The Prophetic Worship Podcast

The Prophetic Worship Podcast

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The Prophetic Worship Podcast episodes

  • 31. Why Most Churches Avoid Deep Intimacy with God

    What happens when you take your worship leadership beyond the walls of your church and into the nations?

    In this episode of the Prophetic Worship Podcast, Ali McFarlane and Emma Stark share raw stories from leading worship in Canada, the Netherlands, America, Northern Ireland, and beyond.

    You’ll hear:

    • Why some nations resist deep, glory-level intimacy with God

    • The difference between “hovering” presence and “enthroned” presence

    • How culture shapes the way people engage with worship

    • The challenges (and joys) of carrying your anointing into unfamiliar spaces

    • Why worship leaders must be relationally gifted to survive in the nations

    This is for every worship leader, pastor, or believer who has the nations written on their heart. You’ll walk away provoked, encouraged, and challenged to go deeper with God—and to lead others into the fullness of His presence, wherever you are.

    🎧 Listen every Tuesday at 10 AM UK time
    📲 Follow @GPAWorship + @AliMcFarlaneMusic
    🔔 Subscribe and never miss an episode

    24 min
  • 30. The Missing Sound in the Church

    What if your worship isn’t just for you—but for the deliverance of nations?

    In this powerful episode of The Prophetic Worship Podcast, Ali McFarlane and Louise Reid return to explore how worship is not just an emotional experience, but a strategic spiritual act that shifts atmospheres and breaks chains.

    They discuss:

    • Why men are needed in the sound of breakthrough

    • The militarized and synchronized sound of worship

    • Biblical strategy behind gathered song (Paul & Silas, Jericho, Jehoshaphat)

    • Why emotion alone isn’t enough—worship is obedience and weaponry

    • How praise can set captives free, even the unsaved

    This is a prophetic call for wild, warrior worshippers—especially men—to take their place in releasing heaven’s sound.

    24 min
  • 29. Men, You Belong in Worship Too

    In this thought-provoking episode, Ali McFarlane is joined by Louise Reid to ask a bold question: Where are the men in worship? Together, they explore why modern church worship has become so female-led, how cultural and emotional barriers have silenced men in worship, and what it looks like to recover the masculine expression of praise.

    From King David’s undignified worship to today’s emotionally disconnected men, Ali and Louise dive into biblical models, cultural pressures, and practical tips to invite men back into full-bodied, Spirit-led worship. Whether you’re a worship leader, pastor, or part of the congregation, this episode will equip you to shepherd both men and women into deeper encounter.

    They cover:

    • How to recognize and confront the emotional shutdown in men

    • Why worship must include masculine strength and vulnerability

    • Practical ways worship leaders can call men into expression without pressure

    • Restoring the sound of men singing together in church

    29 min
  • 28. Talent Isn’t Enough: Why Worship Leaders Must Shepherd

    In this episode of the Prophetic Worship Podcast, Ali McFarlane is joined by worship pastor and songwriter Hailey Hibbard for a raw and deeply pastoral conversation. Together, they tackle a powerful truth: talent doesn’t excuse you from the work of ministry.

    They unpack what it means to shepherd the people of God, how worship leaders must build trust with their congregation, and why celebrity culture in the Church must be broken. If you’ve been wrestling with church hurt, platform culture, or the tension between gifting and service, this conversation is your invitation to return to the heart of worship.

    🔥 Worship isn’t performance—it’s pastoring.

    🎧 New episodes every Tuesday at 10 AM UK.
    📲 Follow @GPAWorship and @AliMcFarlaneMusic on Instagram & Facebook
    🎶 Stream GPA Worship on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon

    28 min
  • 27. The Secret to Writing Songs that Actually Work

    In this episode of the Prophetic Worship Podcast, Ali McFarlane is joined by writing partner Katie Rios to tackle the art—and responsibility—of songwriting in the prophetic worship space. Together, they challenge worship leaders and songwriters to write songs that don’t just sound good, but actually do what they claim.


    🎯 Topics include the "3 Whys of Worship," the pitfalls of lazy writing, the concept writer’s role, and what it means to “shepherd your people” through sound.


    Whether you're building a worship set, co-writing, or wondering why some songs feel disjointed mid-service, this episode is your permission slip to be a Song Snob for the sake of your congregation.

    30 min
  • 26. Are We Manipulating People with Worship?

    Why do so many worship songs sound the same? In this episode, Ali and Dee confront the emotional dynamics in modern worship and the uncomfortable truth: are we sometimes manipulating people instead of leading them into real encounters with God? This is a vulnerable conversation about musicianship, excellence, and being led by the Spirit, not the sound.


    34 min
  • 25. Why Feelings Can't Lead Worship

    Ali MacFarlane and Emma Stark dive into a no-holds-barred conversation about the power of choosing worship—especially in pain, grief, and spiritual fatigue. This raw and prophetic episode calls worship leaders to maturity, urgency, and obedience. From laughing about cheese in the Netherlands to confronting emotional passivity on Sunday mornings, this episode is a fiery wake-up call to set your face like flint and worship with everything—even when it hurts.


    32 min
  • 25. What No One Tells Worship Leaders About Stage Presence

    Are you a worship leader wondering why it feels harder to lead in bigger rooms or national gatherings—even though you know you're called? In this episode of The Prophetic Worship Podcast, Ali McFarlane is joined by prophet and church leader Emma Stark for a powerful conversation on the worship leadership skills that every platform leader needs to grow in.

    They explore the tension between anointing vs. skill, and why developing platform leadership is essential if you're called to lead not just in small settings, but in large churches, conferences, and even global stages.

    If you've ever asked:

    • How do I carry a room as a worship leader?
    • What’s the difference between leading worship and leading people?
    • How do I grow in platform etiquette and spiritual leadership?

    …this episode will give you practical insight, encouragement, and challenge.Whether you're leading worship in a small group or a stadium, these principles will help you move with clarity, authority, and the presence of God.💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

    • Why self-management and stage presence matter in spiritual leadership
    • The body language, tone, and communication skills that help you lead large roomsThe difference between worshiping on stage and leading worship
    • The hidden cost of visibility and why not every platform is from God
    • Why relational safety and team dynamics make or break your leadership
    • How to grow in bravery, clarity, and skill without losing your authenticity


    🎧 Subscribe for more prophetic conversations on leadership, worship, and living fully alive in your call.🔗 Stream our worship music: Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @GPA.Worship


    33 min
  • 24. How To Recover When Worship Goes Wrong

    Every worship leader, singer, or band member has one — that cringe-worthy, late-night-replay-in-your-head worship fail. In this episode, Ali McFarlane and Dee Bradbery share their funniest stage disasters (yes, including accidental pig noises and spontaneous lines that fell flat!) and offer real wisdom for how to recover, both in the moment and long after the service ends. They dive into how performance culture traps worship teams in fear of failure — and why Jesus cares far more about your obedience than perfection.If you’ve ever forgotten lyrics, sung the wrong note, or broken a drum kit mid-song, this one’s for you: come laugh, learn, and get free from the perfection trap once and for all.

    29 min
  • 23. The Risk & Reward of Radical Worship Lyrics

    In this episode, Ali McFarlane and her long-time co-writer and friend Katie Rios pull back the curtain on what it really means to write with the prophets — and the rebels. They share the raw, behind-the-scenes story of how their unlikely partnership started through a random online challenge, the cost and joy of writing songs that push boundaries, and why radical, “spicy” lyrics often carry the voice of God for a season.

    You’ll hear stories of songs like Holy One of Israel and Show Me Your Glory that broke the mold — and how trust, deep relationship, and a willingness to wrestle for truth make the difference between a safe song and a dangerous one that actually moves people.


    Guests:

    • Ali McFarlane

    • Katie Rios

    Key Themes:

    • How Ali & Katie’s partnership started from a Facebook ad and a prophetic word

    • Writing worship songs for a prophetic house vs. a pastoral house

    • How radical lyrics like “robe dipped in blood” unlock fresh sounds for the prophets

    • Why good relationship is foundational for wrestling over risky lyrics

    • How trust allows co-writers to craft songs that are both bold and biblically anchored

    • Blessing and prayer for songwriters to find true community and courage

    Mentioned Songs:

    • Holy One of Israel

    • Show Me Your Glory

    • Burn Us Alive

    32 min

About The Prophetic Worship Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to The Prophetic Worship Podcast! Join worship leaders Ali McFarlane (Global Prophetic Alliance) and guests for real chats and cutting edge revelation on the joys and challenges of prophetic worship. For anyone who knows worship is more than your favourite song, step into the conversation you’ve always wanted to have. Top tips, personal stories, how to hear heaven and bring holy sound into the room - get ready to be equipped and inspired for your personal journey as a worshipper of Jesus.