Unlocking the Heart of the Artist: A Practical Guide to Fulfilling Your Creative Call as an Artist in the Kingdom Paperback – April 7, 2011

After hearing Matt speak and reading this book I feel that he is really onto something big. This is a short book, but it's full of more goodness than a multi-volume set of manuals. Matt Tommey has found a hole that has existed for years, and that is the disconnect between artists and the church (Artist being musicians, painters, and anyone that creates things from their heart). If you had artistic talent in the past you were given a silly job in the church like working a projector, but Tommey sees that there is so much more the artist can do to connect with God. You can create art, you can sell it, and you can glorify God with what you create. And here's the best part: It doesn't have to all be pictures of Jesus and sunrises over church steeples. A painting, a basket, or film may have the power to heal someone in a way that is unexpected. Will the atheist respond to a film about Jesus? Probably not, but she might respond to a film about something else that brings her a little bit closer to the truth.I am a writer. I completed a memoir a few years ago and am now in the final stages of a novel. I often joke that my novel isn't Christian fiction. But it was inspired. Many of the things I discuss in the book came from somewhere else and I hope the book will create change. My book won't be sending anyone to the cross, but it may stimulate thought in the community and world. I now believe that the thoughts I shared were no accident.Get this book for yourself if you create. Get this book for the creative ones you know. Learn that your creative side was created by God and given to you as a gift so that you can create gifts for others. Learn that it's okay to share your work and that God won't be upset if you profit from it. This book will open your eyes. It may even be the thing that changes churches and brings people that "never felt comfortable" in church (like myself) back to God. The days of stuffy buildings filled with blind followers are over and the kingdom that God intended all along is rising, and Matt Tommey is a leader for God in this crusade.

I highly recommend this wonderful book, especially if you are a Christian. It seems to me that Matt Tommey writing this book was one of God's Purposes for Mr. Tommey. As Mr. Tommey states in the forward of his book..."God created us in His image. We have been created, by the creator, to be creative."Ever since I attended grade school and was taught by nuns, they told me my artistic ability was a Gift from God to be used in the best way I knew how. Not to neglect it or hide it, or give up on it.But sometimes an artist (such as I have thought at times.) might think that they are meant only to do art work that relates to the church they attend and that the art they do for art exhibits or galleries is not as important. Or that God might think better of them if they use that gift for His church only. Not so. I have done both, but I have also learned that when people purchase one of my works, I know it is because something in the painting touched their soul and it is usually peace and love., and sometimes a sense of healing. All that, I believe, comes from God.God gave us each this gift for reasons. Lots of reasons, but mainly for His Glory.This books suggests journaling and the author gives you wonderful questions to answer after each chapter As well, the author tells you all the negative lies about artists that we are to let go of because God does not want you thinking like that..Art is a spiritual discipline.One of the reasons I purchased this book was to help me understand God's Purpose.

This is an excellent resource for all artists who want to unlock their true identity in Christ and move from a place of being blocked or stuck creatively to place of spiritual growth and freedom. I ordered both the Unlocking book and Experience Guide which is the accompanying workbook, sold separately. To be honest when I first came across this book online, I was leery of it's content and message as it sounded too good to be true. I thought it was another one of those "prosperity gospel" books that are so prevalent today, but the Holy Spirit kept leading me back to the book and the authors, Matt and Pattie. I could not have been more wrong in my assumption about this book! After beginning the course, I can now testify that the book has sound Scriptural teaching based on God's Word and His truth. It takes you through a journey that truly does unlock the artist's heart and deepens your relationship with God. Although the book/workbook is not easy emotionally, it is well worth your time and effort. I encourage you to seek the Father's will in purchasing this book. This skeptic did and has been blessed beyond measure!

Matt really gets to the core of what it means to have God-given gifts and talents, and how to use them with God to glorify God! From Matt's Created to Thrive and his Mentoring program, I have begun to experience an amazing "paradigm shift" in my life through my relationship with the Lord, others and my art!

This author discusses the artist's journey from a Christian perspective. I am currently reading it with a small group, and in that context, it is a refreshing change from a typical Bible study.

The Presentation of the Word / Message is so uplifting. Matt's ability to write and show the Word / passages to read and study and amazing. This book is a study guide and tool to be used and reused. I started reading, looking up verse and journaling slowly with reach chapter. At about the 6th, I decided to finish the book as a whole. Then will go back into a more thoughtful manor and dig deeper - letting the messages soak in and simmer. What a great tool!

I loved the perspective Matt brings to this 10 year edition. This book is helping me find perspective after years of struggle. Matt's "limp" is evident as he frankly shares how God's love and redemption. have changed his life.

Matt gets to core of the Christian artist and shows you how to overcome the things that hold you back.

As a believer, and an artist, finding out how to use the gift I have been given, and how to develop it for God to usein my life, and to impact others for His glory.

Sehr ehrliches und tiefgehendes Buch. Matt Thommey beschreibt aus eigener Erfahrung viele Fragen, Nöte und Freuden von kreativ Schaffenden. Er spricht mir in vielem aus der Seele. Ein inspirierendes Buch.

Matt Tommy has produced a book that all artists who are seeking to dive further into their spirituality and creativity should read. I read this book over a weekend having seen a sample on my Kindle and knew that I would have to buy it. It is not a weekend read, but a book that you have to dive into again and again, each time unveiling additional nuggets. There are insights, revelations and ‘ah ha’ moments.Matt’s style of writing reveals his openness and understanding of the journey of the artist, alongside the highs and the lows that can impact on creativity as they search for their identity and the call of God on their lives.If you can get together with a group of artists and work through the chapters which have questions and prompts after each section, it would be a great way to support each other through the revelations that will indeed come and Matt recommends it. It is like a guide book that helps you to really question your journey and the impact that your creativity will no doubt have on your community.There are many resources listed for information and a mention of an annual conference that is worth checking out. If you have read books like the Artist Way by Julia Cameron you know you are in for a treat with the ‘tools for the journey’ that Matt recommends, such as a journal for capturing your thoughts, taking an artist date/creative time and spending time soaking up the word of God. We are encouraged to dive deeper as we uncover our true purpose as artists. It is a book that I think every artist should read, recommend that you get yourself a copy today!

Very interesting book. Makes me think and realise things.