The Ekklesia Creative Think Tank has convened three times since January 13, 2026, engaging in ongoing dialogue around the integration of creative arts therapies within ministry contexts. The initial meeting established key questions that continue to guide the group’s exploration, including the role of excellence in ministry settings that often emphasize polished artistic outcomes versus the process-oriented nature of art therapy; the relationship between church and healthcare; and how to discern spiritual affliction in contrast to mental or physical health challenges.
The group also examined the role of spiritual gifts in healing practices, drawing on biblical and contemporary examples to consider how creative expression can serve as both ministry and therapeutic intervention. A central theme across all meetings has been defining the group’s “why,” recognizing that clarity of purpose is essential in articulating both the need for and the distinct contribution of creative arts therapies within church spaces.
The second and third meetings deepened this exploration through case studies presented by each member, highlighting moments of challenge and breakthrough across diverse settings, including carceral environments, church services, and specialized arts programming. Participants also engaged with external resources such as articles, podcasts, and broader discourse on the intersection of faith and therapy. One significant insight that emerged—previously unconsidered—was the capacity for creative arts therapies to more intentionally support vulnerable populations within congregations, including individuals with disabilities, those on the autism spectrum, the elderly, the visually impaired, and others with learning differences. This realization has expanded the scope of the initiative toward a more inclusive and accessible model of ministry, while ongoing discussions continue to explore what this integration looks like in practice.