Year-Round Mentoring in Art, Faith, and Ministry
with Charles David Kelley and Natalie Meeks
Programme Overview
We live in a world where the artist and the church face an uneasy relationship. Christian artists often feel lonely and isolated – the black sheep of both their church and secular artist communities. Over the course of the year, the Art, Faith, and Ministry cohort will address questions about God’s view of art and creativity, the nature of calling and the use of our artistic talents, individualism in the life of the artist and God’s command to live in relationship, and the viewing of our creative calling and works in light of eternity.
Goal: To support, equip, and mentor artists, musicians, art catalysts, and ministry leaders.
Participants/ Qualifications: Ten to twelve leaders who are willing to commit to become part of a learning community. Each participant must be a growing follower of the Lord Jesus Christ AND either an active artist, musician, worship leader, organizer of artists, ministry leader, and/or thought leader in the world of art and faith.
Plan:
A Pre-Forum Seminar in Wisla, Poland on 21 May 2022 (14:00-17:30 CEST)
Four 2-hour webinars throughout the year, with webinar assignments
A three-day retreat in Spain on 6-8 Dec. 2022
An individual coaching session (1½ hours) with Charles or Natalie in Feb/Mar 2023
A Pre-Forum Conference at the 2023 Forum (Friday, 19 May, dinner together – Saturday, 20 May, morning). Participants will still need to apply for the European Leadership Forum and will be responsible for paying Forum fees in order to participate in the 2023 Forum. Participants must also pay for their own travel expenses.
YRM Leaders
Charles Kelley
Charles David Kelley is Latvian-American, a citizen of both countries. Born in Los Angeles, he has lived in Oregon since 1980. His professional training is in Bible, theology, and missiology. Before founding Bridge Builders International, an Oregon based mission that focuses on Latvia, in 1994, Charles served in pastoral ministry in California, Texas, and Oregon for 21 years. He is chairman of BBI’s Latvian affiliate, “Partners.” Charles is founder of the Imago Dei Artists Network which ministers to artists and musicians throughout Europe. He is a member of the Arts Centre Group in London and serves as the LausanneARTS Coordinator for Europe. Charles is an author, pianist, and painter. He lives in Latvia 4-5 months per year. He has been married to Nancy for 43 years and has four grown children and nine grandchildren.
Natalie Meeks
Natalie Meeks, co-leader of the ELF Artists Network, is the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for Bridge Builders International, which ministers to artists in multiple countries. As a free-lance writer, she has penned articles about ministries around the world. She is a lover of the classics (secular and spiritual) and enjoys reading and writing poetry. Her Christian faith and confidence in the Scriptures inform her understanding of, communication with, and ministry to artists of all kinds. She and her husband of 18 years reside in Greenville, South Carolina. They have six children, including an adopted son from Latvia. Natalie’s hobbies include reading, reading, and reading.
Application Process
To apply:
Thoroughly review the curriculum.
Complete the online application.
All applications will be reviewed. We will notify you whether or not you have been accepted as a participant in the 2022/23 programme within four to six weeks.
If you have questions, contact us at initiatives@euroleadership.org.