Ministries for Christians in the Arts

Not too long ago being a Christian involved in the arts was taboo. That's the last place many church goers want to see their brethren, apparently forgetting God's instruction to go make disciples of all nations, which I'm assuming, would include the artistic community.

However, today more and more Christians are getting involved in the arts and some are even impacting Hollywood. And they no longer have to feel alone. Organizations for Christians in the arts are popping up all over the place, providing prayer, encouragement and instruction to those believers who want to use the artistic gifts God gave them.

The Hollywood Prayer Network

The Hollywood Prayer Network is a non-denominational prayer ministry for Hollywood whose mission is to see a revival in Hollywood. They believe Hollywood is a mission field because, "Hollywood is a group of people who are closed to outside influence. They do not want other people telling them what to do or what to believe and they are predominantly a wounded and hurting group of people. They are a tribe of people who need God's love, forgiveness, redemption and peace, but they don't know Him, are afraid of Him or are angry at Him, based on personal experiences."

Through their Web site you can sign up to be a prayer partner for someone in the industry. They will assign you the name and contact information for a Christian who you can pray for as they strive to impact their industry for Christ. You can interact with this person as much as you like via e-mail or phone. HPN also has a newsletter you can receive through your e-mail which will include their latest news and well as different ways you can pray for Hollywood.

HPN has a commitment to reach three different groups of people:

* Christians living outside of Hollywood who want to know how God is moving and working in Hollywood or who know He's moving here and want to be a part of what He's doing through prayer.

* Christian media professionals living and working in the industry who need prayer support from the Christian community and the church.

* Media professionals in Hollywood who don't yet know the love and
life-saving gospel of Jesus Christ and may only find Him through prayer.

The 168 Hour Film Project

This is a competition where filmmakers have 168 hours (one week) to film and edit an 11-minute movie based on a Bible verse. All films are then shown during the 168 Film Festival.

Participants in the 168 Hour Film Project have included Ralph Winter (produce of the "X-Men" and "Fantastic Four" movies) and Luke Schelhaas (Writer & Co-Producer on the T.V. series "Smallville").

You can compete in this competition from anywhere in the U.S. Go to their Web site for information on entry fees, finding a local team to join, and all that the competition entails.

Act One

"Act One is a community of Christian professionals for the entertainment industry who are committed to excellence, artistry, and personal holiness." Act One offers a variety of programs including:

The Writing for Film and T.V. Program - offers hands-on instruction for those who wish to become screenwriters in the entertainment industry. You can take the course online or come to their summer program. The program includes intensive workshops and lectures on the craft of screenwriting and you'll receive feedback from Hollywood professionals.

The Producing and Entertainment Executive Program - designed for aspiring producers, development executives, agents, managers, and entertainment attorneys. The program "offers a comprehensive overview of the industry, access to established Hollywood professionals and a highly coveted internship where practical industry experience is gained."

Check out Act One for more information.

The Christian Comedy Association

Everyone loves a good laugh, including Christians, but much of the comedy that's out there just isn't funny. Thank God (literally) for a group like this. Their mission is three-fold:

* To facilitate fellowship and networking between our fellow Christians working in the field of comedy.

* To raise the awareness of Christian comedy.

* To enhance the craft of Christian comedy by encouraging and training Christian Comedians.

CCA came about when comics across the nation were drawn together and looking for accountability and fellowship with others in their craft.

For those out there who would enjoy being a part of Christian comedy, the CCA offers a mentoring program " to serve 'up and coming' comedians with a focus on comedians serious about advancing in their craft, working in the industry for at least one year with at least 15 - 30 minutes of solid material."

Check out the CCA at http://www.christiancomedyassociation.com/

First Peter 4:10 says, "Each one should use whatever gift he or she has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." If you're a Christian involved in comedy, acting, directing, writing, dance or another kind of artistic endeavor, there's no need to feel alone. God is the most creative of them all and He wants you to use your creative talents to inspire and encourage others. Visit the Hollywood Prayer Network for a longer list of ministries that may suit your needs.

The 168 Film Project
Act One
Christian Comedy Association
Hollywood Prayer Network
1st Peter 4:10, Bible Gateway