On the evening I attended the Open Mic Night that the Performance Ministry and Radiance (the Arts Ministry) put on together, there were bands, soloists (singers and musicians), poets and an artist painting murals on 10-foot canvases lining the west side of the auditorium.

There were kids doing homework and drawing as their moms observed the variety and brilliance of the performers.

The atmosphere was reminiscent of an electrified 1960's San Francisco coffeehouse but with a Christian flavor as God was praised and His name was lifted up in glory by the artists' instruments, voices and paint brushes

Let them praise His name with the dance; Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp. Psalm 149:3

The Purpose

Come to the Epicentre for Open Mic Night the first Monday of every month

The Performance Art Ministry began with a dream that God gave to Lindsay Carrillo. It can be identified with the ministry purpose statement:

The purpose of the Performance Ministry is to positively affect, encourage, challenge, and uplift the body of Christ, as well as unbelievers, through Christ-centered performance. It exists to give performers a place to grow and develop their God-given gifts and talents, receive training, enjoy fellowship, encouragement, and reach their performing goals.

The ministry incorporates many manifestations of creativity through music, drama, writing, and dance.

"There really was not a place in the church for unique artists and bands to display their talents; get the training and encouragement they needed to grow; or find a place to serve," said Lindsay, the ministry's leader. "Now they have a place to do not only this, but also fellowship, find the people, training or courage they were missing to move forward and pursue their career goals."

Lindsay attended the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California. She brings her education and experience from her involvement in the choir, Prayer Ministry, small groups, and her high school group to the creation of the Performance Ministry. She also enthusiastically provides leadership for those who have caught the vision and passion of this ministry.

One thing that excites Lindsay is the fact that God gave her the guidance and motivation to begin this ministry and then blessed her life with people who will enhance and contribute to her God-given idea.

Getting Involved

We're all called to glorify God with the gifts he gave us

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:16-17

Open Mic Night occurs on the first Monday of every month (at the Epicentre at 8450 Mira Mesa Blvd.) and epitomizes the heart of the Performance Ministry. The evening provides an artistic arena for anyone who wants to share their God-glorifying talent or to simply observe and fellowship.

Singers, dancers, musicians of every genre, artists and poets share their gifts and praise to God. Many people from other churches and unbelievers attend as well. This provides an opportunity for the ministry to minister to the non-Christian community through their lives, words and God-honoring art.

On each of the other Mondays of the month, they jam and fellowship, and the ministry band practices to lead worship at Love Em Up, outreach at Balboa Park or Children's Hospital, or for any other ministry needing a worship team. They also offer free classes for voice and performing. They hope to add classes for dance and acting and start doing musicals soon.

When asked I asked Lindsay about the needs of the Performance Ministry, she requested prayer, administrative assistance, a hip hop dance teacher, drummer, guitar, bass player, acting teacher. The ministry also desperately needs good leaders that are committed to making the ministry grow in Christ and assist in planning community outreaches such as performances and/or dramas at Balboa Park, the San Diego Rescue Mission, beach communities and any other place where people need Jesus.

To find out more or to become involved with the Performance Ministry, please visit https://www.sdrock.com/ministries/performance/.