About Sam

I studied English and Religious Studies at the University of Iowa, where I fell in love with the power of the written word and the gospel.

sam

I have worked at churches creating and directing ministries to reach the 20-30 age group, curating web and live experiences, and speaking to audiences ranging from 35-2,000 per weekend. I live with my beautiful wife and two daughters in Des Moines, IA.

On this site, I discuss faith and creativity, and random items that grab my attention. The best way to keep up is by subscribing, which you can do here.

Writing:

I recently released my first book, A Creative Theology.

What people are saying about it…

“Creative Theology is deep, smart, brave, and beautiful. If that’s the kind of work that inspires you, read … no, experience this book.” Scott McClellan – Editor of Echo Hub and the Director of Echo Conference

“In the future, books will be a collision of content and art. Thanks to Sam Mahlstadt, the future is here. In this book, he helps us see the divine origination of creativity in the most beautiful format you could imagine.” Ben Arment – Founder of the STORY conference

“It is beautiful. I love the writing, the design… everything!” Paul Stewart – Lead pastor of The Gateway Church

read more here.

I’ve contributed to the following magazines and blogs:

  • Echo Hub (formerly COLLIDE Magazine)
  • Sunday| Magazine
  • churchm.ag (formerly ChurchCrunch.com)
  • BeDeviant.com

Speaking:

If you’re interested in having me present at an event, please email smahlstadt at gmail dot com with the following information:

  • Date and location of event
  • Demographic and size of audience
  • Theme of event and/or topic on which you’d like me to present
  • Speaker budget

Below is a sampling of the presentations I’ve given this past year:

  • Spark talk at the Luminous Project on Creative Theology. Notes here.
  • Workshop on social media at the Cornerstone Ministerial Association International (CMAI) annual conference
  • Introduction to Creative Theology at Cedar Rapids Family Church
  • Book signing at Cornerstone Family Church (Des Moines, IA)
  • Sermon on Creative Theology at Body of Christ Church. Audio here.
  • TedxDesMoines action pitch for The Move Project. Video coming soon…
  • Teaching at Cornerstone Family Church – 18-29 age group
  • Lab at Iowa Ministry Network’s Fall Youth Conference

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You can stay in touch by subscribing to the blog and my newsletter here.