APTUS – weaving performing arts and faith together

I sat down with Lorna Gray, National Youth Coordinator, and talked to her about APTUS, a new performing arts initiative that she and I have been involved in starting up this year. I asked her to share more about her vision, especially the performing arts dimension of the project, and what she hopes it will mean for our Church..

Lorna, can you tell us about your heart behind starting APTUS?
Over the years we’ve seen young people who love performing arts, but they've often had to grow those skills outside of the church. There’s rarely been a space where they can connect that passion with their faith. APTUS is a way we can intentionally explore how performing arts can be part of our church life again.

What does the name “APTUS” mean, and how does it reflect the purpose of the camp?
It’s not a strict acronym, but you could say it stands for Anglican Performing arts Training for US. The key idea is that the performing arts are part of us — and Jesus is at the centre. It’s about helping young people know that their creative gifts are not separate from their faith.

What kind of impact do you hope APTUS will have on young people?
If all we do is help young people realise that their interest in the arts can be tied up with God, that’s a win. It’s planting a seed. If they step into professional spaces later on, we want them to carry their faith with them. APTUS isn’t the answer or a pathway — it’s an invitation.

How can drama, storytelling, and performance help deepen faith?
Lots of young people find church hard to connect with. APTUS offers a different way in. We’re working towards creating something over the weekend that can be shared at a local church on Sunday morning. That way, they can see their talents as part of worship, not separate from it. It’s all about integration.

What would you say to leaders who feel unsure about using performing arts in ministry?
You don’t need to be an expert. But if you know a young person with these gifts, APTUS gives you somewhere to point them — beyond your local context. It can be a network. When you’re isolated, you look for connection, and if you don’t find it in church, you’ll find it elsewhere. This isn’t about replacing the wider world — it’s about weaving things together.

What do young people most need to thrive in their faith and leadership right now — and how does APTUS help?
Jesus had it sorted — He did life with people. That’s what young people need: real relationships. When they’ve got a skill, they often find people outside the church to help them grow in it. So let’s make sure there are places inside the church where they can do life with others who love Jesus. APTUS is one of those places. It’s designed to support everything already happening in local churches and dioceses and help young people grow their gifts and leadership.

APTUS runs 11–13 July at Woodend Christian Camp, Christchurch
Open to rangatahi aged 14–20
Contact: Lorna Gray – nationalyouthfacilitator@gmail.com
Register: APTUS 2025 Registration Form

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