Creative Chapel

On this episode of Creative Chapel, host Chris Mac sits down with Jordan Orme — YouTuber, video editor, and co-host of the Editing podcast, whose editing work includes Justin Bieber music videos and much more. Jordan shares how a magical first editing experiment turned into a full career, the fear-driven mindset that fueled his early success, and the moment mid-career when he heard God ask him a simple, redirecting question. They get into a chaotic (and unexpectedly miraculous) car-giveaway shoot with TikTok creator Jimmy Darts, the real toll creative work can take on a marriage, and Jordan's new project, Jordan Kale — a show built around people living out radically unfiltered faith.

On this episode of Creative Chapel, host Chris Mac sits down with Paul Garrett, a San Diego-based filmmaker, cinematographer, editor, and director. Paul shares his raw testimony of addiction and the art scene, a health crisis that reshaped his faith, and his unlikely path from barista to full-time filmmaker. They dig into servant leadership on set, praying with cast and crew of all beliefs, why Christian art needs more truth and less "sanitized" polish, and Paul's two upcoming documentaries — one on a cosplay-repair ministry at Comic-Con, and one exploring the Christian hardcore music scene.

LINKS:PRE-ORDER A SHIRT HERE:https://www.maccreativeco.com/storeCHECK OUT THE PRINTING OX:https://www.theprintingox.com/The Spencer Whiteout Podcast:Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0TSyyEp6IiA4PwbhtOJerC?si=1be59173abe84e14Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@spencerwhiteout/Space Waves:Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdXBjwJ9Z_g&t=3193sBuy // Support - https://linktr.ee/spacewavesfilmBeast Mode (The Making of Space Waves) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu3RO0nIHy8&t=522sInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/spencer_whiteout/___What happens when your faith, creativity, and ambition collide?In this episode of Creative Chapel, Chris sits down with filmmaker and podcaster Spencer Whiteout for a wide-ranging conversation about growing up Christian, discovering filmmaking through skateboarding, serving overseas, navigating forgiveness, and building an independent creative career.Spencer shares how a difficult friendship breakup during a ministry trip to China ultimately inspired his feature film Space Waves, a story about friendship, bitterness, forgiveness, and growing up. He also opens up about making a feature film with a small crew, limited resources, prayer, and a roughly $50,000 budget—and why he believes independent creators don't have to wait for Hollywood to give them permission to tell their stories.The conversation also explores the tension between being bold about your faith and being wise about what you share, navigating cancel culture, creating Christian art that reaches beyond the traditional Christian audience, and the importance of developing your craft without compromising your convictions.Spencer also reveals his vision for building a connected Whiteout Cinematic Universe, shares what is inspiring him creatively right now, and reflects on the lessons he's learned from five years of podcasting.

In this second solo episode of Creative Chapel, host Chris Mac tackles a question a lot of Christian creatives quietly wrestle with: is art only valuable if it evangelizes? Chris pushes back on the idea of art as a "Trojan horse for the gospel," walks through Ephesians 4:11's five-fold ministry (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers), and makes the case that reducing every creative work to an evangelistic tool actually limits its potential to minister — to believers and non-believers alike. He leans on Francis Schaeffer's Art in the Bible and Paul's "I planted, Apollos watered" framework from 1 Corinthians to reframe how creatives can think about purpose, calling, and audience.Shoutout to this episode's sponsor, The Printing Ox — preorder the new Creative Chapel shirt (Revelation 4:11 design) linked below.Timestamps:0:00 – Cold open: the core questions of this episode0:45 – Trying the solo format again1:26 – The common claim: art as an evangelism tool2:26 – Critiquing the "Trojan horse for the gospel" framing3:19 – Why forcing art into apologetics feels inauthentic6:27 – Reading Francis Schaeffer's quote from Art in the Bible7:14 – 1 Corinthians 3:6: Paul, Apollos, and God bringing the growth8:17 – The K-pop Demon Hunters example9:23 – Early-listener subscribe ask9:40 – Evangelism as a process: seeds, watering, growth11:02 – Jesus's parables as worldview storytelling12:24 – Ephesians 4:11: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers13:24 – Critiquing five-fold ministry "personality test" culture15:16 – What if an artist were called to be a prophet or pastor?16:04 – Can artwork itself be pastoral, apostolic, or prophetic?17:01 – Printing Ox sponsor shoutout18:15 – A quick summary of the gospel itself18:50 – Ministering to needs beyond a strict gospel message20:05 – Referencing Forrest Frank's Dawn Patrol20:54 – Art as therapy & the value of unseen work21:02 – Creating for an audience of one22:37 – Encouragement: your work matters, even if it's not evangelism24:37 – What's inspiring Chris: Keith & Chance the Rapper's new song25:18 – Shoutout to Josh Nadeau / Sword and Pencil26:34 – Creative Chapel Instagram DM shoutout27:01 – Outro & Communion Church shoutout#CreativeChapel #ChristianArt #FaithAndCreativity #ChristianFilmmaker #FiveFoldMinistry #ChristianCreatives #TheologyOfArt #ChristianPodcast

In this first-ever solo episode of Creative Chapel, host Chris Mac digs into two deceptively simple questions: how does the Bible define creativity, and what does Scripture say about the purpose of art? Along the way he unpacks the difference between the Hebrew words for "create" (bara) and "make" (asah), what that distinction means for how God values human craftsmanship, and how Jesus's miracles — from multiplying loaves and fish to turning bread and wine into communion — model both. He also explores Imago Dei, art as an act of pleasure and communication rather than utility, and closes with a challenge: your life itself is your greatest work of art.Shoutout to this episode's sponsor, The Printing Ox — preorder the new Creative Chapel shirt (featuring Revelation 4:11) linked below.https://www.maccreativeco.com/store/p/the-solace-vessel-56faa

On this episode of Creative Chapel, host Chris Mac sits down with Efren, owner of Shepherd's Coffee in San Diego, for one of the most raw and honest testimonies the show has featured. Efren opens up about growing up in poverty surrounded by addiction, encountering Christ as a teenager, and watching his mother miraculously healed after doctors gave her six months to live. He also shares the harder chapters — a failed first business, a spiral into addiction and suicidal thoughts, $60,000 in IRS debt, and the moment on a warehouse floor that changed everything.From there, the conversation shifts into the craft of coffee itself — origins, processing, roasting science — and what it looks like to run a faith-forward business in a industry that doesn't always welcome it.Shoutout to this episode's sponsor, The Printing Ox — preorder the new Creative Chapel shirt linked below.https://www.maccreativeco.com/store

On this episode of Creative Chapel, host Chris Mac sits down with Kutter Callaway — associate professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, host of the podcast Be Afraid, and author of the upcoming book on horror and theology. Kutter unpacks why so much "Christian art" ends up being bad art, why the horror genre might be one of the most theologically rich spaces in film right now, and why he — a lifelong horror-avoider — ended up building an entire podcast around walking into terrifying places.They cover the economics behind formulaic Christian movies, the concept of artists as "border stalkers," why you can't get to Easter without Good Friday, and how a new generation of YouTuber-filmmakers (Backrooms, Obsession, Iron Lung) is reshaping the industry from the outside in.Shoutout to this episode's sponsor, The Printing Ox — preorder the new Creative Chapel shirt linked below.

On this episode of Creative Chapel, host Chris Mac sits down with Chris Francis — an award-winning commercial director with two Super Bowl spots in the past two years and a career built directing campaigns for major national brands at Raindrop Agency. Chris opens up about growing up as a pastor's kid, his unconventional path from church media team to top-tier ad agency director, and what it actually looks like to stay rooted in faith while working in secular entertainment.They dig into what it means to be a "border stalker" as a Christian creative — staying present in spaces that need light instead of retreating from them — the burnout that can come from working in church media, and why God cares more about your participation than your perfection. Chris also shares what's currently inspiring his own creative work, from A24 films to a psychiatrist's take on dopamine and the theology of work.If you're a creative trying to figure out how faith and career actually fit together, this conversation is packed with hard-won insight.Check out Chris's resource for creatives, Church Film School — link below. Follow Chris at his commercial site, chrisfrancis.tv, and on Instagram @_francois.

PRE-ORDER A SHIRT HERE:https://www.maccreativeco.com/storeCHECK OUT THE PRINTING OX:https://www.theprintingox.com/LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:https://www.hardfaith.org/___________________________________Spencer Folmar never read the Bible until he was 21. Now he's a film director, seminary graduate, and the creator of the Hard Faith Film Festival — making movies about God that are too raw for Christian circles and too Christian for Hollywood.In this episode, Spencer shares his wild conversion story (he went to Bible school in New Zealand mostly to disprove it), how he built a filmmaking career around hard faith films, what happened on the set of Generational Sins that left his non-believing cast asking if God was real, and why he's making a three-film trilogy on suicide prevention called The Days Are Evil.We also get into Saint Nick of Bethlehem hitting #1 on Angel Studios, collaborating with Daniel Roebuck, and why Spencer believes the method of making a film is just as much ministry as the finished product.🌐 hardfaithfest.com | hardfaith.org

Can you pursue acting, filmmaking, and Hollywood without compromising your faith?In this episode of Creative Chapel Podcast, Chris Mac sits down with Christian actress and entrepreneur Venus Monique to talk about navigating the entertainment industry while staying rooted in Christ.From working on faith-based productions—including projects connected to Angel Studios—to building a thriving acting career and mentoring other Christian performers, this conversation is full of practical wisdom for actors, filmmakers, musicians, writers, producers, and creatives who want to honor God through their craft.Whether you're dreaming of acting professionally, creating films, writing stories, producing music, or building a creative business, this episode offers biblical encouragement alongside real-world career advice.In this episode, you'll learn:How to become a successful actorWhat it's really like working on Christian film productionsFaith and Hollywood: myth vs. realityWhy Christian creatives need communityActing tips for beginnersThe business side of actingHow to find your calling as a creativeBuilding a creative career without compromising your faithEntrepreneurship for Christian artistsFollowing God's purpose in entertainmentIf you're a Christian musician, actor, filmmaker, content creator, entrepreneur, or artist between 18–40, this conversation will encourage you to pursue excellence while keeping Christ at the center of everything you create.Subscribe to Creative Chapel for weekly conversations helping Christian creatives build excellent careers without compromising their faith.Chapters00:00 – Welcome to Creative Chapel01:30 – Meet today's guest04:00 – Breaking into acting and filmmaking09:30 – Faith in Hollywood: What people get wrong15:30 – Can Christians work in secular entertainment?22:00 – Why acting is more than pretending30:00 – Finding your calling as a creative37:00 – Entrepreneurship for Christian artists46:00 – Building community for Christian actors50:00 – The business side of acting56:00 – Practical advice for aspiring actors1:01:00 – Final encouragement for Christian creatives

Can Christians create great art without making "Christian content?" Can your creativity glorify God even if your work never mentions His name?In this episode of Creative Chapel Podcast, filmmaker Nathan Presley joins Chris Mack for a deep conversation about faith, filmmaking, creativity, and what it means to pursue artistic excellence while following Jesus.Nathan shares his journey from feeling called to filmmaking at a young age, battling fear and creative paralysis, producing award-winning films, and learning that the best Christian art doesn't begin with trying to preach—it begins with abiding in Christ.Whether you're a Christian musician, filmmaker, producer, songwriter, visual artist, writer, content creator, or entrepreneur, this conversation will challenge the way you think about creativity, calling, and excellence.Together they discuss:How to overcome creative fear and perfectionismWhy Christian creatives often struggle with identityThe difference between creating for God vs. creating with GodShould every Christian artist make explicitly Christian art?How faith naturally shapes great storytellingLies Christian creatives often believeBreaking free from legalism and unhealthy church cultureCreativity, conviction, and following the Holy SpiritMaking meaningful films that reach mainstream audiencesBuilding a creative career while keeping Christ at the centerIf you've ever wondered how to balance faith, ambition, artistic excellence, and business, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and biblical encouragement.Subscribe for weekly conversations helping Christian creatives build excellent careers without compromising their faith.Chapters00:00 – Welcome & Meet Nathan Presley02:30 – Nathan's testimony and calling to filmmaking09:30 – Surrendering dreams and trusting God13:30 – Creating with God instead of for God18:00 – Bringing God into the creative process22:00 – Faith, storytelling, and meaningful films32:00 – Why great Christian art starts with abiding in Christ36:00 – Convictions, creativity, and the Holy Spirit44:00 – Church culture, legalism, and personal convictions49:00 – Overcoming fear, perfectionism & creative paralysis50:30 – Things Christian creatives need to outgrow56:00 – Christian art vs. "Christian" art1:02:00 – Nathan's upcoming projects & resources1:03:30 – Final encouragement for Christian creatives

How do you know if God is calling you into music? How do you build a career without compromising your faith?In the very first episode of Creative Chapel Podcast, Chris Mac sits down with producer, artist, engineer, and songwriter Miguel Avila to unpack his journey from making beats in his bedroom to producing music for TV & Film, working alongside artists connected to Reach Records, and discovering what it really means to operate in God's calling.This conversation is packed with practical advice for Christian musicians, producers, rappers, worship leaders, songwriters, and creatives who want to honor God while building a sustainable creative career.Miguel shares hilarious tour stories, lessons from failure, his testimony of faith, how God led him through depression and uncertainty, why serving in the local church matters, and how obedience opened doors into the music industry—including placements with major brands and networks.If you're a Christian creative between 18–40 trying to balance faith, purpose, music, and career, this episode is for you.In this episode you'll learn:How to discover your God-given callingWhy serving comes before successLessons from building a Christian hip-hop careerMusic production advice for independent artistsHow TV & Film sync placements workWhat it takes to work with major Christian artistsWhy humility opens more doors than self-promotionFinding purpose beyond performanceGrowing as a Christian musician in today's industryWhether you're making beats, writing songs, leading worship, producing music, filming videos, or simply trying to follow God's direction in your creative life, you'll leave encouraged and challenged.Subscribe for weekly conversations helping Christian creatives build excellent careers without compromising their faith.Chapters00:00 – Welcome to the Creative Chapel Podcast00:40 – Meet Miguel Avila01:30 – From church beats to TV & Film production02:35 – Embarrassing beginner music stories04:10 – How Flight School started06:00 – Funny tour stories & life on the road10:30 – Miguel's faith testimony16:15 – Discovering God's calling through music20:15 – From performer to teacher23:00 – Should every Christian creative work in church ministry?29:00 – Learning through serving in the local church31:00 – TV & Film placements and career growth34:30 – Operating in the gifts God gave you38:00 – Humility, opportunities & industry relationships41:00 – Depression, obedience & moving to Atlanta52:30 – Working with Reach Records artists58:00 – Breaking into the Christian music industry (continues)

Learn about the heart behind Creative Chapel. A podcast exploring the vast landscape of Christian artistry.We want to be the place for finding Christian artists to be inspired by. Platforming new talent and voices that are pursuing God with their giftings and advancing the Kingdom. Tune in weekly to discover your next favorite Christian creative, maybe one day you'll be here yourself!