Creative Christians Tim Ristow

Embark on a journey with Christian rock pioneers Kemper Crabb (ArkAngel) and Frank Hart (Atomic Opera) through the landscapes of faith and sound that define Contemporary Christian Music. Host Tim Ristow guides the conversation with these two legends to uncover the genesis of this genre with Kemper during the Jesus Music era to Frank building on that legacy during the '90's, while also peering into the personal faith paths that carved their storied careers. From the vibrant energy of creating some of their best albums to the intimate reflections on how faith has interwoven with their artistry, these artists offer a compelling narrative of conviction and creativity that has left an indelible mark on the world of music.

Witness the alchemy of medieval melodies and the poetic depth of songwriting as Kemper delves into the creation of ArkAngel's "Warrior," an album that embodies the resonance of historical influences within modern Christian rock.  Frank, on the other hand, brings us into his artistic metamorphosis, detailing the path that fueled his transformation into a songwriter with a mission and that lead to the formation of his band, Atomic Opera, and their four hard rocking albums: For Madmen Only (1994), Penguin Dust (1997), Alpha & Oranges (1999) and Gospel Cola (2000).

As we weave through their anecdotes and experiences, we uncover the essence of a friendship fortified by music and ministry, a bond that has catalyzed their collaborative spirit and artistic evolution.

Join host Tim Ristow and guests Kemper Crabb and Frank Hart in an episode that beckons a deeper appreciation for the interplay between creative expression and unwavering faith.

Kemper Crabb (ArkAngel)
kempercrabb.net

Frank Hart (Atomic Opera)
frankhart.com

NewChurch
newchurch.love

Navigating the intersection of spirituality and artistry can often be challenging, but Americana and Folk musician Angie Goeke does it with grace.  Her story, which she shares with an open heart in our latest episode, is a tapestry of early choir experiences, the nurturing of her talent, and the strength to pursue her passion as a Christian creative in the secular music industry.  Angie shares her insights into creating music that combines cathartic lyrics, heartfelt storytelling and passionate instrumentation embodied by Americana, Folk and Bluegrass-infused tunes.

Angie also pulls back the curtain on the world of music production, giving us a peek into the relationships and partnerships that have shaped her journey. From the logistics of crafting an EP to the collaborative magic of studio recordings and the authenticity of live performances, Angie's behind-the-scenes stories underscore the importance of community and adaptability in the creative process. Her reflections on how her faith influences her work extend an invitation to listeners to consider the harmony possible between one's spiritual life and artistic pursuits.

Angie doesn't shy away from discussing the financial and promotional challenges faced by independent artists like herself. Her experience with crowdfunding reveals the communal effort required to bring creative visions to life, while her thoughts on mentorship emphasize the value of guidance and support. Angie's advice to fellow Christian creatives is a heartfelt reminder to view their gifts as acts of worship, encouraging listeners to embrace their creative spark as both a devotion and an intrinsic facet of their identity.

Episode concludes with Angie Goeke giving a touching acoustic performance of her song "Farewell".

angiegoeke.com

Embark on a festive odyssey where the rich tapestry of Christmas and the stirring narrative of God's incarnation are interwoven in a celebration of creativity and faith. This episode is an open invitation to rediscover the holiday's deep roots through artistic expression and intentional practices. As our homes transform with decorations and our hearts warm with family traditions, we delve into meaningful customs that draw us nearer to the story of Jesus. We'll reminisce over personal Christmas memories that have shaped our spiritual journeys and discuss how these experiences fuel our present-day expressions of worship.

Steering away from the clamor of commercialism, we approach Christmas with a fresh mindfulness, fostering traditions that cultivate a closer relationship with Christ. The simple act of lighting an Advent candle can become a profound ritual, and family devotionals can turn into cherished conversations. By transforming occasional acts of charity into ongoing acts of compassion, we follow in the footsteps of Jesus more closely. This episode also encourages embracing an inclusive spirit during our celebrations, ensuring that our joy reaches those who may be spending the holidays in solitude.

Creativity shines brightest when it serves a purpose greater than itself, and what better purpose than sharing the story of Jesus's birth? I share how personal traditions like gifting devotional books can become legacies of faith, and we explore how the power of social media can be harnessed to spread hope. Whether you're a photographer capturing daily Advent themes or a filmmaker seeking to tell the Christmas story through a fresh lens, this episode is a testament to the inventive ways we can keep the true essence of Christmas alive. So, don your headphones for a dramatized reading that reimagines the nativity with the vividness of a golden age radio drama and may the Holy Spirit inspire you with the words of scripture.

Merry Christmas!

How Christ Inspires a Creative Christmas Celebration
https://in.thegospelcoalition.org/article/how-christ-inspires-a-creative-christmas-celebration/   

Christmas Devotion Countdown
https://www.creativebiblestudy.com/Christmas-devotion-countdown.html

Luke 2:1-40 (NIV)
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2%3A1-40&version=NIV

Need some inspiration?

In this first topic based episode, host Tim Ristow goes solo, taking you on a deep dive into what it means to be inspired, how inspiration works and how best to respond to it when you're inspired.   Ristow gives listeners 5 important takeaways on how you can help jumpstart inspiration in your own creative life.  Learn how inspiration influences our creativity, our faith, and what we create; get some Biblical examples of inspiration along the way; and examine the greatest Creative of all time – God, and His inspiration. 

Bible Verse Citations:
John 15:5Exodus 35:31-32Genesis 1:1-28Psalm 33:9Psalm 104:24Revelation 4:11Ephesians 4:15Psalm 46:10
Devotions:
"A Daily Word for Men" by Jared Winger
https://www.christianbook.com/daily-word-for-men-365-devotional/9781424563746/pd/563746)


Blog:

"My Dad as Storyteller" by Tim Ristow
https://timristow.com/blog/father-s-as-storytellers


Articles:

"What Inspires You: 15 Answers to this Interview Question"
https://www.happierhuman.com/what-inspires-you/

"Why Inspiration Matters"
https://hbr.org/2011/11/why-inspiration-matters

"The Two Types of Inspiration"
https://jamesclear.com/inspiration-types

"Shifting Mindsets: What Does It Take?"
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/seeing-what-others-dont/202303/shifting-mindsets-what-does-it-take

"10 Ways for Christians to Embrace Our Creative Power"
https://www.christiancentury.org/article/features/10-ways-christians-embrace-our-creative-power

"The Challenge Every Christian Creative Faces"
https://churchm.ag/christian-creative/

Scott Nurmela is an actor, writer, director and even a set designer.  Scott has acted in theater, television and film.  He’s been in over 100 theatrical productions as a part of The Popcorn Players in Azle, Texas, a community theater group of which he serves as president.  He’s written four plays.  His latest, “The Front Porch” is a wonderful tale about a newlywed couple who buys a home and lives in it all their lives, with various scenes from across their lives all playing out on the front porch of the house.

Scott has also acted in several Christian TV productions, including “The Chosen”, and is currently playing a recurring character on “Vindication” - a detective crime show now in it’s 4th season, available on Amazon Prime and PureFlix.  He’s also played Pontius Pilate in the film “The Crimson” about the life of Jesus Christ.

Scott is a member of The Edge church in Azle and an evangelist and elder there too.  He’s a very laid-back, down-to-earth and humble Christian.  He’s also a big fan of The Andy Griffith Show, of which you can tell it’s influence on him in his writing of “The Front Porch".  He’s got lots of great stories to share from his acting and writing, in particular, and about his faith.

The Popcorn Players
https://www.azlearts.org/ 

Vindication TV Series
http://vindicationseries.com/

The Edge
https://edge4all.com/

In the second season debut episode, host Tim Ristow welcomes returning guest, Dr. Kurt Senske, back on to discuss his latest book titled, “The CEO and the Board: The Art of Nonprofit Governance as a Competitive Advantage”.

Dr. Senske delves into the very relationship driven world of governance between a CEO and a board and between individual board members.  Digging into topics such as communication, ethics and personal integrity, Kurt discusses the critical importance of not only who serves as CEO but of diversifying who serves on a board as well and making sure all who serve are focused on driving the mission of the organization forward.     

Dr. Kurt Senske is the founder of CEO-Board Services, a consulting firm that specializes in working with mission-oriented organizations. Previously, Dr. Senske served as CEO of Upbring, a multi-faceted, multi-state social service organization. Dr. Senske’s extensive board service includes serving on eleven boards of directors, including as chairman of Thrivent Financial.

kurtsenske.com