Episode 6: Oh Happy Day with hosts Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp and Siobhan Boyd-Nelson

Two centuries, two continents, two radically different visions of joy—how did an 18th-century British non-conformist hymn become a 1969 gospel-pop crossover hit?

Ben and Siobhan explore the remarkable transformation of "Oh Happy Day" across time, culture, and genre. We trace the song from Philip Doodridge's 18th-century British non-conformist hymn to Edwin Hawkins' groundbreaking 1969 arrangement that bridged gospel and pop music. How did the different settings, identities, and experiences of these composers shape both the lyrics and the music? What does it mean when a song of faith crosses from white British dissent to Black American gospel and what gets preserved, transformed, or lost in translation?

In this episode:

• Philip Doodridge's original 18th-century hymn and non-conformist context
• Edwin Hawkins' 1969 arrangement and its gospel-to-pop crossover success
• How the composers' different identities and settings reshaped the song
• The lyrical and musical transformations across two centuries
• What happens when hymns cross cultural, racial, and genre boundaries

Runtime: ~65 minutes

Episode 5: "See a Victory" with hosts the Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp and Siobhan Boyd-Nelson

A platinum-certified megachurch anthem promises victory over suffering, but what theology of pain lurks beneath the repetition? We examine Elevation Worship's Billboard hit and ask: does God ordain our struggles?

Ben and Siobhan take on "See a Victory" by Elevation Worship, unpacking both the song's massive commercial success and the theological questions it raises. Born from one of America's largest and wealthiest megachurches, this platinum-certified hit climbed to #5 on Billboard's Christian charts, but what is it teaching us about suffering, victory, and God's role in our pain? We explore the power of repetition in Pentecostal worship traditions and critique the dangerous idea that God wants or ordains human suffering. Can we claim hope for emergence from struggle without attributing our pain to divine design?

In this episode:

• The Elevation Church and Elevation Worship phenomenon: size, wealth, and influence
• The song's commercial success and cultural penetration
• How believers understand victory, struggle, and suffering through this song
• The role of repetition in Christian worship, especially Pentecostal traditions
• Critiquing theologies that suggest God ordains or desires human suffering

Runtime: ~65 minutes

Music by Daniel Roberts - https://pixabay.com/users/blendertimer-9538909/

Episode 4: Onward Christian Soldiers with hosts Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp and Siobhan Boyd-Nelson

From a Pentecost children's march to a Salvation Army battle cry, how did "Onward Christian Soldiers" become synonymous with militant Christianity? And can new lyrics redeem this controversial hymn?

Ben and Siobhan march into the complicated history of Rev. Sabine Baring-Gould's "Onward Christian Soldiers," tracing its journey from a simple processional for children to a global anthem of Christian militarism. We deconstruct the problematic warfare imagery that has made many progressive Christians abandon the hymn entirely, then explore two sets of modern alternative lyrics that reimagine what it means to move forward in faith. In a surprising turn, both hosts discover new appreciation for a hymn they thought they'd left behind, proof that even our most martial songs can be transformed.

In this episode:

• The original context: a Pentecost march for Baring-Gould's congregation
• How the Salvation Army popularized the hymn and shaped its militaristic associations
• Deconstructing the warfare language and its impact on Christian witness
• Two modern lyrical alternatives that reimagine the hymn's message
• Why both hosts found unexpected value in this controversial hymn after all

Runtime: ~75 minutes

Music by Daniel Roberts - https://pixabay.com/users/blendertimer-9538909/

Episode 3: Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) with hosts Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp and Siobhan Boyd-Nelson

Can a meditation on grace transcend its source? We wade into the deep waters of Hillsong's global phenomenon "Oceans," exploring how a song from a controversial megachurch became a modern worship staple.

Ben and Siobhan navigate the complexities of "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Hillsong United, examining both the song's meditative power and the troubling controversies surrounding Hillsong Church's global congregations. We discuss how the song invites listeners into contemplative space, speaking of grace found in every place—even uncertainty and fear. Like "Amazing Grace" before it, we wrestle with the central question: can we separate a song from its source? Does knowing a hymn's origin change how we experience its invitation to trust?

In this episode:

• The history of Hillsong Church, Hillsong United, and global controversies
• The meditative quality of "Oceans" and its contemplative invitation
• How the song explores finding grace in every place and circumstance
• Wrestling with beloved worship songs from problematic sources
• Whether a song's value can exist independently of its origin story

Runtime: ~60 minutes

Music by Daniel Roberts - https://pixabay.com/users/blendertimer-9538909/

Episode 2: Awesome God with hosts Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp and Siobhan Boyd-Nelson

Rich Mullins called it one of his "worst written songs," so why did "Awesome God" become a 90s youth group anthem that still resonates today? We explore the complicated legacy of contemporary Christian music's most unlikely hit.

Episode Description: Ben and Siobhan get nostalgic about the contemporary Christian music of the 1990s and early 2000s, centering on Rich Mullins' ubiquitous "Awesome God." We explore Mullins' Quaker background, his own ambivalence about the song's popularity, and what drew millions to sing about God's power despite the songwriter's personal critique. How do the vivid, sometimes violent biblical images in the lyrics shape our understanding of the Divine? And what does it mean when a song's impact far exceeds its creator's intentions?

In this episode:

• Memories and experiences from the CCM era of the 90s and 2000s
• Rich Mullins' Quaker roots and unconventional faith journey
• Why Mullins considered this his "worst written song"—and why people loved it anyway
• Wrestling with the biblical imagery and theological themes in the lyrics
• How imperfect art can still create meaningful spiritual experiences

Runtime: ~60 minutes

Music by Daniel Roberts - https://pixabay.com/users/blendertimer-9538909/

Episode 1: Amazing Grace with hosts Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp and Siobhan Boyd-Nelson

One of Christianity's most beloved hymns was written by a slave trader, but the story is far more complex than redemption folklore suggests. Join us as we unpack the troubling history, theological tensions, and enduring power of "Amazing Grace."

Episode Description: In our inaugural episode, Ben and Siobhan dive deep into Rev. John Newton's "Amazing Grace," exploring the complicated legacy of a hymn born from the slave trade. We trace Newton's journey from slave ship captain to abolitionist minister, examine his stages of conversion, and wrestle with problematic lyrics like "a wretch like me." Can we hold both the beauty and the harm this hymn carries? What does it mean to sing songs of grace written by those complicit in unspeakable violence?

In this episode:

• The historical context of Newton's life as a slave trader and sailing captain
• Newton's gradual conversion and eventual work as a minister
• The theology of wretchedness and what it teaches us about human worth
• How "Amazing Grace" has been reclaimed and reimagined across communities
• Wrestling with beloved hymns that carry troubling histories

Runtime: ~60 minutes

Music by Daniel Roberts - https://pixabay.com/users/blendertimer-9538909/

Season 2, Episode 16 - "My Savage(-ish) Year." For the last two episodes of Season 2, Siobhan and Ben take turns interviewing each other as "special guests." In this episode, Ben discusses his background in the Roman Catholic church and his journey to ministry, ordained and otherwise, in advocacy and pastoral settings.

The LOVEboldly Devotion for 2026 is available now at https://www.loveboldly.net/devotional.

Enjoying "Coming Out Christian?" Remember to make your end-of-the-year gifts to LOVEboldly before December 31. Seeing this in 2026 or beyond? You can still support LOVEboldly by visiting www.loveboldly.net/donate.

Season 2, Episode 16 - "My Savage(-ish) Year." For the last two episodes of Season 2, Siobhan and Ben take turns interviewing each other as "special guests." In this episode, Siobhan discusses her faith, her call to ministry, the anchor points in her life, and some of her beliefs which might surprise you.

The LOVEboldly Devotion for 2026 is available now at https://www.loveboldly.net/devotional.

Enjoying "Coming Out Christian?" Remember to make your end-of-the-year gifts to LOVEboldly before December 31. Seeing this in 2026 or beyond? You can still support LOVEboldly by visiting www.loveboldly.net/donate.

Season 2, Episode 15 - "I'm Affirming Because of the Bible" On this episode, Siobhan and Ben welcome the Rev. Brian Steele, LOVEboldly Board Member, Fellow Program alum, and the Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church of Farmington (Farmington, MI).

Enjoying "Coming Out Christian?" Then donate to LOVEboldly at www.loveboldly.net/donate.

Season 2, Episode 14 - "We All Need to Join the Dance." On this episode, Siobhan and Ben welcome the Rev. Dr. Marian Stewart, one of the founders of and activists behind Springfield Neighbors United.

You can learn more about Rev. Dr. Marian's work with Springfield Neighbors United by contacting [email protected].

Enjoying "Coming Out Christian?" Then donate to LOVEboldly at www.loveboldly.net/donate.