How Can My Teen Discover Their God-Given Gifts Through Art?
- Boundless Team
- Mar 12
- 6 min read
Tier 2 Parents of Teens
WHY: This post helps parents in the Memphis area navigate their teen's identity formation by connecting creative passions to spiritual purpose, fostering growth within the local church community and beyond.
Your teen can discover their God-given gifts through art by trying different creative lanes, noticing what brings life and serves others, and asking the Holy Spirit for wisdom and guidance. Over time, consistency, encouragement, and church community help those gifts grow into purpose.
Today (March 9): Pastoral Staff Meeting at 9:00 AM.
Let’s be honest: the teenage years can feel a lot like a high-speed game of "Who Am I?" played at 100 mph. One week they’re into vintage thrift finds, the next they’re obsessed with coding, and the week after that, they’ve decided they want to be a professional ukulele player. As parents here in the 901, we want to support them, but we also want to help them find something deeper than just a passing hobby. We want them to find their calling.
WHY: When students in Memphis and the 901 discover their gifts, they don’t just get better at art—they get stronger in discipleship, learn to serve the local church, and carry the hope of Jesus into their schools and friendships.
Sunday morning note (so you can plan): At First Assembly Memphis, we gather for Sunday Classes at 9:30 AM and Worship at 10:30 AM.
When we talk about "artistic gifts," our minds often jump straight to a paintbrush and a canvas. While that’s a beautiful part of it, the Creator of the universe is a lot more diverse than a single medium. From the rhythm of a drum set to the technical precision of a lighting board, God has hardwired our teens with specific ways to reflect His glory.
Helping your teen discover these gifts isn't just about padding a college resume; it’s about discipleship. It’s about helping them realize they were "created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10).
Expanding the Definition of "Art"
In our Assemblies of God tradition, we believe that the Holy Spirit empowers believers with gifts to build up the Church (1 Corinthians 12:4–7). Often, we think of gifts in purely "supernatural" terms, but remember: the same Spirit who gave Peter boldness to preach also gave Bezalel skill to craft the Tabernacle (Exodus 31:1-5).
Definition Block: Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual Gifts are abilities the Holy Spirit gives believers to build up the Church and serve others (1 Corinthians 12:4–7). They’re not about showing off—they’re about loving people well, strengthening faith, and pointing hearts to Jesus.
If your teen is trying to find their lane, encourage them to look beyond the traditional. Artistic expression includes:
Music: Vocal solos, choir, instrumental mastery, or even songwriting.
Communication: Drama, spoken word poetry, short story writing, and public speaking.
Visual Arts: Photography, graphic design, filmmaking, and traditional painting.
Technical Arts: Sound engineering, stage lighting, and digital media production.
Creative Gifts, Scripture, and Purpose (Quick Table)
Creative Gift | Scripture Reference | Purpose |
Music / Worship Arts | Psalm 150:3–6 | Lead others in worship and praise to God. |
Visual Art / Design | Exodus 31:1–5 | Create beauty that supports God’s work and helps people see His glory. |
Writing / Spoken Word | Colossians 3:16 | Teach, encourage, and share truth in a way people can understand. |
Drama / Storytelling | Matthew 13:34 | Communicate truth through story, helping hearts connect to God. |
Media / Tech (Sound, Lights, Video) | 1 Corinthians 14:26 | Strengthen the gathering by helping everything be done for building up. |
How to Spot the "Maker’s Mark"
How do you know if a teen’s interest in art is a genuine God-given gift? Look for the clues! Usually, a spiritual gift leaves a bit of a "paper trail" in a young person’s life.
1. The "Energy" Factor Does the activity drain them or fuel them? While learning any craft involves hard work and some frustration, a teen operating in their gift will often find a sense of "flow." They lose track of time. They come away from a recording session or a rehearsal feeling spiritually and emotionally "full" rather than just exhausted.
2. The "Blessing" Factor God gives gifts for the benefit of others. When your teen shares their art, whether it’s a song they wrote or a video they edited, does it move people? Does it bring a sense of peace, conviction, or joy to the community? If their art helps others see God more clearly, that’s a massive green flag.
3. The "Unconventional" Thinking Artistic teens often see the world a bit differently. They notice the way light hits a building in Cordova or the specific rhythm of a conversation at a local coffee shop. This imaginative, idea-oriented mindset is a gift from the Creator who spoke the stars into existence.
The Power of Intentional Practice
Discovery rarely happens in a vacuum. It happens in the "doing." This is why we are big believers in "The Journey" of discipleship. We want to see our students moving from being spectators to being participants in what God is doing.
Encourage your teen to stop wondering if they are gifted and start practicing as if they are. This might mean volunteering to help with the tech team on a Wednesday night or joining a local creative workshop. The more they use what they have, the more the Holy Spirit can refine and direct those talents.
A National Stage for Local Talent: Fine Arts Festival
One of the most incredible ways for teens to explore these gifts is through the Assemblies of God Fine Arts Festival. This isn’t just a competition; it’s a massive discipleship tool designed to help students discover, develop, and deploy their ministry gifts.
Every year, thousands of students from across the country gather to share their art, receive evaluations from professionals, and grow in their faith. It’s a place where a kid who likes to draw realizes their art can actually be a tool for evangelism. It’s where a drummer learns that their rhythm can lead a room into worship.
While it’s an exciting event to keep on your radar as a goal for growth, the real work happens right here in our local community. Whether a student ever stands on a national stage or not, the process of preparing a "Fine Arts" piece teaches them discipline, humility, and the importance of offering their best to the Lord.
If you want to explore next steps for your teen, you can start here:
Student Ministry:https://www.famemphis.net/students
Fine Arts:https://www.famemphis.net/finearts
Mentorship and the Local Church
In Memphis, we are surrounded by a rich cultural history. From the blues on Beale Street to the gospel roots that run through our neighborhoods, creativity is in the air. But for a teen to truly connect their art to their faith, they need mentors.
They need adults who will look at their sketches or listen to their rough demos and say, "I see God’s hand on this. How can we use this to serve the church?" At First Assembly Memphis, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where those conversations can happen. We aren’t just looking for "performers"; we are looking for disciples who happen to be artists.
Three Practical Quests for Parents This Week
If you want to help your teen start this discovery process, try these three simple "Quests":
The Observation Quest: This week, pay close attention to what your teen does when they have "free" time. Are they doodling? Are they making TikToks with high production value? Are they humming? Mention what you see: "I noticed you really have a knack for capturing moments with your camera. Have you ever thought about how that could tell a story about God’s goodness?"
The Invitation Quest: Ask your teen if there’s one creative skill they’ve always wanted to try but were too afraid to start. Whether it’s pottery or podcasting, offer to help them find the resources to try it out for a month, no strings attached.
The Spiritual Quest: Spend time together reading through the 16 Fundamental Truths or a simple devotional. Discuss how God is the "Master Artist" and how we are His "workmanship." Remind them that their identity is found in being a child of God first, and an artist second.
Why This Matters for the 901
Our city needs more than just talented people; it needs Spirit-led creators. When a teen in Cordova, Bartlett, or Arlington discovers that their ability to write, sing, or design is a gift from God, they become a light in their school and their neighborhood.
They start to realize that their art can be a bridge. It can reach people who might never walk into a church building but will listen to a song or watch a film. By encouraging your teen’s artistic gifts, you are helping equip a new generation of missionaries who speak the language of culture.
Let’s help our teens move past the "Who Am I?" phase and into the "Whose Am I?" phase. When they know they belong to the Creator, their creativity knows no bounds.
To learn more about how we support families and students in their walk with Christ, visit us at https://www.famemphis.net.
Want to go deeper?
Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341. (Note: This line is for prayer and pastoral support, not emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911.)
If you're in Memphis, Cordova, Arlington, Bartlett, or the 901, join us in person: 🌐 www.famemphis.net
Outside the area? Join our online church community: 🌐 www.boundlessonlinechurch.org
You are not alone.
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