September 1, 2026 BECOME THE PERSON YOUR WORK REQUIRES
The Forge isn’t a course, critique group, or networking community.
It's a monthly rhythm of spiritual direction, thoughtful conversation, and creative practice designed to help you become the kind of person who can make meaningful work for the long haul.
Each month we gather to pay attention—to God, to our work, to one another, and to the deeper questions beneath our creative lives. Between gatherings, guided reflections and practices continue the journey. Because lasting creative work doesn't begin with better ideas. It begins with becoming a wiser, more deeply rooted artist.
Artists spend years learning their craft but often have few places to continue growing as people.
The pressure to produce, stay relevant, build an audience, and make a living can leave even experienced artists wondering whether they're simply creating more work or becoming the kind of person capable of making work that lasts. Success doesn't answer those questions. Neither does another critique, course, or conference.
The Forge offers a different kind of apprenticeship.
Move with Intentional Rhythm
Through a monthly rhythm of spiritual direction, honest conversation, biblical reflection, and intentional creative practice, you'll learn to pay closer attention…to God, to your work, to yourself, and to the world you're helping shape
Address Future Needs
Because the future doesn't simply need more talented artists. It needs wise-hearted artists whose lives and work grow deeper, stronger, and more faithful over time.
Explore Deeper
Together we'll explore the deeper questions beneath your creative life, cultivating wisdom, discernment, and faithful imagination.
The Rhythm
Who is this for
The Forge is a small apprenticeship for artists who have already demonstrated commitment to both their craft and their growth. You don't need to have everything figured out. You do need to be willing to pay attention.
You're likely at a place where you've developed skill and experience, yet you sense there is still another layer of depth waiting to be discovered.
You care as much about becoming the kind of person who can faithfully sustain meaningful work as you do about the work itself.
You're curious, teachable, and willing to ask honest questions. You value thoughtful conversation over quick answers, transformation over performance, and long-term faithfulness over short-term success.Because this pilot is intentionally small, participation is by invitation.
We've invited artists who demonstrate not only creative ability, but humility, generosity, and a genuine desire to continue growing alongside others.
We believe you'll contribute as much to this community as you'll receive from it.
The Forge is designed to fit within the life of a working artist. Rather than adding another program to your calendar, it creates a sustainable rhythm of attention, reflection, and creative practice that unfolds over seven months.
The Commitment
Duration: 7 months (one sphere each month)
Gathering: One 2-hour online session each month
Between Sessions: Weekly email with reflection, challenge, or practice
Resources: Participate in Word & Work and Spiritual Collectives throughout the apprenticeship
Preparation: Bring your current creative work, questions, and a willingness to engage honestly
Format: Small, invitation-only cohort
The Forge isn't built around completing assignments. It's built around showing up consistently—with curiosity, humility, and a desire to become the person your work requires.
The Pilot Cohort
The Forge Pilot is intentionally limited to a small group of invited artists, allowing us to cultivate the depth of conversation, trust, and attention that this kind of apprenticeship requires.
Investment: [Insert Tuition]
If you've received an invitation and sense this is your next step, we'd love to have you join us. Complete the application below to confirm your interest. We'll follow up with next steps, important dates, and everything you'll need to begin the journey together.
The Kind of Artist You're Becoming
The Forge isn't about arriving at all the answers. It's about learning a way of life that continues long after these seven months are over.
As you cultivate habits of attention, you'll begin to see your work, your calling, and the world around you with greater clarity. You'll develop deeper discernment, stronger creative rhythms, and lasting relationships with fellow artists committed to the same journey. More importantly, you'll become the kind of person capable of sustaining meaningful work with wisdom, courage, and hope.
Because the future needs more than talented artists. It needs wise-hearted artists.
Artists who create from a life deeply rooted in God.
Artists whose work reflects integrity rather than urgency.
Artists who know how to pay attention before they speak.
Artists who can remain faithful in a rapidly changing world.
And artists who recognize that every story, song, painting, performance, poem, or film is an opportunity to help others imagine and inhabit reality more truthfully.
If that is the kind of artist you long to become, we'd be honored to welcome you into The Forge.
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The monthly gathering is two hours, with a weekly reflection or practice between sessions that you can engage at your own pace. The Forge is designed to become a sustainable rhythm, not another overwhelming obligation.
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Most courses are designed to teach new information or skills. The Forge is an apprenticeship. Rather than simply learning something new, you'll practice paying attention, engage in spiritual direction, and develop habits that continue shaping both your life and your work long after the seven months are over.
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Your investment helps make this apprenticeship possible while creating the space for thoughtful preparation, monthly gatherings, weekly resources, and ongoing support. More importantly, it reflects a shared commitment to taking this journey seriously.
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No. The Forge is for artists who are actively pursuing their creative vocation and are committed to continued growth. Some participants make their living through their work, while others balance their creative practice alongside other responsibilities.
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We understand that life happens. While the experience is built around showing up together each month, we'll help you stay connected and continue engaging with the journey if you occasionally need to miss a session.
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The Forge is led by Lisa Smith, founder of soul|makers, who has spent more than twenty years accompanying artists as a pastor, creative leader, and spiritual director. Rather than positioning herself as an expert with all the answers, Lisa guides a process of thoughtful inquiry, biblical reflection, and communal discernment that helps artists notice what God is already doing in their lives and work.
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Probably—but not because we'll teach techniques or critique your craft. The Forge is designed to help you grow in wisdom, discernment, and faithful attention. We believe the quality of your work is deeply connected to the kind of person you are becoming. As your vision deepens, your work often does too.
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If you still have questions, simply reply to your invitation email. We'd be happy to talk with you.
If you're asking these questions, you're probably not alone. If there's something we haven't answered, we'd love to hear from you. The Forge begins with conversation, not pressure.