About/Mission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Thorntons

Tim and Laurie Thornton are creatives and ministers who proclaim the kingdom of God through music, writing, speaking, and relationships. They live with their daughters Ellie and Emma, their son Aran, and black lab named Sampson in Colorado Springs, CO. A lot of people ask why The Thornton’s nonprofit and “band” is called The Blackthorn Project. Blackthorn is the meaning of the original Irish name that has come to be translated to Thornton. The blackthorn is a shrubby, dense little tree that grows on the harsh West coast of Ireland. Its dark knotty trunk is traditionally used as a walking stick and for self-defense by travelers. The blackthorn represents strength for the journey and the enduring struggle against oppression and adversity.

For Tim, a long day on the river flyfishing is about as good as it gets. Tim loves to write and speak about the kingdom, and he has an entrepreneurial spirit. Find out more at timfthornton.com. Read Tim’s book in progress and other writings on the blog.

Laurie loves spending most of her time staying at home with the kids. She is also a talented editor and lover of literature, and she’s currently conquering her fear of crafts with a sewing machine and a crochet hook. Learn more at lauriethornton.com. Read Laurie’s writings on the blog.

Tim and Laurie are licensed ministers and The Blackthorn Project is a Colorado 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2006.

Mission Statement

  • Vision:

We want to help people experience and be transformed by the love of Jesus and the message of his kingdom.

  • Journey:

We see the body of Christ as one so we enjoy working to connect people to one another and to Jesus through music, storytelling, and songwriting. And our lives are being transformed in the process as well.

  • How we do it:

Enjoy, write, and offer honest words and music that explore and illuminate this transforming journey.

Encourage our people to discover Jesus, their own creativity and their connectedness with each other.

Join in partnership with pastors/teachers/relief workers/builders/artists/other missionaries, serving and equipping those who build the family of God.

Disciple and live life with people because relationships are the conduit of grace.

Travel stateside and abroad to teach, lead worship, and perform concerts in houses, fellowships, retreats, and in other venues where the church gathers.

Teach/share our knowledge of basic songwriting, instrumental, writing, and whatever other skills we have so the people we minister to will surpass us.

Cultivate our gifts for others through practice and periods of retreat.