Amanda Cheatwood
Jul 1, 2025
Back in 2015, I found myself in a room that felt like home. I had just returned to the “Lower 48” after a season in Alaska and attended the Gathering of Artisans in Black Mountain, North Carolina—a conference hosted by Matt Tommey. For the first time, I was surrounded by artists who loved Jesus and wanted their creativity to reflect His heart. It wasn’t just inspiring; it was healing. Something clicked in my spirit that weekend, and I’ve never forgotten it.
That’s why I was excited to sit down with Matt years later for this interview. He’s a prophetic artist, author, and mentor who’s been equipping creatives for decades to live fully in their calling. In our conversation, he shared how his journey unfolded—and how creatives like you and me can walk confidently in our gifts, with purpose,freedom, and joy.
A Creative Calling from the Start
Matt laughs when he talks about his roots. “Honestly, I think my journey started in the womb,” he said. His mother was a choir director who filled their home with music, and his extended family brought a flair for Southern beauty and humor. Creativity wasn’t just something Matt did—it was the atmosphere he grew up in.
As a child, he was drawn to music and started playing piano and singing at church. But the pull to work with his hands didn’t show up until his teenage years—particularly during time spent outdoors in the Boy Scouts, learning about Native American folklore and crafting with natural materials.
In college, while studying ministry, he came across a book on basket making. It resonated with him immediately.
“I’d go into the woods, find bark and vines, and start weaving. I had no idea it would become such a big part of my life.”
I’ve called you as a father to artists, to raise up an army to reveal My glory. And I’m going to use your baskets to do it.
For years, basketry ran quietly in the background as Matt worked in ministry, graphic design, and other creative roles. But in 2009, after walking through some personal and financial hardship, the Lord gave him a clear word: I’ve called you as a father to artists, to raise up an army to reveal My glory. And I’m going to use your baskets to do it.
That moment shifted everything.
Creativity and the Kingdom
If you’ve ever heard Matt teach, you know he doesn’t see creativity as a side note to the Christian life. “Creativity isn’t just part of the Kingdom it’s how the Kingdom works,” he told me.
He uses a phrase to describe how we live prophetically: see, agree, decree, and proceed. In other words, we listen to what God is doing, we say yes to it, we speak it out, and we start walking in it—even when it doesn’t all make sense yet.
“So often, we’re waiting on God to move,” Matt said. “But He’s already moving. He’s already speaking. Our job is to align with Him, not try to get Him to bless our plans.”
So often, we’re waiting on God to move. But He’salready moving. He’s already speaking. Our job is to align with Him, not try to get Him to bless our plans.
That mindset is foundational for creatives, because it shifts us from striving to partnering. “When you understand that your creativity is a way God expresses Himself through you, everything changes,” he said.
The Difference Between a Hobby and a Calling
Matt has spent years helping artists move from feeling stuck and unseen to thriving in their purpose. One of the first things he tackles is identity.
“So many people are trying to find their assignment without first knowing who they are,” he said. “When you believe lies about your worth, you’ll bury your gift like the servant in Matthew 25. But when you know you’re a son or daughter of God, you stop hiding and start investing.”
Thankfully, God’s plan for living in the Kingdom is for us to be filled with His power, led by His voice and to release His presence in the world in line with our unique design and assignment. And that’s what this book is all about. Giving you a simple roadmap that, when followed with faith and expectation in your heart, will transform your life. Not through vague spiritual platitudes but practical instruction on how to know and faithfully pursue God’s plan for your life according to Kingdom principles found in God’s Word. No matter how God has designed and assigned you in His Kingdom, this book will enable you to live the abundant life Jesus promised right now.
His book God’s Plan for Living unpacks five key areas: Identity, Design, Expansion, Alignment, and Love. These aren’t just abstract concepts—they’re practical truths that help believers live in freedom and flow with the Spirit.
“When your identity is rooted in Him, your design becomes clear. And that’s when your assignment starts to unfold,”Matt said.
Art as a Table of Encounter
One of the most freeing things I ever heard Matt teach was this: your art doesn’t have to live inside the church to be holy.
“Jesus spent most of His time in the marketplace,” Matt said. “That’s where the hurting are. That’s where the provision is. That’s where your art can make the biggest impact.”
He described creativity as a kind of table—a space where people can meet God through beauty. “When you create with the Holy Spirit, your work becomes a place of encounter. Someone might experience healing, peace, or clarity just by looking at what you made. That’s the mystery and beauty of it.”
And it’s not about striving to be deep or meaningful. “Just invite God into the process,” Matt said. “Let Him do more than you could’ve planned.”
Signs of Revival in the Creative Community
When I asked Matt where he sees revival happening today, his answer was clear: “In artists who are waking up to who God made them to be.”
He described creatives stepping into their work with confidence—not arrogance, but an assurance that God is with them. “They’re walking into art shows, studios, conversations, knowing that God has prepared the way,” he said. “And that kind of presence shifts atmospheres.”
He also noted a hunger for real relationships in the creative world, especially post-COVID. “People want connection. They’re gathering in homes, small groups, Zoom calls—anywhere they can link arms and encourage one another.”
What to Do When You Feel Stuck
It’s easy to feel dry or unsure, especially when creativity is tied to your heart. So I asked Matt: What would you say to someone who feels spiritually stuck or creatively blocked?
His answer: “Run to the presence of God.”
He shared a story from one of the hardest seasons in his life. After losing a business and walking through bankruptcy, he asked God what to do next. The Lord said: Lay on the floor, worship Me, and your provision will come like popcorn.
After losing a business and walking through bankruptcy, he asked God what to do next. The Lord said: Lay on the floor, worship Me, and your provision will come like popcorn.
“And that’s exactly what happened,” Matt said. “Day after day, I worshiped. I didn’t have a job. I didn’t have answers. But God met me. He realigned my heart. And the provision started coming in unexpected ways.”
Daily Practices That Keep Him Grounded
Matt lives a life of intentional rhythms. He journals, often returning to prophetic words and past revelations. “There are seasons where I don’t feel a clear vision,” he said. “So I go back to what He’s already said.”
He keeps a piano in both his house and studio. “If I have a few minutes, I’ll sit and worship. It’s not performance—it’s presence.”
And he surrounds himself with safe, trusted people. “We were never meant to do this alone. Healing happens in community. And maturity does too.”
We were never meant to do this alone. Healing happens in community. And maturity does too.
A Message to Church Leaders
Matt has a heart for local churches, but he also sees the ways artists have been overlooked or boxed in.
“Stop looking at people for what they can do for the church,” he said. “Start asking, ‘Who has God made them to be?’ Your job as a leader is to blow on their fire—not use it for your own goals.”
He’s seen what happens when pastors empower instead of contain. “It creates a culture of honor. And it releases people to make Kingdom impact far beyond your building.”
“Stop looking at people for what they can do for the church,” he said. “Start asking, ‘Who has God made them to be? ’ Your job as a leader is to blow on their fire—not use it for your own goals.”
Final Encouragement
If you’re a creative who feels like your gift doesn’t matter, or you’re struggling to see how it fits in the big picture of God’s plan, Matt’s encouragement is this: “Your creativity is not an accident. It’s part of your design. And when you align with God, He’ll show you where and how to use it.”
“Your creativity is not an accident. It’s part of your design. And when you align with God, He’ll show you where and how to use it.”
So if you’re feeling unsure, start with the presence of God. Lay it all before Him. Worship. Wait. Listen. He’s not holding out on you. He’s inviting you in.
Connect with Matt Tommey:Mentoring, books, and courses: www.matttommeymentoring.com
His artwork: www.matttommey.com
New book: God’s Plan for Living
