Poiema Ministries, Inc.

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

What are we about?

Poiema Ministries is a nonprofit corporation that exists to reveal God's beauty and truth through creative writing and the spoken word. Rooted in the Black rhetorical tradition, we engage diverse communities -- both within and beyond the church -- through poetry, preaching, and literary expression. Through live events, publications, and workshops, we invite people to encounter the wonder of the Living God and the transformative power of the Word.

What’s in a name?

Poiema is a Greek word found in Ephesians 2:10 that literally means, “a thing that is made.” Most often, scholars translate it as “workmanship,” “masterpiece,” or “handiwork.” Poiema is also the root word of the English, “Poem.” Put together, the name Poiema Ministries proclaims that each person is uniquely made by God, the Master Craftsperson. As such, we each are born with an intrinsic need to both encounter and to create beauty, as we imitate the One whose image we bear. Our mission at Poiema Ministries is to create opportunities for as many people as possible to come face to face with God’s beauty, regardless of their backgrounds.