Every culture throughout history has engaged in artistic expression – indeed, it is one of the universals about mankind. Unfortunately, these expressions have often been marked by our depravity. On the other hand, also throughout history, God’s people have created magnificent expressions of praise and worship to the Lord in art forms of many various kinds, and thereby have reflected God’s creative character. You can probably think of many examples yourself!


At Grace Church, we encourage expressions of creative talent as offerings of praise and worship. We purposefully express our musical talents for God’s glory – in worship music, of course, but also in special music, solos and chorals, in the Christmas and Easter musicals, which also often include the theatrical arts, costumes, and film. By extension, and following this example, we seek include to provide a space for the visual arts, for the literary arts, and for other art forms in time.

The Church has expressed its heart artistically throughout history. In our time, the need to do so is still great! Why great? Because of this: the  worldly culture, through its media, has claimed the arts for its own purposes. The Church could and should reclaim this prerogative, and do so as God’s justified and sanctified people, as a way of representing the values of the Kingdom. As citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, we ought to lead by example in response to God’s redemption of us for His set-apart purposes – His glory and our joy. Churches across our country, and across the globe, are engaging with the culture in this way as well. We join with them in expressing our hearts to the Lord through the arts.

The Arts Committee has discussed ways we could reach Napa Valley through the arts. We seek to create a space for God’s people to express their God-given creative talents. By bringing out into the open the ways God’s people are expressing their gifts and talents, we can impact our church, and the surrounding community, with the Gospel as expressed in these art forms. We can create opportunities to meet people and discuss the art, and share the Gospel in the context of newly established relationships.

When we display something created by someone in our own community, there is a higher level of interest and conversations ensue. The discussion about art can be very important – art frequently opens the door for a  deeper dialogue about subjects related to the meaning of life and man’s purpose in relationship to God. We hope to spark interest in some who have never thought about these matters ever before. And these types of conversations have already begun!

We seek to fulfill a particular vision: to exalt Christ by expressing our worship of Him in artistic ways, to lovingly display His creative character, and to declare the truth of His Word visually, artistically, that the world may know Him, and all to the praise and glory of God the Father.