A New Beginning

May 27
2 min read

I’m Thomas Kelly: a lifelong Lutheran, multimedia producer, and the founder of Phoenix Anthem, LLC. I didn’t set out to start a media ministry business. In fact, I originally launched Thomas Kelly Productions to support small businesses and nonprofits with photography, video, and website design. But when the pandemic hit in 2020, everything changed. Clients cut their marketing budgets. Contracts dried up. And like so many small businesses, mine began to collapse.

But rather than walk away from the work I loved, I turned to my local church — and God opened a new door.

From Volunteer to Vocation

In early 2021, I began volunteering at my home congregation, Trinity Lutheran Church, School, and Childcare in Sheboygan. I’m a committed member there, and I serve on the Board of Christian Day School. What started as simple weekly Bible study recordings quickly evolved into a growing media ministry. By God’s grace, I was able to help Trinity launch a $50,000 capital campaign that upgraded our livestream setup to better serve homebound members and expand community outreach.

That experience lit a fire. It reminded me that storytelling, design, and technology can serve something greater than algorithms and ad impressions — they can serve the Gospel.

Why I Started Phoenix Anthem

As other LCMS congregations reached out for help with their livestreams, branding, websites, and outreach, I realized there was a greater calling here. And from that realization, Phoenix Anthem was born.

Why the name?

Phoenix Anthem is rooted in resurrection hope.Just as Christ rose victorious over sin and death, this company was born from the ashes of collapse—refined, refocused, and rededicated to His glory.“Anthem” reflects our mission: like a hymn of praise, our media work exists to magnify the message of Christ crucified and risen, strengthening His Church through faithful storytelling and bold design.

Introducing The Creative Witness

This blog is an extension of that mission.

Through The Creative Witness, I’ll be sharing:

Reflections on creative ministry and what it means to serve the Church through art and design
Tips and tools for churches navigating websites, livestreaming, and online communication
Behind-the-scenes looks at the work Phoenix Anthem is doing with LCMS congregations across Wisconsin and beyond. There will also be the occasional post where I share my faith and tell more about my story.

Living the American Dream — Faithfully

At its heart, this work is about more than pixels, plugins, and print layouts. It’s about building a business that serves God, serves the Church, and serves my family. For me, Phoenix Anthem is a way to live the American dream — faithfully:

Using my God-given gifts to serve others
Creating space for meaningful, mission-driven work
And making Christ known in everything I do

Looking Ahead

The Creative Witness will grow alongside the ministries I serve. My prayer is that it becomes a resource for pastors, leaders, creatives, and anyone passionate about using media for the sake of the Gospel.

This is the new beginning. Let’s tell the story well.

—Thomas Kelly

Founder, Phoenix Anthem, LLC