ISSUE #024
What if the ache you feel for creative community isn’t a problem to solve—but a clue from the Lord?
Throughout Scripture, God stirs compassion, conviction, and holy burden before He releases assignment. Jesus was “moved with compassion” (Matt. 9:36). David felt a righteous provocation (1 Sam. 17:26). Nehemiah wept and then built (Neh. 1:4). That same stirring may be what you’re sensing right now for artists in your city—the nudge to open your home, gather a few creatives, and watch God breathe on it. You don’t need to be an expert. You just need a willing “yes.”
This week, I’m inviting you to step into that yes—not someday, not when you feel more qualified, but now.
Inside you is a simple, powerful seed: love Jesus, love people, make space. The Lord loves to multiply what we surrender, and I believe He’s raising up an army of artists through living rooms, studios, coffee shops, and church classrooms around the world.
May this week be filled with intentional reflection, creative breakthroughs, and meaningful connection with the Creator who put that beautiful imagination inside you.
In His love and creativity,
Matt Tommey
Click the button to subscribe for free to The Weekly and get an email reminder every Wednesday so you never miss an issue.
CONNECT
Scripture: “When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd… ‘The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’” — Matthew 9:36–38 (ESV)
Devotional: God often speaks through holy burden. That longing you feel for godly creative friends isn’t just about your need; it’s a Kingdom invitation. Compassion is Heaven’s way of tapping you on the shoulder. Like David and Nehemiah, the difference wasn’t expertise—it was yes. If you’ve been waiting to be invited, consider this your invitation to be the inviter.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for stirring my heart for community. I surrender my inadequacies and receive Your grace to open a simple, safe space for artists to gather. Show me who to invite, where to meet, and how to begin. Let Your presence bring healing, joy, and boldness as we create together. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Spiritual Action Step: Take 10 minutes today to pray over three names. Text or message them an invitation to meet this week (even casually) to talk faith, art, and creative community.
CLARIFY
God’s assignments gain momentum when we translate burden into next steps. Clarity doesn’t mean you must design a perfect ministry; it means choosing a faithful first step. Start small. Decide a simple rhythm (weekly or bi-weekly), a place (living room, studio, church room, café), and a purpose (prayer, encouragement, creative practice, discussion).
Reflection Prompt: What specific outcome do I want for the first gathering? (e.g., “Pray together, share our current works-in-progress, and choose a resource to go through.”) Write one sentence that defines success for meeting #1.
Practical Action Step: Pick a day/time and location, then send a concrete invitation to 5–10 people: date, time, place, purpose, and a friendly RSVP ask. (If you need a starting point and a listing on the global map, register your group at matttommeymentoring.com/smallgroup.)
CREATE
Creativity thrives in community because iron sharpens iron. When artists gather, courage rises, ideas cross-pollinate, and excellence grows. The goal isn’t to perform; it’s to practice together in a safe environment where the Holy Spirit leads and craft matures.
Scripture: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works… encouraging one another.” — Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV)
Studio Action Step: Plan one collaborative element for your first meeting—e.g., a 20-minute warm-up sketch, a shared color study, or a timed creative prompt—followed by 10 minutes of life-giving, specific feedback (what’s working, what to try next).
CULTIVATE
Community is also how you grow impact and income with integrity. As you gather, you’re nurturing relationships with future collectors, collaborators, and champions of your work. Share stories, process, and progress. Be findable and follow-up-able—consistently and kindly.
Marketing Tip: Create a simple sign-in sheet (name, email, Instagram/website). After each meeting, send a short recap with 1–2 photos, a scripture, and next week’s details to keep momentum and deepen connection.
Outreach Action: This week, personally invite one artist friend to your gathering—or simply to a conversation about starting it. Ask how your group could serve the community.
TECH TIP FOR THRIVING
Platform: Zoom
Why it’s great for artists: Perfect for hybrid or fully online meetups, screen-sharing WIPs, and breakout prayer/critique rooms. Record sessions for absent members and build an archive of encouragement and progress.
Specific Tactic: Create a recurring Zoom link for the same day/time each week and enable Breakout Rooms (“Prayer & Check-In” and “Creative Critique”). Keep segments short (10–15 min) to sustain energy and give everyone a voice.
Direct Link: https://zoom.us/
LISTEN & WATCH
In this week’s podcast, I share how God often turns holy burden into holy assignment. From Jesus’ compassion to David’s courage to Nehemiah’s tears, the biblical pattern is clear: say yes, then watch grace flow. I also tell the story of how a simple basement prayer meeting and a small Saturday gathering became the spark for a global movement of artists—and how the same can begin in your living room, studio, or coffee shop.
Key Takeaway: You don’t need to be an expert; you just need to be willing. Say yes, set a time, invite a few creatives, and let God breathe on it.
WATCH
This week’s worship song couldn’t be more fitting. It’s an anthem of invitation, calling God’s Kingdom to come alive in our communities through everyday obedience and bold faith. The lyrics remind us that revival doesn’t start in grand arenas—it begins in hearts willing to say yes, in living rooms willing to open, and in small gatherings willing to pray, create, and believe together.
As you watch and worship along with Rend Collective, let the song stir fresh courage in you. Imagine your own creative group, studio, or home becoming a seedbed for Kingdom life in your city. May this week’s worship fuel your prayer: “Lord, use me. Build Your Kingdom here.”
FEATURED ARTIST: Wendy Michelle Davis
Art, Community, and Saying “Yes” to God’s Gentle Nudges
📍 Waco, Texas • 🌐 wendymichelledavis.com • IG: https://www.instagram.com/wendy_michelle_davis • 🎪 Austin Avenue Art Fair: austinavenueartfair.com
When you meet Wendy Michelle Davis, you quickly discover two things: she’s a gifted painter—and a fearless builder of community. A full-time artist for the past four years, Wendy creates and curates spaces where artists can breathe, belong, and become. From intimate art retreats at her restful Waco property to The Austin Avenue Art Fair (now in its third year) and her Backyard Boutique Art Fair, Wendy keeps saying small, obedient “yeses” and watching God multiply them.
“Everyone’s creative—because we’re made in God’s image. When we create, we share His attribute and find fellowship with Him.”
A journey marked by faith and faithfulness
Wendy’s path wasn’t a straight line. An English major and educator who lived in California and even overseas in Abu Dhabi, she always found a way to keep making art—ceramics, printmaking, painting, photography—until God opened the door for a full-time practice in Texas. During COVID, a local course through Creative Waco sparked momentum, shows followed, and her husband Rafael championed the leap into full-time art (bonus: he’s also the culinary genius behind those retreat meals guests can’t stop talking about).
On the road, the couple travels in a toy-hauler turned tiny home + mobile studio, exhibiting at juried shows across the country and then returning to Waco to host retreats, Saturday open studios, and community events.
Building a life that actually works
Wendy is frank about the real business of art: there are seasons, spreadsheets, and stamina involved. She’s diversified income (shows, retreats, events, short-term rentals) and recently hired a studio assistant to free up more time for painting and client relationships.
“I’m only one person. Focus on one or two things and do them well—then build from there. Get help when you can: an accountant, a part-time assistant, someone who loves your art.”
A key to her sustainability? Sabbath rhythms and rest.
“When I take time to rest and be with the Lord, it’s like I end up with more time. He’s our provider—He brings the fruit and the acceleration.”
Why community matters (and can save a life)
Artists often create in isolation. Wendy’s compassion for community runs deep, shaped in part by personal loss. With great tenderness, she encourages artists to find Jesus-centered community that counters the enemy’s lies with truth, prayer, and encouragement. Her retreats weave small-group shares, guest teaching, live painting, great food, and honest feedback—because breakthrough grows best in belonging.
Saying yes to open doors
Not every opportunity looked like a plan on paper. After a rejection from a big-name show, she noticed an available venue across the street. One email later, the Austin Avenue Art Fair was born.
“Often, if the Lord’s leading you, the door will swing wide open the moment you knock. I never planned to run art fairs—but God had grace on it, and we just said yes.”
A word of courage for fellow artists
- Embrace your identity: imposter syndrome is common, but your creativity is God-given.
- Take the next step: God rarely shows the whole map; follow the next nudge.
- Guard your rhythms: rest, worship, and quiet with the Lord fuel the work.
- Find your people: pursue communities that refresh faith and craft.
Wendy often returns to Psalm 34:2–5 as a banner over her creative life: seek the Lord, boast in Him, look to Him—and become radiant. That’s the invitation she extends to artists everywhere: create with God, link arms with others, and watch Him do more with your simple “yes” than you imagined.
Apply to Be a Featured Artist
Would you like to be considered for one of our artist features? We love sharing the work from our friends around the world who create unique, beautiful and inspired art, regardless of creative medium. And just a reminder, your work does NOT have to be overtly faith-based to be considered. Interested? Just complete this application: https://forms.gle/vmtyk6wg3hSuUAhi9
Resources for Christian Artists
If you’re ready to grow as an artist in your faith, art and even business, then check out these affordable resources for artists just like you.
Leave a Reply