Made in his likeness
The story starts like this: "Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness...'"
Human beings are made to reflect God, to be his Eikons, bearers of his image and likeness. We are meant to show the world what he's like, and to shape the world with the peace, love, and wholeness he desires. And out of that simple truth emerges The Likeness Standard.
The Likeness is a band that calls Dwell home, plays music for worship at most of our gatherings, plays gigs around town, and records, too. But what began as a brilliant expression of art and worship has evolved into something more - a collective of artists who want to see their art become a means of restoration in a broken world. And so, the Likeness is setting a Standard for supporting art and doing justice.
The motto: Subvert Profit, Support Art, Save the World.
It works like this. A collective of graphic artists and musicians (who love Jesus and want to join his mission) contribute art to be sold through the Likeness site. And from each sale, 90% (of the sale, not the profit) supports the artist and a justice cause that the artist is connected to (45/45%, respectively). Only 10% goes to keep the Standard running.
Additionally, organizations like Dwell give out of their mission budget directly to TLS, and the same Standard is applied to each donation: 45% goes to the artist collective (as artist-missionaries) and 45% goes to a particular justice cause.
In this way, holistic mission happens through art - building relationships in culture that bring people closer to Jesus, and giving help to those who are suffering and in need.
Check out the website for the latest products and campaigns.