The Creative Church Handbook Tuesday May 12th on Amazon!

I am so excited to announce that The Creative Church Handbook: Releasing the Power of the Arts in Your Congregation has been released by InterVarsity Press (IVP)! This book has been the main focus of my work for the last two years. There were many times that it seemed a nearly impossible task–a comprehensive book on the arts in the … Read More

Why The Church Needs The Arts–Videos 1 &2 From Scott Erickson

I first saw the work of artist Scott Erickson several years ago through the By/For project. I was intrigued by his fresh and imaginative spiritual symbolism. He merges whimsical illustrations with organic objects and intricate designs with bold visual statements.  His paintings didn’t look like most “Christian art”.  I really like them. And I also enjoy Scott’s straightforward, deep, edgy personal style. He’s one … Read More

Growing a Paradise for Creativity and the Arts in Boise

The first thing I noticed when I walked out of the airport in Boise, Idaho was an unusual sweet scent in the air, kind of like marshmallows and flowers.  My hosts didn’t smell it so I wondered if it was my imagination or maybe the hand soap I used in Salt Lake City. Either way, I like being greeted by a nice scent in a new … Read More

Unlocking the Hearts of Artists in Asheville

Last summer an artist friend forwarded a link for a creative conference in Asheville, NC called the Gathering of Artisans.  Now, I love the mountainous, artsy area around Asheville (including the Biltmore, which my family visited several years ago as the leaves were turning) so the location already had me hooked.   And the conference looked wonderful; many accomplished artists and speakers getting together in a beautiful setting … Read More

How to Start an Arts Ministry in Your Church

By J. Scott McElroy and Jessie Nilo Just imagine if the local church became the place in culture to experience beauty, creativity, and transcendence. Hundreds of years ago churches were, in many ways, centers for these experiences. Somehow, over time we’ve abdicated that role. Now, many churches are moving in that direction again and there’s a growing desire to begin … Read More

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