our vision

We long to see the day when artists all over the world are empowered to manifest the imagination of God through their artistic offerings, enabling the world to see the invisible and believe the impossible. 


Creative Paradox is a growing community of people passionate about the arts, one another and our Christ our Creator. 


our mission

We are committed to encouraging artists spiritually, relationally and creatively to create powerful and excellent art and media that will glorify our God and positively influence our culture. 


To help carry this out practically our programs exists to:

  1. BulletFoster the creation of works in line with our vision

  2. BulletEmpower artists Spiritually, Relationally and Creatively

  3. BulletConnect artists & their works with their community

  4. BulletSupport local churches as they empower artists in their

          own faith communities.


Creative Paradox is an Artistic Faith-Based 501(c)3 non-profit organization, based out of the Washington D.C. metro Area.

meet our leadership

Darren is a full time Pastor in Creative Paradox. He has a calling to pastor artists and empower them in their role as missionaries to our culture while telling stories through the power of video/film.  He has received a Master’s in Pastoral Counseling and Discipleship from Capital Bible Seminary to aid him in this calling.  He is also coming alongside the local church, helping them to do the same.

Josh is a leader in the community who has a heart for raising up disciples of Jesus Christ and empowering them in the arts for His glory.  He is also passionate about the Creative Paradox art space, its artist, and its role in the city of Annapolis.  Josh is professional photographer.

Neil is one of several leaders helping to give leadership to the weekly Nexus Worship Gatherings on Monday Nights. Neil has also started and heads up the Touring Band Ministry (called the Hardcore Hotel) where he and his wife Camille provide a bed and a hot meal for Christian Hardcore bands on tour.  Many of these bands are touring in the secular arena and when they stop at the Hardcore Hotel they are not only encouraged physically with food and shelter but creatively and spiritually as well.

Missionary, Pastor, artist, husband and Dad.  Lover of all things wonderful and creative.  Called by God to ignite the flame of Paradox in the US and then to carry that torch to Canada. Chad and his family are our first official international missionaries of Paradox.  He is also serving artists in Canada through Rhubarb Media, a  design and marketing firm he launched to live out the Creative Paradox philosophy in a uniquely secular environment. 

Darren Heater

Joshua Shirlen

Neil Rittle

Chad Ballantyne