Why We’re Going: The Heart Behind DCCT26

By: Allan Meade, Founder & Creative Director of Design Church Co.

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As I sit and reflect on the upcoming Design Church Creative Tour 2026 (DCCT26), my heart is full. Not because of the cities we will visit, the miles we will travel, or the opportunities ahead. My heart is full because of the joy of the Lord.

By God’s grace, He has been teaching us something deeply important: to set our hearts on serving His Church. That conviction is the foundation of DCCT26.

The Design Church Creative Tour was never created simply as an event, a gathering, or a creative conference. At its core, it exists for one purpose: to advance the Kingdom of God through serving local churches and equipping the people who have been called to communicate the Gospel through creativity.

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More Than a Tour

When people hear the word “tour,” they often think about destinations, schedules, presentations, or experiences. While those things are part of DCCT26, they are not the reason we go. The reason we go is the Church.

Every city we enter represents a local body of believers faithfully carrying out the mission of Jesus. Every pastor is laboring to shepherd people. Every creative is working behind the scenes to communicate truth, tell stories, and create pathways for people to encounter the Gospel. Our desire is simple: to come alongside them and serve. We believe creativity is not a secondary ministry within the Church. It is one of the many tools God uses to communicate His truth, build His people, and reach those who are far from Him. Through branding, storytelling, design, communication, and creative leadership, churches can remove barriers and help more people clearly see and hear the message of Jesus.

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Serving the Pastor and the Creative

One of the unique burdens we carry for this tour is the desire to serve both the pastor and the creative. Too often these worlds operate separately. Pastors carry the vision. Creatives carry the responsibility of communicating that vision. When those two work together in unity, the impact can be extraordinary. DCCT26 exists to help strengthen that partnership.

We want to encourage pastors who are faithfully leading their churches. We want to equip creatives who are using their gifts for Kingdom purposes. We want to create conversations that help both groups understand one another more deeply and work together more effectively. Because when vision and communication align, churches are better positioned to reach people with the Gospel.

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Creativity in Service of the Gospel

At Design Church, we have always believed that creativity is not about building platforms for ourselves. It is about building bridges for others.

The purpose of great branding is not recognition. The purpose of great storytelling is not applause. The purpose of great design is not admiration. The purpose is clarity. Every design decision, every story told, every brand system developed should ultimately help people move closer to understanding the message of Jesus. That is why we invest so heavily in helping churches think strategically about communication. Not because branding is the mission, but because the Gospel is the mission.

Creativity simply serves that mission.

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Kingdom Work

As I reflected on DCCT26, one phrase continued to rise in my heart: This is Kingdom work.

The work of equipping churches. The work of strengthening leaders. The work of helping local congregations communicate the Gospel more effectively. The work of serving without seeking personal gain.

This is not merely creative work.

This is Kingdom work.

And Kingdom work requires Kingdom-minded people who are willing to use their gifts, talents, and expertise for something greater than themselves.

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Spiritual Warfare Through Service

There is also a spiritual reality behind what we do. Every church that becomes healthier, more focused, and more effective in communicating the Gospel becomes a stronger witness in its community. Every creative who discovers that their gifts have eternal significance becomes more effective in their calling. Every pastor who feels encouraged, supported, and equipped is strengthened for the work God has entrusted to them.

That is why we view this tour as more than education or training. It is spiritual work. It is spiritual warfare. Not through striving, but through faithful service. Through showing up. Through equipping. Through encouraging. Through helping churches communicate the life-changing message of Jesus with excellence and clarity.

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Abundance, Restoration, and Activation

As we prepare for DCCT26, our prayer is that every city we enter would experience abundance, restoration, and activation. Abundance in vision. Restoration in calling. Activation in creativity.

We pray that pastors would be encouraged. We pray that creatives would be equipped. We pray that churches would leave with practical tools and renewed conviction to reach more people with the Gospel. Most of all, we pray that Jesus would be glorified. Because at the end of the day, DCCT26 is not about us.

It is about serving His Church.

It is about advancing His Kingdom.

And by His grace, we are honored to play a small part in that mission.

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