HopeWords tells redemptive stories by cultivating radically hospitable gatherings, places, and conversations.
What does it look like to tell a story of hope?
HopeWords was sparked by this question as two friends wondered what they could do to inspire and equip their Appalachian neighbors to tell a story of hope. A prayer grew into bringing world-renowned authors to a storied theater in a left-behind coal mining town.
From our first gathering in 2019 grew a community of writers and artists committed to using our gifts to bring light into the widowed and forgotten places. We continue to host conferences and carry on our passion for championing redemptive story projects.
The Stories We Tell
HopeWords continues to host our annual Christian writers’ conference in Bluefield, West Virginia, welcoming writers into a place of rest and encouragement in their callings.
Our past Painters Prophets Poets gatherings in Oklahoma City have nurtured connections and partnerships among artists shining the light of renewal.
This Fall our Lifting the Veil gathering features Malcolm Guite and dear friends as we explore the theology and practice of the Christian imagination
Through the generosity of our community, HopeWords has welcomed artists in residence and funded music recordings and video projects.
We have alleviated economic barriers for guests to attend our gatherings.
And more artists and writers have been given space to share their work through our seasonal literary journal.
Your Invitation to Participate
Attend a Gathering
We know the sacrifice inherent in showing up. Our promise is to honor your efforts and those of our host cities with the blessing of fellowship and celebration of hope brought forth through the Christian imagination.
Submit Your Art
Our online literary journal is especially curated to showcase the colorful conversations we can have through creative writing, art, and photography. We welcome your submissions for consideration in our seasonal
Support Our Work
Your literary journal subscriptions, event tickets, organization partnerships, vendor tables, and tax-deductible donations, all support the work we to do inspire Christian creatives to tell stories of hope.
Our Team
Robbie Gaines
Executive Director, Co-founder
Travis Lowe
Executive Chair, Co-founder
Cheryl Eichman
Executive Assistant, Creative Director
Graci Lowe
Editor in Chief, Social Media Manager
Alexis Brubaker
Communications Assistant