Create vs. Copy: Embrace Change. Ignite Creativity. Break Through with Imagination

by Ken Wytsma

Today’s leaders simply can’t succeed without putting creativity in their toolbox. If you don’t think you’re creative, that may sound discouraging. But take creativity can be taught and practiced, and Create v. Copy shows you how. This short, punchy book explores various aspects of creativity and imagination and leads you toward a healthy, confident, more innovative life mindset. It celebrates the good news of your God-given capacity to create and helps you harness it to take charge of your life, navigate changing times, and ultimately, flourish and succeed.  Having traveled to dozens of countries, founded the leading international conference on justice and theology, and collaborated with scores of nonprofits, Wytsma is uniquely fit to help us be culture-shapers in a world of global change. He blends theology, history, and cultural observation to show us what being God’s creative image-bearers might look like today. Whether you're a parent, CEO, pastor, or politician, this fresh look at contemporary leadership will challenge the way you view your position of influence, and it will equip you to adapt and thrive in our perplexing yet exciting cultural climate. Winner of the ECPA's Top Shelf Cover Award 2016

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2016

About the author

Ken Wytsma is a leader, innovator, and social entrepreneur respected for his insight and collaborative spirit. He is the president of Kilns College, where he teaches courses on philosophy and justice. He is the founder of The Justice Conference—an annual international conference that introduces men and women to a wide range of organizations and conversations relating to biblical justice and God’s call to give our lives away.

Ken is a consultant and creative advisor to nonprofits and a sought after speaker on justice, church and culture. A church planter and lead pastor at Antioch Church, Ken lives in Bend, Oregon, with his wife, Tamara, and their four daughters.

Ken’s first book, Pursuing Justice: The Call to Live and Die for Bigger Things, was released in 2012 and his second book, The Grand Paradox: The Messiness of Life, the Mystery of God and the Necessity of Faith, was released in January 2015.

Reviews

[Lydia Howe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why I Choose this Book:
It's about being creative. The title drew me in and made me curious.

What I Thought About this Book:
There were some elements of this book that I really liked, and several of the chapters hit the four star mark. I especially liked how the author pointed out that God is creative and that we are created in His image and are supposed to live creatively. The first time I heard that concept (about five years ago), I was shocked and delighted. To think of creating as a way that we can be like our heavenly Father is amazing. I still enjoy pondering that idea.

I think that somewhere the author mentions he didn't write this book for artists, and I really got that vibe. I was imagining something whimsical and thought-provoking and, well, now that I think about it, probably something that wasn't as practical as Create Vs. Copy. It wasn't that there was anything wrong with the book, but I didn't click with the author and there were times I felt like I was sloshing through the words. The book was focused more on the theoretical side of creativity than I was prepared for. It's kinda like finding a suit when you'd been prepared for a multi-colored, twirling dress.

Conclusion:
Only a few chapters made me really sit up and take notice, but I think a lot of people will enjoy this book. It's also got a cool style going on inside with various drawings and big red boxes with words.

Rating:
I'm giving Create Vs. Copy Three Stars (five out of Ten).

*I received this book for free from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review*

[Dave Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was at my church's annual conference having a little downtime between sessions when I came upon this book. As a person with a passion for creative ministry, I picked it up instantly and it did not disappoint. This book is a lot more than just a book on art and ministry. It is about bringing our best gifts to the Lord in whatever area He is calling us to. The author deals with everything from the church to social justice (not surprising since he is the founder of the Justice Conference. This book will push you toward innovation. It is well worth the read. On a side note, Goodreads has this book listed at 120 pages, it is actually 180 but it was a very quick read that I will be returning to frequently, Lord willing!

[Mark Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ken Wytsma is a leader, innovator, and social entrepreneur respected for his insight and collaborative spirit. He is the president of Kilns College, where he teaches courses on philosophy and justice. He is the founder of The Justice Conference—an annual international conference that introduces men and women to a wide range of organizations and conversations relating to biblical justice and God’s call to give our lives away.

Ken is a consultant and creative advisor to nonprofits and a sought after speaker on justice, church and culture. A church planter and lead pastor at Antioch Church, Ken lives in Bend, Oregon, with his wife, Tamara, and their four daughters.

Ken is the author of, Pursuing Justice: The Call to Live and Die for Bigger Things, The Grand Paradox: The Messiness of Life, the Mystery of God and the Necessity of Faith, and Create vs. Copy: Embrace Change. Ignite Creativity. Break Through with Imagination.

– See more at: http://kenwytsma.com/about/#sthash.X2...

All of the information above has been copied from Ken’s website (http://kenwytsma.com).

I have been described as a visionary, so I was excited about Ken Wytsma’s new book, Create VS. Copy . Embrace Change. Ignite Creativity. Break Through With Imagination. The book is separated into two parts, Thinking about Creativity, and Practicing Creativity. Thinking about Creativity contains four chapters, To Create is Divine, Continuous Creativity, Redemptive Creativity, and Expanding Horizons. Practicing Creativity also contains four chapters, Recapturing our Imagination, Imagination and Innovation, Intentional Creativity, Generous Creativity.

In the introduction Ken writes, “I am interested in the effectiveness and efficiency that comes from modern leadership and sound business principles. But I am passionate about the success that comes from submitting these ideas to God’s direction, refining them with a theology of creativity, and infusing them with imagination. That’s what this book is about.” (p. 17) I would like to affirm that Ken was not critical of previous generations, but he encourages readers to integrate creativity, innovation, and imagination, in every aspect of life.

The most unique thing about this book, Ken has provided additional information related to the book on his website. The information is organized according to chapter, for easy access. The conclusion of each chapter includes questions designed for group, team, or individual reflection. Ken has proven to demonstrate creative principle, and he has surrounded himself with creative others. He explains his own experiences in the book, and he also shares case studies of those whom he has interviewed, to help readers fully grasp the necessity of creativity as a theology.

Ken points out that when we are first introduced to God, He is creating. Since God is creative, and we are created in His image, we are also creative. The whole book was excellent, but I would like to share one particular quote that I find notable. Ken writes, “Our creativity, like God’s must be aimed at something good. We need redemptive creativity-creativity that aims not just for success, but freedom; and not just for ourselves, but for others and for the good of creation as a whole.” (p. 61) I appreciate Ken’s humility and admonition. We exercise creativity with purpose, the purpose, to bring life to everything and everybody around us. I highly recommend this book.

As a teacher, and the director of a summer day camp, I was challenged. I have already generated some ideas. But, I have to give credit, where credit is due. The information in the book has helped me to think creatively, specifically the information found within the section titled, flipping the classroom. If you are curious, you will just have to read the book.

https://www.moodypublishers.com/books...

http://www.amazon.com/Create-vs-Copy-...

I have received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishers Blogger Review Program, for an honest review. I have given an honest review.

[David Woods · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this book would be best read as a team, with a common goal in mind. I think it needs to be treated much more as a workbook of sorts than a book to be read in one's spare time. The questions at the end of each chapter need to be read and thought about and answered and discussed, and the ideas in the book need to be applied to practical situations in life. I am going to try to take my team at work through this book, and I am really curious what will come of it. I might have a revised review to come down the road.

As a book to just read through alone for pleasure, insight, learning, etc, I didn't love this one; whereas I really enjoyed Ken's first two books. The format of this one at first glance was exciting, as it seemed like it would make it easier to read quickly and stay tuned in, but in actuality, to me, the choppiness and short paragraphs left it all feeling choppy and incohesive. I most enjoyed chapter 5, Recapturing our Imagination. A good reminder for story and whimsy. The whole part 1 of the book felt as if it could have been 1 introductory chapter.

I love Ken as a teacher, speaker, and writer, this one just wasn't my personal favorite. I did appreciate the interviews, excerpts, art, and all the different voices he brought into the book. Stay tuned for another review if I can take our work team through this book!

[Olivia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Create vs Copy had some great lines and really great ideas, but as most nonfiction books, seemed about 50 pages too long. It seemed to be a bit repetitive towards the end. Overall, a fast read worth a lazy afternoon of your time.

[Nathan Albright · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Note:  This book was provided free of charge by Moody Publishers.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

I have a sort of love-hate relationship with this author's work [1], and this book is no different.  On the one hand, I really love what the author chooses to write about.  I know that he and I have an interest in similar topics ranging from justice to practical Christian living to the paradoxical nature of God's workings to the theological significance of creativity.  Yet although I love the topics that the author writes about, he has an infuriatingly superficial and ephemeral approach to so much of what he writes about, and this book is no different there either.  If I were an adherent to the social gospel like the author was, and if I had the same sort of love for pop culture reference and an avoidance of what was lasting and eternal about human nature in exchange for that which was shiny and new and temporary, I would like this book a lot more.  It appears as if the author wants to write about significant things, but he does not have an understanding about what remains true regardless of cultural trends and so he does not write in such a way that will help him and his works to last, which is probably why he thinks himself an expert on Christianity despite living in one of the most unchurched areas of the United States.

This book of a bit under 200 pages is divided into two parts.  After a short introduction the author encourages the reader to think about creativity (I).  He notes, correctly, that to create is divine (1), that creativity should be a continuous aspect of our lives (2), that creation should be redemptive in helping to bring God's blessing to others (3), and that we should expand our horizons (4).  Then the author gets into full social gospel mode in talking about how to practice creativity (II).  Here the author encourages the reader to recapture one's imagination (5), compares and contrasts imagination and innovation (6), looks at how creativity can become intentional instead of rare and accidental (7), and how it can be generous (8).  After this the author writes about a new song in the conclusion and provides acknowledgements and notes.  Towards the end of the book, I felt a bit personally aggrieved because of the author's harsh comments on critics, which seemed a bit unjust since it is my purpose in reading the book to be a critic of it, more signs of the author's general tone deafness as a writer.

I hope that it is clearly understood that I believe the author has written about an important subject here.  As God is a creator, so too we are a greater in imitatio Dei, subcreators in the manner that Tolkien defended the legitimacy of his own creations.  Yet while this world could use more books that help defend the legitimacy of creativity among Christians, it is highly doubtful that the author is the best person to write such books.  After all, the author has a malign political agenda that seeps through in all of his works, and has an unquenchable tendency to talk himself up as some kind of expert when he fails at the most basic aspects of presenting eternal biblical truth rather than pop culture fads in this and his other volumes.  For the author to write truly worthwhile books, it would be necessary for him to talk less about himself and be a much more knowledgeable exegete of the Bible.  As it is, there are some things to appreciate about this book, but to wish that one was reading a book by a better author.

[1] See, for example:

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I were to copy anyone, I'd copy Ken Wytsma. He is lead pastor of Antioch in Bend, Oregon, president of Kilns College (where he teaches philosophy and justice), creative advisor for non-profits and founder of the Justice Conference. Additionally, he is the author of three great books. His latest,  Create vs. Copy , digs deep into the theology and practice of creativity. So yeah, I'm overawed and would love to copy Wytsma. Only I couldn't (and shouldn't).

Create vs. Copy doesn't have much to say  about copying, outside its introduction and first chapter (SPOILER ALERT: don't do it!). Wytsma's focus is on creating. Creativity leads us to blazes trails, innovate, and try new things(14). Copying does not (although there is space for creative borrowing).

The book unfolds in two parts. Part one presents a theology of creativity. Part two explores the practices which bring creativity to life. Of course it isn't quite that neat. Wystma's thoughtfulness about the 'why' behind the creative process underpins his practical suggestion; practice bleeds out of his theology.  The whole book is an invitation toward creative action.  Here is a closer look at what to expect:
Part 1
In chapter one, Wytsma quotes Genesis 1:27, observing the one aspect of God's nature described in the verse is this: God creates (24). So Wytsma identifies creativity as part of what it means for us to bear God's image. This means all of us:

Yes, artists, but also everyone else. While artistic ability is a talent few possess (and/or cultivate with time and hard work), creative capacity is something all of us are born with. Put another way, artists are skilled with unique talents, but creativity is part of what makes us human. (27)

Chapter two, "Continuous Creativity," begins with Wytsma's  reflections on the Second Law of Thermodynamics (Increased Entropy) which states "All closed systems tend to move toward a state of greater disorder and dissipated energy" (37). Wytsma connects this with our experience:

This dissipation is familiar in nearly every area of life.  If not renewed, donor bases will erode over time. Congregations will shrink. Family dynamics will tense up. Relationships will fade. Leadership strategies become stale and ineffective. Even our bodies and minds lose their vigor (38).

But entropy characterizes closed systems and creativity is our means to crack them open to allow life back in (39). Wytsma links the work of ongoing, continuous creativity to our image bearing and Gods redemptive plan: God created the world, is in the process of creating, and will create a new heaven and a new earth (42-43); we were created as creative, are creating and are reaching forward with our creative potential. Wytsma closes this chapter with practices for incorporating creativity at home and work (48-52).

Chapter three gives shape to how creativity brings life to our decaying systems. A closed system leads to narrowing horizons, creativity is aimed at making space for life to flourish (51-53). The process is organic: a narrowing horizon is a fear-inducing-context or problem requiring a solution; by responding with intentional creativity (a pattern of life emerging from a nourished imagination) innovation occurs (67).  Chapter four describes the outworking of this theology of creativity and innovation in our globalizing world.
Part 2
In chapter five, Wytsma explores the ways imagination helps us see what is and what should be. As we age, our capacity to imagine possibilities is constrained by our culture and peer group (110).  Our creative impulse atrophies, but Wytsma contends, through its exercise, we can reignite our creativity (114).

Chapter six probes the role of imagination in creative process. The comprehensive imagination names our ability to understand the relevant data for seeing  current problems (120-121). Our artistic imagination helps us envision what could be (122). Our practical imagination helps envision and enact solutions which will work, leading to innovation (122-123). Wytsma also identifies challenges to our imagination (i.e. knowing what ideas to 'prune' and convincing people that imagination isn't the purview of the few).

Chapter seven identifies the process of intentional creativity as both movement and alignment (136). Movement means doing something. "Our natural response to change is to buck against it, to dig in our heels, to wish things would stay the way they are or go back to the way they used to be" (136-137). But inaction leads to the dissipation of entropy, and our best ideas will come in the midst of our work. Drawing on Robert Epstein, Wytsma suggests we sharpen our creative skills by taking notes of new ideas, seeking out challenging tasks, broadening our knowledge, and surrounding ourselves with interesting things and people (138-140). Yet undirected creativity without healthy constraints won't get you where you want to go (142). Our creativity is aligned when we  understanding our role in "God's creative, redemptive work" (143). Wytsma observes, "When our values guide our whole creative process—imagination, intentional creativity, and innovation—something beautiful happens" (147).

The final chapter discusses 'generous creativity': the  ways in which creativity is collaborative, 'in-processs' and is aimed at relationship more than results. One example of creative-collaboration is how each chapter is punctuated with Paul Crouse's stunning illustrations, making this book  practical AND beautiful. A brief conclusion summons us to creative action (don't just be a copier or a critic).



 

I was predisposed to like this book. I am artistic and have read Wytsma's previous books appreciatively. I also love the interactive aspects like the additional reading suggestions from Ken's blog and reflection questions appended to each chapter. But this book  was also very helpful for me. Despite my love of creativity, my last leadership role was in an entropic system where I failed to lead a process toward vitality.  I didn't know how to lead innovation. Wytsma gives shape to how the creativity makes space for life to flourish. As a rookie pastor this would have saved me a lot of grief (in a way  vision-casting exercises didn't).

According to Wytsma, all of us have the capacity and ability for creativity; however he favors leadership in his examples. He states, "Those who create blaze trails, take risks, and try new ways. . . . They lead. . . .Copiers by definition, will always follow" (14). Creativity is defined as leading; copying means following. Maybe so, but not everyone leads (processes or people).  More ought to be said about creative following. For leaders and artists, creativity is explicit. It is what they need to do in order to thrive in business, art and life. In other vocations creativity is implicit. How does creativity play out in the lives of accountants (creative accounting isn't good, right?), nurses, housekeepers, or whatever?  Creativity is essential to all our image-bearing,  so I wish there were more examples from ordinary lives.

None of this detracts from my enjoyment. This was a fun,fruitful read which pushed me to think and act with more creativity in ministry and life.  I give this five stars and recommend it for leaders, artists, innovators, and yes, copycats, followers and ordinary folk. It calls us to embody the spacious and life giving. ★★★★★

Note: I received a copy of Create vs. Copy as part of the launch team for the book. I was asked for my honest review. The book is slated for release on March 1, 2016 and is currently available for pre-order on Amazon and can be ordered directly from the publisher's website.

 

[Justin Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely outstanding!! I’m so profoundly grateful that I read this book. It’s one that I needed in my life right now. God knew that, and He highlighted it on my shelf for me when I was putting back the previous book I read. Ken does such a tremendous job laying out the theology, pursuit, benefit, and purpose of creativity in this fine work. I was honestly blown away by the simplicity of the wisdom in it… and so blessed by the much needed reminders for me. Creativity and innovation and imagination I’ve walked in and thought a ton about in my life, but I’ve gotten away from practicing it often in recent years. So I think this along with a few other things God has been speaking to me about and leading me in are what I need to get back on the right track, producing more than consuming. Creating more than copying.

[Andy Littleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good little book that encourages creativity. It’s filled with a lot of next steps and reading suggestions. I’d encourage that it to be read by people who feel that they have to do things the way they’ve always been done or who feel stuck in their pattern of life. It won’t give you tons of advice, but it might encourage you to explore your options. If you’re already sold on creative problem solving, it may have nuggets for you, but I doubt it will spur your next big breakthrough.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled with this book. I agree with the premise, and love Wytsma's approach, but I still struggled. I have to admit, I did not finish. It was not that the content was not good, but I just felt myself getting bored.

I would recommend checking it out for yourself. I love Ken Wytsma's work, so I'm not sure what my disconnect was. I'll probably pick this one up again this next year and try again.

[Jon Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few years ago I was invited to do a review for a book from an author I had never heard of, but the subject was an important one to me, so I read it. The book was called Pursuing Justice by Ken Wytsma and it turned out to be hands down the best book I have ever read on the subject of justice, and it is no question a must read on the subject.

So, when I was recently invited to review Wytsma's newest book Create vs. Copy, I was more than happy to get involved.

Wytsma who lives in Bend, Oregon wears many hats on top of being an author (his other books include: Pursuing Justice & The Grand Paradox). He is the founder of the Justice Conference, the founding pastor of Antioch Church, and the president of Kilns College.

Create vs. Copy is divided into two parts: the theology of creativity and the practice of creativity. To be clear this book is not just for those who consider themselves to be "creative" or "artistic", it is for anyone and everyone who wants to live out their God given calling to create and make a redemptive difference in all corners of life from your home, to your neighborhood, to your business, to your church, to your band, the list goes on and on.

I especially appreciated chapter six on imagination & innovation and chapter seven on intentional creativity. Wytsma breaks down imagination into three different categories, including: comprehensive imagination, artistic imagination, and practical imagination; and the role that each of those forms takes in innovating. He then illustrates with his own family how when our values guide the whole creative process (imagination / intentional creativity / innovation) it can create beautiful and life giving environments.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:

- If we are born to create, innovation isn't just about harnessing creativity - it's actually about restoring creativity to its rightful place at the heart of all we do. (p. 18)
- Creativity is one way we manifest and exercise the image of God...When people say, "I don't have a creative bone in my body." not only is it untrue, it's denying the image of God in us. (p. 26 & 27)
- We need redemptive creativity - creativity that aims not just for success, but freedom; and not just for ourselves, but for others and for the good of creation as a whole. (p. 61)
- When God redeems, He breathes life into what was dead - and that is the eternal project to which we are called to lend our own creative efforts. (p. 163)

Create vs. Copy is a great book that can be read individually or with a group or team. Every chapter ends with reflection questions and some really great interactive further study options (ie. videos, recommended books, articles...). I knew this book did its job inspiring creativity and innovation when by the time I was reading the last couple of chapters I was jotting down notes not just for this review, but also notes on new ideas I was coming up with for being a better leader in my home and thoughts on trying new ways of leading and experiencing weekly church worship gatherings. I would definitely recommend this book.

If you would like to follow Ken Wytsma on Twitter, his handle is: @kjwytsma.

For more reviews see: www.jonathanstephens.wordpress.com

[Karl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially I declined to sign up for the (free, advanced copy) book review, despite having done reviews for Ken's other two books (both of which I recommend.) While I write fairly often, at least as of late, I don't think I have ever assigned the tag of "creative" to myself. However, after seeing him continue to mention it on Twitter, I acquiesced. I am thankful I did.

First off, aesthetically, this is a well done book. Small but not overly so, with excellent attention to detail from the typography to the illustrations. (Though, a coworker joked that I was reading a picture book. However I got to explain it and he seemed intrigued.)

Second, the content is solid. With finishing this book, I must say I am continuously enriched by what Ken has to say. Through the whole first half he expounds on the theology of creativity. From the beginning, or as we call it, creation, to the present act of creating us, and to the end, with the creation of the new heavens and earth, an in depth biblical study is evident. However, as I mentioned, I have never pegged myself as a creative. With this book, I believe I may change my thought on that with the quote that "Artistic ability is a talent some possess. Creativity is a human trait." While some may see it as semantics, the truth is we are always creating. As he lists, we create everything from ideas to products to memories to jokes to online posts and more. Sure, what we create may not always be of substance. However, we are always creating, and that is his goal. To encourage us to create and to innovate things of substance.

As this is his goal, the second half of the book is on the practical side of creation. This is where he talks about dreamers and thinkers such as Copernicus, Lewis, Tolkien, Michelangelo, and more. They took what was in existence and dared to think what could be. The status quo was not enough, there was always something more. Through this we received our heliocentric model of our system, some of our greatest works of fiction, and awe-inspiring works of art. He also talks about non-profits and how they are changing. He talks about challenging our current views of aide, such as the way we support our brothers and sisters in Africa through organizations such as Thrive Global not by giving but by doing business in Africa.

In the end, the goal is to do things for the betterment of humanity. Why? Because, "What is more powerful thank looking at the world through eyes of possibility? When we sing a new song-imagine new realities-we become participants in God's creative work, taking our place as co-creators with Him in this ever-changing, ever-messy but beautiful narrative." So, let us not sit idly by as the critics, but engage at the very least as copiers and at best as creative innovators.

[Karrilee Aggett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe you're like me and while you want to embrace change and ignite imagination and all that jazz... you just aren't sure how to engage and break through.Well, in his new book Create vs. Copy Ken gives us extremely helpful steps, tips, and the freedom to do just that!

Create vs. Copy by Ken Wytsma - first of all - is super fun sized. It's a hardback book with super fun illustrations* (because, of course -right?) and my copy is underlined and highlighted all over the place because here is the thing: This is not just another book about creativity that (...wait for it...) copies what everyone else says!

Ken is bold enough to dig in and come up with a new twist by taking us deeper. He points out that artistic ability is a talent that some people have, but creativity is a human trait because we are created in His image.

He divided the book into two parts: Thinking about Creativity and Practicing Creativity and at the end of each chapter he offers ways to dig deeper with 'For further study...' and 'Questions for Group, Team or Individual Reflection' options! Seriously - the resources that come with this book are amazing!

It will make you want to read... and then go DO stuff...

[Michelle Welch · Rating 5 out of 5]

When asked to read Create vs Copy I had no idea who Ken Wytsma was. I have always considered myself the least creative person on the planet. Within a few pages Ken had completely flipped my idea of "creative" on its head and then he took me on a journey to understand just how important creativity is in the grand scheme of things. "Too often we tell ourselves that only artists are creative, but creativity is a gift we have all been given. Everyone made in the image of God participates in this reality-Ken" My daughter is an art teacher and my thought was that I would give this book to give her encouragement. But as page after page turned I found myself excited about MY gift of creativity. This book will reach into places in your heart you didn't know you were missing out on. It will excite and prepare you to use your creative gift to help improve the world we live in. This book teaches you how to go even beyond "thinking outside the box". Moms, dads, teachers, pastors, kids (the list is endless) will be able to take the practical information and resources available in the book as they go out and make a difference in their corner of the world.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Create vs. Copy is a beautiful little book. Wytsma lays out a simple theory and theology of creativity as the birthright of children of an infinitely creative God. He debunks the myth that creativity is the province of artists and poets and brings it into the everyday realm of the parent, the teacher, the business leader, the pastor. Wytsma argues that the best of who we are intersect with the things we deeply care about, and this is the place of our creative giftings.

The illustrations throughout the book are brilliant and add an extra dimension to the content. Personally, I was captivated by the focus on using our innate creativity to impact the world around us because "intentional creativity means harnessing the image of God in us." Our creative Lord has unlimited unconventional ideas about how to reach the world that deeply longs for healing and wholeness. This book will help you consider your own creative giftings and how they can intersect with the needs around you in a life-giving way.

[Hristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copy received through NetGalley

I’m not a huge fan of self-help books, but this one was suggested to me by a nice woman from Claire Diaz-Ortiz’s publicity team who e-mailed me regarding that review. She invited me to read it on NetGalley. It sounded nice. The synopsis does sound really nice. So I went for it.

I wasn’t swooped into the text, as other SH books have managed to do. However, it is well written, it offers interesting theories and Mr. Ken Wytsma clearly knows what he’s doing. But I didn’t find it ‘fun’, considering it is very theoretic, and very theological.

To me, the theology part makes it an okay read. However, I am giving it four stars, in case I change my mind in the near future, when I’ll be re-reading it. The fear of ‘too young to understand’ got to me while writing this review.

[Via Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is written for those that aren't naturally creative and accept creativity for all it is... it is written for those that are educated and need the inspiration to add it to their lives, some in the most simplistic of ways... I thought the ideas were great and well thought out and supported but there is something missing... it's written like an educational paper in my opinion.
Read the full review here: http://bit.ly/CVCbook

[Christopher Stollar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Create vs. Copy reads like a breath of fresh air. It helped me realize that, too often in life, I act as a “copier.” Whether at work or home, it’s so easy just to go through the motions. But this book reminded me of the freedom we all have to create — a freedom that stems directly from the true Creator.

[Andee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I firmly believe we are born with God-given gifts. To use these gifts to the best of our ability is our daily act of worship. Ken Wytsma dives into this thought, encouraging others to use their creativity. We all have it. The world is better when we use it. So I guess we'd better.

[Rachel | All the RAD Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't the best book on creativity and work that I've ever read, but it wasn't the worst. It was solidly average, with a few snippets of new, quotable, helpful tidbits, but mostly just more of the same, I thought. I wasn't blown away, but found it to be a fun and easy little lunch break read.

[Gena Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Makes a great case for learning to be creative as images of a Creative God. A quick read with some surprising gems in the midst of it. Loved the idea of divergent thinking within the concept of prayer, and learning the difference between imagination and innovation.

[Larry Key · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only was the writing very well done, this book actually had a true impact on my way of life and ministry.