How Artists Think Biblically: Liturgies, Ritual, and the Weight of Words (Douglas McKelvey) Ep. #203

June 5, 2025

What gives someone the right to script your prayers? In this powerful conversation, Douglas McKelvey, author of the bestselling Every Moment Holy liturgical series, joins Dru Johnson to unpack the spiritual and theological journey behind his work. From a childhood steeped in neo-charismatic theology to a disillusioning college experience at Oral Roberts University, McKelvey shares how God used a profound unraveling—what many today might call “deconstruction”—to rebuild a biblically coherent faith through unexpected mentors and communities.

Listeners learn how McKelvey became part of the Art House Foundation and later the Rabbit Room, drawing from the legacies of Francis Schaeffer, Edith Schaeffer, and Andrew Peterson to create a community of artists grounded in Scripture. Along the way, he opens up about the fear and trembling that should attend writing liturgies—and what it means to write prayers people will carry into their most vulnerable moments.

This episode explores beauty, hospitality, ritual, and the theological integrity behind the words we say to God. Whether you’re a liturgy lover, creative, or just someone seeking coherent theology after chaos, this is an episode that will stay with you.

Learn more about the Art House and Rabbit Room here:
https://www.arthousenashville.com/our-story
https://www.rabbitroom.com/

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Rabbit Room
02:22 The Evolution of the Rabbit Room
05:17 Community and Connection in the Rabbit Room
08:29 The Significance of Northwind Manor
11:31 Personal Journey and Theological Foundations
14:10 Navigating Doubt and Deconstruction
23:08 Charlie Peacock and the Art House Foundation
26:29 The Art House and Its Influence
31:04 The Physical Space of the Art House
34:20 Theological Foundations for Artists
36:33 Every Moment Holy: A Journey of Prayer
43:13 The Impact of Ritual in Prayer
50:43 Reflections on the Craft of Prayer
52:18 The Rabbit Room: A Hub for Creativity