Pac Rim Creative Arts students, Story Conference, Chicago 2012. Photo courtesy of Ryan Ching.
Our Story
In the summer of 2010 I was a newly graduated Master of Fine Arts in Communications. I had a passion for culture, film, + writing, + wanted to teach. With the inkling of a calling, I approached a Christian University in Hawaii, hoping for a chance to be faculty. That summer, I taught a one-week course in Faith + Film + was hooked. The students were amazing, + I learned as much as they did. The following fall an opportunity to teach Bible + Pop Culture popped up, + thankfully, the administration took a risk- the rest is history.
Eleven years later, I'm in Mississippi, but my love for the class, students, + content is as strong as ever. By the prompting of a student, I find myself starting this new journey- attempting to articulate what I feel God is saying, while thoughtfully balancing my love for culture, the Bible, + art.
I'm looking forward to getting to know you, talking story about this mad world we live in. But even more, I'm looking forward to seeing God at work in you, through you, + talking about where you're seeing Him move in the culture.
Our mission
Our mission is to bridge the gap between faith and culture by fostering honest, transparent, and authentic conversations about the issues shaping our world.
Through this magazine, we create space to listen, learn, and engage diverse perspectives with humility and curiosity—believing that understanding leads to unity, and unity reflects love.
Join the conversation. Invite others in.
Explore. Engage. Enjoy.
Jude 22-25 (ESV): And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear…Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
Our Team Members
Meet our core team- a group of talented writers + artists- diverse geographically, theologically, artistically- in every way! We are committed to building community, engaging culture, + dialoguing with you on our site as well as on our various social media platforms. We look forward to growing as we provide opportunities for our communities to Explore. Engage. Enjoy!
Mia burke
Our curator, Mia Burke hails from Pascagoula, MS. Mia grew up on a steady diet of literature, film, + music, giving her the bug to travel the world, which she did. She's most inclined towards Sci-Fi, New Wave, + is enjoying the current mood of the culture- revival of the retro ‘80s.
Her BA in English + MFA in Communications have come in handy in working as an editor + coach for blossoming writers as well as teaching university students the merits of humanities + writing. Her garden, adult children, grandson Finnley O, + writing help distract her from Mississippi’s hot humidity. Always up for a trip with her Doxie Ollie + husband Shawn, Mia's ultimate passion is teaching, discipleship, + helping others, adhering to the adage: "Only what's done for Christ will last." She's looking forward to engaging with you through this magazine!
shawn burke
Shawn, a retired US Air Force veteran, was born on the beautiful Gulf Coast in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Having traveled to nearly every corner of the globe while serving in the military, he is perpetually fascinated by culture + the people he has met along his journey. He pursued a bachelor's + master's degree in Aeronautical Science + is now serves alongside men + women in uniform as a meteorologist.
In his free time, his passion is best expressed as a freelance photographer specializing in capturing landscapes, aerial drone footage as well as classic car photography. He has an affinity towards the beauty of the outdoors + all things coastal, + he and his wife Mia have served and taught in various capacities in groups + churches over the past twenty-five years. Their two adult children are married + serving in the military. They enjoy traveling in their RV, visiting their children + grandson Finnley, meeting new people, + exploring new places. You can follow his work at DubStop on Facebook or Instagram.
sabeth kapahu
Sabeth Kapahu is a wife to one, a mom to four, + a friend to many. She’s passionate about encouraging others through good words + solidarity. Sab’s naturally empathetic, loves to develop the potential in people (friends + strangers alike), + has a deep belief that we can live our best lives when we are daily seeking out our individual God-given purpose. She enjoys living through the following motto: “Life, wisdom + truth are meant to be shared; sex, food + sleep are vital in marriage; + Jesus is King.” She can be found social media via:
Instagram @sabethkapahu or on Facebook: Sabeth Kapahu
ayla roback
Mama to a Spider-boy named Finn, two pups: Lilo + Daisy, + wife to Tommy. Ayla, an Air Force brat from childhood is now an Air Force spouse living in Northern California. A big fan of all the pop culture, she loves Disney, Studio Ghibli films, Game of Thrones, Wes Anderson movies, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Marvel, + Star Wars. *whew* She enjoys the occasional anime, casually playing League of Legends with friends, reality tv, movies of all genres (except action--sorry!); a wide range of music from the ’60s + beyond, baking up some goodies + reading new books of the mystery + fantasy genres. She loves all animals, especially llamas + alpacas.
She enjoys a good cup of tea, feasting on some Korean BBQ, + spending time with her doggos, family, + friends. She has an Associate’s degree in Creative Arts. When she isn't mommin' or working at her day job (in retail), you can find her doodling on her computer, working on her passion: graphic design. You can check out her graphic design page on Instagram @ayllama_designs!
OUR BOARD MEMBERS
Meet our Board of Directors- a diverse group of talented individuals from finance to theological perspectives to experienced leadership. This is the committed community seeking God's direction as they steer us into the future.
Anita Smith
Anita Smith serves as Audit Chief, providing independent, impactful financial and operational assessments within the federal government. Prior to that, Anita spent 10 years as an auditor with the Department of Treasury in the Office of Inspector General + as a financial + budget liaison for the grants management program with the City of Gaithersburg, giving budgeting advice on the equitable disbursement of funds to programs addressing homelessness, food security, medical care, skills training + mental health.
Anita transitioned to the Tampa Bay area + in 2020 and spends time writing her dream novel + striving to find her church home. She enjoys travel + absolutely adores her four grandchildren: Eli + Analise, Amalie, and Violet. Anita feels called to Bible + Pop Culture as a writer, “in order to share my voice with those that may feel there is more to say about faith + our journeys” as well as our financial advisor + accountant in order to share her accounting expertise to help build a solid foundation for our magazine + ministry.
Andrea Bufkin
Andrea Bufkin followed her dream of climbing northward from her hometown of Columbia, Mississippi, to the mountains of North Carolina. She counts herself blessed to experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains with her husband (most of the time) and to trek along the trails with her dog, Lucy.
She is a massage therapist, which isn’t necessarily her calling. She’s had the privilege of participating in ministries that support the families of individuals in addiction recovery and is currently exploring Trauma-Informed Massage Therapy. She was the founder and CEO of El Roi Ministries, called to minister to the families of those in treatment for addiction by creating a network of volunteers and service providers to help meet their needs, including: transportation, groceries, mechanical, counseling, etc, at no cost or discounted rates. El Roi also helped educate family members for understanding of co-dependency, boundaries, etc., to create a healthier environment after their loved one returned after rehab.
She enjoys bargain shopping, engaging in healthy debates, and finding a great new book to add to her pile on her nightstand. Her legacy is five amazing kids who keep her on the move. Andrea has been a contributor to Bible and Pop Culture Magazine since its inception in 2020 and continues to serve the organization as a co-host on the Also Called Podcast, coming in November 2025.
Laurie Nickell
Laurie Nickell left Dallas' big city life to support the grass-fed meat industry and lives on a 280-plus-acre ranch in Northeast Texas. She counts herself blessed to have stayed home to raise three Christ-following, active, responsible, maturing teens, each following their own callings and paths.
Laurie’s degree is in Kinesiology; however, she took a turn, spending ten years as a marketing project manager with time in events, online marketing management, and brand development. She then utilized her education and work experience, coaching under a Naturopath, to minister to the health and spirit of others.
She enjoys gardening herbs that can be utilized to support wellness. As part of her health coaching journey, she’s growing a business and ministry that targets supporting clients’ nutritional health journeys. You can find her in the summer on the beach, in daily life on the back of her horse, and always enjoying time with her family and mother.
Christine Walker
Christine Walker is a Desert Storm Veteran, published author, and seasoned publisher with nearly a decade of experience in print media. She is the author of Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth (2007), a Bible study that equips believers to study Scripture for themselves and introduces the Jewish roots of the Christian faith. Christine also founded AT EASE! Veterans Magazine, the only 100% Veteran-owned and written publication of its kind, giving a national platform to veteran voices.
With nearly 30 years of ministry experience, Christine emphasizes that theology holds little weight unless it is lived out daily in accordance with Scripture. For her, the center of faith is not head knowledge but a living, personal relationship with Yeshua—one that is proven genuine only when ahava (Hebrew for “I give”) is actively put into practice. A former Messianic Congregational Leader and American Legion Post Commander, she brings a unique blend of faith leadership, military service, and publishing expertise to the board. She now lives in Springfield, Missouri, where she is the caretaker for her elderly mother. Christine has contributed to Bible and Pop Culture Magazine. She has also advised on its organizational structure, navigation of the day-to-day operations, fundraising, and assisted in helping it find its place in the publishing industry since its inception in 2020.