What if you accepted the call to craft the inner life necessary to become a
wise-hearted creative leader in a broken world?
Spiritually grounded.
Artistically disciplined.
Culturally responsible.
Capable of genuinely courageous, truthful, hopeful work.
THE FORGE IS NOT A COURSE.
IT’S A CONFRONTATION.
A seven month high intensity apprenticeship for artists ready to forge the inner armature needed to sustain your calling in the face of increasing pressure, technological acceleration, and cultural noise.
Who is this for?
The Forge is a small apprenticeship for makers, performers, writers, filmmakers, musicians, visual artists, designers, and creatives of all kinds 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.
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 Rhythm
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, challenge, and creative practice that unfolds over seven months.
Duration: 7 months September 2026 - March 2027.
The Forge Gathering: One 2-hour online session each month with 5 peers and Lisa for wise-hearted inquiry on our creative work, process, and growth points
Between Sessions: Weekly Catalyst email with reflection, challenge, or practice on one of the 7 spheres of perception
Resources: Optional participation in Word & Work: A Biblical Imagination Studio and Spiritual Collectives throughout the apprenticeship
Preparation: Bring your current creative work, questions, and a willingness to engage honestly
Format: Small, invitation-only, interdisciplinary group apprenticeship
Cost
As part of our inaugural pilot, you can join The Forge for $500—half the future enrollment fee of $1,000. Your participation and feedback will help shape the experience for future cohorts.
If the cost of entry is the only thing standing between you and the work, let us know on your application. We have dedicated scholarships available.
Still Wondering?
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.
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7 months of dedicated attention to the deeper things crying out inside of you.
It’s a commitment. But consider it a gift.
This is your invitation to stop. A structure to be intentional. A framework to build a new way of living and creating. This is the time you’ve been wishing you had to do what’s too hard to do alone.
Structure:
One short video per week giving you a catalyst for creative and spiritual growth.
2 hour monthly group for Wise-Hearted Inquiry — a communal perception practice of discerning our lives and work through the lens of biblical imagination.
One hour a day you’re in the challenge, your creative work, prayer, and reflection.
Optional - (but highly recommended) - Weekly personal or group practice of Spiritual Collective Holy Listening and Word & Work: A Biblical Imagination Studio.
The Forge is designed to become a sustainable rhythm you can take with you. Nott another overwhelming obligation.
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Most courses are designed to teach new information or skills. The Forge is an apprenticeship.
Each month, we explore one of seven spheres that shape both the artist and the work. Together they become a practical framework for reflection, spiritual direction, and creative discernment—helping you recognize where God is already at work, uncover what may be holding you back, and grow in wisdom over time. Rather than offering quick fixes, The Forge cultivates habits of attention that deepen both your life and your creative practice long after the seven months are over.
God – Developing rhythms of prayer, Scripture, attentiveness to God's presence, and being transformed in the likeness of Christ.
Self – Growing in self-awareness, humility, emotional health, and integrity.
Others – Learning through community, relationships, collaboration, and faithful presence.
Craft – Pursuing excellence with patience, discipline, curiosity, and joy.
Vocation – Clarifying your calling, purpose, and the unique work entrusted to you.
Culture – Learning to perceive, engage, and respond thoughtfully to the world around you.
Courage – Practicing faithful action, creative risk, perseverance, and hope.
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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 most balance their creative practice alongside other responsibilities.
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The Forge is a high commitment experience which relies on the active participation of the group. We understand that life happens. However, the experience is built around showing up together each month. Signing up for the Forge means making the monthly meetings a priority. We will schedule group sessions around the availability of the group and work to reschedule the group if an emergency occurs. If you feel you are unable to commit to the monthly group session in this season of life, we hope you will apply at a later date.
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The Forge is led by Rev. Lisa Cole Smith, founder of soul|makers, who has spent more than twenty years accompanying artists as a pastor and creative leader She is also an actor, curator, and community based art project leader in Alexandria, VA. 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.
What People Say About soul|makers
Meet Lisa
An actor, director, and minister to artists for over 30 years. Lisa has spent her life at the fault line between faith, art, and the human experience.
A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University conservatory drama program, she built her career on stage before refusing the split between sacred and creative work—founding Shadows of Light Theatre Company and eventually forging Convergence a new kind of church and community art center where artists are emboldened, not managed. From punk musicians to opera singers and everything in between.
soul|makers is the result of three decades of lived practice, hard-won wisdom, and research backed by institutions like The Louisville Institute, The Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, The Leland Seminary, Wesley Seminary and others.
She’s created a training ground for wise-hearted creative leaders who refuse to settle for anything less than becoming who they were created to be, making what they were created to make and doing what they were created to do.
