Creative Christians cover art

Creative Christians

Creative Christians

Written by: Tim Ristow
Listen for free

Listen to inspirational stories of Christians who are using their God-given talents and gifts in creative endeavors, such as filmmaking, writing & music – not just to make a living or fulfill a passion – but to glorify God as well. Host Tim Ristow – a Christian, filmmaker, writer and creative - interviews a different guest each episode from his circle of fellow Christian creatives. How do creatives approach their craft? What kinds of things are they creating? What are the processes they use to create them? How do they strive to be and stay creative? How does their faith influence and inform their creativity?

© 2026 Creative Christians
Art Christianity Ministry & Evangelism Music Spirituality
Episodes
  • Faithful Rock Journalism with Doug Van Pelt
    Mar 23 2026

    Send Tim a Text Message.

    Truth is easy to preach until a real story requires putting faith into action. That’s where our conversation with Doug Van Pelt gets honest fast and why it’s one of the most important Creative Christians interviews we’ve done.

    We sit down with Doug, the founder and longtime editor behind Heaven’s Metal Magazine, later known as HM, to unpack how a six-page, cut-and-paste fanzine became a defining voice for Christian metal, hard rock, and “hard music” culture. Doug walks us through his first exposure to Christian rock, a long prodigal season, and the moment he came back to Jesus and started consuming Christian music with fresh purpose. From writing for a major college newspaper to landing early band interviews, he shows how faith and craft can grow together when you keep shipping the work.

    Then we go deeper into Christian journalism ethics. Doug shares the cover story that forced him to ask what “pursuing truth” means for a believer, and why dignity, restoration, and biblical wisdom shape how he reports, edits, and reviews. We also talk about the HM rebrand during the grunge era, building a global community before the internet, interviewing mainstream rock stars about God, and why the print magazine finally ended amid Napster-era industry collapse and the 2008 advertising crash.

    We close with what’s next: anniversary print issues, new creative projects, and the Scripture that keeps Doug grounded. If you care about Christian creativity, music journalism, faith-based media, and building something that lasts, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves rock and faith, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.

    Heaven's Metal Magazine

    Email Tim: tim@timristow.com


    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 34 mins
  • The Spiritual Tapestry of Kemper Crabb & Frank Hart's Music
    Feb 21 2024

    Send Tim a Text Message.

    Embark on a journey with Christian rock pioneers Kemper Crabb (ArkAngel) and Frank Hart (Atomic Opera) through the landscapes of faith and sound that define Contemporary Christian Music. Host Tim Ristow guides the conversation with these two legends to uncover the genesis of this genre with Kemper during the Jesus Music era to Frank building on that legacy during the '90's, while also peering into the personal faith paths that carved their storied careers. From the vibrant energy of creating some of their best albums to the intimate reflections on how faith has interwoven with their artistry, these artists offer a compelling narrative of conviction and creativity that has left an indelible mark on the world of music.

    Witness the alchemy of medieval melodies and the poetic depth of songwriting as Kemper delves into the creation of ArkAngel's "Warrior," an album that embodies the resonance of historical influences within modern Christian rock. Frank, on the other hand, brings us into his artistic metamorphosis, detailing the path that fueled his transformation into a songwriter with a mission and that lead to the formation of his band, Atomic Opera, and their four hard rocking albums: For Madmen Only (1994), Penguin Dust (1997), Alpha & Oranges (1999) and Gospel Cola (2000).

    As we weave through their anecdotes and experiences, we uncover the essence of a friendship fortified by music and ministry, a bond that has catalyzed their collaborative spirit and artistic evolution.

    Join host Tim Ristow and guests Kemper Crabb and Frank Hart in an episode that beckons a deeper appreciation for the interplay between creative expression and unwavering faith.

    Kemper Crabb (ArkAngel)
    kempercrabb.net

    Frank Hart (Atomic Opera)
    frankhart.com

    NewChurch
    newchurch.love

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 36 mins
  • Behind the Notes with Angie Goeke
    Jan 29 2024

    Send Tim a Text Message.

    Navigating the intersection of spirituality and artistry can often be challenging, but Americana and Folk musician Angie Goeke does it with grace. Her story, which she shares with an open heart in our latest episode, is a tapestry of early choir experiences, the nurturing of her talent, and the strength to pursue her passion as a Christian creative in the secular music industry. Angie shares her insights into creating music that combines cathartic lyrics, heartfelt storytelling and passionate instrumentation embodied by Americana, Folk and Bluegrass-infused tunes.

    Angie also pulls back the curtain on the world of music production, giving us a peek into the relationships and partnerships that have shaped her journey. From the logistics of crafting an EP to the collaborative magic of studio recordings and the authenticity of live performances, Angie's behind-the-scenes stories underscore the importance of community and adaptability in the creative process. Her reflections on how her faith influences her work extend an invitation to listeners to consider the harmony possible between one's spiritual life and artistic pursuits.

    Angie doesn't shy away from discussing the financial and promotional challenges faced by independent artists like herself. Her experience with crowdfunding reveals the communal effort required to bring creative visions to life, while her thoughts on mentorship emphasize the value of guidance and support. Angie's advice to fellow Christian creatives is a heartfelt reminder to view their gifts as acts of worship, encouraging listeners to embrace their creative spark as both a devotion and an intrinsic facet of their identity.

    Episode concludes with Angie Goeke giving a touching acoustic performance of her song "Farewell".

    angiegoeke.com

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 19 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_c
No reviews yet