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 How
would you describe your ministry?
To help incorporate the “beauty” of the gospel at Grace.
To help lead the arts through team building, discipleship, community,
art exhibits, worship art, outreach events, pretty much anything
that has to do with expressing the gospel through the arts.
What inspired you to take on this responsibility?
God. I mean looking back I can see how faith and creativity have
always been at the center of who I am, but I never imagined I would
end up as an arts director for a church. When it comes to the gospel
and the arts, I’m defi nitely an example of God using “the
foolish to proclaim the wise.”
How long have you been at it?
My wife and I were invited to Grace in January of 1993 by my lifelong
(first grade) friend Chip Reed. My intention right from the start
was to “not get involved.” Somehow, by the end of that
summer I was leading the drama team. By 1995 I was part-time staff,
and in August of 1999 I became the full-time arts director. So much
for not getting involved.
What is there about it that gets your motor
running?
lllustrating aspects of this incredible gift of grace we have been
given. Breaking down walls of traditionalism. Building bridges to
believers and non-believers. Encouraging people to remove labels
like “Christian art” or "secular artist”
and instead begin to look for art that reflects the beauty and truths
(such as faith, hope and love) of Christ. Using the arts to help
people see God’s fingerprints on all of life, not just church
life.
What person in your life has been the best
example of love?
My wife, Annette. Watching how well she loves our son and how unselfish
she is to others consistently challenges my heart. Annette’s
commitment to her mom through a 5-year battle with a terminal brain
disease was humbling and inspiring.
What person has had the most influence on
your life?
I know this may sound like I’m shmoozing but the reality is,
Dave Desforge has had the most influence, at least spiritually.
Over the last 10 years, I have spent a lot of time working beside
him to help illustrate the Gospel in worship, and in many ways his
mentoring has completely changed me. The constant reminders of what
it means to have my identity in Christ continues to transform the
way I view God, the Spirit, family, myself, others, church, art,
the world . . . basically all of life. I will be forever grateful.
What are you reading?
Magazines: Relevant, Risen, Entertainment Weekly, Sports Illustrated,
Men’s Health. Newspaper: USA Today. Books: “Shepherding
A Child’s Heart,” and The Psalms.
What’s currently in your CD player?
Shinedown, Ana Nalick, Coldplay, Five For Fighting, Breaking Benjamins,
Garden Sate, Jars of Clay
What’s the most exciting (or risky)
thing you’ve ever done?
Saved a woman’s life by CPR in the shoe section of a golf
shop.
What do you do to unwind and de-stress?
Play football with my son Bryce. Go on a date with my wife. Jet
ski. Golf.
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