The First Verb

“Colleen Warren’s latest is an erudite, personal, and practical book, a great starting point for exploring connections between God, the Bible, art, creativity, and our everyday world. Warren guides us to a richer understanding of imago dei and, indeed, the first verb, through deft examinations of Scripture, relevant thoughts from great artists, and anecdotes from her family life and creative practice. Here you’ll find insightful but realistic ideas for journeying deeper into your unique creative gift and, in doing so, loving God and neighbor in new ways.”


—Daniel Bowman Jr., editor-in-chief, Relief: A Journal of Art & Faith





“The First Verb is a unique practical theology of creativity, informed by insights of thinkers from Van Gogh to Frank Lloyd Wright to Einstein. Replete with illustrations from multiple artistic genres, especially literature and painting, Warren continually puts practical flesh on the theological bones of her aesthetic perspective, so the reader cannot miss the benefits of her powerful message. Highly recommended!”


—James S. Spiegel, research fellow, Hillsdale College





“Colleen Warren has provided a gracious gift for the church: a primer on creativity as a biblical response to our Creator and as servanthood to Jesus’ followers and the world in general.”


—Michael Card, author of Inexpressible: Hesed and the Mystery of God’s Lovingkindness