The Story So Far…

Ever since I was a young boy I have had two passions; Art and faith in Jesus. The cord that tied these two together was a deep value for Beauty. In my experience a theology of Beauty is not an optional extra when it comes to living out faith but foundational in understanding the Scriptures, the Gospel and the world we live in. I cannot fathom a Christianity that does not have a theology of Beauty at its centre in practice and thought. This is not some aesthetic escapism from the harsh realities of our broken, divided and war torn world. In fact it is the opposite. It is a call to arms and a reason to embrace the darkest places of human suffering believing that even there beauty speaks and the Kingdom of Heaven grows.

The vision of Atelier began in 2017 after I'd finished studying art and theology in Los Angeles, California. I dreamt of a community of young adults spread across the globe who perhaps like me held the conviction that Beauty was integral to following Jesus and not an optional extra. I dreamt of a scattered community of young artists, makers, poets, dreamers and ultimately worshippers who saw no sacred or secular divide when it came to worship and creative expression. A community that would speak prophetically both within Church and Culture and who would be united in wholehearted devotion to rhythms of prayer, worship and making. I dreamt that the Church could become a studio space overflowing with worship that was full of mystery, beauty and wonder. That was the initial dream and although it is evolving and growing, it hasn't really changed since.

Atelier has found its main expression in our 10 day summer school at ‘Bethanie;’ an old converted cider farm set in 5 acres of countryside in Normandy, France. Equipped with a large guest house, a prayer room, and the “apple barn” - our days are spent embracing a rhythm of prayer and worship, table fellowship and various different creative workshops. As we continue to follow this journey we are sensing a wider net of expression and resourcing develop for the years ahead.

There are a beautiful bunch of other humans and friends whose voice and contribution is essential to what we do and what we're becoming.

If you want to find out more, support our work or journey with us, please feel free to get in touch.
Jon & Anna