Questing for Beauty in All Its Forms

The process of fostering a deeper creative Christian community in Columbus has been a slow journey, but its fruit is now popping up all around us. More than ever before, believers all over Columbus (and beyond…more about that later) are connecting to discuss their work, share inspiration, and explore how faith gives us new eyes to appreciate what God has made — and is remaking — in our great city. 

Christ is glorified when His people behold Him in all His beauty and share that beauty with others, and we’re pleased to testify that Columbus is a growing beacon of creative worship for Him.

Several recent developments highlight this growth…

First, God has brought clarity and alignment to local leaders who are seeking to

celebrate creativity within the Church. Several years ago, Shane Tucker founded the Creatives for Columbus Network — a group of 70 local creatives that have gathered every two months for food, authentic community, and meaningful conversations. Before that, Joe Deptowicz and Jeremy Slagle partnered their efforts together to form the Created Network, which hosts biweekly, Bible-based conversations and a larger annual conference for creatives of all mediums.

After talks that began at the 2026 For Columbus Network Leaders Retreat, these groups are in the process of joining forces to better serve Christian creatives in Columbus and beyond!

The next highlight in this partnership is coming up on Tuesday, May 5: Quest for

Beauty Film Screening & Art Exhibition. Presented by Created Network in partnership with Creo Arts, this special event will showcase a documentary film on life and work of William Schickel, a prolific twentieth-century Catholic artist whose career spanned more than six decades and whose life was marked by a deep commitment to unity within the Body of Christ. Some of Schickel’s original artworks will be exhibited, and a panel discussion featuring the late artist’s son, Joe, will follow the screening. The event takes place at 6:00 PM at COhatch Delaware (18 East William Street, Delaware, OH 43015).

Learn more about the film and purchase tickets to the screening and art exhibition at quest4beauty.eventbrite.com.

Another recent highlight is the encouraging multiplication of Bible-based small groups for creatives. In the last year, new Created Conversations chapters have formed in Gahanna and Centerville (near Dayton), joining the existing groups that still gather in Lewis Center and Clintonville. And now, additional chapters are going through the formation process in Texas, Florida, and Missouri, thanks to the turnkey small group resources published by Created!

Finally, on September 19, Created will host its fifth annual Created Conference,

and we’re praying for 200+ attendees to gather here in Columbus for inspiring talks, panel discussions, a hands-on Maker Fair, and inspiration gleaned from connecting with fellow creators. People have already committed to travel from other states to participate or give talks. This is an incredible Gospel opportunity for us to encourage people to live the life they were created for.

Praise God for His incredible handiwork! He is on the move, growing His Church into a tapestry that reflects the beautiful image of Jesus. May we all find our place in that picture…and invite everyone we know to come and behold Him.