Podcast Blog: S5, E22 - Allen C. Paul, Creating with the Creator

Are you creative? A study showed that people who think they are creative, are creative, while people who think they aren't, are not creative. The results indicate a self-fulfilling prophecy. Our view of ourselves can restrict our creativity.

Jazz pianist Allen C. Paul argues we are all creative because we possess the imprint of our Creator. Paul expresses his creativity largely through music, but he believes all people of all ages possess creativity.

In this episode of the Practical Faith Academy podcast, I interview Allen C. Paul in a stimulating conversation about using our gifts for God in whatever sphere we find ourselves. We evaluate how to glorify God in the midst of promoting ourselves. We discuss concepts like acting with integrity in settings where unethical behavior might be encouraged. We consider spiritual practices that help us live a seven-day practical faith.

Paul had so many great things to say, I just kept asking him questions. While Christian creatives are a focus of the podcast, they are not the only focus. Our discussion applies to everyone.

Highlights of the podcast: 

3:10 What seven-day practical faith means to Paul

4:13  Paul explains his musical talent and career

5:53  Does everyone have creativity they can use?

9:05  Are Christian creatives only limited to creating Christian content?

13:09  What are the headwinds Christian creatives have to deal with?

17:03  On the quandary of creative self-promotion (glorifying self) vs. glorifying God

20:45  Paul’s message to Christian creatives who feel they’re not successful enough

27:31  How do you handle it when your work environment asks you to do something against your Christian values?

34:01  The hardest part about putting faith into practice

36:10  Paul’s best tip for putting faith into practice

38:42  How to find Paul’s podcast, book, and coaching.   

The Practical Faith Academy podcast can now be played directly on the Cecil Taylor Ministries website at https://www.CecilTaylorMinistries.com/podcast. While on the site, please check out everything Cecil Taylor Ministries offers, including our Instant Content books and video studies for individual learners, small groups, and churches.

The episode is also available on major podcast platforms (Apple, Spotify, Audacy, iHeartRadio, YouTube) and hosted on Podbean. Search on each platform for "Practical Faith Academy."