It’s always a treat to talk with a true artist – one who pours their heart and soul into what they do. They look at the world and tell you what they see with honesty, passion, and hard work. And for that, I’ve always appreciated the work of Michael and Lisa Gungor.

In this conversation they both are disarming in their honesty. They’ve walked through hell and back and are so generous in the lessons they’ve learned.

It’s rare to go from hilarious laughter to tears of pain to controversial issues to an education on creativity all in the same conversation. This one is a little longer, folks, but you won’t want to miss one minute. So worth it.

Click to Listen: In this Episode You’ll Hear More About:

• What inspired all the Gungor brothers to pursue music.

• How do develop a love for music.

• Michael Gungor’s influence of Charismatic/Pentecostal worship, jazz, & classical music.

• Why Gungor has never been embraced by any one particular industry.

• Why beauty & art is central to the Kingdom of God.

• Why you need to make music that is true to yourself, not a preconceived audience.

• Some backstory on how Gungor has evolved from writing “worship songs” to what they create today.

• The story behind Gungor’s new album “One Wild Life: Soul”

• The Gungor’s journey into having a beautiful new daughter with down syndrome.

• Why meditation is helpful.

• What announcing a trilogy of albums will do to your productivity as a musician.

• Why creating music around “albums” is a broken system.

• How Michael pushes his creativity.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Website: Gungor

• Music: One Wild Life: Soul by Gungor

• Music: Beautiful Things by Gungor

• Podcast: David Gungor on The Brilliance Music, Art for the Church, & Demystifying Liturgy

• Article: 1000 True Fans by Kevin Kelly

• Podcast: On Being with Krista Tippett

• Podcast: The Liturgists – Meditation

• Website: Sleeping At Last

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Thanks For Listening!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post. So helpful!

If you have an idea for a podcast you would like to see, a special guest you’d like to hear from, or a question for an upcoming episode, please email me. If you enjoyed the show, I would be so appreciative if you would rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That helps me so much! Thanks.

And thanks to Michael & Lisa for sharing with us!

Question: What’s your biggest takeaway from this interview with Gungor? Always love to hear from you! You can leave a comment by clicking here.

Tweet Like what you read? If so, please join over 5000 people who receive exclusive weekly online worship ministry tips, and get a FREE COPY of my eBook, Beyond Sunday! Just enter your name and email below:

One of the ministries that had a profound impact on me as a worship leader was IHOP – the International House of Prayer. I remember visiting the 24/7 prayer room as a young kid and being so challenged to pursue Jesus with my whole heart.

That’s why this interview was so fun. Jaye Thomas is a worship leader/teacher at IHOP and we dive deep into the culture of IHOP, prophetic singing, stepping out in faith, and so much more.

Jaye is the real deal!

Click to Listen In this Episode You’ll Hear More About:

• The term “musicianary” and what it means to Jaye Thomas and his ministry.

• Making terrifying transitions to follow the call of God.

• What Jaye learned from his aunt – the late great, Nina Simone.

• Why the acoustic guitar is such an emotional instrument.

• The IHOP worship culture.

• Why worship is the greatest calling for the believer and the greatest thing we can do for the kingdom.

• Jaye’s weekly schedule as an intercessory missionary at IHOP.

• The importance of sitting still before the Lord.

• What it means to be a prophetic singer.

• The difference between spontaneous and prophetic.

• Why it’s important to sing songs about God to God.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Website: Jaye Thomas

• Website: Nina Simone

• Music: Shout Your Name by Onething

• Book: Following the River by Bob Sorge

• Book: Humility by Andrew Murray

• Website: Bethel Music

• Website: Chris Burns

• Twitter: @jayethomasmusic

• Facebook: Jaye Thomas Music

• Website: Forerunner Music

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Thanks For Listening!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post. So helpful!

If you have an idea for a podcast you would like to see, a special guest you’d like to hear from, or a question for an upcoming episode, please email me. If you enjoyed the show, I would be so appreciative if you would rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That helps me so much! Thanks.

And thanks to Jaye for sharing with us!

Question: What’s your biggest takeaway from this interview with Jaye Thomas? Always love to hear from you! You can leave a comment by clicking here.

Tweet Like what you read? If so, please join over 5000 people who receive exclusive weekly online worship ministry tips, and get a FREE COPY of my eBook, Beyond Sunday! Just enter your name and email below:

Tim Hughes is no stranger to the worship community. For years he has provided the worshiping church with great songs like Here I Am to Worship, Happy Day, At Your Name, Consuming Fire, and many more.

It was an honor to welcome Tim back to the podcast. In this conversation we go much deeper than just songwriting and the creative process. We talk about Tim’s recent leap of faith to plant a church, following the call of God, as well as his new album Pocketful of Faith.

Plus, we’re giving away a few copies of the album.

How to Win an Album

Integrity Music has graciously agreed to give away 5 copies of Tim’s new album.

All you must do is leave a comment on this post OR share the post via social media. Say anything you like, although the best comments typically do stand out.

Thanks for participating!

Click to Listen In this Episode, You’ll Hear More About:

• The story of Tim’s call to plant a church in Birmingham, England.

• The difference between chasing a dream and following the call of God.

• How to take a risk when you have a family to provide for.

• Why church planters need to move slowly.

• Tips for building a launch team for your church.

• The necessary qualities for every local church worship pastor.

• The story behind Pocketful of Faith.

• The dangers of being too professional in worship.

• What Tim is currently learning (or re-learning) about songwriting.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Website: Worship Central

• Music: Pocketful of Faith by Tim Hughes

• Website: St. Luke’s Gas Street

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Thanks For Listening!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post. So helpful!

If you have an idea for a podcast you would like to see, a special guest you’d like to hear from, or a question for an upcoming episode, please email me. If you enjoyed the show, I would be so appreciative if you would rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That helps me so much! Thanks.

And thanks to Tim for sharing with us!

Question: What’s your biggest takeaway from this interview with Tim Hughes? Always love to hear from you! You can leave a comment by clicking here.

Tweet Like what you read? If so, please join over 5000 people who receive exclusive weekly online worship ministry tips, and get a FREE COPY of my eBook, Beyond Sunday! Just enter your name and email below:

I love conversations with interesting people – people who have strong opinions, know who they are, believe in what they do, work hard, and live to help others. John Mark McMillan is one of those people. Maybe that’s why this conversation went a little long.

John Mark McMillan is a fantastic singer/songwriter, most known for his song “How He Loves” which is sung in churches all over the world. There is so much depth to this guy. He is making the music he wants to make, not what others think he should do.

It was just super fascinating to get his perspective on art, songwriting, worship music, influences, production, and so much more. Feel free to listen in spurts but make sure you get all the way to the end. This is not a conversation to be missed!

Click to Listen In this Episode You’ll Hear More About:

• How JMM defines his music.

• Thoughts on the “genre” of worship music and categorizing music.

• Tips for being honest with your art.

• The tension between the song you want to sing and the song people want to hear.

• The phenomenon of “How He Loves”

• Specific tips JMM learned from his top 5 influences.

• Worship leading lessons from Bruce Springsteen.

• The problem with pop culture influence on worship music.

• How JMM approaches songwriting – tips, tricks, routines.

• How to deal with insecurities as an artist.

• The sound of Borderland and why JMM likes it better than Economy.

• Finding deeper creativity by limiting your options.

• The benefits of music school and really developing your craft.

• The story behind the new You Are the Avalanche EP.

• Creating art with small children.

• The story behind JMM’s record label Lionhawk Records.

• Some current music JMM has been listening to.

• JMM’s favorite live shows.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Website: John Mark McMillan

• Twitter: twitter.com/johnmarkmc

• Music: You Are the Avalanche by John Mark & Sarah McMillan

• Music: Borderland

• Music: Economy

• Music: The Medicine

• Music: The Song Inside the Sounds of Breaking Down

• Book: Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon

• Book: The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard

• Book: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

• Book: The Impossible Mentor by Ray Hollenbach

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Thanks For Listening!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post. So helpful!

If you have an idea for a podcast you would like to see, a special guest you’d like to hear from, or a question for an upcoming episode, please email me. If you enjoyed the show, I would be so appreciative if you would rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That helps me so much! Thanks.

And thanks to John Mark for sharing with us!

Question: What’s your biggest takeaway from this interview with John Mark McMillan? Always love to hear from you! You can leave a comment by clicking here.

Tweet Like what you read? If so, please join over 5000 people who receive exclusive weekly online worship ministry tips, and get a FREE COPY of my eBook, Beyond Sunday! Just enter your name and email below:

It’s refreshing to connect with people who love God’s church – those who are more concerned with giving voice to His people in worship over being the newest, hottest thing.

That’s why I love Vertical Church Band. They are no strangers to the podcast. They were a guest for episode 19 and we’ve also welcomed Meredith Andrews and Mia Fieldes who are both very connected to this ministry.

I was able to connect with Eddie Hoagland and Kyle Fredricks in Pittsburgh on their Church Songs tour. We talk worship shop – how to build a set, leading songs for everyday people, and tips for staying fresh in what you do.

Click to Listen

In this Episode You’ll Hear More About:

• An update on the VCB Church Songs tour.

• What to do with cranky volunteers.

• The philosophy behind the name Vertical Church Band.

• The makings of a great worship setlist.

• How the worship teams at Harvest Bible Chapel pick their songs.

• The philosophy behind the album Church Songs.

• The difference between Christian Music and music designed for Christians to sing to God.

• Tips for staying fresh as a worship pastor and a creative leader.

• Living out the tension between global ministry and local ministry.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Website: Vertical Church Band

• Music: Church Songs by Vertical Church Band

• Podcast: Vertical Church Band on Creating a Culture of Collaboration

• Twitter: @verticalchband

• Twitter: @eddiehoagland

• Twitter: @kfredricks87

Subscription Links

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Thanks For Listening!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post. So helpful!

If you have an idea for a podcast you would like to see, a special guest you’d like to hear from, or a question for an upcoming episode, please email me. If you enjoyed the show, I would be so appreciative if you would rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That helps me so much! Thanks.

And thanks to Eddie & Kyle for sharing with us!

Question: What’s your biggest takeaway from this interview with Eddie & Kyle? Always love to hear from you! You can leave a comment by clicking here.

Tweet Like what you read? If so, please join over 5000 people who receive exclusive weekly online worship ministry tips, and get a FREE COPY of my eBook, Beyond Sunday! Just enter your name and email below:

I love songwriting. I love the power of what a song can do. Songs can literally change people’s lives.

I also love hearing from the best about how they write songs and craft lyric and melody to effect people’s hearts. I’ve wanted to have Mia Fieldes on the podcast for a while now and that day has finally come.

Mia is an incredible songwriter who’s collaborated with the likes of Michael W Smith, Matt Maher, Kari Jobe, Hillsong, and more. Have you heard “Proof of Your Love” by For King & Country or “He Knows My Name” by Francesca Battistelli? Mia wrote those songs.

Not only do we talk songwriting but we also dive into some vulnerable territory about overcoming insecurity. Mia gets real towards the end of the interview and it’s super powerful stuff.

Don’t miss it!

Click to Listen: In this Episode You’ll Hear More About:

• Mia’s experience on the Vertical Church Band Church Songs tour.

• When Mia first decided she wanted to be a songwriter.

• The story behind Mia’s first song, which happens to be a rap song

• How to grow in confidence as a songwriter.

• The hard work of songwriting.

• Songwriting Principles
  • Stick to a theme
  • Creating melodic hooks
  • Creating lyrical hooks
  • Map the Song
• Why you should never use your original idea.

• Dealing with insecurities.

• How to find confidence in your gift and your voice.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Website: Mia Fieldes

• Website: Vertical Church Band

• Twitter: @miafieldes

• Instagram: Mia Fieldes

• Book: God Songs by Paul Baloche

• Podcast: Meredith Andrews on Vertical Church Band, Songwriting, & Balancing Family and Ministry

Subscription Links

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Thanks For Listening!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post. So helpful!

If you have an idea for a podcast you would like to see, a special guest you’d like to hear from, or a question for an upcoming episode, please email me. If you enjoyed the show, I would be so appreciative if you would rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That helps me so much! Thanks.

And thanks to Mia for sharing with us!

Question: What’s your biggest takeaway from this interview with Mia? Always love to hear from you! You can leave a comment by clicking here.

Tweet Like what you read? If so, please join over 5000 people who receive exclusive weekly online worship ministry tips, and get a FREE COPY of my eBook, Beyond Sunday! Just enter your name and email below:

It’s a good day when you’re in the same room with guys like Glenn Packiam & Aaron Niequist. I was honored to catch up with them at the Spirit & Sacrament conference here in Pittsburgh.

Both of these guys have backgrounds in modern worship but are also integrating traditional liturgical practices in their ministries. Just so you’re warned, this interview is short but loaded with more nuggets of wisdom than you can probably handle in one listen. Might need to return to this one a few times.

Enjoy!

Click to Listen

In this Episode You’ll Hear More About:

• Why modern worship & traditional liturgy can work together.

• The power of emotion in music.

• Why worship music may not be emotional enough.

• How modern worship fails to prepare people for crises.

• The difference between mood & emotion and what that means for worship leaders.

• Church functioning more like a gymnasium than a place to learn or be entertained.

• Serving a well balanced meal to your people in worship.

• The purpose of our gatherings: Christ as the center and the Gospel as the story.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Article: Lester Ruth on top CCLI songs

• Blog Post: Are Emotions in Worship Wrong?

• Podcast: Aaron Niequist on Liturgy, Corporate Worship, & Moving Beyond Songs

• Website: Glenn Packiam

• Website: Aaron Niequist

• Website: The Practice

• Book: Discover the Mystery of Faith: How Worship Shapes Believing by Glenn Packiam

• Music: The Mystery of Faith by Glenn Packiam

• Master List of the Beyond Sunday Podcast

Show Sponsor

Today’s podcast is sponsored by Omnisphere by Spectrasonics. Omnisphere is my latest piece of software for keys and probably the only one I’ll ever need. Incredible pads and textures, innovative keyboard sounds, strings, lead synths, basses and arpeggios, it’s got it all. Literally some of the best sounding patches for keys I’ve ever heard.

We’re in the production stages of recording our next live album and Omnisphere is becoming a massive part of our sound for this project. Run it through MainStage, Logic, Pro Tools, or even Garage Band and you have keys rig for your worship sets that is better sounding and more customizable than anything you’ve ever experienced. Check it out!

Subscription Links

• Subscribe via iTunes
• Subscribe via Stitcher
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Thanks For Listening!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post. So helpful!

If you have an idea for a podcast you would like to see, a special guest you’d like to hear from, or a question for an upcoming episode, please email me. If you enjoyed the show, I would be so appreciative if you would rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That helps me so much! Thanks.

And thanks to Glenn & Aaron for sharing with us!

Question: What’s your biggest takeaway from this interview with Glenn & Aaron? Always love to hear from you! You can leave a comment by clicking here.

Tweet Like what you read? If so, please join over 5000 people who receive exclusive weekly online worship ministry tips, and get a FREE COPY of my eBook, Beyond Sunday! Just enter your name and email below:

One of the biggest influences on my worship leading and songwriting is Matt Redman. It was such an honor to catch up with him on the podcast.

I don’t know anyone who is a better lyricist with worship songs than Matt Redman. Every word has feeling. Every word makes sense. Every syllable is meticulously placed.

This is definitely a songwriting episode. We discuss his songwriting habits, collaborative writing, the new album, and discuss his upbringing.

Unfortunately I was a bit sick during this interview, so you’ll hear that as well

Click to Listen In this Episode, You’ll Hear More About:

• One of Matt’s recent embarrassing moments.

• Matt’s painful childhood and how it launched him into his calling.

• Why you need to contend for a song in the writing process.

• The power of a song in shaping someone’s life.

• Matt’s songwriting habits.

• The power of co-writing.

• Why Matt almost excluded 10,000 Reasons from his album.

• The heart behind the new album, Unbroken Praise.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Website: Matt Redman

• Music: Unbroken Praise by Matt Redman

• Music: Rend Collective

• Music: Rivers & Robots

• Shop Sponsor: Omnisphere

Show Sponsor

Today’s podcast is sponsored by Omnisphere by Spectrasonics. Omnisphere is my latest piece of software for keys and probably the only one I’ll ever need. Incredible pads and textures, innovative keyboard sounds, strings, lead synths, basses and arpeggios, it’s got it all. Literally some of the best sounding patches for keys I’ve ever heard.

We’re in the production stages of recording our next live album and Omnisphere is becoming a massive part of our sound for this project. Run it through MainStage, Logic, Pro Tools, or even Garage Band and you have keys rig for your worship sets that is better sounding and more customizable than anything you’ve ever experienced. Check it out!

Subscription Links

• Subscribe via iTunes
• Subscribe via Stitcher
• Subscribe via RSS

Thanks For Listening!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post. So helpful!

If you have an idea for a podcast you would like to see, a special guest you’d like to hear from, or a question for an upcoming episode, please email me. If you enjoyed the show, I would be so appreciative if you would rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That helps me so much! Thanks.

And thanks to Matt for sharing with us!

Question: What’s your biggest takeaway from this interview with Matt? Always love to hear from you! You can leave a comment by clicking here.

Tweet Like what you read? If so, please join over 5000 people who receive exclusive weekly online worship ministry tips, and get a FREE COPY of my eBook, Beyond Sunday! Just enter your name and email below:

Whether you’re an experienced loop user, a beginner, or you haven’t given it any thought, we all have something to learn. That’s why I wanted to talk with the master Will Doggett from MultiTracks about this world. Today’s show is an overview of using loops, clicks, & software in your worship services.

We discuss software like Ableton Live, Omnisphere, Mainstage, ProTools, and more. We talk about setting up your loops, best practices, and even a host of recommended gear.

Pull out your moleskin’s folks. It’s about to get real.

Click to Listen Show Sponsor

Today’s podcast is sponsored by Omnisphere by Spectrasonics. Omnisphere is my latest piece of software for keys and probably the only one I’ll ever need. Incredible pads and textures, innovative keyboard sounds, strings, lead synths, basses and arpeggios, it’s got it all. Literally some of the best sounding patches for keys I’ve ever heard.

We’re in the production stages of recording our next live album and Omnisphere is becoming a massive part of our sound for this project. Run it through MainStage, Logic, Pro Tools, or even Garage Band and you have keys rig for your worship sets that is better sounding and more customizable than anything you’ve ever experienced. Check it out!

In this Episode, You’ll Hear More About:

• Will’s journey into electronic music.

• The power of encouragement and speaking into others.

• The shift of sound in worship music to becoming more software based.

• The value of using clicks & loops in worship.

• Why you need to train and invest in your volunteers.

• Will’s recommended setup for using loops.

• Best practices for using Ableton Live in worship.

• The pros & cons of Ableton versus ProTools.

• Using Ableton as a VST host.

• Best practices for keys players transitioning to software.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Show Sponsor: Omnisphere

• Website: MultiTracks

• Website: MultiTracks Training

• Website: MultiTracks YouTube

• Website: Reason by Propellerhead

• Website: Ableton Live

• Podcast: Chris Tomlin on Worship Songwriting, Small Beginnings, & Staying Fresh

• Website: Seth Godin

• Book: What To Do When It’s Your Turn by Seth Godin

• App: Playback by Multitracks

• Gear: DMC60 by Disaster Area Designs (controller for guitar)

• Gear: Softstep 2 by Keith McMillan

• Gear: Nano Control 2 by KORG (controller for keys)

• Gear: Akai MPK 61

• Gear: Akai Advance

• Gear: MAudio Code Line

• Gear: Alesis Sample Pad Pro

• Gear: Ableton Push

• Book: Making Music: 74 Creative Strategies for Electronic Music Producers

• Gear: Kontakt by Native Instruments

• Twitter: @willdoggett

Subscription Links

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Thanks For Listening!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post. So helpful!

If you have an idea for a podcast you would like to see, a special guest you’d like to hear from, or a question for an upcoming episode, please email me. If you enjoyed the show, I would be so appreciative if you would rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That helps me so much! Thanks.

And thanks to Will for sharing with us!

Question: What’s your biggest takeaway from this interview with Will? Always love to hear from you! You can leave a comment by clicking here.

Tweet Like what you read? If so, please join over 5000 people who receive exclusive weekly online worship ministry tips, and get a FREE COPY of my eBook, Beyond Sunday! Just enter your name and email below:

It’s tough to be a music lover and not know about Hillsong United. Their new album, Empires is all over the mainstream charts and causing quite a stir.

Taya Smith is one of the lead voices of United, most known for her voice on the song Oceans. We talk about Empires, her start with music, how she found her way to Hillsong, leading worship, and the upside down nature of the Kingdom of God.

Enjoy!

Click to Listen Show Sponsor

This podcast is brought to you by MultiTracks. MultiTracks is my go to spot for creating CustomMixes for my worship team. I literally use it every single week. All the tracks from Empires by Hillsong United is featured here.

If you’re confused on how to use MultiTracks, you don’t need expensive, crazy software. Just check out their amazing iPad app called Playback. Playback Intro is free and a perfect way to get started.

Check it out!

In this Episode You’ll Hear More About:

• Skateboarding around Sydney, Australia.

• How Taya ended up at Hillsong, now touring with Hillsong United.

• The surprising story of how Taya ended up singing Oceans on Hillsong United’s Zion album.

• The importance of having a covering and being rooted in a home church.

• Why Empires is a special album for Taya.

• The heart behind the album Empires.

• The upside down nature of the Kingdom of God.

• Forgetting lyrics as a worship leader.

• Singing on the Today Show.

• Needing God to lead people to God as a worship leader.

• The importance of teaching and explaining worship to your church.

• Tips for church singers to take care of their voice.

• The best way to take your skill/leadership to the next level.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• Show Sponsor: MultiTracks

• Website: Hillsong United

• Website: Hillsong Collected

• Website: Hillsong Movie

Subscription Links

• Subscribe via iTunes
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Thanks For Listening!

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of the post. So helpful!

If you have an idea for a podcast you would like to see, a special guest you’d like to hear from, or a question for an upcoming episode, please email me. If you enjoyed the show, I would be so appreciative if you would rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That helps me so much! Thanks.

And thanks to Taya for sharing with us!

Question: What’s your biggest takeaway from this interview with Taya? Always love to hear from you! You can leave a comment by clicking here.

Tweet Like what you read? If so, please join over 5000 people who receive exclusive weekly online worship ministry tips, and get a FREE COPY of my eBook, Beyond Sunday! Just enter your name and email below: