On this episode of The UPside: ConversationsThat Light UP the World, the faith-forward talk show and audio podcast produced by Highlander Studios, award-winning host Marion MacKenzie sits down with Dr. Byron Spradlin to explore imagination, worship, and the calling of artists in God’s kingdom. Drawing from more than five decades of global ministry, Dr. Spradlin challenges the idea that creativity is optional or secondary in the life of faith, instead presenting it as central to discipleship, evangelism, and worship.
Dr. Spradlin, a pioneer, pastor, professor, and founder of Artists in Christian Testimony International, shares how his journey—from music tours across Asia to shaping global movements like Lausanne and Jews forJesus—revealed art as a powerful missional bridge. Through music, story, and beauty, artists help create environments where people can encounter truth in ways that logic alone often cannot.
A central theme of the conversation is the biblical idea that believers are God’s poema—His workmanship, or masterpiece. Drawing from Ephesians 2:10, Dr. Spradlin explains how God weaves together personality, natural talents, spiritual gifts, and sovereign history to form each life with intention and purpose. Imagination, he argues, is not a distraction from faith but an essential way humans grasp meaning and experienceGod’s presence.
This episode of The UPside offers insight not only for artists, but for anyone seeking to understand how faith, calling, and creativity intersect. Dr. Spradlin’s message is clear: when surrendered toChrist, imagination becomes a sacred gift—one God uses to bring beauty, healing, and truth into the world.
To view the interview, please visit:
YouTube:
Rumble
