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In this episode, we explore two powerful stories of creative and faithful ministry.
Russell Goodrich shares how Cape Charles Baptist Church went from near closure to becoming a vibrant community hub—serving over 130 kids each summer through Splash Camp and transforming lives through local partnerships.
Amy Hall shares her journey from religious trauma to spiritual renewal, launching Shalom Creatives and Forest Church—spaces where art, nature, and community open doors to healing and connection.
Two very different paths. One shared mission: joining God where He’s already at work.
Rev. Amy L. Hall is a contemplative photographer, community pastor, and creative leader who blends art with spiritual and mental health to bring healing to rural communities. She founded Shalom Creatives, offering healing art studios, Forest Church gatherings, and therapeutic art coaching. Amy also leads the Shalom Creatives Leadership Network for women ministering beyond traditional church spaces.
Russell Goodrich has served on Virginia’s Eastern Shore for over 45 years and is celebrating 25 years as pastor of Cape Charles Baptist Church. After a powerful conversion at 36, he followed God’s call into missions and pastoral ministry. Under his leadership, the once-dwindling church has become a thriving, missional presence in the community.
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Interview Summary
“God uses these experiences that people have, either negative or positive, to find ways to use that creative spark within us for other people to experience some of the same things that we do.” – Chris Blackey, Host of the Rural Renewal Podcast
In this episode of the Rural Renewal Podcast, we explore the innovative ministries of Amy Hall and Russell Goodrich. Their transformative approaches to community engagement through art and child-centered initiatives showcase the power of addressing specific local needs with creativity and compassion.
Amy Hall: Healing Through Art
Healing and Community Through Creativity
Amy Hall transformed her personal struggles with religious trauma into a catalyst for healing others by founding Shalom Creatives. This organization uses art to facilitate emotional and spiritual healing, providing a sanctuary for those marginalized by conventional church experiences. Amy’s approach underscores the therapeutic power of creativity, offering a path to recovery and spiritual connection through expressive art forms.
“Art was a way that helped me find God through all of that… it became a part of my healing, part of experiencing God in a new way.” -Amy Hall
Forest Church – A Fresh Expression of Faith
Amy’s establishment of Forest Church illustrates her innovative approach to ministry. This non-traditional church setting—held outdoors and integrating nature with spirituality—offers a unique way for individuals to connect with their faith. Amy emphasizes the importance of environment in spiritual practice, stating, “Forest Church is an outdoor style church at different parks… it’s about using the outdoors and creativity to learn about the creator.” Her ministry not only adapts to the challenges of non-traditional settings but also thrives by engaging participants in a direct, creation-centered worship experience.
Russell Goodrich: Community Engagement Through Splash Camp
Addressing Community Needs with Splash Camp
Pastor Russell Goodrich turned a community deficiency into a vibrant opportunity for ministry with Splash Camp. This program emerged in response to the pressing need for affordable childcare and has evolved into a vital community resource, offering a blend of fun, education, and spiritual guidance each summer. His vision demonstrates the church’s role in providing practical solutions to community issues, magnified by the camp’s popularity and the broad support it garners. “Splash Camp began as a response to the lack of affordable childcare… It quickly turned into a highly anticipated summer program,” Russell explains.
Building Partnerships and Expanding Impact
Under Russell’s guidance, Splash Camp’s success is bolstered by partnerships with local churches, businesses, and organizations like the YMCA. These collaborations have not only sustained the camp but also expanded its reach, demonstrating the power of community cooperation in ministry efforts.
“We partner with multiple churches… it’s a partnership that has really impacted a lot of kids’ lives.” -Russell Goodrich
The ministries led by Amy Hall and Russell Goodrich exemplify how targeted, innovative approaches can profoundly impact communities. By addressing specific needs through art and childcare, they showcase the church’s potential to foster significant change and inspire spiritual growth. These stories encourage us to leverage our own resources and creativity to make a tangible difference in our communities.
Reflection Questions:
- What unique needs in your community could be met through creative ministry approaches like those of Amy and Russell?
- How can your community benefit from partnerships similar to those developed by Splash Camp?
- In what ways can adaptability enhance the success of community-focused initiatives?
- What steps can your church or community group take to implement programs that address specific local needs?
- What challenges might you face when initiating community-based programs, and how can you prepare for them?
