Art with Responsibility – Preparing a Generation That Lasts

Posted on: August 8, 2025
By: Nigel Bobby – CEO, Othniel School of Biblical Art

I have spent 17 years in training — not just learning my craft, but learning its order. And the truth is, today’s generation has art, but no arrangement. They have energy, but not preparation.

We are producing talent without structure. And talent without structure will always collapse under pressure.

The Problem We Can’t Ignore

I see it every day — gifted young people with beautiful voices, powerful stage presence, and strong creative instincts. But they don’t know what to do with it. Why? Because no one has given them direction.

And those who are willing to learn often want shortcuts. But there is no shortcut to mastery. Preparation is the foundation. Without it, there is no order. Without order, there is no lasting impact.

Worse still, many believe that passion alone will carry them. But passion without discipline quickly burns out.

Learning from the Masters

As a graduate of the National Academy of Performing Arts, I had the privilege of being mentored by two of Pakistan’s most respected artists — Ustaad Nafees Ahmed, whose mastery of the sitar taught me the beauty of patience in music, and Sir Arshad Mahmud, whose guidance in composition and performance sharpened both my ear and my discipline.

From them, I learned that true musicianship is not just about playing notes — it is about listening deeply, preparing relentlessly, and serving the music rather than yourself. They taught me to wait for the right moment, to value every rest as much as every beat, and to approach each rehearsal as an act of devotion.

“Art without discipline is noise. Art with discipline becomes a voice that lasts.” — Nigel Bobby

The Change We Need

If we want to raise a generation that can carry the message of the gospel through art, we must change the narrative:

• From self-expression to purposeful expression.
• From unplanned performance to responsible ministry.
• From temporary excitement to lifelong endurance.
• From talent for the spotlight to skill for the Kingdom.
• From emotional highs to spiritually grounded impact.

This means teaching them not just how to sing, act, or play — but why they are doing it, and for Whom.

Facing Challenges Without Walking Away

In ministry, conflicts will come. You may face misunderstandings, politics, or creative disagreements — even in the church. But walking away is not the answer.

If there is a problem in the church, we do not abandon it; we straighten it. We stand together, speak the truth in love, and protect the unity of the body of Christ. If we run at every difficulty, we will never build anything that lasts.

A Call to This Generation

To every young artist: You have the gift. Now seek the order. Learn the craft. Submit to training. Accept correction. Work with others. And most importantly, carry your art with the weight of responsibility.

Because one day, the stage will be yours — and when it is, you will need more than talent. You will need preparation, character, and a heart aligned with the One you serve.

Written by Nigel Bobby – CEO, Othniel School of Biblical Art