2010
Robert Edward Droste
Reaching Creative People
In 2002, economist Richard Florida published The Rise of the Creative Class. In it, he described the emergence of a powerful economic class: “the scientists, engineers, artists, musicians, designers and knowledge-based professionals” who “are paid principally to do creative work for a living.” Based on a review of certain key texts, individual interviews and an online survey, this thesis develops a working profile of the Creative Class. It then explores some of the key obstacles faced by churches that wish to reach this group. This is followed by a review of what Christianity offers them (understood broadly as well as viewed more narrowly as Episcopalian in the Anglican tradition). It concludes with essential first steps for building an effective strategy.