Ministry through the Arts: A Pathway to Connection & Curiosity
June 22, 2026
His eyes moved slowly across the paintings before him. Drawn in by the vibrant contrasts of colour, the intertwining brushstrokes, and images emerging from abstract shapes, he stepped closer to the canvases. A quiet sense of connection to an unknown creator stirred within him as he lingered. There was something peaceful about the blues washing over sharp streaks of red. A sense of strength is found in the image of a tree growing fruitfully from a broken and fragmented earth. He found that emotions and questions that are often difficult to put into words were brought to the surface of his heart through this visual experience. Seeing the gallery made him wonder, “What would it look like to find greater peace in my anxieties?”
This narrative illustrates the experience that many people had at an outreach-focused art exhibition hosted by Joanna and Tom Appel, ministry workers in Normandy, France.
Joanna and Tom were brought to France with a heart to share the love of Jesus through “neighbouring” and arts-focused outreach. They have dreamed and prayed about having a space to showcase thought-provoking art, build community, and foster opportunities for deeper conversations. In February, after a year and a half of preparation, this prayer was answered, and they hosted their first event. They invited their community to bring friends who weren’t yet believers, then gathered for a week of enjoying artwork together, singing, drinking coffee, and sharing thoughtful conversations. Over 179 people came through the gallery over the course of the week. Many described the gallery as peaceful, warm, and set apart, which led to opportunities for the Appels to pray with people and invite them to church.
The theme of this exhibition was Transformation. Recognising the way every heart longs for a remedy to pain, an answer to life’s questions, and growth in areas we feel weak, Joanna gathered three local artists to explore this theme. Through their paintings, the artists expressed the transformation they have personally experienced through Jesus Christ. The art spoke to this transformation as an exchange where dead things are made alive, dark is triumphed by light, and anxiety is traded for peace. Joanna’s series of paintings was titled the “Divine Exchange” and illustrated many of those contrasts found in Isaiah 61. One visitor shared this takeaway with the Appels after spending some time in the gallery:
“I’ve lived in this neighborhood for three years. I’ve walked by this gallery countless times but today is the first time I’ve come in. I found the paintings and the text about transformation, particularly the “Divine Exchange” deeply moving. I’m in a process of getting to know God and this expo has touched me and stirred up my thoughts about God. Thank you.”
Even if someone’s personality or tendencies are logic-based or cold, the arts and creativity have a way of cutting through ideologies, theologies, and philosophies. The arts provide an opportunity for believers to stand shoulder to shoulder with people, taking in something thought-provoking together. Beautiful things build connection and spark curiosity. Even when some people would never step inside a church, they may stop to engage with a creative display or accept an invitation into a home. As a result, homes become cathedrals, cafés and community spaces become places of connection, and art galleries become settings where worship and spiritual conversations naturally unfold.
To learn more about the Appels in France, visit appelstofrance.com or Joanna’s art website joannaappel.com.
About the author: Chloe LaMew participated in the Ten2 Project in 2022 and has served short-term with church planting initiatives in Romania.