen, and pray. His communication was disruptive. He knew He was “the way, the truth, and the life.” Are you also confident in that truth?
Try using the culture’s approach.
In today’s culture, humor and sarcasm are being used like never before to capture, compromise, and change our thoughts and choices. If you laugh at it, you agree with it. It’s why talk shows, skit comedy shows, or comedians use humor to push political agendas, advance anti-Biblical views, and cultural mindsets. They know that humor plants seeds of compromise by catching you off guard, and facilitating a “just want to have fun” mindset. So, use it back. As believers, we often want to be serious about God. How frequently have you heard that “Jesus was a man of sorrow?” This is true, but the Jesus I know is also a man of great joy and laughter, full of grace and love. He engaged with unbelievers and those living with worldly, cultural mindsets. He disrupted their worldview with stories and questions that cut into their thoughts, and then walked away, leaving the person to ponder and think.
As creatives and artists, we know stories and questions work.
Communicating through artistic projects seen on our screens is more important than ever. Research is showing that AI (the machine now quickly turning our thinking into a source of human reason) is being accepted as truth and fact in our culture today. Just look at how we use GPS to navigate where we are going; human nature always wants to take the easy or lazy way. Similarly, we think we have bigger and more important things to do than research. Following cultural trends – how everyone else does things – has become too easy. And if everyone chooses the trending way, it must be right… Right? Or can you pose a question or tell a story that will disrupt the trend?
Plant disruptive seeds.
Use your creative talents. Tell your stories, ask those hard questions, and use curiosity and humor whenever possible. “So, screw your courage to a sticking place, and we’ll not fail” (Shakespeare -Macbeth, Act 1, scene 7). You have great influence! Three out of five nonbelievers today say they haven’t made a decision to follow God. Will your creative project be the seed that changes everything? “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation (compromise). The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41
For more on sharing Jesus, watch the recent interview that Influence Lab Co-Founder Phil Cooke had with UK Evangelist J.John on his podcast. Listen and watch how simple it can be to share your faith in today’s curious and searching culture!