Art, Faith, and Adventist Mission: An Interview with Jonathan Walter
Best Practices for Adventist Worship (BP): You recently attended the Illuminate Arts and Faith Conference—could you share a brief summary of your experience there and what stood out to you most?
Jonathan Walter (JW): Illuminate was an enjoyable and, to some degree, eye-opening experience. Connecting with Adventist and other Christian artists from various fields was enriching. The seminars and workshops were insightful and practical, which I really appreciated. What stood out the most was the openness to have conversations on how the arts and Christianity do, could, and should intersect. I also got to be part of a hymn-songwriting experience that included the performance and teaching of the song to the attendees. It was a beautiful and meaningful moment!
BP: In your view, what role do the arts play in nurturing a life of faith and enriching worship within the Adventist community?
JW: I believe the arts should be at the forefront of our mission. Truth and beauty, when combined in harmonious Spirit-filled expressions, are powerful, enriching, and convicting! The arts should serve to make Jesus seen and known to the public in various ways. This can be done in didactic/mimetic as well as symbolic/evocative ways. In our daily walks as disciples and within the context of collective worship, I think that, as Adventists, we can improve significantly when it comes to utilizing the act of creativity. I am aware of the fears some may hold or the dangers they may foresee regarding the integration of artistic expressions into our services and life of faith. I am not suggesting that we turn every church into a museum. Nevertheless, I believe we sometimes limit ourselves when we could contribute so much more to enrich the worship experience. When done according to biblical principles, the act of creating art, individually or collectively, can be a worship experience in itself, as it reflects the work of the Creator. Engaging with and creating art in Spirit and truth, I believe, speaks to and activates the entire mind and heart, not just the logical and analytical parts, which we often seem to value above all.
BP: The Adventist Review has launched a new initiative to spotlight Adventist artists, which you’re heading up—what excites you about this effort, and what potential do you see in celebrating the creative gifts within our faith tradition? And for those interested, where can artists learn more or get involved?
JW: Our 24 million members around the world are amazing, beautiful individuals who, whether they realize it or not, possess creative potential within them. Imagine if we all tapped into that, utilizing the gifts we have been given, with a surrendered heart and a love for Jesus, Who is the Truth, Life, Light, and Way. Art can express the beauty, mystery, truth, and love of God in unique ways that resonate with searching, broken people and draw their hearts closer to Him. To witness more of this becoming a reality, we need our members to see the ways some Adventist artists are doing just that and, in turn, hopefully be inspired to get creative as well! Currently, we are highlighting Adventist artwork from around the world aligned with the themes of our monthly issues. So far, we have covered Christmas (December 2024), Human Love (February 2025), and The Passion of Jesus (April 2025), and we will focus on mothers (May 2025) and fathers (June 2025) next. The format may change, focus and content may vary, but we welcome submissions of all types of Adventist original art! They can be sent to art@adventistreview.org. To learn more, one can also visit adventistreview.org/art.
Pr. Jonathan Walter is an assistant editor of the Adventist Review and Adventist World magazines.
