Many congregations today are examining the role the arts play in creating sacred space and in inviting people into the presence of God for encounter and engagement. They are realizing that the work of the artist and the work of the church are inexorably bound. Both seek a response, a transformation of thought in those who come to see and enter to hear. When art and art-making become embedded in the religious community, work side-by-side, look at each other face-to-face, and listen to each other, each helps the other do its work.

Art in Service of the Sacred encourages congregations to take seriously the role of visual art in worship and in the broader life of the church. This rich resource explores the dynamics between art, artist, and the church. It proclaims the power of art when used as art, reclaims the presence of religious symbols in worship, asserts the importance of the aesthetic dimensions of ecclesial space, and recovers the role of visual art to engage our senses and imaginations as we seek to encounter God in our lives.

The DVD included in this book shows scores of photographs of the author’s art: before and after photographs of spaces that have been transformed, vestments and paraments, and temporary liturgical art for conferences and retreat settings. There are also images depicting the transformation of a narthex, fellowship hall, balcony, and church hallway. Several images give insight into the author’s creative process, from the original imaginings to the completed project.

To read the Prologue to the book click here