In this episode, Kip and Steve explore three cultures that shape how music is written and experienced: Mastery, Consumer, and Involvement. They examine the assumptions and goals behind each approach and consider how cultural context affects the way songs are written, performed, and received. The conversation focuses especially on the challenge of writing involvement-oriented songs for congregational singing and why understanding these cultures matters for those who write music for the church.

In this episode, Kip and Steve preview the upcoming Worship Arts Leader Initiative (WALi) Summit and the vision behind gathering worship leaders from across the church. They discuss the three core competencies of worship leadership, the importance of fostering unity across traditional and contemporary worship contexts, and the value of building a community of encouragement and shared learning. The conversation also highlights practical workshops, meaningful conversations, and a renewed focus on the spiritual and mental well-being of those who lead the church’s worship.

In this episode, Kip and Steve continue their examination of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) by exploring the ethical and theological claims of the Prosperity Gospel. They discuss how prosperity teaching shapes expectations about wealth, success, and the Christian life, while also considering its influence on worship and congregational song. Through a Lutheran lens, they evaluate representative songs, reflect on the theology behind them, and consider why careful discernment is essential for faithful worship and pastoral care.

In this episode, Kip Fox and Steve Zank are joined by Rev. Dr. Robert Kolb to continue comparing the theology of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) with the Lutheran Confessions. Together, they examine the differing understandings of faith, healing, and sin, exploring how these theological differences shape pastoral care, Christian living, and the believer’s confidence in God’s promises. The conversation also reflects on the role of doctrine in forming both worship and everyday life.

In this episode, Kip Fox and Steve Zank are joined by Rev. Dr. Robert Kolb as they continue their Lutheran response to the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). Together, they explore Luther’s distinction between the theologian of the cross and the theologian of glory, emphasizing trust in God’s faithfulness, the centrality of Word and Sacrament, and the way Christians encounter God through His promised means.

In this episode, Kip Fox and Steve Zank are joined by Rev. Dr. Robert Kolb as they continue their examination of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement. Together, they compare these theological claims with the Lutheran Confessions, exploring suffering, God’s proper and alien work, and the danger of making religion revolve around human success and fulfillment. The conversation reflects on how the theology of the cross offers a distinctly Lutheran response and reorients worship around Christ’s gifts rather than human achievement.

In this episode, Kip and Steve explore the reciprocal relationship between doctrine and practice, introducing a framework for understanding how theology shapes worship and how worship, in turn, forms the Christian life. Building on the concepts of lex orandi and lex credendi, they incorporate the complementary ideas of lex agendi and lex vivendi, offering a broader model for evaluating liturgical practices and their formative impact. Together, they reflect on how sound theology provides the foundation for faithful worship and faithful living.

In this episode, Kip and Steve continue their exploration of lex orandi, lex credendi, examining how the phrase has been understood in Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran contexts. With reference to Hermann Sasse and others, they consider questions of liturgical authority, the relationship between worship and doctrine, and the extent to which liturgical practices can shape theological understanding. Together, they reflect on the opportunities and dangers of appealing to lex orandi, lex credendi, especially when discussing liturgical change and its doctrinal implications.

In this episode, Kip and Steve explore the history, meaning, and controversy surrounding the phrase 'lex orandi, lex credendi'. Tracing its origins and historical context, they examine common misunderstandings, questions of attribution, and the phrase’s relationship to both Roman Catholic and Lutheran theology. Together, they consider how the expression has been used in discussions of doctrine and worship, why it has gained prominence in recent Lutheran conversations, and why careful historical and theological clarity is essential when appealing to it.

In this episode, Kip and Steve discuss the annual songwriter retreat hosted by the Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University Irvine. With participants from more than 20 states, the retreat brings songwriters together for collaboration, encouragement, and shared purpose. Together, they reflect on how the songwriting process fosters unity, forms meaningful partnerships, and supports the church with songs written for congregational worship.