Creative Chapel

Chris Mac

Welcome to CREATIVE CHAPEL. A podcast exploring the vast landscape of Christian artistry. This show exists to help Christian creatives navigate their faith and their purpose, bringing them to the place where Jesus has called them to and giving them the tools to thrive in their vocation. Across denominations and disciplinary mediums, Creative Chapel is building a space where saints can gather and celebrate their walk with Christ with their God-given gifting - encouraging each other in their faith and in their craft. Creative Chapel is the place for inspiration, curation, and revelation.

Episodes

  1. 11h ago

    The Five-Fold Ministry and Art: What We're Getting Wrong

    In this second solo episode of Creative Chapel, host Chris Mac tackles a question a lot of Christian creatives quietly wrestle with: is art only valuable if it evangelizes? Chris pushes back on the idea of art as a "Trojan horse for the gospel," walks through Ephesians 4:11's five-fold ministry (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers), and makes the case that reducing every creative work to an evangelistic tool actually limits its potential to minister — to believers and non-believers alike. He leans on Francis Schaeffer's Art in the Bible and Paul's "I planted, Apollos watered" framework from 1 Corinthians to reframe how creatives can think about purpose, calling, and audience. Shoutout to this episode's sponsor, The Printing Ox — preorder the new Creative Chapel shirt (Revelation 4:11 design) linked below. Timestamps: 0:00 – Cold open: the core questions of this episode 0:45 – Trying the solo format again 1:26 – The common claim: art as an evangelism tool 2:26 – Critiquing the "Trojan horse for the gospel" framing 3:19 – Why forcing art into apologetics feels inauthentic 6:27 – Reading Francis Schaeffer's quote from Art in the Bible 7:14 – 1 Corinthians 3:6: Paul, Apollos, and God bringing the growth 8:17 – The K-pop Demon Hunters example 9:23 – Early-listener subscribe ask 9:40 – Evangelism as a process: seeds, watering, growth 11:02 – Jesus's parables as worldview storytelling 12:24 – Ephesians 4:11: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers 13:24 – Critiquing five-fold ministry "personality test" culture 15:16 – What if an artist were called to be a prophet or pastor? 16:04 – Can artwork itself be pastoral, apostolic, or prophetic? 17:01 – Printing Ox sponsor shoutout 18:15 – A quick summary of the gospel itself 18:50 – Ministering to needs beyond a strict gospel message 20:05 – Referencing Forrest Frank's Dawn Patrol 20:54 – Art as therapy & the value of unseen work 21:02 – Creating for an audience of one 22:37 – Encouragement: your work matters, even if it's not evangelism 24:37 – What's inspiring Chris: Keith & Chance the Rapper's new song 25:18 – Shoutout to Josh Nadeau / Sword and Pencil 26:34 – Creative Chapel Instagram DM shoutout 27:01 – Outro & Communion Church shoutout #CreativeChapel #ChristianArt #FaithAndCreativity #ChristianFilmmaker #FiveFoldMinistry #ChristianCreatives #TheologyOfArt #ChristianPodcast

    The Five-Fold Ministry and Art: What We're Getting Wrong

  2. Aug 10

    What Does the Bible Actually Say About Art? (Solo Deep Dive)

    In this first-ever solo episode of Creative Chapel, host Chris Mac digs into two deceptively simple questions: how does the Bible define creativity, and what does Scripture say about the purpose of art? Along the way he unpacks the difference between the Hebrew words for "create" (bara) and "make" (asah), what that distinction means for how God values human craftsmanship, and how Jesus's miracles — from multiplying loaves and fish to turning bread and wine into communion — model both. He also explores Imago Dei, art as an act of pleasure and communication rather than utility, and closes with a challenge: your life itself is your greatest work of art. Shoutout to this episode's sponsor, The Printing Ox — preorder the new Creative Chapel shirt (featuring Revelation 4:11) linked below. https://www.maccreativeco.com/store/p/the-solace-vessel-56faa

    What Does the Bible Actually Say About Art? (Solo Deep Dive)

  3. Aug 3

    The Craft of Coffee and Running a Faith-Based Business with Efren Esqueda

    On this episode of Creative Chapel, host Chris Mac sits down with Efren, owner of Shepherd's Coffee in San Diego, for one of the most raw and honest testimonies the show has featured. Efren opens up about growing up in poverty surrounded by addiction, encountering Christ as a teenager, and watching his mother miraculously healed after doctors gave her six months to live. He also shares the harder chapters — a failed first business, a spiral into addiction and suicidal thoughts, $60,000 in IRS debt, and the moment on a warehouse floor that changed everything. From there, the conversation shifts into the craft of coffee itself — origins, processing, roasting science — and what it looks like to run a faith-forward business in a industry that doesn't always welcome it. Shoutout to this episode's sponsor, The Printing Ox — preorder the new Creative Chapel shirt linked below. https://www.maccreativeco.com/store

    The Craft of Coffee and Running a Faith-Based Business with Efren Esqueda

  4. Jul 27

    Horror, Theology & Storytelling: A Fuller Seminary Professor's Case for Watching Scary Movies

    On this episode of Creative Chapel, host Chris Mac sits down with Kutter Callaway — associate professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, host of the podcast Be Afraid, and author of the upcoming book on horror and theology. Kutter unpacks why so much "Christian art" ends up being bad art, why the horror genre might be one of the most theologically rich spaces in film right now, and why he — a lifelong horror-avoider — ended up building an entire podcast around walking into terrifying places. They cover the economics behind formulaic Christian movies, the concept of artists as "border stalkers," why you can't get to Easter without Good Friday, and how a new generation of YouTuber-filmmakers (Backrooms, Obsession, Iron Lung) is reshaping the industry from the outside in. Shoutout to this episode's sponsor, The Printing Ox — preorder the new Creative Chapel shirt linked below.

    Horror, Theology & Storytelling: A Fuller Seminary Professor's Case for Watching Scary Movies

  5. Jul 20

    From Church Videos to Super Bowl Commercials with Chris Francis

    On this episode of Creative Chapel, host Chris Mac sits down with Chris Francis — an award-winning commercial director with two Super Bowl spots in the past two years and a career built directing campaigns for major national brands at Raindrop Agency. Chris opens up about growing up as a pastor's kid, his unconventional path from church media team to top-tier ad agency director, and what it actually looks like to stay rooted in faith while working in secular entertainment. They dig into what it means to be a "border stalker" as a Christian creative — staying present in spaces that need light instead of retreating from them — the burnout that can come from working in church media, and why God cares more about your participation than your perfection. Chris also shares what's currently inspiring his own creative work, from A24 films to a psychiatrist's take on dopamine and the theology of work. If you're a creative trying to figure out how faith and career actually fit together, this conversation is packed with hard-won insight. Check out Chris's resource for creatives, Church Film School — link below. Follow Chris at his commercial site, chrisfrancis.tv, and on Instagram @_francois.

    From Church Videos to Super Bowl Commercials with Chris Francis

  6. Jul 14

    Can Faith Based Films deliver Hard Hitting Truth? The Burden of Filmmaking with Spencer Folmar

    PRE-ORDER A SHIRT HERE: https://www.maccreativeco.com/store CHECK OUT THE PRINTING OX: https://www.theprintingox.com/ LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW: https://www.hardfaith.org/ ___________________________________ Spencer Folmar never read the Bible until he was 21. Now he's a film director, seminary graduate, and the creator of the Hard Faith Film Festival — making movies about God that are too raw for Christian circles and too Christian for Hollywood. In this episode, Spencer shares his wild conversion story (he went to Bible school in New Zealand mostly to disprove it), how he built a filmmaking career around hard faith films, what happened on the set of Generational Sins that left his non-believing cast asking if God was real, and why he's making a three-film trilogy on suicide prevention called The Days Are Evil. We also get into Saint Nick of Bethlehem hitting #1 on Angel Studios, collaborating with Daniel Roebuck, and why Spencer believes the method of making a film is just as much ministry as the finished product. 🌐 hardfaithfest.com | hardfaith.org

    Can Faith Based Films deliver Hard Hitting Truth? The Burden of Filmmaking with Spencer Folmar

  7. Jul 6

    The Truth About Being a Christian Actor: How God Opened Doors to Angel Studios with Venus Monique

    Can you pursue acting, filmmaking, and Hollywood without compromising your faith? In this episode of Creative Chapel Podcast, Chris Mac sits down with Christian actress and entrepreneur Venus Monique to talk about navigating the entertainment industry while staying rooted in Christ. From working on faith-based productions—including projects connected to Angel Studios—to building a thriving acting career and mentoring other Christian performers, this conversation is full of practical wisdom for actors, filmmakers, musicians, writers, producers, and creatives who want to honor God through their craft. Whether you're dreaming of acting professionally, creating films, writing stories, producing music, or building a creative business, this episode offers biblical encouragement alongside real-world career advice. In this episode, you'll learn: How to become a successful actorWhat it's really like working on Christian film productionsFaith and Hollywood: myth vs. realityWhy Christian creatives need communityActing tips for beginnersThe business side of actingHow to find your calling as a creativeBuilding a creative career without compromising your faithEntrepreneurship for Christian artistsFollowing God's purpose in entertainmentIf you're a Christian musician, actor, filmmaker, content creator, entrepreneur, or artist between 18–40, this conversation will encourage you to pursue excellence while keeping Christ at the center of everything you create. Subscribe to Creative Chapel for weekly conversations helping Christian creatives build excellent careers without compromising their faith. Chapters00:00 – Welcome to Creative Chapel 01:30 – Meet today's guest 04:00 – Breaking into acting and filmmaking 09:30 – Faith in Hollywood: What people get wrong 15:30 – Can Christians work in secular entertainment? 22:00 – Why acting is more than pretending 30:00 – Finding your calling as a creative 37:00 – Entrepreneurship for Christian artists 46:00 – Building community for Christian actors 50:00 – The business side of acting 56:00 – Practical advice for aspiring actors 1:01:00 – Final encouragement for Christian creatives

    The Truth About Being a Christian Actor: How God Opened Doors to Angel Studios with Venus Monique

  8. Jul 6

    How God Transforms Your Creativity: Faith, Filmmaking & Finding Your Calling With Nathan Presley

    Can Christians create great art without making "Christian content?" Can your creativity glorify God even if your work never mentions His name? In this episode of Creative Chapel Podcast, filmmaker Nathan Presley joins Chris Mack for a deep conversation about faith, filmmaking, creativity, and what it means to pursue artistic excellence while following Jesus. Nathan shares his journey from feeling called to filmmaking at a young age, battling fear and creative paralysis, producing award-winning films, and learning that the best Christian art doesn't begin with trying to preach—it begins with abiding in Christ. Whether you're a Christian musician, filmmaker, producer, songwriter, visual artist, writer, content creator, or entrepreneur, this conversation will challenge the way you think about creativity, calling, and excellence. Together they discuss: How to overcome creative fear and perfectionismWhy Christian creatives often struggle with identityThe difference between creating for God vs. creating with GodShould every Christian artist make explicitly Christian art?How faith naturally shapes great storytellingLies Christian creatives often believeBreaking free from legalism and unhealthy church cultureCreativity, conviction, and following the Holy SpiritMaking meaningful films that reach mainstream audiencesBuilding a creative career while keeping Christ at the centerIf you've ever wondered how to balance faith, ambition, artistic excellence, and business, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and biblical encouragement. Subscribe for weekly conversations helping Christian creatives build excellent careers without compromising their faith. Chapters00:00 – Welcome & Meet Nathan Presley 02:30 – Nathan's testimony and calling to filmmaking 09:30 – Surrendering dreams and trusting God 13:30 – Creating with God instead of for God 18:00 – Bringing God into the creative process 22:00 – Faith, storytelling, and meaningful films 32:00 – Why great Christian art starts with abiding in Christ 36:00 – Convictions, creativity, and the Holy Spirit 44:00 – Church culture, legalism, and personal convictions 49:00 – Overcoming fear, perfectionism & creative paralysis 50:30 – Things Christian creatives need to outgrow 56:00 – Christian art vs. "Christian" art 1:02:00 – Nathan's upcoming projects & resources 1:03:30 – Final encouragement for Christian creatives

    How God Transforms Your Creativity: Faith, Filmmaking & Finding Your Calling With Nathan Presley

  9. Jul 6

    From Sweeping Floors to Reach Records: Music Industry Secrets Nobody Talks About With Miguel Avila

    How do you know if God is calling you into music? How do you build a career without compromising your faith? In the very first episode of Creative Chapel Podcast, Chris Mac sits down with producer, artist, engineer, and songwriter Miguel Avila to unpack his journey from making beats in his bedroom to producing music for TV & Film, working alongside artists connected to Reach Records, and discovering what it really means to operate in God's calling. This conversation is packed with practical advice for Christian musicians, producers, rappers, worship leaders, songwriters, and creatives who want to honor God while building a sustainable creative career. Miguel shares hilarious tour stories, lessons from failure, his testimony of faith, how God led him through depression and uncertainty, why serving in the local church matters, and how obedience opened doors into the music industry—including placements with major brands and networks. If you're a Christian creative between 18–40 trying to balance faith, purpose, music, and career, this episode is for you. In this episode you'll learn: How to discover your God-given callingWhy serving comes before successLessons from building a Christian hip-hop careerMusic production advice for independent artistsHow TV & Film sync placements workWhat it takes to work with major Christian artistsWhy humility opens more doors than self-promotionFinding purpose beyond performanceGrowing as a Christian musician in today's industryWhether you're making beats, writing songs, leading worship, producing music, filming videos, or simply trying to follow God's direction in your creative life, you'll leave encouraged and challenged. Subscribe for weekly conversations helping Christian creatives build excellent careers without compromising their faith. Chapters00:00 – Welcome to the Creative Chapel Podcast 00:40 – Meet Miguel Avila 01:30 – From church beats to TV & Film production 02:35 – Embarrassing beginner music stories 04:10 – How Flight School started 06:00 – Funny tour stories & life on the road 10:30 – Miguel's faith testimony 16:15 – Discovering God's calling through music 20:15 – From performer to teacher 23:00 – Should every Christian creative work in church ministry? 29:00 – Learning through serving in the local church 31:00 – TV & Film placements and career growth 34:30 – Operating in the gifts God gave you 38:00 – Humility, opportunities & industry relationships 41:00 – Depression, obedience & moving to Atlanta 52:30 – Working with Reach Records artists 58:00 – Breaking into the Christian music industry (continues)

    From Sweeping Floors to Reach Records: Music Industry Secrets Nobody Talks About With Miguel Avila

  10. Season 1, Episode 1 Trailer

    Welcome to Creative Chapel - your source for inspiration, curation, and revelation.

    Learn about the heart behind Creative Chapel. A podcast exploring the vast landscape of Christian artistry. We want to be the place for finding Christian artists to be inspired by. Platforming new talent and voices that are pursuing God with their giftings and advancing the Kingdom. Tune in weekly to discover your next favorite Christian creative, maybe one day you'll be here yourself!

    Welcome to Creative Chapel - your source for inspiration, curation, and revelation.

Trailer

About

Welcome to CREATIVE CHAPEL. A podcast exploring the vast landscape of Christian artistry. This show exists to help Christian creatives navigate their faith and their purpose, bringing them to the place where Jesus has called them to and giving them the tools to thrive in their vocation. Across denominations and disciplinary mediums, Creative Chapel is building a space where saints can gather and celebrate their walk with Christ with their God-given gifting - encouraging each other in their faith and in their craft. Creative Chapel is the place for inspiration, curation, and revelation.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Mac
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Chris Mac
  • Show Website
    Creative Chapel