Arts Ministry in the Church

Rick Warren, author of “The Purpose Driven Life,” and Pastor of Saddleback Church offers his full support of the arts and artists in the church in this powerful message. (2018 Saddleback Conf. Main Session)

Listen in as a panel of arts ministry experts discusses ideas for releasing and fostering the arts and artists in the church. Panel consists of: Theresa Dedmon–Bethel Church Director of Arts, Rory Noland—The Heart of the Artist, Jessie Nilo–VineArts Boise Director, De Ann Roe–Infused Arts Director, Cathy Howie–Trinity Wesleyan Church Creative Director, Joe Boyd–Storyteller, Pastor, Christopher Greco–Creative Arts Pastor, Playwright, J. Scott McElroy--New Renaissance Arts Movement Director (2012 Indianapolis Conf. Main Session)

J. Scott McElroy is the author of Creative Church Handbook and Finding Divine Inspiration and the Director of New Renaissance Arts Movement, the co-producer of the 2018 Saddleback CreativeChurch Arts Conference. He wraps up the 2018 conference with a message about the artist’s role in activating the imagination of the Body of Christ.

Jason Leith recounts the Saddleback Visual Arts story and talks about what it takes to do arts ministry. His powerful talk is followed by the Vessels Experience, an art performance utilizing live painting, original music, dance, and spoken word.

Jason is the Pastor of Saddleback Visual Arts (SVA) and an accomplished artist. His Sacred Streets project (featuring portraits of the homeless whom he met and drew on Los Angeles’ “skid row”) gained international acclaim. The portraits were exhibited in a temporary gallery made of found materials that was erected on a vacant lot there on the streets. (2018 Saddleback Conf. Main Session)

Arts Ministry Leadership

In this session Rory Noland shares ways to address the challenges and rewards of leading artists in the church.

Rory Noland is a songwriter, speaker and author of Heart of the Artist and other books on caring for artists. For 20 years, Rory served as Music Director at Willow Creek Community Church. Connect with him at www.HeartoftheArtist.org (2012 Boise Conf. Main Session)

Explore the rhythm of art communities through contemplation, Jessie Nilo’s illustrations, and a bit of your own doodling. Over the past 14 years of leading a visual arts ministry, Jessie has discovered that invitation, collaboration, rest, and release create their own repeating phrases in the life of the arts. This workshop will guide individual artists to thrive and find their voice, while equipping creative folk to find their being in Christ through the practice of a healthy, long-term arts ministry.

Jessie is the founder of Vine Arts ministry at Vineyard Boise Church, and she helps others begin their own art ministries at http://artministry.org.  She contributed extensively to Creative Church Handbook by J. Scott McElroy. (2018 Saddleback Conf. Workshop)

Let’s talk about how to foster a team environment that welcomes creativity while celebrating productivity and upholding values and vision.

John Cassetto is the Global Worship Pastor for Saddleback Church. Pursuing Jesus first, he leads and inspires the Saddleback Worship family with purpose. Alongside his wife, Stefanie, and sons, Noah and Hayden, he creates space for all of our artists, technicians, staff, and volunteers to create, express, and lead in an atmosphere of joy. (2018 Saddleback Conf. Workshop)

Arts Outreach

Saddleback Visual Arts director, Jason Leith talks about a topic that is close to his heart: Practical ways to connect with people and show God’s love through the arts.

Jason Leith is the director of arts at Saddleback Church’s arts initiative, SVA–Saddleback Visual Arts, and an accomplished artist. His Sacred Streets project–which featured twelve portraits of homeless people whom he met on Los Angeles’ “skid row”–gained international acclaim. The portraits were exhibited in temporary gallery made of found materials that was erected on a vacant lot on “skid row”. Jason is a graduate of Biola University’s fine arts program, and a Masters in Global Leadership candidate at Fuller Theological Seminary. (2016 Indianapolis Conf. Workshop)

Be engaged and empowered in the spiritual principals and practical steps of interactive art projects for communities of any size. Sharing from his arts leadership experience, thru stories of the art projects he has led, and in Biblical truths of God’s call to creators, Steven will help you gain insight into the “how” and the “why” of the powerful interactive art experience.

Steven Homestead is a composer, visual artist, and thinker. He brings diverse genre-spanning creativity to life with empathy, synthesis, symbolism, and deep thought. He received his MM from CSUF and BA from UCLA in Music Composition, and now serves as the President of the American Composers Forum of Los Angeles. http://stevenhomestead.com  (2018 Saddleback Workshop)

In this stimulating session, ministry leaders Joe Boyd, Kyle Ragsdale, Theresa Dedmon, Jessie Nilo, Christopher Greco, and J. Scott McElroy talk about the power of the arts in reaching the local community.

Joe Boyd is founder of Rebel Pilgrim Productions, Kyle Ragsdale is a artist and curator, Theresa Dedmon is an author and Director of Arts at Bethel Church, Redding, CA, Jessie Nilo is an artist and founder of VIneArts Boise and Art Fruition School, Christopher Greco is a musician, playwright and teacher, J. Scott McElroy is Director of New Renaissance Arts Movement and author of Finding Divine Inspiration  and Creative Church Handbook. (2106 Indianapolis Conf. Main Session)

Joanna Taft, Executive Director of Harrison Center for the arts share the inspiring story of how a church and an arts organization teamed up with artists to create change and growth in a struggling urban neighborhood.

Joanna is Founding Executive Director of the Harrison Center for the Arts (HCA), a leader in grassroots cultural development; Founder and Harrison centerBoard Chair of Herron High School, a leading charter school in Indianapolis; and Founder of the Cultural Entrepreneur Initiative. For these endeavors, she has received the Indianapolis Business Journal’s Women of Influence Award and is a recipient of two Cultural Vision awards. (2016 Indianapolis Conf. Main Session)

Arts Theology

(C12)* “The Theology of Making”–Makoto Fujimura (2016)

In this session acclaimed artist Makoto Fujimura shares his unique “Theology of Making.” Makoto is an artist, writer, speaker, and Director of Fuller’s Brehm Center. A Presidential appointee to the National Council on the Arts from 2003-2009, Fujimura served as an international advocate for the arts, speaking with decision makers and advising governmental policies on the arts. In 2014, the American Academy of Religion named Makoto Fujimura as its ’2014 Religion and the Arts’ award recipient.

Fujimura’s work is represented by Artrue International and has been exhibited at galleries around the world. He is one of the first artists to paint live on stage at New York City’s legendary Carnegie Hall as part of an ongoing collaboration with composer and percussionist Susie Ibarra.

Mako is the author of several books. In celebration of the 400th Anniversary of the King James Bible, Crossway Publishing commissioned and published The Four Holy Gospels, featuring Fujimura’s illuminations of the sacred texts. (2016 Indianapolis Main Session)

Cameron Anderson, Artist, Author (The Faithful Artist) and former Executive Director of CIVA (Christians in the Visual Arts) shares thoughts on “Restoring the Conversation Between Art and Faith/The Faithful Artist” in this insightful Main Session, hosted by Harrison Center for the Arts. (2016 Indianapolis Conf. Main Session)

Why did the Creator even bother with beautiful things? If most endeavors in the church lean toward the utilitarian, what is the role of beauty in the church?  In this session Manuel Luz shares the theology of the arts in the church that he developed to help his church—Oak Hills in Fulsom, California–embrace the arts.

Manuel Luz is Creative Arts Pastor at Oak Hills Community Church, a working musician and songwriter and author of “Imagine That” and “Honest Worship.” He blogs at: ManuelLuz.wordpress.com (2012 Boise Conf..Main Session)

Church Art Galleries

Arts ministries are manifold in their goals and mission–from liturgical concerns to operating as a bridge between the church and the world. Many churches today are seeking either to create art galleries or improve existing exhibition programs. Through slides, lecture, and interactive discussion, this workshop offers inspiration and guidelines for clergy and laity who want to bring the visual arts more fully into the mission and worship of their communities.

Marianne Lettieri is a visual artist, curator, and art instructor. She creates art constructions and installations that explore cultural values associated with everyday objects.  Marianne has produced and/or curated more than 125 art exhibitions for sacred and secular venues and co-wrote the book, Seeing the Unseen: Launching and Managing a Church Art Gallery. Visit mariannelettieri.com to see her artwork. (2018 Saddleback Conf. Workshop)

Creativity in Church Services

Luke McElroy is the Author of Creative Potential, and the Director of Salt Conferences and Orange Thread Media. (Luke and Scott aren’t related) He specializes in the technical side of creativity and in workshop he shares how the tech and fine arts can work together to create sacred space. (2018 Saddleback Conf. Workshop)

Beth Booram leads us in a unique session into rediscovering the role of our senses in worship.

Beth is the co-author of Awaken Your Senses (IVP) and Starting Something New (IVP), and the founder of Sustainable Faith Indy. Connect with her at: www.BethBooram.org (2012 Indianapolis Conf. Main Session)

Cultivating Artist Community

VineArts Boise founder Jessie Nilo gives an inspiring talk on her passion, loving and encouraging artists.

Jessie Nilo is an artist in love with the local church. In 2004 she founded and still directs VineArts, the arts ministry of Vineyard Boise Church, ministering to over 70 artists through prayer, emotional and spiritual support, and a stunning variety of artistic collaborations that bless their church and their city. She is also the founder Art Fruition, an online art ministry school which trains people around the world how to serve people through the arts in the name of Christ. Jessie contributed extensively to Creative Church Handbook by J. Scott McElroy. (2016 Boise Conf. Main Session)

In this two-part session, J. Scott McElroy begins (at 04:30) by sharing the exciting the elements of a Creative Church. It’s a wide-ranging talk that brings his Creative Church Handbook to life. Then Manuel Luz picks up (at 56:40) with “Jazz Fusion: Rules of Engagement for Artist Communities”.

J. Scott McElroy is director of New Renaissance Arts Movement, co-founder of Creative Church Conferences and author of Creative Church Handbook and Finding Divine Inspiration.

Manuel Luz is Worship Pastor at Oak Hills Church in Fulsom, CA, author of Imagine That, and an accomplished jazz musician. (2014 Boise Conf. Main Session)

In this session VineArts Director Jessie Nilo shares the way the ministry deals with the issue of encouraging excellence with the arts in the church, while also creating opportunities for more people to develop their creativity.  This talk is followed by a panel discussion with Lisa Marten, Dean Estes and Ruth Hamilton who share the specific challenges and solutions they’ve discovered in this sensitive area.

Jessie Nilo is founder and VineArts Boise, the arts ministry of Vineyard Boise that hosted this conference. Jessie is an artist and visual arts instructor, and the director of Art Fruition, an online school to train arts ministry leaders. Connect with her at artfruition.com. (2012 Boise Conf. Main Session)

Dance in the Church

Listen in as two excellent practitioners of dance ministry in the church share wisdom and experiences about this powerful ministry. Saara Taina, is lead dancer at Bethel Church, Redding, CA and author of “Encountering God Thru Dance” and “Dance Pastor,” and Marlita Hill is  creator of  Kingdom Artists Initiative (KAI) and author of Dancers, Assume the Position and Defying Discord. (2018 Saddleback Conf. Workshop)

Randall Flinn, Artistic Director of As Deum Dance Company, and leader in Christian dance practices, leads this inspiring workshop with the help of his dance troupe. See Ad Deum’s full performance in (C22A) “Reflecting the Light of God the Artist”–Mako Fujimura & Ad Deum Dance–Special Arts Service—2016 (2016 Indianapolis Conf. Workshop)

Inspiration for Artists in the Church

Renowned artist and arts advocate Makoto Fujimura delivers a heartfelt message during a special Sunday arts service, the wrap up for the 2016 Indy CreativeChurch Arts Conference. He is followed by two exquisite dance performances from Ad Deum Dance Company.

Ad Deum is a professional modern/contemporary dance company based in Houston, Texas, directed by its founder Randall Flinn, who established the company in January 2000.

Makoto Fujimura is an artist, writer, speaker,and Director of Fuller’s Brehm Center, who is recognized worldwide as a cultural shaper. A Presidential appointee to the National Council on the Arts from 2003-2009, Fujimura served as an international advocate for the arts, speaking with decision makers and advising governmental policies on the arts. Mako is the author of several books, including  Silence and Beauty (IVP), and Culture Care.

He is a recipient of four Doctor of Arts Honorary Degrees; from Belhaven University in 2011, Biola University in 2012, Cairn University in 2014 and Roanoke College , in February 2015. (2016 Indianapolis Conf. Main Session)

In session acclaimed artist Makoto Fujimura shares his unique “Theology of Making.” See (C22A) for more info on Makoto. (2016 Indianapolis Main Session)

Rick Warren, author of “The Purpose Driven Life,” and Pastor of Saddleback Church offers his full support of the arts and artists in the church in this powerful message. (2018 Saddleback Conf. Main Session)

Cameron Anderson Artist, Author (The Faithful Artist) and Executive Director of CIVA (Christians in the Visual Arts) shares thoughts on “Restoring the Conversation Between Art and Faith/The Faithful Artist” in this insightful Main Session, hosted by Harrison Center for the Arts. (2016 Indianapolis Conf. Main Session)

In this unique talk Scott offers several inspired “jazz riffs” to inspire our artist imagination.

J. Scott McElroy is an author, speaker, arts advocate, voiceover artist and visual artist based in Indianapolis. He is the author of The Creative Church Handbook: Releasing the Power of the Arts in Your Congregation (InterVarsity Press, April 2015) and Finding Divine Inspiration: Working with the Holy Spirit in Your Creativity (Destiny Image, 2008).  He advocates for the arts in the church and the spiritual journey of artists through speaking, writing, media interaction, personal meetings. Arts advocacy is also his primary role as founder of The New Renaissance Arts Movement and as Director of Arts at the Vineyard Church, Indianapolis. (2016 Boise Conf. Main Session)

In this powerful message, Dr. Colin Harbinson, a pioneer of the of the faith+arts movement, shares his thoughts on dealing with creative disappointment. (message begins at 02:00)

Dr. Colin Harbinson has been involved in many aspects of the arts, missions and education for 40 years. Colin created the internationally acclaimed production Toymaker & Son that has been performed in over 70 countries.

Recognized internationally as a pioneer and leader in his field, Colin’s work as a writer, director and producer has won numerous industry awards, including the prestigious Golden Halo Award from the Southern California Motion Picture Council.

Dr. Harbinson chaired the Redeeming the Arts Issue group for the 2004 Lausanne Movement Forum in Thailand, and was appointed Senior Associate for the arts. He is the former editor of the Creative Spirit, a journal on the arts and faith, and until recently was Dean of the Arts at Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi. (2014 Boise Conf. Main Session)

Luke McElroy is the Author of Creative Potential, and the Director of Salt Conferences and Orange Thread Media. (Luke and Scott aren’t related) He shares insightful thoughts on creative collaboration. (2018 Saddleback Conf. Main Session)

Learning to collaborate with God and hear His voice is the foundation for a thriving art practice and arts ministry. Sharpen your skills and gain valuable tools for a daily experience of creative collaboration with the Holy Spirit.

J. Scott McElroy is the author of Creative Church Handbook: Releasing the Power of the Arts in Your Congregation (InterVarsity Press 2015) and Finding Divine Inspiration: Working with the Holy Spirit in Your Creativity, and the founder of The New Renaissance Arts Movement, dedicated to connecting and equipping churches and artists for Inspired Creativity. He speaks nationally about spiritual formation for artists, the arts in the local church, and more. Scott is an award winning audio producer, a voiceover artist, and visual artist. (2018 Saddleback Conf. Main Session)

Wearing the titles Christian and artist together can feel lonely and isolating. Misunderstood in the church and under appreciated in the community, many Christian artists wrestle against the temptation to give up every day. Join Jessie, Marlita, and Clayton as they share their experience and answer your questions on how to stay motivated to bring Christ’s unity and beauty to your church and community in spite of these challenges.

Clayton Heilman is a writer, photographer, and storyteller at Saddleback Church passionate about helping people harness the power of meaningful stories. He’s coached aspiring writers and seasoned scribes alike in how to identify and take the next step in their creative writing journey.

Jessie Nilo is an artist, founder of Vine Arts at Vineyard Boise Church, and directer of Art Fruition.

Marlita HIll is an author, choreographer, and educator. She is the creator of the Kingdom Artist Initiative (KAI) and has authored three books, including her latest, Defying Discord: Ending the Divide Between Your Faith and‚ “Secular” Art Career. marlitahill.com

J. Scott McElroy is the author of Creative Church Handbook  and Finding Divine Inspiration, and the founder of The New Renaissance Arts Movement. (2018 Saddleback Conf. Workshop)

In this session Rory shares his heart for helping artists find their place in the church.

Rory Noland is the author of several books on the topic of art and faith, including Heart of the Artist, and Thriving as an Artist in the Church. Connect with him at www.HeartoftheArtist.org (2012 Indianapolis Conf. Workshop)

Accomplished artist and live painter Scott Erickson offers inspiring and challenging thoughts on the Christ-following artist’s calling.

Scott Erickson is a working studio artist who has exhibited in galleries throughout the Seattle area, Atlanta, and Central California.  He is also an experiential artist – bringing the making of art into public spaces.  Scott has collaborated with a number of non-profits, such as WorldVision and International Justice Mission, using his art skills for advocacy and fund-raising. Scott recently finished a three year Artist In Residency with Ecclesia Church in Houston, TX, in which he spent his time curating a visual culture within the church community.  He currently lives with his wife Holly and his kids Anders and Elsa in Portlandia. (2016 Boise Conf. Main Session)

Luke McElroy is the founder of Orange Thread Media, the parent company to SALT Conferences, TripleWide Media and Orange Thread Live Events. Through his leadership at Orange Thread, their work has been seen around the world through American Idol, Blake Shelton, Orange Conference and countless churches who have been impacted by the platforms

Luke was recognized as a leader in his field by being named one of the top innovators in the church by Worship Leader Magazine and being included on Impact 100 s list of Entrepreneurs to Watch Under 30.For the past few years, Luke McElroy has been investing the majority of his time into helping others find their creative calling in life and equipping them with the tools to reach their maximum potential. Through the release of his new book, Creative Potential: Principals for Unleashing Your God Given Calling  Luke helps equip readers with timeless principles you’ll be glad you knew about as you embark on your own creative endeavors.LukeMcelroy.com (2016 Indianapolis Conf. Workshop)

In this helpful session Rory Noland identifies and tackles some of the difficulties artists face.

Rory Noland is a songwriter, speaker and author of “Heart of the Artist” and other books on caring for artists. For 20 years Rory served as Music Director at Willow Creek Community Church. Connect with him at www.HeartoftheArtist.org (2012 Boise Conf. Main Session)

Roger Feldman is a sculptor in Seattle, Washington and serves as co-chair of the art department at Seattle Pacific University. His site-specific sculpture has appeared in numerous solo exhibitions in the United States and England, including at the Los Angeles Municipal Gallery at Barnsdall Art Park. Permanent site-specific pieces are in the collection of the Washington State Arts Commission, in Scotland, and at the Laity Lodge retreat center in Texas (we highly recommend watching Laity’s Threshold videos here). Images of Roger Feldman’s work have been featured in the Los Angeles Times Magazine and Image Magazine. He enjoys creating small and large artworks that explore the possibilities of material, kinesthetic sequence, and symbolic space, with the viewer as an active participant or at least an implicit participant in his artworks. (2016 Boise Conf, Main Session)

Whatever made you weird as a kid, whatever captured your imagination before it was practice and arts ministry. CJ wants you to access the Sacred Weird, the wild what-if that’s buried alive deep down in your soul. It’s time to risk stepping off familiar shores to discover you might just find yourself with the strange ability to walk on water.

CJ Casciotta is a writer and serial media maker passionate about helping people discover and own their unique identity, in other words, what makes them weird. As a writer and communicator, he’s traveled all over the world inspiring communities like Lululemon, The Salvation Army, TEDx, and Charity:Water. As a media director and producer, he’s collaborated on projects with MGM Studios, The United Nations Foundation, and more. In addition, CJ’s work has been featured by MTV, RELEVANT, Catalyst, and Q. A native New Yorker, he now lives in Nashville with his wife, Kelly, and his two kids, Selah and Mack. (2018 Saddleback Conf. Workshop)

In this wonderfully creative 3-part session, Celia Brie Tschoepe shares (beginning at 04:00)  “Four Seeds of Kingdom Community” followed by tap dance artist Andrew Nemr’s tap and talk (at 36:20)  “What is Love” on  and Bryn Gillette’s inspiring presentation (at 53:30) of his wonderful 12 painting show, “Beyond the Ruins”. (2014 Boise Conf. Workshop)

Inspired Creativity

Makoto Fujimura is an artist, writer, speaker,and Director of Fuller’s Brehm Center, who is recognized worldwide as a cultural shaper. A Presidential appointee to the National Council on the Arts from 2003-2009, Fujimura served as an international advocate for the arts, speaking with decision makers and advising governmental policies on the arts. In 2014, the American Academy of Religion,  named Makoto Fujimura as its ’2014 Religion and the Arts’ award recipient. This award is presented annually to an artist, performer, critic, curator, or scholar who has made a significant contribution to the understanding of the relations among the arts and the religions, both for the academy and for a broader public.

Fujimura’s work is represented by Artrue International and has been exhibited at galleries around the world, including Dillon Gallery in New York, Sato Museum in Tokyo, The Contemporary Museum of Tokyo, Tokyo National University of Fine ArtsMuseum, Bentley Gallery in Arizona, Gallery Exit and Oxford House at Taikoo Place in Hong Kong, and Vienna’s Belvedere Museum. He is one of the first artists to paint live on stage at New York City’s legendary Carnegie Hall as part of an ongoing collaboration with composer and percussionist Susie Ibarra.

Mako is the author of several books, including  Silence and Beauty (IVP), Culture Care, and  Refractions: A Journey of Faith, Art and Culture. (2016 Indianapolis Main Session)

Learning to collaborate with God and hear His voice is the foundation for a thriving art practice and arts ministry. Sharpen your skills and gain valuable tools for a daily experience of creative collaboration with the Holy Spirit.

J. Scott McElroy is the author of Creative Church Handbook: Releasing the Power of the Arts in Your Congregation (InterVarsity Press 2015) and Finding Divine Inspiration: Working with the Holy Spirit in Your Creativity, and the founder of The New Renaissance Arts Movement, dedicated to connecting and equipping churches and artists for Inspired Creativity. (The New Renaissance co-produced this conference.) Scott is also the Director of Arts at the Indianapolis Vineyard Church. He speaks nationally about spiritual formation for artists, the arts in the local church, and more. (2018 Saddleback Conf. Workshop)

Accomplished artist and live painter Scott Erickson offers inspiring and challenging thoughts on the Christ-following artist’s calling.

Coming to us from Portland, Oregon, Scott Erickson is a working studio artist who has been exhibited in galleries throughout the Seattle area, Atlanta, and Central California.  He is also an experiential artist – bringing the making of art into public spaces.  Scott has collaborated with a number of non-profits, such as WorldVision and International Justice Mission, using his art skills for advocacy and fund-raising. He currently lives with his wife Holly and his kids Anders and Elsa in Portlandia. (2016 Boise Conf. Main Session)

Luke McElroy is the founder of Orange Thread Media, the parent company to SALT Conferences, TripleWide Media and Orange Thread Live Events. Through his leadership at Orange Thread, their work has been seen around the world through American Idol, Blake Shelton, Orange Conference and countless churches who have been impacted by the platforms

For the past few years, Luke McElroy has been investing the majority of his time into helping others find their creative calling in life and equipping them with the tools to reach their maximum potential. Through the release of his new book, Creative Potential: Principals for Unleashing Your God Given Calling  Luke helps equip readers with timeless principles you’ll be glad you knew about as you embark on your own creative endeavors. (2016 Indianapolis Conf. Workshop)

Dave Blakeslee has been an accomplished studio potter in Colorado since 1975. His art is influenced by a variety of cultures, and he creates pots not as an end in itself, but to be used and enjoyed, which influences the shape, glaze choices, size of his high-fire clays to endure regular use. Dave served as senior pastor of the Salida Vineyard Church, beginning in 1990 and recently stepping down from pastoring to re-enter full-time studio work. He loves traveling to different churches, encouraging people through his artwork and being an agent of reconciliation between pastors and artists, as Dave understands both walks of life. (2016 Boise Conf. Workshop)

Many of us live in tension because we have not equated risk with growth, but you cannot become more creative or understand who you are unless you take purposeful risk. Theresa will share the benefits of risk and how you can overcome procrastination, doubt, and mind games that keep you from fulfilling your creative destiny. It’s time to move forward and take steps to discover what only you are created to be!

Theresa Dedmon is on the pastoral staff at Bethel Church in Redding, CA, where she oversees the Creative Arts department for the church. She instructs on creative worship expressions and creative arts events within the church, as well as strategy and coordination for city transformation and outreach.

Theresa earned her B.A. in Psychology, with a minor in Biblical studies from Vanguard University, and a certification in Arts and Healing from Chapman University. She has been in pastoral ministry for over 25 years. Theresa has written Born to Create, Cultivating Kingdom Creativity, and a Create Supernaturally DVD/Workbook (three-part series). (2018 Saddleback Conf. Workshop)

Theresa Dedmon, Director of Creative Arts at Bethel Church, Redding, CA. offers empowering thoughts and inspiration for Christ-following artists.

Theresa is on the pastoral staff at Bethel Church in Redding, CA, where she oversees the Creative Arts department for the church. She instructs on creative worship expressions and creative arts events within the church, as well as strategy and coordination for city transformation and outreach.

Theresa speaks at national and international conferences, equipping and activating people to step into their supernatural destiny. She focuses on helping them walk in creative power to transform the world through creative expressions of God’s presence. Theresa has written Born to Create, Cultivating Kingdom Creativity, and a Create Supernaturally DVD/Workbook (three-part series). (2018 Saddleback Conf. Main Session)

Starting Arts Ministry in the Church

What structures and tools can help a creative ministry thrive? Jason will share tools that help communities of artists to create new work in small groups, discover their personal, unique mission in the world, and learn the basics of theology for artists. Leaders need tools like this for arts ministry to work—we want to give you a jumpstart.

Jason Leith is the Pastor of Saddleback Visual Arts (SVA) and an accomplished artist. His Sacred Streets project gained international acclaim. Sacred Streets features portraits of the homeless whom he met and drew right on Los Angeles’ “skid row”. The portraits were exhibited in a temporary gallery made of found materials that was erected on a vacant lot there on the streets. (2018 Saddleback Conf. Workshop)

This workshop explores turning challengers into champions of the arts within our church leadership. We discuss how to open doors to finding common ground, establishing trust and propelling artistic expression to be a vital part of what the church is today. It’s an honest and hopeful workshop on the shift that is happening…bringing artists from marginalized crowd dwellers to active faith-filled members.

Jim Dobbs is Saddleback’s Outreach Pastor and the visionary behind Saddleback’s Visual Arts Ministry. Throughout his advertising and design career, God has given him the unique opportunity of being a liaison between creatives and executive leadership, agency clients, corporate executives, and pastoral leadership. God called him out of the marketplace to full-time Ministry 16 years ago. He envisioned a place where Art & Faith intersected, but always felt it would be from outside of the Church. God had different plans… and worked to create what is now Saddleback Visual Arts. (2108 Saddleback Conf. Workshop)

A ull-time artist and former senior pastor of a church for 21 years, Dave has a unique perspective on bridging the gap between artists and the church. Followed by a panel Q and A with pastors and artists. Several practitioners in ministry share their mistakes and tell stories of true reconciliation and partnership.

Dave Blakeslee is an accomplished studio potter in Colorado and former senior pastor of Salida Vineyard Church. He now travels nationwide to preach, create, encourage, and bring together pastors and artists. (2012 Boise Conf. Main Session)

In this two-part session, J. Scott McElroy begins (at 04:30) by sharing the exciting the elements of a Creative Church. It’s a wide-ranging talk that brings his Creative Church Handbook to life. Then Manuel Luz picks up (at 56:40) with “Jazz Fusion: Rules of Engagement for Artist Communities”.

J. Scott McElroy is director of New Renaissance Arts Movement, co-founder of Creative Church Conferences and author of Creative Church Handbook and Finding Divine Inspiration.

Manuel Luz is Worship Pastor at Oak Hills Church in Fulsom, CA, author of Imagine That and Honest Worship, and an accomplished jazz musician. (2014 Boise Conf. Main Session)

Storytelling in the Church

Joe Boyd is a storyteller, comedian, pastor, and teacher based in Cincinnati. He brings a sparkling dose of levity to the conference line up in this hilarious and inspiring message.

He is founder of Rebel Pilgrim Productions. http://RebelPilgrim.com. (2012 Indianapolis Conf. Main Session)

Over the past decade, storytelling has grown into a buzzword that people toss around regularly. Everyone wants to tell powerful stories, but few know how to tap into storytelling’s potential. From Saddleback’s branding to the bulletin, story is woven into the fabric of all that we do. In this workshop you will learn how to effectively harness story in your own creative work.

Sarah Cruz is the Creative Director & Chief Storyteller at Saddleback Church. She draws on her experience as a writer, musician, daydreamer, and former roller derby skater to lead teams toward creative solutions in branding, artist development, and storytelling.

Clayton Heilman is a writer, photographer, and storyteller at Saddleback Church passionate about helping people harness the power of meaningful stories. He’s coached aspiring writers and seasoned scribes alike in how to identify and take the next step in their creative writing journey. (2018 Saddleback Conf. Workshop)

Mel takes us on a global journey from Disney to the four corners of the world. He shares and shows how 7 lessons learned directly from a decade at Disney have revolutionized sacred space and is helping the Church tell a better story around the world. Experience how the concept of three dimensional storytelling “from Branding to Building” leads to Architectural Evangelism.

Mel McGowan combined his background in film and design during a decade long stint at the Walt Disney Company. Post-Disney, he has led teams which have won multiple Solomon Awards for “Best Church Architect,” and “Best Builder” and is the author of Design Intervention. Mel was named one of the top 25 influencers by OC Metro Magazine, and he is a contributing editor to Outreach Magazine as well as an Adjunct Professor at CBU’s College of Architecture, Visual Arts & Design. (2018 Saddleback Conf. Workshop)

Panel: Saddleback Design Team (Sarah Cruz, Brandon Robinson, Carrie Siegrist, Jessica Nipp, Aldo Fratti)

This panel of creatives from the Saddleback Communications team will discuss ways to empower and equip volunteers through leadership, style guides, vision casting, and relationships. Saddleback Communications leads more than 250 volunteers across 6 teams including graphic design, storytelling, and photography. (2018 Saddleback Conf. Workshop)

Luke McElroy is the founder of Orange Thread Media, the parent company to SALT Conferences, TripleWide Media and Orange Thread Live Events. Through his leadership at Orange Thread, their work has been seen around the world through American Idol, Blake Shelton, Orange Conference and countless churches who have been impacted by the platforms

Luke is the author of Creative Potential and two other books, The Wide Guide: Blueprint for the Multiscreen Movement and Environmental Projection: The Collision of Modern Technology and Sacred Spaces. He is proud to call Nashville, Tennessee home. (2016 Indianapolis Conf. Main Session)