Funded by a generous grant from the Seafoam Corporation, the Visual Faith Project is an action research project using evocative photographic images as a vehicle for Scriptural engagement and Christian transformation. In an image-rich world, we know that provocative images can connect people’s imaginations and hearts to form convictions with their minds and allow them to act in the ways of Jesus across the myriad of life’s contexts. This project seeks test and expand our knowledge by connecting the power of image with the promised power of God’s word.
At its core, this project is exploring a methodology for discipling, engaging, and teaching the messages of Scripture. The methodology consists of pairing images with sections of scripture and participants are encouraged to connect with Scripture through the story in the images. The conversation is guided by a series of questions designed to mine the lenses through which participants view the world and that influence their ability to absorb the messages of God’s Word.
Much of our discipleship processes have been designed to engage our minds. Even in the church, we have looked to knowledge and information for growth in faith. However, more than knowledge is needed when it comes the process of forming faith. Our hearts must also be engaged. With heart and mind, our actions are shaped. What we think, feel and imagine deeply impacts what we do and how we do it.
The Visual Faith Project encourages “visualcy” in three substantive ways:
At its core, this project is exploring a methodology for discipling, engaging, and teaching the messages of Scripture. The methodology consists of pairing images with sections of scripture and participants are encouraged to connect with Scripture through the story in the images. The conversation is guided by a series of questions designed to mine the lenses through which participants view the world and that influence their ability to absorb the messages of God’s Word.
Much of our discipleship processes have been designed to engage our minds. Even in the church, we have looked to knowledge and information for growth in faith. However, more than knowledge is needed when it comes the process of forming faith. Our hearts must also be engaged. With heart and mind, our actions are shaped. What we think, feel and imagine deeply impacts what we do and how we do it.
The Visual Faith Project encourages “visualcy” in three substantive ways:
- Visual Faith accompanies provocative images with questions that allow people to see and hear one another’s hearts and engage one another’s souls.
- Because of the use of images, this methodology engages the individual’s natural attractions and aversions and as well creates a natural invitation encouraging deeper levels of conversation and space for the Spirit to move and have impact through the words of Scripture.
- The use of provocative still images is intentional. Still Images invite people to use their own story to engage Scripture.
Learn about the Visual Faith Practice
Here is how it works:
It’s that simple. That’s the beauty of Visual Faith.
Humans are wired to appreciate and recognize imagery and using images allows our brains, hearts, and souls to ENGAGE Scripture and one another while opening pathways toward understanding and transformation.
Three elements of scripture, image, and questions are used in partnership and can vary in order to create a unique experience of learning, growth, and communication. While this practice is simple, it is deeply grounded in and supported by decades of research.
The Visual Faith Project is more than just a selection of beautiful images.
The Visual Faith practice has vast applications in multiple ministry settings – preaching, personal devotions, small group discussions, Bible studies, staff and volunteer training, intergenerational interactions, and more.
- Thought-evoking Images
- Explore Scripture & Story
- Consider Reflective Questions
It’s that simple. That’s the beauty of Visual Faith.
Humans are wired to appreciate and recognize imagery and using images allows our brains, hearts, and souls to ENGAGE Scripture and one another while opening pathways toward understanding and transformation.
Three elements of scripture, image, and questions are used in partnership and can vary in order to create a unique experience of learning, growth, and communication. While this practice is simple, it is deeply grounded in and supported by decades of research.
The Visual Faith Project is more than just a selection of beautiful images.
- It is a conversation.
- It is a community.
- It is a practice that guides people through imagery into deeper faith formation.
The Visual Faith practice has vast applications in multiple ministry settings – preaching, personal devotions, small group discussions, Bible studies, staff and volunteer training, intergenerational interactions, and more.
An Introduction
Going Deeper
Learn about the Visual Faith Research
The research article, "The Visual Faith Project: Engaging Scripture and Life with Images" by Dr. Nancy Going, Ralph C Ennis, Dr. Roland Martinson, and John Roberto presents the theory and research describing connections between spiritual transformation and evocative imagery. Download the article and watch the videos to learn more about the research basis of the Visual Faith Project.
| Visual Faith Project: Engaging Scripture and Life with Images .pdf |
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A Visual Faith Experience
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The Visual Faith Image Database
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We’ve created a digital database of categorized, copyright-free images to use for any faith formation setting. Using this database, faith communities can print, post, and project these images, then pair them with scripture and questions to create faith forming conversations. With more than 5000 images ready to download and an ever-growing selection, this is the perfect way to digitally include imagery into your ministry.
A one-time purchase of the Visual Faith Image Database offers: Access to the Visual Faith Images, a collection of more than 5000 downloadable, print-ready images for use in a variety of settings and on a variety of devices available for unlimited use by you and your team |
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The C3 Project and the Thriving Congregations Project are services of Vibrant Faith funded through two grants from the Lilly Endowment Inc.
Vibrant Faith: https://vibrantfaith.org For questions about the Vibrant Faith Projects website contact John Roberto at [email protected]. |