SVC BLOG
Faith in the Spotlight: Insights from “Faith in Entertainment @ SXSW SVC 2024”
Do you ever feel like your commitment to faith and values is at odds with the very industry you’re passionate about? If so, you’re not alone. At SXSW SVC2024, a group of seasoned entertainment professionals gathered to share how they integrate authentic Christian faith into film, music, and production—often in spaces that don’t exactly roll out a welcome mat for religious conviction. The conversation, featuring Kevin Jonas Sr., Phil Guarini, Sarah Carney, Sean Doherty, and a dynamic moderator, was both deeply personal and surprisingly practical.
Below, you’ll find insights on staying faithful under pressure, embracing your calling, and making an impact within an industry that can sometimes feel hostile to spiritual values. Whether you’re producing an indie film, writing your first song, or managing talent, these reflections just might light a spark in you to keep creating with excellence and integrity.
The Heart of the Panel
Purpose:
The session’s main focus was simple yet profound: How can we maintain our relationship with God while building a career in entertainment? Each panelist came with a story of adversity, triumph, and how faith fuels resilience and creativity.
Big Picture:
It became clear that success in such a competitive field requires more than just talent. It demands the courage to follow God’s calling, the strength to carry on when you’re misunderstood—even by your own faith community—and the discipline to keep producing high-quality work. But the best part? This unwavering commitment can shine God’s light in places that need hope the most.
Meet the Panelists
Sarah Carney (Executive Producer, His Only Son)
Sarah knows a thing or two about turning pain into purpose. She lost her husband to cancer in the midst of building a faith-focused production company. Despite this life-altering loss, she championed His Only Son—the first-ever theatrical release funded entirely through a crowdfunded marketing budget. For Sarah, hardship lit a fire in her to continue sharing faith-filled stories.
“We were living our dreams… everything just disappeared. … I questioned my faith, obviously, and why God took him so young. I didn’t understand. But then … we were like, God, this all happened so this film could get made.” – Sarah Carney (00:23:23-00:26:49)
Sean Doherty (Sharpened Iron Studios)
Sean left a 38-year political lobbying career after feeling a divine “download” on an airplane—one that steered him back into an entertainment world he once vowed never to re-enter. Today, Sharpened Iron Studios in Amarillo, Texas, produces faith-based content, aiming to share the gospel with people who might otherwise never step inside a church.
“God literally downloaded that and told me, ‘You’re going to go leave this 38-year, very successful political career and go back into an industry you said… you would never be involved in.’” – Sean Doherty (00:05:59-00:06:13)
Phil Guarini (CEO, Jonas Group Entertainment; Former Head, Disney Music)
Phil spent nearly three decades at Disney before forging a faith-led partnership with Kevin Jonas Sr. In their new chapter, he focuses on being a positive influence in major corporate environments—proof that faith can find a home even in large, secular companies.
“The Lord kept leading me to this place where I could make a difference. I could be the one in that room…to help influence potential change in those conversations.” – Phil Guarini (00:07:58-00:08:11)
Kevin Jonas Sr. (Manager, Jonas Brothers; Founder, Jonas Group Entertainment)
If you’ve heard of the Jonas Brothers, you’ve also heard of Kevin Jonas Sr. He navigated the boys’ rise to fame amid skepticism from church communities who feared “the devil” in mainstream music. Despite judgment, the Jonas family held onto faith, building resilience through rejected record deals and label drops—emerging stronger each time.
“Sometimes the church was disappointing… we had to say goodbye to some people that didn’t understand… to fulfill our destiny and be faithful to that.” – Kevin Jonas Sr. (00:19:08-00:20:21)
5 Core Themes & Takeaways
1. Faith Amid Adversity
Life in entertainment isn’t just about red carpets and big breaks. Personal tragedy, industry pushback, and financial hardship often shape an artist’s journey more than accolades do.
Sarah Carney admitted she questioned God after losing her husband, only to see his legacy film reach theaters through divine doors that swung open at the last minute.
Kevin Jonas Sr. shared how even some within their own faith circles turned against his family. Yet, clinging to God’s call led to bigger stages—and stronger faith.
Reflection:
Painful experiences often become turning points God uses for redirection and growth.
Remaining steadfast in your convictions, especially under scrutiny, is vital to breaking through.
2. The Power of Calling
Aspiring artists might wrestle with whether they’re really called to this line of work. But as Sean Doherty’s story shows, when God opens a door—or downloads a blueprint—it can be impossible to ignore.
Sean Doherty felt compelled to start Sharpened Iron Studios after nearly four decades in another industry.
Phil Guarini believes God places people in key corporate roles to bring Christian influence to mainstream circles.
Reflection:
A calling is more than a hunch; it’s confirmed through prayer, trusted mentors, and open doors.
Don’t hide your light. Even in “secular” zones, your creativity and faith can shine brightly.
3. Community & Support
We weren’t designed to walk this road alone—especially not in an industry known for its highs and lows.
Kevin Jonas Sr. urged artists to find people who actively nurture their faith, reminding them that critics abound but real allies are gold.
Sarah Carney relocated to a region where faith was woven into daily life, finding the community support she needed to keep going.
Reflection:
Surround yourself with believers who share your values and can bolster you when challenges arise.
Fellowship and encouragement act as an anchor, especially in unpredictable career storms.
4. Excellence & Integrity
In a world of performance reviews, viral hits, and instant critics, consistency in quality sets you apart—and reflects your walk with Christ.
The moderator reminded everyone:
“Do everything that you do with excellence. Don’t choose which moment you give your best… you may show up on the right day with the wrong choice.”
Kevin Jonas Sr. attributes major successes (like collaborating with Stevie Wonder) to the Jonas Brothers’ dedication in the little things first.
Reflection:
Whether faith-based or mainstream projects, strive for excellence in every step.
High standards and genuine faith are not opposites; they can (and should) coexist.
5. Reach Beyond Church Walls
The entertainment industry isn’t just full of people who have no faith; in fact, many believers are already working there, sometimes in unexpected places.
Kevin Jonas Sr. encourages artists not to fear stepping outside typical worship environments, as their music or film might be exactly what someone needs to encounter truth.
Phil Guarini points out that ministering in mainstream spaces is crucial, because the Gospel must go where it isn’t already known.
Reflection:
Not all secular spaces are anti-faith; God may use you in surprising ways among people who’d never go to church.
Compelling storytelling and artistry can open people’s hearts to Christ, even if they start out hostile or indifferent.
Overall Message
A strong personal relationship with God, intentional community, and unwavering commitment to your calling can empower you to thrive in the entertainment industry. Yes, the journey is unpredictable and at times intimidating. But as these panelists showed, when your foundation is faith, it’s possible to stay true to your values and still reach the pinnacle of commercial success. Authenticity and resilience—anchored in prayer—have a way of inspiring both fellow believers and the audiences you serve.
Practical Takeaways
Choose Your Circle Wisely
Find mentors, friends, and collaborators who share and respect your faith. They’ll keep you anchored when the industry’s winds start blowing you off course.
Walk Out Your Calling with Courage and Consistency
If you sense God’s leading, go for it—even if it means defying skepticism. Consistently giving your best in the small steps sets you up for the big breakthroughs.
Operate with Excellence Wherever You Are
Christian or secular—do it with excellence. Let your craftsmanship and professionalism speak to the power of your faith. In an industry that quickly judges, excellence paves the way for deeper conversations about God.
Final Word
The entertainment world needs your faith, vision, and artistry. These real stories from Faith in Entertainment @ SXSW SVC 2024 prove that you can remain aligned with God even while chasing big dreams. Be bold in your calling, stay connected to a supportive community, and never compromise your commitment to quality and integrity. If you do, you’ll find yourself shining light far beyond the church doors—reaching hearts that might have remained untouched otherwise.
Ready to step out? The stage is yours.