Do you really want to start a creative revolution?

We need to begin operating a more functional tribe if we are going to prosper mightily for Christ. We know that tribes are groups of people connected to one another, by a leader-Jesus, for instance-and through shared belief. As Christian retailers, publishers and manufacturers, what do we need to be a better-functioning, more revolutionary tribe?

One tribe I know of has been formed around The James Fund, the Family Christian Stores' foundation dedicated to meeting the needs of orphans and widows around the world. One of the leaders is Steve Biondo of Family Christian Stores. His team and the ever-expanding tribe are affecting the lives of hundreds of thousands of orphans and widows.

Could similar revolutions help awaken believers and seekers to discover that our businesses are about living out our faith to help the needy? Can we marshal our local communities to make a difference beyond our own borders? Might we be revolutionary and restructure our profit models to give more away?

In my 15 years in the industry, I have reluctantly been stuck in archaic rules and conventional thinking, more concerned about what a boss would say rather than doing what is right.

Is this how our employees and managers feel? Do we have them boxed in with fear? How can we expect to get our own tribe believing in the same vision, if they living under such circumstances?

Can you form or strengthen your own local tribe to influence believers and seekers? I say yes. Your chances are actually getting better; with fewer and fewer retail stores per square mile, you can step out and make up your own rules.

The International Christian Art Competition has taught me that we have done very little to promote local artists who are kingdom-builders. What could you do to promote local artists and have them do in-store demonstrations, or run competitions and help local ministries use artists to amplify God's Word by using paintings during sermons?

And think way beyond just painters. Take Karen Grosse, owner of Lighthouse Christian Books in Green Bay, Wis., who brought in seven Wisconsin authors. Her store team set up small tables for them to do signings and visit with other aspiring writers on the perils and pitfalls of writing. According to Karen, they formed their own tribe that afternoon.

Is it possible that your community of faith-your tribe-can experience a new way of spreading the gospel through the arts? Doesn't "evangelical" mean to tell others about the good news? Can you show your community the good news through a great painting, unique candles made by your local artisan, a creative piece of jewelry, a piece of sculpture or a short video on YouTube?

Revolutionary change will occur when your tribe recruits others who share the same vision and good news. Wouldn't you like to hear this on the street in your community? "Hey, did you hear about the local high school artist that won the International Christian Art Competition? We are so proud of her. Yes, I heard they are going to have her art on display at Lighthouse down on Oneida Street. Let's go see on their open house evening this Thursday."

That is how a good tribal idea can spread throughout your community. Of course, the tribe won't do it all for you. Start your own creative revolution, and make up new rules to bring others together through an emotional connection.

Rick Tocquigny is CEO of Artbeat of America. Respond to his column at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information on the art competition, go to www.artforGod.com or www.gracefully-yours.com.

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