and I trust him. As a result, there is not become a messenger of the Gospel . . . Pastor Brenda advises churches wish-
only the ability that is released, but also whether that is through singing, acting, ing to pursue “worship and the arts” to
the anointing of the Holy Spirit.” dancing, or being a part of the stage crew. begin with whatever they have, however
A published songwriter, Pastor Tom’s I believe there is a lot more in people big or small. “Build on it. Add to it. Learn
talent has not gone unrecognized, yet to than they see in themselves. Everyone is from others. Find those who are gifted
minister in the arts in a show town brim- special and important—and seeing them and release them, and learn from them.”
ming with professional talent, he knows realize this is incredibly moving!” Years of experience in worship min-
that his all-volunteer performers need an Pastor Tom notes that the show istry have given Pastors Tom and Brenda
“edge.” And they seem to have found it rewards the cast and crew with “an a unique perspective. For him, it is about
because the local press has often com- opportunity to reemphasize the signifi- “worship in the arts rather than worship
mented on the astounding professional- cance of acting ‘incarnationally’ toward and the arts. Worship in the arts is the
ism of the Smoky Mountain Christmas those around us (and not just for the occasion to evoke a visceral response to
Celebration. When asked what accounts Christmas season).” the presence of God—it is more than
for this, Pastor Tom answers, “God. [And] The Sterbens team’s earliest “worship cerebral consideration. I believe God
we pray . . . a lot. We practice . . . a lot. and the arts” projects were not always on a made us body, mind, soul, spirit . . .
We bring our best—He always makes us grand scale. Pastor Brenda explains, “I start- and we must provide opportunity to
look better than we are.” ed directing musicals at my father’s church encounter Him at every dimension of our
He notes that the congregation is fully before I was married. Later, Tom and I existence. Worship in the arts is one of
involved, observing that “everyone seems to moved to a tiny island in the Bahamas, those significant opportunities.”
share in the excitement.” The pastor is not, where we did what we could with a small Pastor Brenda emphasizes that she
however, above applying a little gentle theo- group of people in a tiny church building. uses the arts “to glorify God,” cautioning,
logical “encouragement” to his flock, adding, (We even went by ferry to take presenta- “To embrace a challenge of this sort takes
“They know they will not go to heaven if tions to another island!) Back in the States, an understanding of worship . . . or you
they are not passionately involved!” we committed to doing the best we will find yourself in show business. And I
Hard as it is for a relatively small con- could—no matter where we were—with am not in show business.”
gregation to stage this challenging pro- what we had, whether that was a very
duction, they are blessed with some grati- small storefront, a school, or a rented Tony DiCosta is the media director at
fying payoffs. Pastor Brenda enjoys church that was falling apart. I believe it is Covenant Community Ministries in Fort
“watching people who are awkward and the ‘Be faithful with little . . . or you will Myers, Florida, and a freelance writer, pho-
uncertain about ‘their part’ blossom and never see the increase’ principle.” tographer, and videographer.
EVANGEL • DEC 2008 11
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