Chasing Sunday

In this thought-provoking episode of Chasing Sunday, hosts Brian Davis and Paul Romig-Leavitt sit down with the insightful Dave King to explore the intersection of worship, technology, and the human quest for connection. They unpack the challenges and opportunities presented by technology in the worship space, navigating the delicate balance between leveraging tech to enhance community and the risk of letting it overshadow the heart of ministry. Dave, a seasoned expert in AV management for churches, shares his philosophy on empowering volunteers and his pastoral approach to stewardship of technology. This conversation also takes a philosophical turn as Paul offers deep reflections on the broader implications of technological advancement, including AI, and its potential spiritual dimensions. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a worship leader, or simply someone who values meaningful human connection, this episode offers a rich tapestry of ideas to ponder.

To learn more about how Torn Curtain Arts can assist your church with technology and more, visit https://torncurtainarts.org/.

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In the last episode of the season for the Chasing Sunday podcast, hosts Brian Davis and Paul Romig-Leavitt discuss the concept of a "bottleneck," a term used to describe challenges and questions faced by worship leaders. They answer a question from a worship leader about engaging with all aspects of God and human experience in worship. They also discuss the dominance of the "big four" churches in the worship music industry, the challenge of getting congregations to sing more, and share book recommendations that have impacted them. The next season will focus on the impact of technology on worship.

https://worshipleaderresearch.com/2022-worship-leader-survey-report/ 

https://worshipleader.com/leadership/worship-in-the-average-church-in-america/

Brian's book recs:

The Ragamuffin Gospel - Brennan Manning

Messy Spirituality - Mike Yaconelli

Love Is The Killer App - Tim Sanders

Holy the Firm - Annie Dillard

Paul's book recs:

The Sabbath - Abraham Joshua Heschel

Learning To Walk In The Dark - Barbara Brown Taylor

The Great Emergence - Phyllis Tickle

Atomic Habits - James Clear

In this podcast episode, hosts Brian Davis and Paul Romig-Leavitt welcome worship leader and coach Becky Ykema. They discuss the challenges faced by worship leaders, particularly female ones and the importance of finding supportive communities. They also touch on the impact of the pandemic on church attendance and the shift towards gig-based worship leaders. Becky shares her experiences as a coach, emphasizing the importance of personal development and mentorship in the worship community. 

Becky Ykema is currently a worship leader at large, serving a number of congregations through worship leading and vocal coaching in the Denver area. She is an associate with Slingshot Group, an organization committed to coaching and pairing leaders with great places of ministry. After spending many years on Willow Creek Community Church staff, she took a call as Worship Pastor at Ascent Community Church in Louisville, CO, where she served for seven years. She is a graduate of Wesley Seminary and has served in the vocational worship ministry for 17 years. She resides in Denver with her husband and two kids.

Becky has a Female Worship Leader Group starting in January through Slingshot Group. Sign-ups are due in by the middle of December. Here’s a link to it: 
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/female-worship-leader-group-coaching-tickets-676321354377

In this podcast episode, Brian Davis and Paul Romig-Leavitt delve into the significance of strategic planning in worship ministry. They underscore the value of having a well-thought-out plan and executing it effectively, as it can yield positive outcomes not only in church settings but also in various aspects of life such as work, relationships, and personal growth. Contrary to popular belief, they dispel the notion that planning hampers creativity, instead highlighting how it can foster freedom and provide a solid foundation for artistic endeavors. They also touch upon the importance of community support, delegating tasks, and the advantages of documenting processes.

In this episode, hosts Brian and Paul interview guest Josh Packard, author of "Church Refugees." They discuss the impact of Josh's book on their own work in worship leadership and the need for research to be accessible and applicable to everyday life. They delve into topics such as the decline of the church, the erosion of institutional trust, and the need for the church to adapt to societal changes. They also explore innovative approaches to worship and the importance of building trust and connecting with individuals. 

In this episode of the Chasing Sunday podcast, hosts Brian and Paul discuss the fourth pillar of their coaching platform, the Green Room, which focuses on strength. They emphasize the importance of starting with a strong foundation of identity and acceptance before diving into practical strategies and methods. They caution against prioritizing success and achievement over deeper spiritual growth. They also discuss the power and responsibility of amplifying messages through social media, the importance of grounding leadership in acceptance and unconditional love of God, and the need for balance and involving others in leadership. They reflect on the cyclical nature of maturity and encourage listeners to embrace it.

In this episode of the "Chasing Sunday" podcast, hosts Brian Davis and Paul Romig-Leavitt discuss the Mind pillar, one of the core tenets of their coaching and spiritual formation platform called "The Green Room." They emphasize the integration of the mind, soul, heart, and strength in ministry, highlighting the need for a strong foundation in soul and heart before implementing plans and strategies. They also discuss the importance of embracing intuition and mystery in ministry, the challenges of emulating successful churches, and the significance of understanding and embracing one's own cultural context. They stress the importance of building relationships and engaging the mind in worship.

The concept of the heart can be confusing; Jeremiah said it is "deceptive above all things," but we're told in Sunday school to "invite Jesus into our heart." In this episode we dive in to what it looks like to trust the Spirit with our heart and learn to discern where we're being led and where to lead others.

Are you feeling stuck in your calling as a spiritual leader? In this episode of the Chasing Sunday podcast, Dr. Todd Ferguson, a sociologist of religion, shares his insights on the challenges faced by pastors in their calling, congregation, and career. Dr. Ferguson discusses the three major factors that shape religion today, the level of secularization in society, and the shifts happening in the transition from the industrial age to the participation age. He also talks about the concept of traditional innovation and the struggle of authenticity in the church. Tune in to learn how to navigate ministry without losing yourself, and discover some valuable resources for worship leaders who may be struggling in their ministry.

Dr. Ferguson emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and grounding of one's spiritual tradition while also being open to new ideas and approaches. He suggests a balanced approach of tradition and innovation, where institutions are valued for their long-term survivability, but also open to change and adaptation. Dr. Ferguson believes that people are still called to be spiritual leaders, and that the church will continue to exist in some form, even if it looks and feels different.

It all starts with the soul: what is it, how do you care for it, and how important is it to our life and longevity in ministry?