Art is an extension of our faith
If art is good art, if it is true art, if it is beautiful art, then it is bearing witness to the Author of the good, the true, and the beautiful.
R.C. Sproul
At Riverbend, we are deeply passionate about the arts – identifying art as a reflection of our Creator. Just as we are created in God's image, we believe that He is reflected in our creativity. Austin is a city that fully embraces art — and more importantly all of the crazy, quirky, weird, and wonderful artists that come with it — and Riverbend is no different. Art, much like faith, is seldom a one-size-fits-all experience, and we love it.
Riverbend is blessed to showcase, be involved in, and encourage the works and development of multiple disciplines and variety of Austin artists. Featuring world-class musicians, visual artists of every medium, and a state of the art performance venue, Riverbend strives to honor and glorify our Creator by drawing His people, and then directing their attention back towards Him.
Meet the Creative Arts team
TYLYN TAYLOR
CREATIVE ARTS PASTOR
Tylyn is a Swiss Army knife of creative experiences. He has degrees in music composition and pastoral counseling, and over a decade of working as a graphic designer. He’s spent most of his life in and around churches and has a deep appreciation and love for the entire organism of “church”. When he’s not deep in thought, or allowing himself to be distracted, he’s usually spending time with his wife Bethany, and their three children.
If you’re interested in serving on the Creative Arts Team, or if you’d like more information about the arts at Riverbend, Ty is the guy you’re looking for >
CARLTON DILLARD
PASTOR OF MUSIC & WORSHIP
Carlton joined the Riverbend Church staff in 1989. He spent many years in music ministry serving churches in Texas and New Mexico. He is known for his contagious enthusiasm and creative use of various styles of music in the contemporary church. Besides being a gifted vocalist and worship leader, Carlton is a conductor, arranger, and record producer. He and his wife, Sharon, have four children and four grandchildren. Sharon also serves on staff as Manager of Riverbend Centre for the Arts. Carlton's other passions include home theater design and installation, and their two dogs, Maggie and Zoe.
TRAVIS TAYLOR
WORSHIP AND TEACHING PASTOR
Travis, his wife Melissa, and their 3 children moved from San Diego to Austin in 2019. He has a passion for worship, video games and LEGOs. He has been in and around churches his entire life and was a Worship Pastor at his previous church. He loves meeting new people and loves trying new coffee shops. His life’s goal is to find the perfect cortado.
To meet the rest of the Creative Arts Team, visit our staff directory >
Creative Arts @ Riverbend
Riverbend’s musicians
Under the direction of our Music and Worship leaders Travis and Carlton, Riverbend is flooded with incredible Austin-based talent each and every Sunday for our two Worship services. Few churches in the world can boast of such gifted and refined musicians as what God has blessed Riverbend, and Austin at-large, with.
We are not only thankful for their dedication to Riverbend, we are also excited to share them with our congregation each and every week.
We encourage our congregation to support Riverbend’s local musicians and artists by attending shows and concerts, as well as purchasing original recordings and other offerings.
Inspiration Gallery at Riverbend
Located in the Main Auditorium/Riverbend Centre, Inspiration Gallery was created as a showcase for local artists that needed a place to display their works. The Inspiration Gallery has hosted a bevy of artists — from the emerging art of some of the most talented of the University of Texas' art programs to nationally acclaimed creators. For more information visit https://www.riverbendcentre.org.
Please visit the gallery on Sunday’s from 9:30AM–12:00PM and at special showings through the Riverbend Centre for the Arts. To learn more about how to exhibit works at the Gallery contact info@riverbendcentre.org.
Riverbend Writers
This group meets regularly and is dedicated to all things written – including blogging, vlogging, fiction/non-fiction (in flash, short and long forms), poetry, spiritual messaging, social media, screenplays and emerging platforms. We are comprised of professionals, and semi-professionals, advocates, editors, wordsmiths, voracious literary consumers, and just plain creative junkies.
For more information about our efforts, works and gatherings, contact communications@riverbend.com.
Are you ready to get messy with Creative Arts at Riverbend?
We encourage any artist to consider contributing their artistic voice as an extension of their faith.
If you are interested in learning more about any of our opportunities in the creative arts, please click on the button below and send a message to our Creative Arts Pastor, Tylyn Taylor.
A Christian should use these arts to the glory of God … as things of beauty to the praise of God. An art work can be a doxology in itself.
While it may seem intimidating at first, we trust God to take care of all of that worrying stuff and allow us to partner in a way that brings about things we never could have imagined ourselves. That is the beauty and power of collaboration and partnership!
Opportunities
Choir — Come join 100 other volunteer choir members who sing on Sunday mornings for the 9:00 Traditional service and 10:30 Contemporary service, and other special events. Rehearsals are usually on Wednesday nights at 7:00.
Sunday Morning Tech — From running the graphics/media systems to running cameras during services, we are always looking for people to help with Sunday morning tech.
Photography & Video — Whether you are a professional or a hobbyist, help us capture many of the different events that go on at Riverbend each week.
Graphic Design — Gain "hands on” design experience as a part of our Communications department.
TV Broadcast & Production — Gain "hands on" experience in TV Production, IMAG and Broadcast ministry.
Audio & Music — Gain "hands on" experience in church creative arts/music ministry.
Creative Arts — If you’re a painter, writer, or any type of creative that we haven’t listed here, we’d love the opportunity to find a place for you to serve at Riverbend!