Presented by Bob Bennett

Jesus’ public messages were primarily in the form of “stories”. How have we somehow managed to mostly abandon that aspect of artistry in Church? I simply think this ought not to be. So as songwriters, how do we learn and improve? One answer is what I call the “Bank Teller School of Songwriting” … if you handle enough “genuine currency”, it becomes easier to tell the “real” from the “counterfeit”. This session will be a listening party of some songs I love (by others) with comments, discussion, and your questions.

Presented by Bob Bennett

Although inspiration is what most often leads us to begin writing a song, ruthless editing and attention to every detail is what usually turns a nice/sincere idea into a great song. In this session, I’ll be asking a few brave souls to trust me with their “creative babies” so we can learn and explore together what seems to be working and what might need to work a little better. Please bring a lyric sheet if you can. We’ll basically unpack my smart-aleck axiom: “When writing about the Sacred, nothing is sacred!”

Presented by Dr. Eric Thoennes

Erik Thoennes believes that play is a unique, God-given, universal, human experience that should be woven into all of life. This is true even in the midst of grief and pain because of the hope we have in Christ. In this session we will explore the biblical basis of play and seek greater discernment about the role of godly play in art, worship, and everyday life.

Presented by Claire Bechert

Some lives well-lived ought to be shared. They bear witness to the fact that God is at work in all times, in all places. Whether on paper or in film, these stories depict the reality of God’s existence, and His masterful use of our experiences and circumstances to show us Himself and make us more like Him. In this workshop, we will explore the process of telling the stories of others: where to begin, how to structure a narrative, how to navigate vulnerable spaces and care for others there, and center all of it on Jesus.

Presented by Dr. Thaddeus Williams

Join Dr. Thaddeus Williams as he discusses how the resurrection of Jesus ought to shape the Christian’s creative endeavors.

Presented by Justin Unger

In this workshop, Justin will unpack the discernment of understanding what IS and what ISN’T our role as worship leaders

Presented by Justin Unger

God’s Purpose and Design for the Gathering of the Saints

Presented by Justin Unger

In this workshop, Justin will teach on the implications of leading musical worship: The battle is real and you are on the front lines! Are you okay with that?

Presented by Joshua Smith

Long before digital cameras, photographers sat in darkrooms, waiting for their creative work to develop. The process was scientific and slow, and tiny errors could ruin the greatest potential. Many modern believers still sit in the dark, waiting…worried about mistakes and struggling to discover their potential. This workshop will shine light upon ideas of faith and creativity, while borrowing insights from the photographic process, to reveal a theology of art that can be applied to everyday challenges for Christian creatives. Our aim will be to develop an image for each artist that reflects the Creator’s hand in their unique work, craft and passions.

Presented by Jerry Root

Why do children say, “Read it again!” after a good bedtime story? Lewis says he thinks it is because the child came to love the world of the book and it awakens in them a longing for other worlds. Ultimately, the child’s heart begins, through the story, to long for the only ‘other’ world they can ever truly know; that is, they long for Heaven! The longing, awakened by the story, then enables the child, and the adult, to see this world is filled with people, places, beauty, and events of all shapes and sizes because God is always, lovingly wooing us to Himself. This breakout session will develop these themes further.

Presented by Ernie Zielsdorf

We will walk through the graphic design process, looking at things like: how to come up with concepts for a design, what are some good practices when choosing design for different products, and utilizing the gifts God gave you to create something for others. You will have the opportunity to be a part of the conceptual process with some “live designing” or just sit back and watch it unfold. And there will be plenty of Q&A time, so ask away!

Presented by Emily Marschner

What makes art “good”? How do we create art that’s not cliché? How do I become a successful artist? In this workshop, we’ll answer these questions by looking at the heart of Jesus and his encounter with a Samaritan woman. (Spoiler alert: many times Jesus answers a question with a better question.)

Presented by Sheryl Knight

In this workshop we will be learning to paint with gouache, an amazing medium that offers unique textures and vibrant colors.  Gouache has been around for centuries, but has become increasingly popular as a medium for artists in the last few years.  It is easy and fun, often described as an opaque watercolor.   Having painted with both mediums I find gouache has many advantages and is easy to learn.  It is water-based, opaque, it can be layered, and it requires minimal supplies.  My primary medium of choice is oil, so I find gouache very compatible for quick studies.  You will not need to bring or purchase any supplies for this class as they will be provided for you.  Just come and have fun learning!

Presented by Norm Daniels and Sheryl Knight

This workshop will be co-taught by Norm Daniels and Sheryl Knight, both artists having years of experience painting en plein air. 

Plein Air painting is simply painting on location in any medium you choose. Painting from life is fun and exhilarating and the fastest way to improve your art, but mostly a way to be immersed in God’s beautiful creation. There will be demos by both artists to see their different styles and approaches to painting outdoors. There will be time to paint from life at the workshop and other times during the conference. A supply list will be furnished to those interested in this class. This workshop will be held out on the lawn in front of the lake, weather permitting with a backup plan in place if the weather is not conducive!  If you love painting or want to learn about painting, come and join us! 

Presented by Elisa Watson

No matter how free-spirited you are, an open-ended writing assignment— Write anything you want! — tends to be frustratingly uninspiring. The more details we add — a sonnet! about squirrels! — the more our creative juices start flowing. In this workshop we’ll explore the universal and counterintuitive truth that constraints cause creativity, and we’ll talk about how we can use that truth to improve our writing. 

Presented by Norm Daniels

In this workshop, we will discuss how the Eternal Unseen Creator influences our culture (art et al), and conversely how shutting Him off is just as strong an influence. 

Presented by Jen Schuler

In an era of increased isolation, loneliness, division, and the prevalence of shallow relationships, there is a desperate need for true connectedness and community. As we dwell in the land, whether in our churches, neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, or other places where we regularly intersect with others, how do we create a lifestyle of hospitality using the unique gifts God has given us to welcome strangers and to cultivate the kinds of connections that allow others to feel known and loved? How do we embrace a life that makes space for others? We will look at God’s heart for hospitality and community, share practical ideas, address hindrances to hospitality, and get a glimpse of the beauty of full-time life in the Hume Lake community in this conversation together. Weather permitting, this workshop will also include a short field trip!