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Christian Ministries Faculty Member Speaks at Princeton

Christian Ministries Faculty Member Speaks at Princeton

Gary David Stratton presented a lecture at Princeton Theological Seminary in February. (Courtesy of Princeton Theological Seminary; Credit: Emily Phillips Davis)

Gary David Stratton, lead faculty for worldview formation in the College of Adult & Professional Studies, presented a lecture at Princeton Theological Seminary on February 19 for the school’s Black History Month. Hosted by the Association of Black Seminarians at Princeton, the lecture focused on Stratton’s passion to encourage Christian filmmakers and artisans in their craft so they can influence culture. Stratton urged his listeners to follow the calling of Bezalel, the artisan noted in Exodus 31 and 35 for designing the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle.

“The modern church has ignored and even shunned artists,” Stratton says, “while our society has elevated artists, filmmakers, and musicians to the pinnacle of cultural influence. Bezalel was called to create art worthy of bearing the presence of God, and to do so in a collaborative, Spirit-empowered teaching/learning community of masters and apprentices. To flourish in the 21st century and bring life to a floundering culture, our churches, colleges, and seminaries must learn to foster ‘Bezalel communities’ that bear the same qualities.”

Following his lecture, Stratton moderated a panel discussion by media experts of color on transforming culture. The panel consisted of movie producers, recording artists, filmmakers, and talent agents discussing ways to influence the culture through media and the arts. The events were successful and moving, Stratton says: “A ‘sermon’ by DeVon Franklin, Columbia Pictures vice president, set the stage for my evening lecture and the panel discussion. We closed with a powerful time of prayer for future media leaders, church leaders, and educators. My hope is that this event was the next step in a journey toward seeing the church in America fully embrace artists and filmmakers.”

Stratton’s work is more than academic. He lives in Hollywood where he directs the Bezalel Initiative, a think tank that seeks ways to identify, support, and fund young filmmakers. Previously, he served as executive director at Act One, a nonprofit organization that prepares Christians for careers in mainstream media. His passion is to develop a generation of women and men who are “Two-Handed Warriors” committed to both building faith and influencing culture. Visit garydavidstratton.com to learn more about his online community, “Two-Handed Warriors.”