Luke McFadden MDIV ’10 Connects Art with Ministry

April 12, 2021
[gallery link="none" ids="384,383,382,381,380,379"] Luke McFadden graduated from TEDS with an MDiv in 2010. He currently serves as Pastor of Christian Neighbors Church in Waukegan, Illinois, one of 12 churches in the Trinity-guided Mosaic Initiative, a collaboration of churches dedicated to developing new ministries with and for young adults. In addition to being a pastor, Luke is also an artist with a unique calling. “For decades, I’ve had a passion to serve Jesus as a shepherd and as an artist,” McFadden said. “As I have pursued these passions in Waukegan over the years, I have found them to be symbiotic.” Rolfing Library currently features a series of Luke’s art in an exhibit called “Ambassadors” focused on interracial relationships. With unique materials and media, each artwork is creatively expressed. [gallery link="none" ids="385"] “The Ambassadors series is about interracial relationships--both marriages and friendships--that reflect the redemptive work of Jesus,” McFadden said. “In this series, I strive to depict both the beauty and the complexity of these relationships by assembling partially abstracted portraits and figures from discarded items. By redeeming tossed materials into creative compositions, my hope is to convey the artistic way in which God fuses different image-bearers together to make life in Him rich, deep, difficult, and beautiful.” Luke’s interest in art became a passion in high school when he connected with an art professor who mentored and encouraged him to develop as an artist. “He was a phenomenal teacher, guide, and encourager,” McFadden explained. “He inspired me to make artistic training an important aspect of my undergraduate experience. Since then, I have been inspired by many believers who diligently hone their creative gifts and create work that sustains emotion.” For Luke, inspiration is found in relationships and ministry is all about relationships. “My passions for art and ministry overlap quite a bit. I feel incredibly blessed to be shepherding a congregation that encourages me in my creative endeavors. Also, as a pastor-artist, I have the joy and privilege of being able to encourage other artists in their work. “I am blessed to have many friendships with Trinity faculty members, staff, and students. I had a wonderful experience at TEDS and I am grateful for the way the MDiv curriculum immerses students in God’s Word. I also feel extremely blessed to see the way God continually uses Trinity in our area by moving powerfully through the Mosaic Initiative.” Luke lives in Waukegan with his wife and three sons. The “Ambassadors” exhibit will be on display in Rolfing Library until April 25. To see more of Luke’s work, visit his website: www.revaluedart.com.