How we worship is central to the life and vitality of the church. The form, content, and style of our worship can either create or hinder meaningful encounters with God.

This episode focuses on the experience of Christian worship, drawing upon many varieties of worshiping contexts. Our guest, Glenn Packiam, uses his own experience as a songwriter to discuss both the impacts of worship, as well as the way that music can shape our faith experience. He also shares what it's like as a person of color to be a worship leader and pastor in predominantly white spaces.

Through his book, Worship and the World to Come, Glenn offers a theological exploration of how worship can help us to experience God in ways that are more meaningful, personal, and transformative.

In this episode, we highlight the following discussion themes:

• Glenn’s background and ethnic identity journey
• The incredible role of worship leaders in the church
• Thoughtfully stewarding public platform and influence in Christian spaces

Links from this episode:

• Glenn’s first book: Butterfly in Brazil: How Your Life Can Make a World of Difference
• Mentioned song:  "Is He Worthy?" by Andrew Peterson 

About the Guest:

Glenn Packiam (Doctor of Theology and Ministry, Durham) is the lead pastor at Rockharbor Church in Costa Mesa, California. He previously served as associate senior pastor of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He is the songwriter of more than fifty worship songs, including "Your Name" and "Mystery of Faith," and the author of several books, including Blessed Broken Given: How Your Story Becomes Sacred in the Hands of Jesus and Discover the Mystery of Faith: How Worship Shapes Believing. 

SPECIAL OFFER | Effective Jan. 1st, 2024, all promo codes mentioned in this episode are expired. Please use the code IVPOD25 at ivpress.com for 25% off Glenn’s book Worship and the World to Come, as well as Faithful Disobedience by Wang Yi.

About the Host:

Helen Lee is the director of product innovation at IVP; she is also the author of The Missional Mom and The Race-Wise Family, co-authored with Dr. Michelle Reyes. Helen also serves as the producer of The Every Voice Now Podcast and as the executive producer of The Disrupters. Follow Helen on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Podcast Art: Kate Lillard

Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts

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The Every Voice Now Podcast is on Instagram and Twitter (@everyvoicenow). Find out more about our show and IVP's Every Voice Now initiative at EveryVoiceNow.com.