How can art and creativity become a place of belonging, discipleship, and peace? In this episode of the Fresh Expressions Podcast, Heather Jallad talks with Winfield Bevins about the "new renaissance" emerging at the intersection of faith and art. Together they explore how creativity can foster community, cultivate spiritual growth, and inspire fresh expressions of church in today's world. Dr. Winfield Bevins is an internationally recognized author, pastor, teacher, and visual artist who has spent more than two decades exploring the intersection of art, faith, and the church. He is the founding director of Creo Arts and serves as Artist-in-Residence at Asbury Theological Seminary, championing the integration of creativity and faith. As a visual artist, Winfield describes his work as “modern iconography,” reimagining ancient sacred imagery through contemporary color and form to create space for contemplation, prayer, and wonder. He is also the author of numerous books, including How Beauty Will Save the World, Liturgical Mission, Ever Ancient, Ever New, and Marks of a Movement. His artwork has been exhibited in galleries and churches nationwide and is held in private collections across the United States. This season, we’re diving into the streams of Fresh Expressions — from senior adults and recovery ministry, to arts, outdoors, recreation, and more. Each month, you’ll hear directly from practitioners who are navigating these fresh ways of being church in the world. Their stories will spark your imagination and encourage you to see where God is already at work in your community and how you might join in! So whether you’re a pastor, lay leader, or simply curious about how church can thrive beyond the walls, join us for Season seven of the Fresh Expressions Podcast. Related Resources:

For many rural churches, the building is one of the most significant resources they have and sometimes one of their greatest challenges. But what might change if we began to see our facilities not simply as something to maintain, but as something entrusted to us for the sake of our communities? In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, Kathleen and Chris sit down with Josh Lilly, Senior Pastor of Crossroads Community Church in Michigan, for a conversation about faithful stewardship, creative ministry, and looking at the resources we already have with fresh eyes. Josh shares how Crossroads is finding creative ways to use its facilities to serve its community, build relationships, and create opportunities for ministry. Along the way, he talks candidly about the challenges and surprises that come with opening a church building to new possibilities, how leaders can discern which partnerships fit the church’s mission, and why meaningful community impact doesn’t require a large or impressive facility . Dr. Josh Lilly serves as Senior Pastor of Crossroads Community Church in Michigan, where he is committed to expository preaching, biblical discipleship, and developing leaders for the local church. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, where his doctoral work focused on equipping laymen for biblical eldership. Josh is passionate about seeing churches shaped by the gospel, strengthened through healthy leadership, and equipped to make disciples who make disciples. Chris and Kathleen Blackey , are hosts of the Rural Renewal Podcast. Since 2010, together they have served as co-pastors at the First Baptist Church of South Londonderry, Vermont. The Blackeys live in South Londonderry, Vermont with their children – Sarah, Daniel, and Priscilla, as well as their cat, dog, and chickens. Related Resources: Upcoming Webinar: Faithful Stewardship: Creative Ways to Use Your Church Building for Ministry and Mission Join our Facebook group: Rural Renewal Podcast Community Email us: podcasts@freshexpressions.com Subscribe & Review Help us get the word out by subscribing and leaving a review for Rural Renewal Podcast on your favorite platform. Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts