Send us a text

What if your most inspired work begins the moment you stop trying to force it? We explore a simple, relational process for creating with the Holy Spirit—one that replaces pressure with presence, anxiety with trust, and burnout with sustainable, joyful flow.

We start by naming the trap many creative believers fall into: overcomplicating the process and second-guessing every nudge. From there, we share a practical framework built on five pillars. First, create by faith, not by feelings—show up before inspiration arrives and let trust unlock momentum. Next, prepare your heart by assuming connection; God’s already with you, so the studio becomes a sacred space rather than a performance stage. Then, let worship set the atmosphere. Music, gratitude, and prayer soften the heart and increase awareness so you can hear and respond with freedom.

The turning point comes with learning to notice what God highlights. Instead of waiting for step-by-step instructions, pay attention to textures, colors, materials, and ideas that feel alive. The Holy Spirit often leads by attraction and peace, not only directives. Finally, follow the peace. Keep going when the flow is alive, and pause when it lifts. That pause isn’t quitting; it’s wisdom that protects joy and keeps your creativity from becoming grind. We close with a brief prayer and a simple daily practice: offer your work back to God like loaves and fishes, trusting Him to bless and multiply as He sees fit.

If you’ve been craving clarity, confidence, and creative freedom in Christ, these steps will reshape your studio time and your art. Listen, take notes, and try the process this week—then tell us which step you’re leaning into. If this encouraged you, subscribe, share with a creative friend, and leave a review to help more artists find their way into a life-giving, Spirit-led creative flow.

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

What if the first person filled with God’s Spirit wasn’t a priest or a prophet—but an artist? We open Scripture and discover a remarkable blueprint in Bezalel’s story, then connect it to the quiet, unmistakable ways the Holy Spirit awakens creative calling today. If you’ve felt a steady tug to make, a rush of ideas, or a deep peace when you create, this conversation gives language and courage for that journey.

We explore five clear signs of a Spirit-led art calling. First, being called by name—identity awakening before confidence. Second, being filled with the Spirit not just for ministry roles but for wisdom, understanding, and craftsmanship. Third, the heart-stirring that invites you to show up in the studio without pressure. Fourth, the power of community confirmation, where mentors, friends, and audiences echo what God is doing and even resource the work. Finally, assignment: how creativity becomes a place where heaven meets earth, just as Bezalel’s work formed the tabernacle for his generation.

Throughout, we share how internal guidance replaces the need for audible signs, why joy in the process is diagnostic of the Spirit’s activity, and how to discern feedback as confirmation rather than coincidence. You’ll hear practical encouragement to start with your current skills, grow in excellence without perfectionism, and let your yes open doors you couldn’t script. If your art has ever carried peace into a room or sparked hope in a weary heart, you’re already tasting your assignment.

If this resonates, subscribe to the Thriving Christian Artist channel, share this episode with a creative friend, and leave a review with the sign that spoke to you most. Your story might be the confirmation someone else needs today.

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Before the crowds and miracles, there was a workshop. We dive into the overlooked years of Jesus’ life and uncover five surprising lessons from His time as an artisan—insights that can transform your creative process, your sense of calling, and your daily life in the marketplace.

We explore how formation happens through process: patience, repetition, and the humility to start again. We talk about why learning people—presence, empathy, and emotional intelligence—matters as much as technique. We unpack how beauty trains the soul to see what others miss, and how structure and integrity give our work the strength to carry vision. Then we reframe hiddenness as sacred: most of Jesus’ life was offstage, and those years were not wasted. They built a resilient inner life that could hold a public assignment.

Along the way, we offer practical applications you can use right now. Treat your studio like a sanctuary where worship and craft meet. Ask God what He’s forming in you through your current season. Slow down to see the divine in the ordinary. Practice eye contact, focused listening, and undistracted attention with clients and neighbors. Build simple systems that protect your energy and honor your value. And give yourself permission to enjoy the season you’re in, trusting that quiet faithfulness is not second best—it’s God’s chosen path to strength.

If you’re an artist, maker, or creative professional hungry for clarity, confidence, and spiritual depth, this conversation will help you see your studio as holy ground and your marketplace role as a true ministry. Listen, reflect, and share your favorite insight with us. If this resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and send the episode to a friend who needs courage for their hidden season.

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

In this episode, I sit down with Nancy Thygesen, a cold wax and oil painter whose atmospheric landscapes and new ventures into equine art reflect a deep connection with God’s creation. 

From the rugged beauty of British Columbia to her experiences as an art therapist, Nancy shares how her creative journey has been intertwined with personal healing, spiritual growth, and a desire to reveal God’s presence through her work.

We talk about the courage it takes to evolve artistically, the balance between sharing your faith and letting it speak naturally through your art, and the beauty of hearing God’s voice in nature. Nancy’s story is a powerful reminder that creativity can be a sacred pathway to both personal restoration and inspiring others.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How God’s creation inspires and shapes Nancy’s art
• The transition from encaustic and acrylic to cold wax and oil painting
• Insights from her background in art therapy and personal healing
• Finding balance in expressing faith through visual art
• The joy and freedom of exploring new creative directions

🌟 Favorite Quotes from This Episode:

“He is present and willing to speak if we just have eyes to see and ears to hear what He has to say.” — Nancy Thygesen

 “Your art becomes a window for others to see the heart of God.” — Matt Tommey

🌐 Connect with Nancy Thygesen:
http://www.nancythygesen.com

✅ Stay Connected & Grow as a Thriving Christian Artist:

• 📬 Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly
• 📚 Find My Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources
• 🎓 Explore Artist Mentoring Programs: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/mentoring

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

Feeling stuck at the canvas, camera, or keyboard doesn’t mean your gift is gone. It often means you’ve been drinking from a cracked cistern—striving without connection, waiting on feelings to lead, or letting your imagination run dry. In this heartfelt, practical conversation, we walk through three proven keys that help artists break through creative block and keep it from returning: reconnecting with Jesus as the living source of creativity, creating by faith instead of mood, and actively cultivating inspiration you can steward over time.

We start by resetting the core belief: the God of creativity isn’t distant; His Spirit lives within you. You’ll learn a simple reset prayer to trade panic for peace, ways to refresh your studio atmosphere with worship and Scripture, and how renewing your mind turns off the inner critic and the enemy’s accusations. Then we move to practice. When you don’t feel it, you can still show up: low‑stakes play, sketchbook sessions, color mixing, and musical noodling prime the pump and invite momentum. You’ll see why the river of creativity flows from the Father, not your feelings, and how consistent action opens space for the Holy Spirit to guide.

Finally, we dig into cultivating inspiration. From museum walks and great books to nature hikes and studio visits, the inputs you choose refill the well. Keep a journal or sketchbook to collect ideas, phrases, shapes, and prayers—your personal treasury for thin days. As you reconnect, act in faith, and steward what stirs your heart, shame lifts, curiosity returns, and your practice becomes a joyful collaboration with God. If you’re ready to move from stuck to flowing, this episode offers language, tools, and hope to light the way.

If this encouraged you, subscribe, share it with a creative friend, and leave a review so more artists can find it. Then tell us: what one practice will you try this week?

Check out my podcast on 5 Simple Ways to Create Your Art with God on this platform or Youtube.

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

In this episode, I talk with Pamela Loewen, a gifted textile artist and gallery owner whose work blends modern design with timeless craftsmanship. 

From contemporary art quilting that breaks free from “grandma’s quilt” stereotypes to running a vibrant gallery space, Pamela has embraced creativity as both a personal calling and a ministry.

Her journey weaves together deep faith, innovative artistry, and a commitment to fostering beauty in her community. We explore how she discovered her unique creative voice, the courage it takes to step beyond tradition, and the incredible ways God is using her art and gallery to inspire others.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Pamela moved from traditional quilting into bold, contemporary design
• The spiritual and creative lessons learned from opening a gallery
• Why integrating faith with art leads to deeper impact
• The challenges and rewards of pursuing a unique artistic path
• How to cultivate a life that nurtures both creativity and ministry

🌟 Favorite Quotes from This Episode:

“When you’re in your creative space and you’re relaxed, the walls come down, and you connect with God in a way that is completely authentic.” — Pamela Loewen

 “If God can use the jawbone of a donkey, He can use your art.” — Matt Tommey

🌐 Connect with Pamela Loewen:
https://pamelaloewen.com
https://loewengallery.com

✅ Stay Connected & Grow as a Thriving Christian Artist:

• 📬 Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly
• 📚 Find My Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources
• 🎓 Explore Artist Mentoring Programs: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/mentoring

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

What if the very first way God introduces himself sets the tone for your entire creative life? We open Genesis and meet a Creator at work, and that single lens reshapes how we read Scripture, how we show up in the studio, and how we handle the mess between vision and completion. Instead of treating creativity as a side hobby, we trace how every later title—redeemer, king, shepherd—flows from a creative heart that brings form out of chaos and beauty out of dust.

We walk through three anchors that steady artists in real time. First, your story is God’s artwork. Isaiah’s potter and clay and Paul’s assurance in Philippians reframe the “messy middle” as part of the masterpiece, not proof of failure. Second, you were made to co-create. Ephesians 2:10 calls you God’s poema, crafted for good works prepared in advance, and we lay out practical ways to invite the Holy Spirit into theme, process, and decision-making so your work resonates rather than strains. Third, create from love, not for love. Zephaniah’s singing God helps us trade perfectionism for partnership, performance anxiety for peace, and urgent hustle for the durable favor of Psalm 90 that establishes the work of our hands.

Along the way we share stories from the studio—paint drips, collapsed clay, wax in places it shouldn’t be—and show how God is not nervous about process. You’ll learn a simple daily liturgy to start your sessions, how to listen for creative guidance, and how to hold deadlines without losing soul. The goal isn’t just better art; it’s a grounded life that carries the presence of God into every canvas, lyric, and client meeting.

If this encouraged you, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs fresh creative courage, and leave a quick review to help more artists find us. Ready to take the next step? Check the links for our foundations course and sign up for the free Thriving Christian Artist Weekly to stay inspired and resourced.

Resources for Christian Artists:

1) The Foundations Course: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/foundations

2) Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources

3) The Thriving Christian Artist Newsletter: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with my longtime friend Karen DeLoach—a multi-disciplinary artist, teacher, filmmaker, and creativity specialist who has spent decades championing the role of the arts in culture and the Kingdom. 

From her early days in sculpture and ceramics to her passion for painting and equipping others to express Holy Spirit inspiration, Karen’s story is a rich tapestry of creative calling and resilience.

We explore the importance of engaging the right brain in our creative and spiritual lives, the challenges artists face in a culture that often undervalues beauty, and the freedom that comes when you step back into dreams others once dismissed.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why activating your right brain is key to creativity and Kingdom impact
• How Karen overcame early discouragement to embrace painting again
• The role of beauty in the arts and why it matters for God’s purposes
• Practical ways to cultivate Holy Spirit-inspired creativity
• Encouragement for artists of all ages to believe “the best is yet to come”

🌟 Favorite Quotes from This Episode:

“The best is yet to come, and we have a whole generation of people that really need to know who they are and how they are in the Father’s image.” — Karen DeLoach

 “Karen is one of those people that God put the extra in—if it’s creative, she’s involved in it.” — Matt Tommey

🌐 Connect with Karen DeLoach: http://www.karendeloachart.com/

✅ Stay Connected & Grow as a Thriving Christian Artist:

• 📬 Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly
• 📚 Find My Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources
• 🎓 Explore Artist Mentoring Programs: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/mentoring

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

What if your studio felt less like a grind and more like a sanctuary—where ideas arrive with ease, your hands stay light, and joy returns to the work? We walk you through a simple, repeatable flow for co-creating art with God that turns pressure into partnership and fear into freedom.

We start with intimacy and the bold posture of assuming connection with the Holy Spirit. From there, we show how revelation naturally follows—through scripture, quiet impressions, colors, and emotions—and why a spirit-led sketchbook becomes your best tool for stewarding ideas. Then comes agreement: the decisive yes that silences resistance and opens a path through creative block. You’ll learn how to trade self-judgment for trust and move with the grace that arrives with each new nudge.

Response is where presence meets craft. We explore what it means to be filled and skilled: curating a beautiful, ordered studio; developing technique; and staying attentive while you work so excellence grows without perfectionism. Finally, we reach incarnation—the moment ideas take form and your painting, song, sculpture, or story carries God’s life beyond your studio. Think of your work as an altar of remembrance and a table of encounter that speaks now and years from now.

Along the way, you’ll hear practical practices, scriptures like John 15, John 16, and Exodus 31, and a short activation to use before and after you create. If you’re ready to step into creative flow with God—steady, joyful, and deeply grounded—this conversation is your on-ramp. Subscribe for more, share with an artist friend who needs encouragement, and leave a review with the step you’re starting this week.

For more resources for Christian Artists, visit https://www.matttommeymentoring.com 

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

In this inspiring episode of The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast, I sit down with my friend Phil Bob Borman—a premier Western artist celebrated for his breathtaking skyscapes and deep love for both art and the Lord. From his early days as a sculptor and cowboy to becoming one of the country’s most recognized Western painters, Phil Bob’s story is one of following God’s leading through unexpected transitions.

We talk about the unique aesthetic of Western art, the discipline required to master large-scale skyscapes, and how Phil Bob has seen God’s hand guiding his creative journey. His humility, humor, and heart for excellence make this conversation one that will inspire any artist to keep pursuing the work they’re called to create.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Phil Bob transitioned from sculpting to large-scale skyscape painting
• The influence of Western culture and tradition on his work
• Why following God’s direction can lead to unexpected creative success
• Lessons from years of honing a distinctive style
• Encouragement for artists navigating seasons of change

🌟 Favorite Quotes from This Episode:

“I was doing bronze sculpture in the traditional Western style before I ever thought about painting clouds.” — Phil Bob Borman
“Everybody I know that’s trying to paint clouds—just go look up Phil Bob Borman. He’ll give you something to dream toward.” — Matt Tommey

🌐 Connect with Phil Bob Borman: http://www.philbobbormanfineart.com

✅ Stay Connected & Grow as a Thriving Christian Artist:

• 📬 Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly: https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/tca-weekly
• 📚 Find My Best-Selling Books: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources
• 🎓 Explore Artist Mentoring Programs: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/mentoring

Find out more about The Created to Thrive Foundations Course 

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.

Send us a text

What if you’re not behind at all—but right on time for what you were made to carry? We take a hard look at slow seasons and flip the script: delay isn’t punishment, it’s purposeful formation. Through real stories, scripture, and practical reflection, we explore four hidden purposes behind God’s timing that build resilient, joy-filled creative lives.

First, we talk about capacity. Strength comes before spotlight, and endurance widens the heart to hold influence, relationships, and resources without cracking under pressure. James 1 becomes a lens for growth that happens on the inside long before it shows on the outside. Then we sit with protection. Not every open door is meant for you. Some “no’s” are shields in disguise, sparing you from opportunities that look right but would fracture your focus or outpace your maturity.

Next, we dive into alignment. When work becomes worship, striving gives way to flow. We share the moment everything shifted—repenting of copycat strategies and returning to the specific path God outlined. Colossians 3:23 reframes creative practice as an offering, and momentum follows clarity. Finally, we step back to see the larger weave. Romans 8:28 and Ephesians 2:10 ground the conviction that your story is threaded into something bigger and better than personal success. You’re invited to cooperate, not perform; to notice what the Father is doing and join Him step by step.

If you’ve been watching the clock, ready to quit, this conversation offers a gentler measure of progress: peace, presence, and faithful practice. You’ll leave with reflection prompts to spot development in past “delays,” language to discern real God-doors, and a renewed desire to create with God, not just for applause. If this spoke to you, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs the reframing, and leave a review with the one insight you’re taking into your studio this week.

📚 FREE RESOURCES FOR CHRISTIAN ARTISTS:
🎨 Your Art Matters to God More than You Think: a 5 Minute Video and PDF Guide from Matt Tommey on why your art is important to God.
👉 https://thrive.matttommeymentoring.com/yourartmatterstogod

📖 Grab Matt's Best-Selling Books for Christian Artists:
👉 https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/resources

🚀 READY TO GO DEEPER?
The Foundations Course - Gain clarity on your creative calling, develop a sustainable art practice, and learn to create with confidence and freedom in Christ.
👉 https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/foundations

Fuel Your Creative Calling with Weekly Encouragement
Join thousands of Christian artists who are growing in faith, creativity, and purpose.

Subscribe to The Thriving Christian Artist Weekly and receive powerful, faith-filled content every week—designed to encourage your heart, spark your creativity, and equip you to walk boldly in your God-given calling as an artist.

👉 Click here. It’s free. It’s faith-filled. And it’s just for you.