Master of Music in Theory & Composition, Southwestern Seminary, Fort Worth, TX
Bachelor of Music in Theory & Composition, Samford University
David Brazzeal is an author, poet, musician, and creative innovator whose work centers on the intersection of spirituality and creativity. His book, Pray Like a Gourmet: Creative Ways to Feed Your Soul (published by Paraclete Press), reflects his passion for encouraging individuals to explore prayer as a vibrant, imaginative, and deeply personal practice. Drawing from his diverse experiences living and working across multiple continents, Brazzeal infuses his writing with a global perspective, emphasizing how spiritual practices can be as rich and varied as a gourmet meal.
For nearly a decade, Brazzeal lived in southwestern France, where he immersed himself in the local culture, savoring freshly baked baguettes from the boulangerie and artisanal cheeses from the marché. This time in France influenced his approach to creativity and spirituality, as he drew inspiration from the sensory richness of his surroundings. His experiences in France, combined with his earlier work in diverse cultural contexts, shaped his unique perspective on blending the spiritual with the creative.
Since 1986, Brazzeal has worked alongside his wife, Sanan, with the International Mission Board, serving in countries such as Brazil, Guadeloupe, Québec, and France. During this time, he played a pivotal role in founding five innovative missional communities, each reflecting his vision of integrating creativity into spiritual practice. These "new churches" embraced non-traditional approaches to worship, community, and faith expression, aligning with Brazzeal’s broader mission to inspire deeper spiritual engagement through creative means.
Brazzeal’s creative output extends beyond writing. He is known for crafting poetry that explores spiritual themes, designing "guerrilla labyrinths" (temporary or unconventional labyrinths created in public spaces to encourage contemplation and reflection), and producing electro-meditative music, a genre that blends electronic sounds with meditative qualities to foster spiritual experiences. His work consistently seeks to bridge the gap between creativity and spirituality, encouraging those who are artistically inclined to deepen their spiritual lives and those who are spiritually focused to embrace their creative potential.
His philosophy of “nudging” individuals toward this synergy reflects his belief that creativity and spirituality are interconnected and mutually enriching. Whether through his writing, music, or labyrinth projects, Brazzeal invites others to explore faith in ways that are dynamic, experiential, and deeply personal. His global experiences, from the vibrant markets of France to the diverse communities of Brazil and Québec, inform his approach, making his work resonate with a wide audience seeking fresh perspectives on spiritual growth.
