The Holy Spirit and the Arts

How does the Holy Spirit relate to the artistic process and the life of artists? Ruth Chia, Jeremy Hunt, Ron McClelland, and Wes Vander Lugt bring rich experiences and expertise to this dialogue, including spiritual direction, pastoral ministry, theological reflection, and proficiency in music, theatre, film, visual art, dance, and creative writing.

Join us either in person or online for a panel discussion, artistic examples, and ample time for open discussion. The event is free, but registration is required, and a link will be sent to online participants prior to the event.

For those joining us at the Charlotte campus, feel free to come early and enjoy the exhibit of visual artist William Schickel, whose painting “Pentecost” is featured in the event poster.

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Ruth Chia (MDiv) is an artist, a musician, and a Spiritual Director certified by Peacock Soul Care. As a creative, she expresses her intimacy with God through the violin, piano, and voice. She makes music, dances, and paints as a way of prayer and communing with the Lord. In her spiritual journey, the Holy Spirit has used the arts to bring healing, joy, and freedom. Ruth is passionate about prayer, spiritual formation, healing from trauma, the arts, and justice. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in The Arts, Ministry, and Mission at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Jeremy Hunt (PhD) is an affiliate assistant professor of theology and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary and social media manager at Davidson College. He is the author of From Chaos to Ambiguity: A Theology of Noise Rock, and his music and video art explores spaces where noise and music, visuals and static collide in contradiction and synchronicity. He runs Philip K. Discs, a DIY record label dedicated to experimental genres, and has multiple collaborative music projects with musicians around the globe.

Ron McClelland (BFA, MA, CSD) is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University Drama and is the recipient of their New York Alumni Award for Acting, an honor he shares with Academy Award winning actress and fellow alum Holly Hunter. Ron is also a graduate of The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, where he earned his Masters in Christian Studies (Theology and Culture) and a Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Direction. He currently serves as Visiting Assistant Professor of Acting at UNC Charlotte and is an instructor and mentor at The Wisdom Tree Collective School of Spiritual Direction in Tennessee. Ron is dedicated to cultivating the spiritual life, creative works of artists, and creative people from all walks of life.

Wes Vander Lugt (PhD) teaches theology and directs the Leighton Ford Initiative in Theology, the Arts, and Gospel Witness at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He is also the co-founder and co-director of Kinship Plot, an intentional community that cultivates resonant relationships of every kind through collaborative learning, formative artistry, slow cultivation, contemplative action, and liberatory welcome. Wes is the author of several books, including Living Theodrama: Reimagining Theological Ethics (2014) and Beauty Is Oxygen: Finding a Faith that Breathes (2024) and editor of Theatrical Theology: Explorations in Performing the Faith (2014) and A Prophet in the Darkness: Exploring Theology in the Art of Georges Rouault (2024).

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This event is sponsored by the Leighton Ford Initiative in Theology, the Arts, and Gospel Witness at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Host or Publisher Center for Theology, the Arts, and Gospel Witness