Joseph J. Graber

Joseph J. Graber is a dedicated pastor, artist, and filmmaker who channels his passion for storytelling into advancing the Kingdom of Christ through film. In 2011, shortly after marrying his wife Stacie, they established the Thorn Crown Project, aiming to create transformative films. The couple relocated to Colorado in 2013, where Joseph played an instrumental role as one of the founding pastors of a new church community.

Born into an Old Order Amish family, Joseph's upbringing was steeped in traditional Amish customs, including a lifestyle without electricity and travel by horse and buggy. His father, an Amish minister, initially taught that salvation was attained through good works and church affiliation. However, after deep study of the Bible, Joseph uncovered the profound truth of salvation by grace through faith, as expressed in Ephesians 2:8-9. This revelation led to theological disagreements within the church, ultimately resulting in the excommunication of his family when Joseph was just fourteen.

Prior to his pastoral work, Joseph traveled across the United States and Mexico as a gospel chalk artist, honing his storytelling skills and recognizing the power of visual media in conveying messages. His experience culminated in a significant project in 2013, where he and Stacie spent three weeks in Peru filming promotional material for a Christian school nestled in the Andes. Joseph's faith remains the cornerstone of his filmmaking endeavors, and he cherishes the opportunity to collaborate with Stacie on each project.