Outreach
IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:10-12)
After Paul has spent the first three chapters of Ephesians laying out the theological basis for our great salvation, he turns his attention in the next three chapters to the application of our beautiful justification. His practical and poignant admonitions in Ephesians chapter six to children,
parents, servants, and masters culminate with the following universal charge to all blood-washed saints:
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
Notice the imperative nature of this charge —“be strong” and “put on”! These are not suggestions or passing comments but commands! When I see imperatives, I am reminded that these mandates always underscore the urgent nature of the subject matter. Believers must be strong because we are in a battle against powerful, spiritual forces.
While many propagators of modern American Christianity tell us that our lives should be as easy and comfortable as possible, that is not what we see after reading passages like this dynamic epistle. There is no need to admonish us to "be strong" and "put something on" unless there are great forces arraying themselves against us. Indeed, Ephesians proceeds to tell us exactly what those forces are.
“. . . that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Do you hear the battle terminology? Terms like strength, power, armor, and wrestling speak to us most urgently regarding the nature of our conflict. Christians will never simply float to Heaven “on flowery beds of ease.” Traitorous thoughts such as these should be taken captive to the obedience of Christ.
My dad reminded me recently of a great quotation from a past stalwart warrior for truth, Dr. Bob Jones Sr.: “If you’re not being attacked by the Adversary now, you will be soon! The only exceptions to this fact are those people or ministries who are not battling the gates of Hell. The Devil doesn’t bother people who are no threat to his kingdom!” These words of wisdom ring especially true for any soldier of the Lord who has been in the fight of faith for any amount of time.
Paul exhorts us in the latter half of Ephesians to prepare ourselves for the upcoming fight by putting on the whole armor of God. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the sword of the Spirit contain both our defensive
protection and our offensive weaponry in order that we might be properly equipped to combat our ancient foe. Prayer energizes these life-giving pieces of spiritual defense as we apply this pivotal piece of our spirtual weaponry in the good fight of faith.
As I read these verses and think on the past year of our ministry opportunities, I am struck once again by the Scripture’s poignant truth: the Devil is active and his minions are galvanized into a fellowship of depravity to distract, tempt, deceive, distort, and destroy. Nonetheless, in spite of these demonic efforts to thwart God’s purposes, His ministry continues to grow and expand. You will read in the following pages how tens of thousands of lives have been impacted and changed forever for the Kingdom. You will read of new opportunities and locations to share God’s truth. You will read of our Savior miraculously saving the lost and equipping His saints for the battle.
My heart swells with joy at the blessings of working alongside our amazing staff and warring for the hearts and souls of men and women. None of the things you will read could have been accomplished without our staff’s “reasonable service,” (Romans 12:1-2) and my gratitude to them is immense! These warriors have felt the fiery darts of criticism, character attacks, discouragement, and abandonment! Yet they have placed their all on the altar and they continue to live for the audience of One alone!
The year ahead is bright with the promises of God’s goodness and many new and expanded opportunities for service. We move forward with joy and the assurance that though the adversaries are many, we will “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.”
Further Up and Further In,
IN THIS ISSUE
THIS YEAR IN REVIEW
TOTAL MINISTRY IMPACT
INDIVIDUALS REACHED THIS YEAR ALONE: 93,876 (45,792 IN 2024)
TOTAL SUPPORTERS OF THE MINISTRY: 418 (390 IN 2024)
Each of these opportunities took time, preparation, resources, and prayer. Monthly and yearly support provided our staff the resources to continue impacting the next generation for Christ, and allowed us to complete vital renovations to our headquarters! We would be honored if YOU would consider joining the "Inner Circle" of givers as we move into the next year of ministry! Your contribution is a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible gift and acts as an eternal investment for years to come!
SEE PG. 10 FOR DIFFERENT WAYS YOU CAN BE A PART OF SUPPORTING THE MINISTRY OR SCAN THE QR CODE
THEACADEMYOFARTS.ORG/GIVE/
204 PERFORMANCES (62 LOGOS THEATRE + 142 LOGOS ON TOUR)
4 TOURING LOCATIONS (DC, FL, KY, MO)
317 CAST MEMBERS
82,201 AUDIENCE MEMBERS
23,865 SOCIAL REACH (6,450 NEW Supporters) MANY DECISIONS FOR CHRIST; 342 TESTIMONIES OF IMPACT
65 FINANCIAL PARTNERS OF THE LOGOS THEATRE
The Logos Theatre functions year-round performing state-of-the-art productions in Upstate SC with a 300-seat auditorium, 20-foot diameter turntable, makeup and costume rooms, trap doors, and fly space, all created and modified in-house! Audiences can attend a show at The Logos Theatre or the Logos on Tour with confidence that they will see professional productions with Biblical messages that will inspire and invoke changes in hearts and lives!
SPOTLIGHT: A SURREAL IMPACT
The Logos Theatre and Logos on Tour have provided palpable stories of lives changed this year through the power of storytelling. One such testimony came from a family in Taylors, SC, who came to view The Pilgrim’s Progress. They shared, “My sister and brother-in-law have been witnessing to a young lady for a year. She went to the show with them and church yesterday. When she arrived at work today, she told my brother-inlaw the play helped her, and the Lord keeps telling her she isn't promised tomorrow. Could he show her how to be saved? And he did! She accepted the Lord as her Savior! Thank you for telling me about the play.” Praise the Lord! What a humbling and powerful testimony about the impact of “Making the Bible come ALIVE in minds and hearts through the power of storytelling.”
32 FILM CAMPERS
5 DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
$13,000 IN FILM AND MEDIA GEAR
PARTNERSHIP
VENTURE FILMS HAS MADE A COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ANIMATION COMPANY, BRAINY PIXELS, TO PRODUCE GOSPEL-CENTERED MEDIA MATERIALS FOR THE COUNTRY!
35 CONSERVATORY STUDENTS
4 MASTERS DEGREES ACQUIRED ROUGHLY
All around us, we see a world gripped by the power of media. The thoughts, ideas, and ideologies of our day have led us to seek a new vision—a new venture that will reclaim the medium of visual storytelling for the cause of Christ.
SPOTLIGHT: 10 YEARS OF FILM CAMP— A TESTIMONY!
"Ten years ago I attended the very first Film Camp with The Academy of Arts and Venture Films. So much has happened in the last ten years, and this year I found myself again at First Unit Film Camp - this time instructing "film-lighting and grip" alongside my former teacher, Ben Maciejack. Ben has been a friend, mentor, and example to me for many years. I can truly say I would not be the man I am today without input from Ben throughout the years. I attribute my knowledge in film to the amazing hands-on-training I received from him and others through the Academy Conservatory. I'm the beneficiary of so many others at AOA pouring out themselves in order to help me grow and learn in my gifts and walk with Jesus Christ; and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to 'do it for someone else' this summer.” (Andrew Snow, Greenville, SC)
7 GAP INTERNS
6 TRADE SCHOOL INTERNS
12 ASSC. DEGREES
5 BACH. DEGREES
5 MASTERS DEGREES
GRADUATES
5 ASSOCIATES DEGREES
5 BACHELORS DEGREES
14 2025 GRADUATES
8 GRADUATES HIRED
With a passion for producing communicators grounded in Biblical philosophy, The Academy of Arts Christian Conservatory holds fast to its mission of training in the communicative arts of drama, music, and film with excellence in order to reclaim the arts for Christ!
SPOTLIGHT: THE COMMISSION
Inspired by the Conservatory, the Commission is a unique program designed to give actors, technicians, storytellers, and problem-solvers a platform to use their skills to not only build a future career, but to minister the Gospel through the powerful mediums of visual and performing arts. As the Lord continues to open new avenues of outreach for our ministry, the Commission meets the need for an even broader network of trained individuals and gives a place of connections and opportunities for Christian creatives to use their gifts for the Kingdom.
9 MONTHS TRAVELING 15 STATES VISITED
15,320 MILES TRAVELED BETWEEN BOTH TEAMS
28 DRAMA TEAM MEMBERS
33 SCHOOL GROUPS VISITED ENGAGED
195+ DECISIONS FOR CHRIST 24 PROFESSIONS OF FAITH IN CHRIST
Drama Seminars have given Christian schools and homeschool groups a way to provide students with professional training in the arts, interactive mentorship opportunities, and unforgettable character value lessons.
SPOTLIGHT: LIVES TRANSFORMED!
This year in particular many young people participating in Drama Seminars did so while in the midst of overcoming intense obstacles in their own lives. Illness, tragedy, sorrow, and loss followed these young people; but what God did in their lives THROUGH Drama Seminars was not just moving, it was miraculous! So many of these stories touched the hearts of our team members and those they shared them with, that we began a series to share God’s work in the lives of the young people. “Jackson’s Story”, the first of the series, can be viewed by scanning below; and we are excited to share even more triumphs of God's grace in the days ahead.
JACKSON’S STORY
86 CHURCHES VISITED
17 STATES VISITED
80+ DECISIONS FOR CHRIST
Drama Ministry Program young people traveled the East Coast and into the Midwest performing The Child-Stealer, an original musical about missionary Amy Carmichael! Audience members were stirred by the presentation of her life on stage.
SPOTLIGHT: TESTIMONY OF IMPACT
"As we were performing The Child Stealer in New Jersey, there is that one scene where the character, Preena, is singing of how she finally understands that Jesus loves HER! After the show a mom and daughter came up to us. The mom said to the girl: 'You must tell them what you told me during the play'. The little girl was a bit shy at first, then said: 'I finally get it now…Jesus loves ME!!!' Her mom then told us that her and her daughter would be having some conversation later that night!" Praise the Lord for this precious one understanding now that Jesus loves HER through the powerful story presented by our Drama Ministry Program teams!
108 STUDENTS ENROLLED (69 Families)
12 CLASSES OFFERED Acting, Accents and Articulations, Dance, American Sign Language, Film, and Choir!
Raising up the next generation of Christian communicators to effectively give out the good news of the Gospel through singing, acting, dance, art, and all forms of artistic communication is why The Academy of Arts co-op was created! It is our mission to train the whole person by keeping Christ at the center of all subjects and studies; and as a result, helping them understand the very nature of God.
SPOTLIGHT: A GROWING GROUP!
Participants in this year's co-op have not only grown in their excellence as communicators, but as followers of Jesus Christ! It is our prayer that each student will not fall in love with his or her gift, but rather with the Giver of those gifts; and that each would grow in his skill and discernment as how to use those gifts for Christ!
27 NEW SUBSCRIBERS TO LOGOS GUILD
54 MY BADGE BOX™ SUBSCRIBERS (since 2025)
853 SALES IN 2025 (486 in 2024)
56% INCREASE IN REVENUE SINCE 2022
756 SCHOOLS, THEATERS, CHURCHES, AND INDIVIDUALS PARTNERED WITH (197 IN 2024)
94 RESOURCES RELEASED SINCE 2023
3 Curriculums
23 Scripts
3 Bible Studies
34 Readings & Cuttings
11 Music Resources
9 Show in a Box kits
2 NEW My Badge Box™ Kits
455% Increase customers since 2023
Nicky Chavers Publications was founded by playwright, preacher, and composer, Dr. Nicky Chavers. As the leader in Christian theatre resources since 1971, Nicky Chavers Publications exists to provide excellent, uncompromising resources to schools, theatres, and churches who wish to join us in "Making the Bible Come Alive in hearts and minds through the power of storytelling."
SPOTLIGHT: A SEASON OF GROWTH
Since its official online launch in 2022, Nicky Chavers Publications has experienced immense growth. As the ministry has toured across the country, the need for resources has become even more acute, and we are excited for the release of many more opportunities in the days ahead.
WHAT'S NEW 2025
NEW MINISTRY ALLIANCES!
THIS YEAR BROUGHT NEW CONNECTIONS AND RESOURCES
THAT LEAN SPECIFICALLY INTO GROWING THE KINGDOM ACROSS MULTIPLE MINISTRIES!
AMERICAN HERITAGE GIRLS
The Academy of Arts team felt an immediate "kindred spirit" with the leadership of American Heritage Girls. Their mission (the desire to impact the next generation of young women for Christ) fits beautifully with our own ministry mission. As a result an alliance was formed.
This year we have had the opportunity to share our unique ministry-tools of drama, music, and film with this incredible group to aid them as their young ladies earn badges and learn to impact the world for Christ.
We were also thrilled to release a new resource specifically tailored to their ministry, "My Badge Box™," a resource designed to walk each participant step-bystep through earning badges in Theatre and Puppetry by providing all the tools, resources, and opportunities required.
SCAN TO LEARN MORE about My Badge Box™ and our partnership with AHG! As the future unfolds, we are excited to continue providing resources that enhance even more their mission to build women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country.
MUSEUM OF THE BIBLE
After years of touring to the iconic World Stage Theater inside Museum of the Bible, we are excited to be sending a team of individuals to aid the Museum in opportunities to fulfill their mission of inviting all people to engage with the transformative power of the Bible!
Our ministry team will be performing two main shows in the Fall and Spring, as well as providing a shorter drama on the life of Johannes Gutenberg during museum operational hours. Each day team members will bring iconic Biblical characters such as Queen Esther, Paul, Joseph, Ruth, David, and Mary to life for guests!
SCAN TO LEARN MORE about the events happening at the Museum of the Bible and World Stage Theater this year. We hope to see you there!
We are grateful God is expanding the ministry of The Academy of Arts through partnerships with other ministries who share the vision of "Making the Bible come ALIVE in minds and hearts through the power of storytelling!" As God continues to expand our ministry, we look forward to seeing His plans unfold. We echo the psalmist in Psalm 31:15 as he said, "Our times are in THY hand . . ."
EVENTS
LOCAL
The Magic Fishbone (Fall 2025)
The Cross and the Switchblade (Fall 2025)
The Christmas Child (Winter 2025)
THE ACADEMY OF ARTS LOGOS THEATRE IS THRILLED TO CONTINUE TOURING TO BOTH FAMILIAR AND NEW VENUES ACROSS THE COUNTRY THIS SEASON!
DRAMA SEMINARS
'25 - '26
THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE (Spring 2026)
Andy Leftwich & the Aces (January 2026)
Student Showcase (Spring 2026)
Know a group of young people who would be interested in a drama seminar? Contact our Seminar Coordinator today at 864-268-9342 to see when we'll be nearest your area!
*Indicates a NEW state | **Indicates a NEW group
WASHINGTON, DC* DC Metro Area** SC Taylors
Greenville Rock Hill NC
Cramerton**
Fucquay-Varina
Lexington
Rockwell** Greenville
Greensboro**
VA Norfolk IN Washington**
South Bend
Kokomo
Fort Wayne Goshen
Evansville
Martinsville**
TOURING
THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE
Museum of the Bible (DC) AUG. 29-OCT. 19, 2025
Williams Center (formerly Welk Resort) (MO) OCT 29-DEC 14, 2025
Ark Encounter (KY) DEC 29, 2025-JAN. 17, 2026
The Logos Theatre (Taylors, SC) Spring 2026
SCAN FOR TOURING LOCATIONS & TICKETS
theacademyofarts.org/logos-theatre-on-tour/
MD
Hagerstown
Gaithersburg** Lusby** *CT
North Stonington** TN
Shelbyville
Knoxville** PA
York** Pottstown
Perkasie FL Tampa GA
Bainbridge
Ellaville** OH
Lima
Milford** IL
MI
White Pigeon** Lapeer
NJ
Allenwood Egg Harbor Township**
Mattoon KY
Williamstown
Lexington Burlington** WI*
Dunbar**
INTERESTED IN DRAMA SEMINARS?
SCAN THE QR CODE
theacademyofarts.org/drama-seminars/
STAFF HIGHLIGHTS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
NEW STAFF
Eli Jackson
The Academy of Arts Christian Conservatory Booth Tech.
Nicole Murphy
The Academy of Arts Christian Conservatory Lighting Tech.
Sylvia Jackson The Academy of Arts Christian Conservatory Costume Manager
Ronan Osteen The Academy of Arts Christian Conservatory Production Tech.
Claire Killiany The Academy of Arts Christian Conservatory Assistant Director
Berend Sandersfeld The Academy of Arts Christian Conservatory Production Tech.
NEW LOGOS LITTLES
Nov. 2024
Oliver Lamas (Christian & MaryBeth Lamas) Feb. 2025
MARRIAGES
Emily Kolchin & Caleb Mack (August 24, 2025)
Emily(Kolchin)Mack The Academy of Arts G.A.P program Seminar Leader + Elem. Director
Dave Stratton Bob Jones University Dean of Men
Due Sep. 2025
Lydia Miller The Academy of Arts Christian Conservatory Costume Tech.
Bob
Kathryn PopkinMaranatha Baptist University Sr. Booth Tech.
HIGHLIGHT
We’re so grateful the Lord led Noah’s parents, Dave and Dawn Stratton, to join our staff. They’ve brought warmth, wisdom, and a heart for people, and have tremendously blessed our staff through counseling and support.
Sep. 2025
Arthur Minor (Zak & Amy Minor)
Baby Butler (Joe & Taelyr Butler)
Baby Gould (Jerry & Jen Gould) Due
Baby Gould (Jesse & Gracie Gould) Due Jan. 2026
Dawn Stratton
Jones University Dean of Women
Ben Bosworth Lisa Corsale
Terry Snow Andrea Pisarcik
David Thomas
HOW CAN YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
What a year it has been! We praise God for His work this year and specifically for all those prompted to give of their time and financial resources to help us continue! Here are a few ways YOU can join in the fight with us as we embark on another year of ministry!
SCAN THE QR CODE TO SEE OUR PROGRESS TODAY!
THEACADEMYOFARTS.ORG/GIVING
INNER CIRCLE: MONTHLY GIVERS!
Monthly gifts keep our staff and daily operations alive. Scan the QR code to see levels of giving today.
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
• exclusive monthly updates about the ministry
• pre-sale tickets before they open to the public
• discounts on tickets, classes, and merchandise
ONE-TIME GIFTS
Giving a one-time gift helps forward our many productions and resources. Scan the QR to give today.
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
• exclusive monthly updates about the ministry
• pre-sale tickets before they open to the public
• discounts on tickets, classes, and merchandise
• special gift + ticket packages determined by the gift amount
GIVING CAMPAIGNS
Scan the QR for updates on the capital campaigns currently in process for the ministry and choose one or multiple to support today.
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
• exclusive monthly updates about the ministry
• pre-sale tickets before they open to the public
• discounts on tickets, classes, and merchandise
• special gift determined by the campaign
A WORD FROM OUR SUPPORTERS
"I am a Christian, a writer, and a huge musical theater fan. I've seen four shows on Broadway in the past year. I came to this play aware that it was a Christian book but unaware that it was produced by Christian people who would speak out openly about the truth of the story (at intermission, in the program, etc.). It surprised me and was a huge encouragement to me to see Christians making good art and owning it as Christians. I know the story but seeing it on stage like this touched me so deeply. This show touched me in a way that no Broadway show has ever touched me, because Broadway doesn't have what you have: the Spirit of God. I felt it in that theater. I felt that you had prayed over this show, and your hearts were to glorify God. Even though I knew nothing about your ministry, I could feel it! " -Hannah (Philadelphia, PA)
"Thank you so much for the ways that you are working to bring God's kingdom to everyone. You are all like the moon, reflecting God's sunlight into the world." -Eliana,(Quito, Ecuador)
"I have been following Christ my entire life. This play reminded me afresh just how mighty and powerful God is and the sacrifice He made out of love." -Angela (Springfield, MO)
"My heart is so full and it was such a beautiful evening with my daughter and her three children seeing the performance of The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe! I could feel the Holy Spirit so powerfully in the theater and my tears were many...Thank you for this blessed gift tonight!!" -Jane (Anchorage, Alaska)
864.268.9342 | 80 SCHOOL STREET, TAYLORS, SC 29687 THELOGOSTHEATRE.COM | THEACADEMYOFARTS.ORG
365Days ofPrayer
Will you commit these items to prayer for the Academy of Arts Ministries every day for the coming year? We know that a foundation of prayer is the key to God's hand moving in our midst, and we would be honored if you would bring us before the Lord in prayer this year.
• STAFF TO HAVE A SPIRIT OF HUMILITY AND UNITY
• FINANCIAL NEEDS OF THE MINISTRY TO BE MET
• LEADERSHIP TO HAVE WISDOM AND DISCERNMENT
• FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY GROWTH AND THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL
• DECISIONS TO BE MADE FOR CHRIST THROUGH EACH FACET OF MINISTRY
Would you consider joining our Inner Circle: a group of individuals, families and businesses that support our ministry on a monthly and annual basis? SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE!
