Starving is a choice, not an artistic requirement.

That single phrase from Jeff Goins’ book Real Artists Don’t Starve completely changed my life after 15 years as a worship pastor.

For too long, I believed the false story that pursuing creative work meant living in financial struggle, that passion and provision could never coexist. But history proves otherwise. Michelangelo, Shakespeare, and C.S. Lewis weren’t starving loners, they were strategic, collaborative professionals who built sustainable lives around their art.

👉 Whether you’re a worship leader, songwriter, entrepreneur, or dreamer, it’s time to stop choosing to starve. Your calling deserves provision. Your art, and your audience deserve nothing less.

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Justin Rizzo is a worship leader, songwriter, and filmmaker. He is passionate about authentic worship and creativity, focused on bringing glory to Jesus. Justin also dedicates himself to raising up and coaching worship leaders and creatives of all types, nurturing their growth and success. In addition, he owns Firelight Creative, a production company that has produced multiple award-winning musicals and films, and hosts gatherings for creatives both online and in person. Justin travels extensively to lead worship and speak at events worldwide.

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What happens when God calls you away from the very success you've worked your whole life to achieve?

For Jesse Reeves, co-writer of worship anthems like "How Great Is Our God," "I Speak Jesus," and "Lord I Need You," that question became the defining challenge of his faith journey.

After 17 years of touring with Chris Tomlin, playing to packed arenas, and helping create some of the most sung worship songs in modern church history, Reeves found himself increasingly troubled by a sermon illustration about King David's anointing. 

In this deeply vulnerable conversation, Jesse shares how walking away from music entirely led to "the dark years" - a season where he wouldn't even allow worship music in his home. But through that wilderness, God was preparing him for a profound rediscovery of authentic ministry. 

Whether you're a worship leader, songwriter, or simply someone trying to follow Jesus faithfully, Jesse's journey will challenge your assumptions about success and inspire you to examine where your true treasure lies. Sometimes the greatest act of worship is walking away from the stage to care for the sheep.

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▶️ ABOUT
Justin Rizzo is a worship leader, songwriter, and filmmaker. He is passionate about authentic worship and creativity, focused on bringing glory to Jesus. Justin also dedicates himself to raising up and coaching worship leaders and creatives of all types, nurturing their growth and success. In addition, he owns Firelight Creative, a production company that has produced multiple award-winning musicals and films, and hosts gatherings for creatives both online and in person. Justin travels extensively to lead worship and speak at events worldwide.

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Songwriting doesn’t have to be a lonely grind, at the Journey Songwriting Retreat, you’ll find the power of co-writing, grow faster, and find a community that turns your ideas into songs that carry God’s heart. Your voice matters. Your songs matter. And this could be the moment you finally give them the space to come alive.

👉 Space is limited, so if this speaks to you, email me at
[email protected] with “Songwriting Retreat” in the subject line, and I’ll send you all the details.

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▶️ ABOUT
Justin Rizzo is a worship leader, songwriter, and filmmaker. He is passionate about authentic worship and creativity, focused on bringing glory to Jesus. Justin also dedicates himself to raising up and coaching worship leaders and creatives of all types, nurturing their growth and success. In addition, he owns Firelight Creative, a production company that has produced multiple award-winning musicals and films, and hosts gatherings for creatives both online and in person. Justin travels extensively to lead worship and speak at events worldwide.

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Matt and Justin on IHOPKC, the Cost of 24/7 Prayer, and Finding Purpose in Pain

Matt Gilman and Justin Rizzo reflect on their years at IHOPKC and the beauty and cost of 24/7 prayer. 

They talk about the emotional and spiritual toll of prolonged ministry, unpacking how bitterness can quietly grow in silence and how isolation during pain often leads to destructive conclusions.

Also part of the discussion is the power of community, counseling, and “detangling” your story with trusted guides who help separate truth from lies. 

Pain has purpose. 

Whether you're walking through suffering yourself or helping someone who is, this conversation offers hope, honesty, and practical guidance for moving from victim to overcomer, without denying the reality of your wounds.

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▶️ ABOUT
Justin Rizzo is a worship leader, songwriter, and filmmaker. He is passionate about authentic worship and creativity, focused on bringing glory to Jesus. Justin also dedicates himself to raising up and coaching worship leaders and creatives of all types, nurturing their growth and success. In addition, he owns Firelight Creative, a production company that has produced multiple award-winning musicals and films, and hosts gatherings for creatives both online and in person. Justin travels extensively to lead worship and speak at events worldwide.

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The semantics of sacred space has sparked heated debate among worship leaders and churchgoers alike. Are we standing on a "stage" or an "altar"? Does the terminology matter when hearts are surrendered?

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Justin Rizzo is a worship leader, songwriter, and filmmaker. He is passionate about authentic worship and creativity, focused on bringing glory to Jesus. Justin also dedicates himself to raising up and coaching worship leaders and creatives of all types, nurturing their growth and success. In addition, he owns Firelight Creative, a production company that has produced multiple award-winning musicals and films, and hosts gatherings for creatives both online and in person. Justin travels extensively to lead worship and speak at events worldwide.

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Creative isolation might be the most common struggle that most creatives face. 

Whether you're leading worship at a megachurch with hundreds of musicians or creating solo from your home studio, the absence of true creative community can leave you feeling adrift and uninspired.

When you make all your decisions in isolation, it can become incredibly challenging and often leads to stagnation of pursuing your gifts.

Waiting for the perfect season, schedule, or set of circumstances to pursue your creative ideas is a trap, and honestly, most of the time it's fear disguised as wisdom.

We need one another.

Follow Jordan Marcotte on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/jordanamarcotte

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▶️ ABOUT
Justin Rizzo is a worship leader, songwriter, and filmmaker. He is passionate about authentic worship and creativity, focused on bringing glory to Jesus. Justin also dedicates himself to raising up and coaching worship leaders and creatives of all types, nurturing their growth and success. In addition, he owns Firelight Creative, a production company that has produced multiple award-winning musicals and films, and hosts gatherings for creatives both online and in person. Justin travels extensively to lead worship and speak at events worldwide.

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Get early access to my brand-new course, the Worship Leader Artist Accelerator:

https://shorturl.at/XQ31s

Ever been told that it's more spiritual to be "nameless and faceless"? 

What began as a seemingly innocent call to humility decades ago grew and transformed into a powerful control mechanism. 

"Stay faithful, stay steady, and above all, stay small" became the unspoken mantra forced upon many worship leaders, artists, and creatives. 

The biblical evidence overwhelmingly contradicts this mindset. 

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▶️ ABOUT
Justin Rizzo is a worship leader, songwriter, and filmmaker. He is passionate about authentic worship and creativity, focused on bringing glory to Jesus. Justin also dedicates himself to raising up and coaching worship leaders and creatives of all types, nurturing their growth and success. In addition, he owns Firelight Creative, a production company that has produced multiple award-winning musicals and films, and hosts gatherings for creatives both online and in person. Justin travels extensively to lead worship and speak at events worldwide.

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How do you develop "creative grit" and the resilience needed for long-term success in any creative field?

Whether you're a worship leader, entrepreneur, artist, or creative professional feeling stuck, this conversation offers the practical tools and mindset shifts needed to develop lasting creative resilience.

Follow Jordan Marcotte on Instagram:
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▶️ ABOUT
Justin Rizzo is a worship leader, songwriter, and filmmaker. He is passionate about authentic worship and creativity, focused on bringing glory to Jesus. Justin also dedicates himself to raising up and coaching worship leaders and creatives of all types, nurturing their growth and success. In addition, he owns Firelight Creative, a production company that has produced multiple award-winning musicals and films, and hosts gatherings for creatives both online and in person. Justin travels extensively to lead worship and speak at events worldwide.

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I’ve led worship for over 10,000 hours. 

I don’t say that to impress you, but to impress upon you that I’ve made a ton of mistakes, and I want to help you avoid them.

I am so excited to introduce my brand new book The Ultimate Worship Team Field Guide to you. 

GET YOUR COPY TODAY:
https://shorturl.at/jEw9y

My heart in writing this was simple: to encourage, equip, and empower worship leaders like you. Because worship isn’t just a role, it’s a lifestyle, a responsibility, and a beautiful invitation to lead others into God’s presence.

Inside these pages, you’ll find a treasure trove of practical tools, biblical insights, and real-world guidance. From building healthy teams and planning Spirit-led sets to handling burnout, leading with confidence, and growing in your personal walk with Jesus, this guide is packed with wisdom to help you thrive both on and off the platform.

Whether you're just stepping into the role or have been leading worship for years, this book is your go-to companion for navigating the joys, challenges, and sacred calling of worship leadership.

So wherever you are in your journey, I pray this book meets you right there and gives you what you need to keep growing, leading boldly, and worshiping with your whole heart. Welcome to The Ultimate Worship Team Field Guide.

This book is for: Pastors, worship leaders, singers, musicians, and AV tech’s. 

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▶️ ABOUT
Justin Rizzo is a worship leader, songwriter, and filmmaker. He is passionate about authentic worship and creativity, focused on bringing glory to Jesus. Justin also dedicates himself to raising up and coaching worship leaders and creatives of all types, nurturing their growth and success. In addition, he owns Firelight Creative, a production company that has produced multiple award-winning musicals and films, and hosts gatherings for creatives both online and in person. Justin travels extensively to lead worship and speak at events worldwide.

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What happens when we're stuck between waiting for God's clear direction and taking initiative?

Many Christians default to "I'll pray about it" mode, convinced that waiting is always the more spiritual choice.

But what if sometimes God is waiting on us to make a move?

We dive into biblical examples that support both approaches. From Genesis 1:28 where God gives humans authority and initiative, to the life of Jesus who operated from a place of constant communion rather than anxious waiting.

The key isn't choosing between action or patience, but finding the balance between stewardship and surrender.

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▶️ ABOUT
Justin Rizzo is a worship leader, songwriter, and filmmaker. He is passionate about authentic worship and creativity, focused on bringing glory to Jesus. Justin also dedicates himself to raising up and coaching worship leaders and creatives of all types, nurturing their growth and success. In addition, he owns Firelight Creative, a production company that has produced multiple award-winning musicals and films, and hosts gatherings for creatives both online and in person. Justin travels extensively to lead worship and speak at events worldwide.

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