There’s really no way I’ll be able to adequately explain how impactful this podcast has been for me in a review, but I’d like to at least try to sincerely thank you for the series. I grew up knowing I was made for creative purpose, but was told over and over that art isn’t a wise pursuit, we don’t need artists in the places God was taking me, and that I was “fooling around” and selfishly “wasting time” by spending countless hours immersed in it. While I outwardly rejected those notions, there was a dark seed planted in my subconscious about what I was trying to do and be. Even though I went on to earn a degree in Studio Art, God still very pointedly took me into a career where my passion, while proven a desired skill in some circumstances, is not seen as a priority, or even important, in the grand scheme of things. This is part of the reason I’ve struggled with mental health over the past decade and lost my sense of self-worth. Having the time and energy to do what makes me feel alive taken away as a byproduct of this career made things much worse. In the battle to reclaim my mind, I began learning what neuroplasticity is and how to properly align my identity with Christ by renewal of the mind. The idea that I am enough the way I was made seemed so simple, yet so novel to me. This year, as I worked on that, I began praying for the strength to get up in the morning. I am not a morning person, but depression exacerbates that struggle 10-fold. Specifically, I prayed, “Father…give me SOMETHING I can look forward to in the morning that involves You and art. But make it simple…You know how I am.” Then, in March 2023, The Thriving Christian Artist Podcast episode 411, talking about finding identity by co-creating with God, slipped into my YouTube feed. My soul leapt at the mere title, and after watching, I couldn’t get enough. Then, I realized there are apps out there that allow me to load podcasts in as a morning alarm. So, guess what I’ve been waking up to almost every, single day for the past 5 months… :] I’m not waking up in utter defeat anymore, Matt. There’s a light breaking through. And there is still so much work to do in my heart and mind; however, once I realized I’m not only allowed to be an artist, but am encouraged to thrive as one by God’s own design…the game was changed for me. God says it’s not time to leave my current career…yet, but my desire to do what He made me to do has strengthened. The Lord recently put me in a place where I could finally buckle down and start the art business I’ve dreamed of for near 20 years, and I am hoping to join your mentoring program very soon. Thank you so much for heeding God’s call and renewing this kind of hope for so many~

I found this show from Matt’s website last week. I wish that I would have known about this podcast years ago when I started painting at church and struggling to define if it’s a hobby or vocation for me and what a good kingdom mindset is for a Christian artist. I’m going back and getting the gold from the beginning. This has been extremely helper for me as he breaks down all parts of arts (business, etc) and Christian principles. You definitely feel the compassion for his listeners and the joy he has in sharing “trade secrets”.

Matt does a great job of addressing both practical and emotional challenges faced by artists in their art business journey. That he does so from a Christian perspective, with deep understanding of the God-artist relationship as it’s designed to be, makes his insights all the more relevant.

I am always blessed and encouraged when I listen to this podcast. Matt and his guests remind me that God has much he wants to do in and through me when I create with Him.

Matt has so many great guests on the. Each one is something different to say. everyone of his guest has their own nuggets we can learn from. I enjoyed listening to a recent podcast with Allen Arnold. He had some great thoughts about inviting God to be with you as you create and to create out of union with God. I like that idea. And even when he doesn’t have a guest and just does his Five Minute Mentor pieces, they’re always great to learn from. Thank you for the podcast, Matt! Pat

I have been blessed by this ministry in what I have gained from listening to this podcast. I now understand my identity in Christ and my unique design as an artist for the kingdom. listening to the podcast and doing some mini courses they have offered, has blessed me abundantly. As a result I have seen remarkable remarkable change to my calling and professional career, I am experiencing a thriving I have not before in my more than 20 years as a professional artist. Thank you Matt Tomey and Thriving Christian artist Ministry!

Matt, I have been listening to your Podcasts almost every day and there have been some powerful episodes, but #27 brought that lump in my throat and tears to my eyes. Especially when you spoke of building so much of your life on lies and accepting an identity that was never yours to accept. OUCH! Talk about a mirror being held up to my face. I’ve done the same thing for a majority of my life as well. My downfall was alcohol. Praise God, I’ve been sober 3 years next month, but the lie that I was living has been harder to release myself from. However, the light is at the end of that tunnel and growing brighter. I prayed the prayer at the end of that episode and I know the Lord will bring about that shift. Thank you Matt, for your honesty and encouragement!!

Matt’s podcast not only has practical info for artists to grow and thrive but he gives spiritual encouragement & truth from God’s word. Best comboever!

That’s all the most recent five minute episode offers at least. The entire extent of the content offered in the podcast was a mere teaser sentence or two, reportedly to be explained only if you pay to play for his pricey profit. Everything else shared was clever advertising fishing for customers for this guy whose Jesus doesn’t resemble our Lord Jesus Christ. May He Bless his heart with purification so that he may give unconditionally in His Holy Name. 🙏🏼🙌🏼

Rarely have I gotten such good spiritual advice. The podcast has helped me in the journey of renewing my mind, and reaching all God has for me. I never knew what prophetic art was, and how to be an entrepreneur + an artist. Encouraging, challenging, and practical.

These podcasts are a daily source of encouragement for me. I felt alone in the art world and now I know I’m not! Thank you for all you do to build this beautiful community of Christian artists. I can’t wait to see where God takes me on this creative journey!

I’m so glad there’s a podcast like this that doesn’t divide between God’s desire to lead our hearts and our desire to thrive as creative artists. This is such a blessing to all artists who are led by the Lord to maximize their Kingdom impact!

I absolutely agree that art is a gift from the Lord, but it is not about our own pleasure, it is about His. It’s not about success, it’s about love.

I just found this podcast and I just want to say thank you for hosting it and the guests. I so needed this. Thank you from my studio in Maryland. Matt

Hello Matt from Tucson Arizona! My name is Debbie Gallerani, I have been an artist all my life, and yes, the struggles as well as the joys are real! I’m not sure how I discovered your mentoring program, but it landed in my lap at the right time. I participated in an online challenge that was the beginning of some big changes for me as an artist. Several months later, I found your Podcast and I was hooked!!! I admit I was a bit intimidated by some of the spectacular creatives you have interviewed, but after listening to their journeys, I felt a Christlike kinship with them. It was not just what they did, but about their heart and soul as they were doing it. Matt, your personal testimony is parallel to mine in many ways. Knowing you can overcome tragic situations has been so healing for me. I now listen to your podcasts while I draw, paint and sculpt. I even have it Bluetooth through Spotify into my car while I drive! The Holy Spirit cools my soul and lifts my artist spirit through your words. I look forward to listening to these incredible life changing episodes everyday. I can say, I have opened my heart for partnership and favor with the Lord. He has definitely provided! Thank you, thank you, thank you Matt for all that you do! I am praying to attend one of your events or be in your next mentoring program! God bless you

I’ve been listening for a few months, trying to listen from the beginning. It’s been encouraging to listen to, as I’m a Christian artist trying to figure out the art world as I work on continuing to develop my style, and grow my audience. It’s been so helpful to realize through the podcast that I’m not the only Christian artist with certain struggles regarding my art and my walk with Christ. And it’s encouraging to hear how the artists have overcome obstacles.

I just found the podcast app and I know it will make it much easier for me to find everything that I need

I wish I had known about Matt Tommey’s podcasts along time ago! This podcast on hashtags and marketing through Instagram is so important and valuable! I’ve been using hashtags for a long time but Matt’s advice shows you how to really hone in and focus on marketing your art in the most successful way. I am going to start to evaluate what I’ve been doing and follow all of his advice! Thanks Matt!

He is the God of all knowledge. Your faith grows when you are in relationship with someone who truely has the favor of God. So chose your friendships well and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Last month a friend “randomly” sent me the neuroscience episode, and after a handful of other episodes this is now my new fave podcast! Hearing every guest’s story is like unearthing a gem out of a treasure chest. It gives me much hope for the church. Matt , you’re a brother who loves to encourage his siblings. Thank you! Your God-given wisdom and hospitable spirit keeps me coming back from more. Sincerely, A “lost” artist

I like the brevity of these and hearing from guests. Episode 211 with Shae Bynes was my favorite so far! It was about setting kingdom goals.

Hey! I found this podcast last week, literally the week I made the leap from my full-time corporate job into being a full-time artist! I’m in that beginning phase that’s super vulnerable where I go from thinking I’m insane to feeling empowered. It’s been these podcast episodes that have helped me stay sane and confident that I’m living into my God-given purpose. Thanks for your faithfulness, Matt!

I really like visualization combined working with the Holy Spirit for imaging new creations using the talents the Lord had given me followed by writing them in my journal.

Hi Matt I can so relate what you shared in your last episode on 5 minute mentoring. I loved your response! I especially loved how you shared that Jesus ministered to the multitudes, and yet his message did touch that “one” individual! This is so powerful! I just got chills when I typed this! I was awaken today around 3 am. I looked at my time and saw your notification popped up the episode contained the numbers 2:22! I thought I should listen! Wow! Bless you Brother. Carol S.

Discovering the moment when you REALIZE, when you know this is the REAL YOU. Doing that thing — or those things PLURAL even — that make you come alive. Like you’re on a vibration with God, a string playing (you string players out there know this) ‘the wolf’ note on your violin, viola or cello. REALLY alive. And you KNOW finally or fully or both what you were MADE for, what you were made to do…above and beyond everything else that you do in your life for survival, work, family. The REAL you. It’ SO cool to have those moments, SO sweet to have that encounter. This episode with Matt and his guest Denise Mitchell is all about finding THAT pair of scissors…and RUNNING with them.

I’ve listened to and tried other business models, but everything else left me feeling stuck. Once I found the thriving Christian artists, it was revealed to myself that I was trying to do this on my own. Matt talks about transforming your mind, and creating with God not for God. Both are essential to move forward in your creative business. Thank you Matt, for being the Father to artists/business coach I needed to get unstuck, and start taking strides forward in my photography business.

I started listening to Matt’s podcasts after taking the Artists Rise Up Masterclass and began with #1! I joined the mentoring program and have been supplementing my studies in the mentoring program with these podcasts every day as I take my walk. (I lost 35# after my battle with breast cancer in 2020) I’m currently on episode 84. My whole way of connecting with The Father has exploded! Thank you, Matt for being The Father’s mouthpiece in my life. 🥰

I’ve just started listening to Matt’s podcasts, 5 Minute Mentoring. When Fear Overwhelms was just what I needed to hear. Thanks Matt for helping me move forward with God’s help.

Thank you for mentoring me through this podcast, Matt! You’ve been a steady and constant voice in my life through a year of uncertainty. Your work raising up an army of artists for the Lord and then standing with us, giving us practical advice for the journey, has been so life-giving for me. You’ve helped this girl in so many ways and discipled me through some tough stuff. Thank you, Matt!!! When you end each podcast with, “Well, I love you very much” I actually do feel your love for us coming through! Forever grateful for your faithfulness.

I have loved listening to these podcasts—it just fills me with such encouragement to pursue the gifts God has given me, and very specifically HOW to do that. He covers so many topics that relate to creativity, art, and being a child of God. Breaking down barriers, and disrupting unhealthy patterns in our lives. I love how the root of what he talks about is based in our identity in Christ, but also gives such practical and experienced advice. Thank you!

Matt Tommey shares his anointed messages with Those of us called to be Creatives in the Kingdom of God. He’s brought God’s Word to life for those of us who wonder how can Art be used to glorify God and help build the Kingdom by walking in our Purpose. I’m so grateful for all the wisdom he shares and I hope someday to attend his conference in Asheville, NC Thank you Matt for teaching us that We are instrumental and our talents and passion for Art was part of God’s Divine Plans for our Life! Blessings to you!

Matt is so empowering, he has been sowing into artists and fathering them and raising them up to be able to thrive. He touches the deeper issues of the soul and works from the inside out to cause us to thrive. He has fabulous masterclasses that actually help and are not just a gimmick to drive people into the mentoring program. Thanks Matt!

Matt has a genuine heart for helping people. I really appreciate his wisdom!

I do enjoy how this podcast intertwines his faith and his art and wants to share to the community of different aspects of that.

I ran across Matt on FB and began following his podcasts about a year ago. I really love Matt’s podcasts! Especially all the encouragement. I had always been an encourager myself, and I found his podcasts, when I needed that for myself as a metal artist. Waiting on God’s timing to unfold his promises. I had always jumped in and boldly walked forward. But for me, this was a season of healing my past, restoring all things in my life and bringing me out. Founded like never before on Christ, my Rock! Thank you for the endless interview’s of other creative’s. journey with the Lord. Their blessings and struggles which helps us all feel connected. All I can say is I am so thankful God has moved Matt and many other Christian groups in the arts to stand boldly in the Lord’s Word. I felt so alone in the late 90’s. In 2007 despite all my struggles and mishaps. God answered my prayers. Giving me a new creative language as sculptural work founded completely in Him! Bolder, brighter! Stronger! It’s just so exciting that artists are coming out in faith within His church. It’s great to know I no longer have to feel left out as I did in the metals field! God was showing me... His field is universal! God is Amazing!! Thanks Matt!!

Thank you for this podcast. I had subscribe a long time ago but didn’t listen for whatever reason. We know God is sovereign and I may not have been matured enough to grasp all the nuggets given on this podcast. I am growing as an artist by way of this podcast. Thank you! I’m excited and encouraged. God bless you!

Excellent Podcast! Thank you for sharing all this information with us. Is good to know that I could use my God giving gift as a career as well. Your advise & feedback are very good and appreciated!

This is real life talk from artists who have taken their love for the Lord and their passion for using every last drop of talent He has blessed them with to create a life that honors Him, and blesses others. Matt Tommey is a skilled interviewer who asks the questions that his listeners would ask if they were having the conversation themselves. They cover a range of topics from the spiritual side of creating WITH the Lord (a life changing idea for me!), to the nuts and bolts of running an art business and thriving in community. Believe me, you will never wish that you had found something better to listen to. Every episode of this podcast is worth listening to again. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise with us, Matt!

Appreciate the positive feedback for the Christian artist community. He’s making me believe that I can start my own art business. I still need more information and experience doing this, but Matt encourages to take steps forward, possibly helping me make the toughest decision of my life so far, to pursue my own business.

Should have realized that this happens to everyone. It was good to hear, and how to exchange it for His love.

Thank you Matt for this amazing pod cast that is a bright light in a dark world! The truths you set before us every week and the awesome saints you have on the podcast really inspire me to keep moving forward with what God has for my life! Thank you for always reminding us who God created us to be!

Matt is so encouraging and supportive. He gets me and what this struggle is all about. So excited to continue to gain further information and support for this fun but challenging journey as an artist.

I always love it when I take the time to hear what Matt has to say! Maybe it’s because I’m from the South and he sounds like a best friend even though we’ve never met. Maybe it’s because he provides helpful information. I think it’s both!

Loved it! This podcast really spoke to me. Thank you so much for what you do.

What a lovely woman. I love the book, I have read about a third of it, but I read too fast and I am returning to the beginning to review what I have missed. Finding out how the Lord laid out a path from her learning German as a child, 10 years of German Bible study with native speakers and an accident that removed all other roadblocks from her taking on the translation of this book, clarifies God’s patience and her saying yes to the steps he had laid before her. Wow, so enlightening.

Such a joy to hear this interview and the many wondrous, mysterious ways God works in our lives. This book and interview had many intersections in my own journey in seeking God. Clearly, this book’s author, the book’s translator and Matt Tommey are all inspired by God’s word. This book is coming at the right time in my life.

This book sounds interesting and I have it in my cart on Amazon.

This podcast was really good. The idea of passion vs serenity struck home to me because of how the word passion is used so frequently these days, especially when people look for future work. (Everyone says “Find your passion” and never “Find your serenity”. ) The author/translator’s life was fascinating as well as her commitment to this project. Anyway, after reading a few pages on Amazon, I really want to read the book. (Matt, could you put out a list of books you recommend?)

This podcast is excellent for artists who don’t know the next steps they should take on their journey. Matt covers topics on the business side as well as the overall health of the artist. This is the first and only resource I’ve found that is grounded in the Word and focuses on the Holy Spirit as the primary guide for the artist’s success.

This podcast has really given me hope! I have always struggled with confidence, but this podcast keeps me motivated and moving forward.