“Kingdom Hearts for Kingdom Arts” was the theme for the 18th annual South Carolina Baptist Convention Creative Ministries Festival held April 17-18 at North Trenholm Baptist Church.
Darren “Prof Do-Dads” CasteelMore than 350 people representing 57 groups and churches from South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee attended.
Faculty members led in worship and taught classes in seven areas: worship leading, children’s ministry, drama in worship, clowning and illusion, interpretive movement and sign art, puppetry, and a technical track focusing on sound and lighting.
The event was attended by members of churches and other groups, including the summer staff from Pinehill Baptist Retreat Center in Bennettsville. The director, Donald Foreman, said, “The goal is not to be diverse in entertaining, but to present the gospel.”
Sarah Roberts, organist and interim music minister at West Hartsville Baptist Church, was a first-time attendee and said, “I was reminded that creative arts are barrier breakers.”
Greg Allgood, campus minister at Anderson University and part of the creative ministries faculty, offered 34 tips for creating powerful worship experiences and vibrant worship teams. Music was provided by “Elevate” from Anderson. The Anderson University drama team presented the play, “Sala’s Story,” by Arlene Hutton.
Stephanie Caldwell leads an interpretive movement class.Those who attended were challenged to return to their homes to share the gospel in new and creative ways.
Linda Templeton, a youth leader from Bethany Baptist in Orangeburg, said, “This weekend has given us fun and reachable opportunities to live out 1 Timothy 4:13, “to encourage believers and teach them.”
The event was presented by the SCBC worship and music office, Mark Powers, director, under the leadership of Stephanie Caldwell, creative ministries consultant. Powers said the goal of the festival was to “energize churches to fulfill their true calling in worship and evangelism.” – SCBC