The Thriving Christian Artist

Do you feel overwhelmed by the size of the vision God has given you?Does your destination seem like it’s a thousand miles away?Are you ready to ditch the overwhelm and step into the grace God has for you in this journey?Then you need to listen to this episode of the Thriving Christian Artist podcast  - so you can learn the secret.My dear friend and mentor Billie Ruth Sudduth recently passed away after 30 years as a distinguished basketry artist.  She had an incredible career, leaving such a lasting impact on the art world.  A few years back, I asked Billie Ruth how she had done it. What was her secret?Billie Ruth shared with me the secret to walking that proverbial thousand-mile journey… and I'm sharing it with you today. After you've listened, if you’d like to learn more about how you can thrive as an artist in the Kingdom, I invite you to check out a new resource I’ve created, “The 3 Biggest Misconceptions to Thriving as a Christian Artist.”  Click below and I’ll send it straight to your inbox!The

Over the years, I’ve noticed an interesting trend in the artists in the Thriving Christian Artist community.  They discover how to trust the Lord and invite Him into their art… but they see creating a successful business as super-heroic - something out of their reach.But really...isn't a “superhero” just an ordinary person who's been drawn into an extraordinary situation?   From the outside, God-inspired entrepreneurs and business owners can look as if they're living out amazing superhero stories.  But in reality, they're people just like you and me— people who, when called by God, simply said, “Yes.” Today's episode is like listening in on a real-life superhero origin story.My guest, Charles Ciepiel, is a long-time friend and newly inspired entrepreneur who simply said yes…and the rest is an amazing story.His story is an incredible example of the joy and breakthrough, as well as the timing and favor, that comes with wild abandon to saying YES to the Lord.Be sure to listen in on this

Have you ever felt like your career - or your life - is taking one step forward...and two steps back?  Like you’re pushing a giant boulder up a mountain and making little progress? Like you’re doing all you know to do, but nothing you do seems to move you any further ahead? It’s frustrating, confusing...and can make you want to throw up your hands and quit!My friend, I have been there more than once...so you are not alone!  We all go through seasons when things just don’t seem to be going our way, no matter how hard we try.But the key word there is “season.”  Experiencing a season like this doesn't mean it's time to give up your calling as an artist.  It means it’s time for a shift.In this episode of 5-Minute Mentoring, I'm giving you some real advice for what you can do when things just aren't working.  Some suggestions are spiritual.  Some are practical.  All of them will serve as life preservers to help you navigate those times in your life when the seas are rough.Remember...God sees th

If you’ve ever tried to pitch a tent, you know that tension and stretch is the difference between a tent that offers you protection from the elements...and just a pile of nylon and poles.   The Bible talks about enlarging the place of your tent, which requires that same tension in order to be successful.As an artist of faith, are you holding in tension both the dream and the hard work it takes to grow in what God has given you?This episode is one of the most thought-provoking conversations I've had on how faithful artists are meant to walk out their faith in the arts.Our guest, Marlita Hill, is a choreographer, artist, and author who influences and inspires Christian creatives through her Kingdom Artist Initiative.She's been serving the Lord, living in the faith and art world for many years, and she shares her experience to help fellow artists build a healthy working relationship between their faith and art career.Discover more about Marlita and her new book, Defying Discord, and all the wonderful t

There’s a holiday trend I’ve noticed recently where parents are encouraging potential gift-givers to consider giving their kids experiences like trips to the zoo, an afternoon movie outing, summer camp tuition, etc., rather than toys.As a parent who remembers all too well being surrounded by piles of “stuff” around the Christmas tree, I really appreciate this trend towards giving the gift of time and memories.The toys will break.  The clothes will be outgrown. The games will lay forgotten.But the stories and memories will live on forever.It’s true about art, too.  The prophetic art we're now creating with God will eventually fade away...but the experience won’t.If we become very aware of creating with our Father, we can treasure that family experience forever.In this episode, we're talking about how to raise our awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence in the creative process.  Awareness invites His transformation to flow to and through you, whatever you're creating with Him.Would you like

It’s probably obvious that I’m passionate about both creating art and the process behind it.  I'm also just as passionate about helping fellow artists experience breakthrough and transformation in their creativity.As Christian artists, we know the Word says that transformation comes through the renewing of our mind.Well, I've come to learn how God uses the beautiful operating system that He put inside us to bring transformation—the renewing of our mind through a powerful process called neuroplasticity.That's why I'm thrilled to introduce you to today’s guest, Dorothy J. Cook.  She's sharing creative brain hacks that will help you use your imagination in effective ways to align your heart and mind with the Word of God.This episode is power-packed with fantastic tools, tips, and tricks you'll want to practice and even share with others!Learn more about Dorothy and even grab her free Brain Hacks 101 guide on her website at http://dorothyjcook.comRenewing your mind is the key to part

Is there an area in your life that's become a stronghold for sin?  It might show up as a negative coping mechanism or an addiction that you just can't seem to shake.I've been there.  For many years, I dealt with patterns of pornography and religious performance.  Both worked together to prevent me from getting to the fullness of God's plan for my life.Until I finally, by God’s grace, broke free.In this episode, I break down exactly how I was able to break free from these habitual sins and negative patterns.  I'm giving you the same Biblical blueprint I used to let God work His grace in me.  I call them the Four Steps to Freedom.It doesn't matter what your challenge may be. Jesus didn't die for you to be going to Heaven and yet be continually tormented in sin. He came to set the captives free.Today, I can look back at the struggle—and the toll these patterns took on my life—with gratitude for the grace of God.  I can tell you that there IS hope…if you grab hold of His hand an

If you believe that God can create through you, that He can speak to others through the medium of your artistic talents and ability, then you're going to want to listen to this episode of the Thriving Christian Artist podcast!As artists who desire to partner with God in creating Prophetic Art, discerning God's voice is something that we must do - but that doesn’t mean it’s easy!In this episode we discuss all the details about hearing God's voice with my friend and guest, Taylor Jensen.  We’ll ask the hard questions, likeWhat are the different ways we hear God's voice?  How do you discern if it's God's voice versus your own? How does God speak specifically to you and through you?And if this is a brand-new experience for you, how do you even get started?Believe it or not, this is actually a pretty controversial subject - people have a lot of strong feelings about it!   Taylor is no stranger to that controversy, as he regularly speaks on how to seek and discern the voice of God.  He

I'm a major coffee fanatic.  On any given morning you're going to find me in my comfy chair with my journal, sipping a delicious dark roast blend.As I savor the rich flavor and aroma, I appreciate that it doesn't just start in the cup.  The journey from the tree to my coffee cup is a process.Coffee has to be grown, selected, dried, roasted, rested, ground, brewed – all before it becomes the heavenly beverage we're able to pour and partake in.From planting to percolating, we can appreciate every single step.  Even the leftover dregs are part of the process.Just like that exquisite cup of coffee, creativity is also a progressive process:Grown – cultivated from a kernel of an ideaSelected – not every idea is ready to be usedDried – the Son removes unnecessary partsRoasted – the Father's fire reveals the essenceRested – the soul of the artist is expressedGround – the grinding of productivity is doneBrewed – water/heat of the Spirit transformsIt's what I call Prophetic Percolation.  I

Wherever you are in your journey as an artist in business, you can be sure that sooner or later, you will be tested, as if by fire.  You'll be given an opportunity to step out in faith, beyond the limits of your own knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.It’s easy to say that we know that God will provide...but actually trusting Him enough to let go and step out in faith can be easier said than done.That's why it's a joy to introduce you to Lonnie and Abby Alverson of Hearth and Home Forge.  They're the real deal – a married couple, living and working together, as they run a fruitful artist studio in the Kingdom.In this episode, find out how they trusted the Lord to transition Lonnie out of a 27-year corporate career into full-time dedication to detailed hand-forged metal work… in the midst of a global pandemic panic.I find their journey has so much in common with how my wife, Tanya, and I had to step out in faith into artist entrepreneurship – learning to work as a team, both at home and in

In this world of glow-ups and the ‘Gram, it’s easy to think that everyone’s life is perfect, that nobody else struggles the way we do.  But we know that the truth is, none of us is perfect.  We all struggle - and those struggles have helped us become the people we are.  If you want to be a leader in the arts – to have influence and be a blessing in the artist community – then others have to know you've been through some stuff.  You have to talk about the battle that comes with the blessing.  Our courage and willingness to be vulnerable, to acknowledge our weaknesses, and to share our struggles are actually one of our most powerful strengths as leaders, as artists, and as humans.When Jacob wrestled with God, he refused to let go until God blessed him, just so he could walk away from the wrestling match with a limp. When you wrestle with God, get ready to walk away with a new limp… plus a new name, new character, new reputation, and a new level of authority for your calling.In this episode of 5-Minute Ment

As an artist in the church, do you find yourself in a peculiar place, navigating between two different worlds?  Maybe you're a Christian with a vision for your work that doesn't fit in the "Christian art" box.  You may also find yourself outside of mainstream support for the work God has called you to do.There was a time when the church was the primary patron of the arts and culture. Now artists are invited to leave extreme creativity at the church door. Maybe it's time to bring back old school "patronage of the arts" with a new twist—creating support for artists inside the church that also creates more influence outside.Today, I'm having a conversation with my new friend and advocate for the arts, Justus Stout, about the role of art and artists in the church and in the world.  Justus leads Renew the Arts, an organization on a mission to liberate Christian creativity through patronage and sponsorships. Wait, we're talking about artist sponsorship – even though I&ap

Have you ever experienced the power of transformation by association? Years ago, someone told me, “Never underestimate the power of the rooms that you're in.” The rooms that you choose to live your life in really do matter.  If you find out you're the smartest person in the room, then the smartest thing you can do is find a new room. If you continue to stay in the same room, around the same people, doing the same thing that you've always done, then you're going to get the same results or maybe even worse…  OR you can change rooms.Find another room with people who can help you elevate what you see as possible. Spend your time around people who are further along than you, where you can be mentored and grow. That's the power of association and why I started Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program.Come join us in one of the most powerful rooms you'll ever be a part of.  It's the place where you can associate with other artists who love the Lord, who are also on a journey of t

When I was a kid, the phrase  “One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure” fascinated me.  I imagined someone rifling through a trashcan and holding up a gold nugget in triumph.  It’s entirely possible that I voluntarily took out the trash just for the chance to discover a treasure of my own.My guest on the podcast today uses her creative gifting to literally turn trash into treasure - a process she calls “Beautifully Broken.”  Michelle Ruschman, the Prodigal Artist, is a fused glass artist who takes broken glass and things that other people might discard and restores them into beautiful pieces of art. Michelle's work is connecting others with the notion of brokenness being a superpower and not our kryptonite.  It’s not unlike what the Lord does with every single one of us - He takes our broken pieces and fuses them together into something beautiful and meaningful.  I’m excited to introduce you to Michelle today so you can hear her story of restoration and the power of God!I first met Michelle when she pa

Have you ever gotten stuck in the “not enough” cycle?  It happens to all of us - we burn dinner, we make a mistake at work, a painting doesn’t turn out the way we’d hoped, and suddenly we decide that we’re just not __________ enough.  When it happens over and over, it’s enough to make you throw up your hands in defeat!  There’s so much pressure!But what happens when someone sees your work and gasps, “Oh, my goodness!  This piece blows my mind!”  or someone takes a bite of your cookie and sighs with pleasure.  Suddenly, you see your work from that person’s perspective - and that shifts your own perspective a little bit.    When we get stuck in a rut, when we’re just not feeling inspired, or when we decide we’re “not enough,” a small but powerful perspective shift is what we need. In the latest episode of 5-Minute Mentoring, we’re talking about how changing our perspective from “what we’re creating” to what we’re creating with God can change our entire reality and release the pressure valve of success.And speak

We talk about the transformative power of God moving through our art, but He doesn’t stop there!  So much of the transformation we experience is through relationships - with those around us, with potential clients, with other artists, and more.That’s one of the reasons that I just love the story of my friend Bobbie Blakely, one of the most truly joyous people I know.  Bobbie is a jewelry designer who uses her creative gifting to help others celebrate their victories in the Lord by taking what’s in their heart and putting it into their hands as wearable, meaningful art.Oscar Wilde may have said that life imitates art, but in Bobbie’s studio, it’s the other way around.  Her beautiful designs capture the stories and lives of her clients in a deep and powerful way.Bobbie has been a member of our Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program for a couple of years now, and it’s truly been an honor to witness her own transformation as she has helped others by transforming their stories into art.  I can’t wait for you t

“A dream without a plan is just a wish.” - Katherine Paterson, authorDo you ever feel like the dreams that you hold so dearly in your heart are just never, ever going to come to pass?  That no matter how hard you work, things just aren’t panning out the way you want them to?When this happens, it’s easy to give up, to downgrade our dream to just a wish - because we don’t have a plan, to use Katherine Paterson’s metaphor.  But here’s the thing - God has a plan for ALL our dreams!  He has architected our lives so carefully and beautifully… but on His schedule, not ours!  We may not always understand God’s timing, but we must have faith in His promise - that He has a divine design for our lives and that He’s working all things together for our good!The perspective shift that comes when you begin to respond to and encounter the Word of the Lord is exactly what led me to start the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program.  When God called me to raise up an army of artists to reveal His glory, I had no idea what H

Jesus said that it rains on the just and unjust alike, and our ability to walk through the seasons of life - with grace, with faith, and with a “yes” in our hearts - really defines how we experience life and how we're able to walk in the goodness of God. One of the people who I've had the great privilege of the last 4+ years to watch do this very thing is Jan Thoreen Lewis, who has been part of our Created to Thrive Mentoring Program and is in our Mastery Program.  Jan has walked through some pretty tough stuff in these last few years - health challenges with her husband, her business changing, moving - stuff that would make most of us throw up our hands.  And yet, in the middle of all that, Jan has continued to point her heart to Jesus, to renew her mind to the truth, and give God her “yes”, even when it's not been easy.  I'm super excited to bring your story to you today because I know no matter where you are today - whether you're walking through an incredible season or through a c

We typically think of tension as a negative thing, right?  Tension is where our fears are magnified, where our past mistakes replay in our mind, where the imposter syndrome kicks in.  We’re usually trying to release tension in our lives, not create more of it!But tension can also create beautiful things.  Think about the violin and other stringed instruments.  The reason that sound is produced from the instrument is due to the tension that’s created between the wood and the strings.  Without that tension, the bow would make a sound resembling a dying duck!  That tension is what allows musicians to create beautiful music that moves people to tears!But if tension or its friends - fear, imposter syndrome, and doubt - are preventing you from creating beauty, that’s the time to step in and make a change.  That’s why I hope you’ll join us for one of our most anticipated events of the year, the Artist Rise Up Masterclass + Art Challenge!  During the month of September, we’ll have live teachings and times of worship,

Have you ever stood in the middle of a suspension bridge when the wind kicked up?  Talk about a bumpy ride!  And even though you know logically that you’re safe, it doesn’t necessarily feel that way!  Sometimes our journey to what God has called us to do can feel like that suspension bridge. Even when we trust in His plan, it can still make our knees a little weak!I’m excited to introduce you to my friend Gena Kearn, who is in our Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program and is at a place in her journey that we call “crossing the bridge” - that is, moving from her current career as an art teacher and hobbyist into a full-time career as an artist!  I know that you’ll enjoy hearing Gena’s story!And be sure to connect with Gena at https://www.instagram.com/genakearnart/ or at https://genakearn.com/.I also wanted to invite you to our upcoming Artist Rise Up Masterclass + Art Challenge, which starts on September 20th.   If you’re ready to discover how to thrive spiritually, artistically, and in business as an ar