AEI is a part of a larger organization called Arts & Entertainment Ministries, which was founded in 2004 by Joel Pelsue, an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in America, and his wife Michelle as a way to train Christians to engage the mainstream culture. Joel and Michelle became professional artists at a young age. Joel is a jazz musician, and Michelle is an actress. They understand the art world and the entertainment industry since they have been a part of it.

Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, and Angus Jones (Two and half Men) started out with a professed faith in Christ. They lived in Christian homes, were involved in church or grew up going to a Christian private school. Yet their understanding of the faith was not enough to protect them from the unique temptations they faced.  They needed something more; instead of a robust worldview, what they had was an anemic one, as well as advisors who do not share their faith.

Here is the rub! Where would you go for such a resource? Last century too many churches built their identity on avoiding or blaming Hollywood, instead of providing resources for the gifted and creative members in their pews. Besides that, many Christians do not have a faith that will survive intact unless they are trained to understand how biblical principles are applied to life in the studio, on the lot, in the gallery, and sitting in isolation between gigs.

It doesn’t have to be this way.  Right in the heart of Los Angeles is a ministry that provides a beacon of hope.  The Arts & Entertainment Institute (AEI) is a unique institution. Not only does it understand artists, producers, and other creative professionals, but it also trains pastors and academics.  AEI has a solid theological foundation with real world practical application.

AEI is a part of a larger organization called Arts & Entertainment Ministries, which was founded in 2004 by Joel Pelsue, an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church in America, and his wife Michelle as a way to train Christians to engage the mainstream culture. Joel and Michelle became professional artists at a young age. Joel is a jazz musician, and Michelle is an actress. They understand the art world and the entertainment industry since they have been a part of it.

AEI is sometime referred to as “Francis Schaeffer 2.0;” continuing Schaeffer’s work in assessing the visual arts, architecture, and historical analysis.  AEI takes it a step further, speaking also to the performing artists, filmmakers, and creative professionals all the while applying biblical principles to their world today.  If you are looking for solid resources in this area, AEI is the ministry to guide you.

AEI works with those in the academic world; they fly in from around the country because of the strength of this program.  Carol Eikum, a professor from Northwestern College, wrote:

 “This is one of the only programs I know of where Biblical values and Worldviews are applied as guidelines for the artist; not just in theoretical ways but in real, practical ones.”

Professors at Christian colleges are often asked to integrate their faith with their teaching, but do not have the resources or training to teach in this area effectively. AEI provides the framework for academics to teach courses in a systemic way.  According to Rev. Pelsue, they already have professors of music, theater, film, and dance who are attending the annual fall event this year.

The fact that there is a place to get such teaching is a reason to rejoice.  Artists of all backgrounds can go through AEI, and receive the foundation to honor God without losing their way in the mainstream art world and entertainment industry. The annual fall event, October 11-13, is still open for applications; go here for more information.

Roy Bennett, another PCA pastor writes,

I am an older pastor with a long time interest in art and music. Over the years I have sought to support emerging artists and organizations integrating Christian faith and artist excellence. AEM has been an easy mission to get behind. The experienced leadership and sharp teaching edge speaks for itself.

Braden Danner, a member of the original cast of Les Miserables on Broadway put it this way,

 “No one else understands our world and addresses so clearly it with biblical principles like Joel Pelsue.”

Go to Arts & Entertainment Ministries, for more information on this ministry and its annual Arts & Entertainment Institute.