Interview with Creative Arts Leader Marlinda Ireland

If you spend any amount of time with Marlinda you will be convinced that you have been in the presence of godly woman and gifted leader. She has faithfully served as a worship leader and arts director for Christ Church in Montclair, New Jersey. In addition to other credits like award winning songwriter, recording artists and author, she services on the Willow Arts Board of Directors. At previous arts conferences she has served as faculty, this year she is facilitating a Conversation - The Anointing: A "Must-Have" for Helping Others Encounter God.

We asked her to answer a few questions. I especially appreciate point 2, when we asked her what she was learning these days.

If you had to describe your artistry in one word, what would it be?

Impassioned

How did you develop a love for your art?

Early in my walk with Christ I had some uncanny experiences. I began hearing worship songs in my dreams. In the morning I’d rush to my piano to play and sing these dream songs. Often, God’s presence would rain down and fill my heart. These experiences instilled in me a passion for the Lord’s presence.

What inspires you?

There are two things: 1) simply profound art and passionate artists: 2) seeing people from diverse backgrounds gathered in one space, lost in wonder-filled worship.

Describe your ‘creative process’.

I never know when or where a creative moment will hit me, but when it does I try to do these 8 things:

1. Incubation – Carefully guard the initial emotional or mental impression by quickly writing down as much as I can about it.

2. Meditation – Thinking it over in order to gain a clearer understanding of what I felt or saw in my mind’s eye at the moment of inspiration. This helps me to find the “big idea” in the inspiration.

3. Imagination – Dream of what should I do with this idea? Also, what is the value of it? What are my options for its use?

4. Identification – Set a Goal. Specifically, how can this help the local church, my family, the community and people in general? Weigh the pros and cons.

5. Preparation – Make a SMART plan to use the idea—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. Build a strong team.

6. Implementation – Let’s do this!

7. Evaluation – Did the processes and outcome satisfy the goal? If it was a team effort, how can we do better next time?

8. Celebration – Let’s highlight and revel in all the good things that happened!

What is a common mistake you notice during the creative process?

Most artists get tripped up at step five (5) above. Too often we (emotionally) rush ahead before developing a SMART plan and a strong team.

What are you learning these days?

Three leadership truths:

1. Relationships can only be fully understood in terms of responsibility.

2. Lead everyone: Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt at the pace of the slowest member.

3. Vision is the fruit of one’s burden.

How would you encourage artists, like yourself, who serve the church?