Creativity Gift

The Artisan

Heart’s Cry Statement

What can I build to help our ministry?

Highlights

Uses their hands to create, build or heal
May be a tradesman or a professional in the medical industry
Aspires to be a virtuoso in their area of expertise
Values concrete results, not abstract ideas
Receives enjoyment through the service process
Devalues schedules and systems

Who God Made You to Be

Artisans are single-minded in their approach to life. They utilize their skills of observation and mastery of tools to create, build, or heal. Examples of roles that contain many Artisans include: surgeon, computer programmer, carpenter, plumber or metal worker. The Artisan must utilize his or her hands. They feel that creating with their hands is play. After a long day at work, they may return home only to spend the evening using their hands to create. The Artisan is the least verbal of all personality types. They feel that their actions and accomplishments “speak for themselves.” The Artisan dislikes formalized education. Pen, paper and books are simply far too abstract for the Artisan. The Artisan values concrete results. It is not likely that an Artisan will attend a Bible study sponsored by the local church and even more unlikely to serve as a classroom teacher. Education, philosophy, and theology are not highly esteemed by the Artisan, who prefers practical application to passive study. Whether a professional or tradesman, Artisans have one major thing in common: They seek to become a virtuoso in their area of specialty. They are highly proficient experts in their field, and they take considerable pride in their ability. Even though they may appreciate comments of gratitude and admiration for the service they provide, they judge for themselves the quality of their own work. Personal satisfaction is achieved through the service process and knowing that they have done the very best job possible. Artisans work alone or in small groups of like-skilled artisans whom they respect. Similarly, they are attracted to recreational opportunities that offer solitude. They often enjoy activities such as hunting, fishing, or sewing. Some Artisans may pursue extreme sports such as skiing or rock climbing, but they are activities that can be enjoyed alone or in small groups of like-skilled and respected individuals.

What You Can Contribute To the Ministry

The Artisan will generally serve in ministry by providing hand-crafted services. They will build stage sets, participate in construction projects, serve in short-term mission ventures to build an orphanage, or develop software for the ministry. Surgeons or dentists will likely participate in short-term missions to use their medical skills while providing pro-bono or discount services.

How Leadership Can Support You

The Artisan does not value schedules, procedures, or authority structures. They want to conduct their craft when, where, and how they choose. To expect an Artisan to be punctual to a meeting is likely fruitless. Artisans are most likely to contribute if they are allowed to flex an established schedule to make it fit their personal and family time.

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