Worship in the In-Between: Matt Crocker on Seasons of Waiting, Songwriting, and Staying Faithful

What do you do when you’re between the mountaintops—no longer where you were, but not yet where you're going?

In this honest and hope-filled devotional, Hillsong’s Matt Crocker shares the story behind Interlude, his first solo album and a spiritual offering born in a season of uncertainty. Known for writing worship anthems like Oceans and I Surrender, Matt opens up about rediscovering worship as a personal, daily practice—not just a platform performance.

Drawing from Scripture and his own journey through creative burnout, Matt invites us into the “interlude moments” of life, where pressing into God becomes the only roadmap forward.

You’ll walk away with:

• Encouragement to trust God in seasons of waiting

• A reminder that worship is obedience, not outcome

• Insights on songwriting as spiritual formation

• Permission to bring your real self—flaws and all—before the Lord

• A renewed sense of purpose beyond Sunday sets

Whether you’re leading thousands or simply leading your family, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that God meets us in the middle, not just the mountaintop.

🙏 Subscribe and leave a review to help other worship leaders find encouragement and inspiration.

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Website: worshipleader.com
Instagram: @worshipleader
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🎙️ Connect with Matt Crocker
Instagram: @mattcrockermusic
Music: Interlude (now streaming)

"The in-between season isn’t wasted—it’s where God forms us."

Let this episode remind you: worship is still worship—even in the waiting.

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What’s in Your Worship Basket? John Allan on Purity, Platform, and the Power of Praise

Where does your worship really begin—on stage, or in the secret place?

In this passionate and prophetic devotional, worship leader and songwriter John Allan challenges creatives to examine what they’re bringing before the Lord. With Scripture, story, and soul, John reminds us that worship isn’t performance—it’s a holy offering.

From Cain and Abel to modern-day ministry burnout, John unpacks the spiritual power of praise, and how what’s in our hearts ultimately shapes what’s in our hands. As a worship artist with Centricity Music, John’s perspective is grounded in both local church service and a deep reverence for God's presence.

You’ll walk away with:

• A convicting call to purity in worship and leadership

• A deeper understanding of worship as spiritual warfare

• Encouragement to lead from humility, not pride

• Reflection on identity, jealousy, and how to celebrate others

• Inspiration to return to wonder, worship, and childlike faith

Whether you’re on the platform or behind the scenes, this episode will stir your spirit and help reset your heart for true, God-centered worship.

🙏 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—your support helps more worship leaders and creatives find strength for the journey.

🔗 Follow Worship Leader Magazine
Website: worshipleader.com
Instagram: @worshipleader
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X (Twitter): @WorshipLeader

🎙️ Connect with John Allan
Instagram: @johnallanmusic
Music: “Living God”

“No pride in the basket. No lust in the basket. Get arrogance out of the basket.”

Let this episode remind you: worship is warfare, and your offering matters.

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From Silence to Song: Bay Turner’s Journey of Healing, Identity, and Worship

Is your identity rooted in what you do for God—or in who you are in Him?

In this powerful debut episode of The Walk, our new host Bay Turner opens his heart and shares the miraculous story behind his voice. After years of chasing musical success—from opera stages to national TV—Bay found his true calling not in applause, but in presence. Then came a diagnosis that threatened it all: damaged vocal cords, and the possibility he might never sing again.

Through silence, surrender, and soul-deep faith, Bay rediscovered his purpose—not as a performer, but as a servant.

You’ll walk away with:

• A vulnerable testimony of God’s healing power

• Encouragement for anyone facing identity loss, burnout, or silence

• A renewed vision of worship rooted in presence, not perfection

• Inspiration to trust God even when your gift feels out of reach

This episode sets the tone for a new season of The Walk—one filled with real stories, honest struggles, and a shared journey toward Jesus.

🙏 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—your support helps more worship leaders and believers find strength for the road ahead.

🔗 Follow Worship Leader Magazine
Website: worshipleader.com
Instagram: @worshipleader
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🎙️ Connect with Bay Turner
Instagram: @bayturnermusic
Website: bayturner.com

“God wasn’t absent in the silence—He was waiting for me to listen.”

Let this episode remind you: even in the quiet, God is still speaking.

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Are you leading from a place of performance—or presence?

In this powerful episode of The Walk, Worship Leader Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Joshua Swanson, welcomes songwriter, author, and worship pastor Kurtis Parks for a devotional that gets to the heart of spiritual leadership: consecration. Drawing from Scripture, personal stories, and years of ministry experience, Kurtis challenges us to stop striving and start surrendering.

You’ll walk away with:

• A fresh understanding of what it means to be set apart for God's purposes

• A warning against the dangers of complacency and conformity in ministry

• A biblical framework from Deuteronomy 10:8 that will transform how you carry God’s presence, minister to Him, and bless His people

This is a must-listen for every worship leader, pastor, and Christ-follower seeking to lead with authenticity, holiness, and intimacy with the Lord.

🙏 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Walk and leave us a review—your feedback helps more worshipers find encouragement and equipping for their journey.

🔗 Follow Worship Leader Magazine:

• Website: worshipleader.com

• Instagram: @worshipleader

• Facebook: facebook.com/worshipleadermag

• X (Twitter): @WorshipLeader

🎙️ Connect with Kurtis Parks:

• Instagram: @kurtisparks

• Facebook: facebook.com/kurtisparksmusic

• Website: kurtisparks.com

“Consecrate yourselves today, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” – Joshua 3:5

Let this episode be a fresh invitation to step off of autopilot and walk in daily intimacy with God.

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Worship leader, prophetic voice, and renowned artist Noel Robinson joins The Walk for a powerful episode that will reignite your passion for God’s presence. With raw honesty and deep spiritual insight, Noel shares how his worship journey began in a small room of grief and hymns—and how it has grown into a global calling fueled not by gifting, but by an unwavering fire for the Holy Spirit.

This is a must-listen for worship leaders, creatives, and anyone longing to trade burnout for fresh oil.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why worship is a response to revelation

• What it means to be a prophetic generation

• How to refill your lamp with the oil of the Spirit

• Why faith is the economy of heaven in worship

• And how to find purpose in presence, not performance

🌟 If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe and leave us a review! It helps others discover the show and keeps us going.

🔗 Connect with us:

• Worship Leader Magazine → worshipleader.com

• Instagram → @worshipleader

• Facebook → facebook.com/worshipleadermag

• X (formerly Twitter) → @WorshipLeader

🎤 Follow Noel Robinson:

• Instagram → @noelrobinsonmusic

• Facebook → facebook.com/noelrobinsonmusic

• Website → noelrobinson.com

🎶 Closing Track: “Breaker of Chains” by Noel Robinson – available now on all streaming platforms.

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In this powerful episode of The Walk, host Joshua Swanson is joined by John Bolin, the visionary behind the gospel stage production The Thorn. From humble beginnings with youth group performances and flashlight-lit stages to sold-out performing arts centers, John's story is a heartfelt journey through calling, wilderness, and revival.

Whether you’re a creative, a ministry leader, or someone wondering if God is still working behind the scenes—this episode will stir your faith. John shares how The Thorn went dark during COVID and how God reignited the vision in unexpected ways, reminding us that faithfulness isn’t always fast, but it is always fruitful.

🎭 Learn what it means to:

• Wait well when God’s timing seems delayed

• Be faithful in the wilderness seasons

• Prepare for your defining moment

• Trust God to resurrect dreams that seem buried

💡 This episode is for anyone called to create, lead, or persevere.

👉 Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode, and if this conversation encouraged you, please leave us a review—it helps others find the show and supports our mission to serve worship leaders everywhere.

🔗 Resources & Links:

🎙 Worship Leader Magazine

• Website: worshipleader.com

• Instagram: @worshipleader

• Facebook: facebook.com/worshipleadermag

• X (formerly Twitter): @WorshipLeader

🎟 The Thorn by John Bolin

• Website: thethorn.net

• Instagram: @thethornlive

• Facebook: facebook.com/thethornlive

• X: @TheThornLive

Thank you for walking with us. Grace and peace, and remember: long obedience in the same direction leads to lasting impact.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this powerful and deeply personal devotional, worship leader, songwriter, and author Marcus Criner shares a journey of surrender, calling, and intimacy with God that will challenge and inspire every worship leader. From opening for the Newsboys to walking away from it all in obedience to God's call, Marcus unpacks what it means to know God, not just sing about Him.

Whether you're feeling burned out, craving deeper purpose, or wondering what you're really carrying into your worship sets, this episode is a must-listen. Marcus reminds us that the real anointing isn’t found in polished vocals or perfect setlists — it’s born in the secret place.

🔥 Learn how to:

• Lead worship from a place of genuine intimacy

• Carry God’s presence beyond the platform

• Reignite your heart for the local church

• Embrace the weight and privilege of leading others in sung prayer

🙏 Be sure to subscribe to The Walk so you never miss a moment of inspiration, and leave us a review to help others discover this free, life-giving resource for worship leaders around the world.

🔗 Connect with Us:

🌐 Worship Leader Magazine
Website: worshipleader.com
Instagram: @worshipleader
Facebook: Worship Leader Magazine
X (Twitter): @WorshipLeader

🎙 Follow Marcus Criner
Instagram: @marcuscriner
Facebook: Marcus Criner Music
Website: marcuscriner.com 

🎧 Listen now and be reminded: we only give away what we have — so let what you carry be born in the presence of God.

#TheWalkPodcast #WorshipLeader #MarcusCriner #Devotional #WorshipMinistry #LiftTheRoom #WorshipLeaderMagazine

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In this powerful episode of The Walk from Worship Leader Magazine, returning guest Calvin Nowell—artist, songwriter, worship leader, and creative coach—opens his heart about finding true security in God's calling. Calvin shares his personal journey of overcoming rejection, battling insecurity, and learning to pray, "God, give me Your dream for my life, not mine."

Through his honest testimony and biblical teaching from 1 Samuel 16:7, Calvin invites us to move beyond pride, fear, and comparison into a place of joyful obedience and kingdom-minded celebration. Whether you're a worship leader, musician, pastor, or simply a believer seeking encouragement, this conversation is for you.

🎧 Listen now to be challenged, inspired, and reminded that God looks at the heart—not the outward appearance or earthly success.

✅ Don't forget to subscribe to The Walk and leave us a review—your feedback helps others discover these powerful devotionals!

Stay connected:

• 🌎 Worship Leader Magazine Website: worshipleader.com

• 📷 Instagram: @worshipleader

• 🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @WorshipLeader

• 👍 Facebook: Worship Leader Magazine

Follow Calvin Nowell:

• 📷 Instagram: @calvinnowell

• 🐦 X: https://x.com/calvinnowell

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@calvin.nowell

 

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Is It Safe? | A Holy Week Devotional from Jerusalem with Joshua Swanson

In this powerful special edition of The Walk, Worship Leader Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Joshua Swanson, takes us to Jerusalem for a deeply moving Holy Week reflection. Recorded from a window overlooking the Mount of Olives, Joshua recounts the triumphal entry of Jesus, the sobering sound of air raid sirens, and the breathtaking sight of a rainbow stretched over the Temple Mount.

This episode isn't just a devotional—it's a bold invitation to step into obedience, even when the path isn’t safe. Whether you’re leading worship, planting a church, navigating transition, or seeking clarity in your calling, this message will stir your soul and realign your heart.

💬 What you’ll take away:

• A fresh perspective on Jesus’ journey to the cross

• Encouragement to prioritize calling over comfort

• A personal challenge to walk in faith, not fear

💥 Don’t miss this one—hit play, and then share it with a friend who needs a reminder of God’s faithfulness.

🎧 Subscribe to The Walk for more real stories of faith at the intersection of worship, calling, and creativity.

👉 Love this episode? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts—your feedback helps others discover the show and fuels the mission to support worship leaders everywhere.

🔗 Connect with us:

• Website: https://worshipleader.com

• Instagram: @worshipleader

• Facebook: Worship Leader Magazine

• X (Twitter): @WorshipLeader

🎙️ Connect with Joshua Swanson

• Instagram: @creatingjoshua

• LinkedIn: Joshua Swanson

📸 Don’t forget to check out the rainbow photo over the Temple Mount in the show notes at worshipleader.com.

🙏 Until next time, let’s walk the not-so-safe path of faith—because He goes before us.

#HolyWeek #WorshipLeader #TheWalkPodcast #FaithOverFear #PalmSunday #ObedienceOverComfort #JerusalemDevotional

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In this deeply moving episode of The Walk, Caleb and Kelsea Yetton (of The Rock Music) share a vulnerable testimony of worship, grief, and hope. Following the 18-month battle Kelsea’s mother, Jeanie, faced with cancer, they walk us through how worship and the local church carried them through unimaginable sorrow.

From hospital rooms filled with worship music to Sunday services where tears and praise mingled freely, this episode is a heartfelt encouragement to anyone walking through grief. Caleb and Kelsea reflect on living in light of heaven, the strength of community, and the God who knows us—truly and intimately.

💡 What You’ll Take Away:

• The healing power of worship in seasons of loss

• The importance of staying rooted in the local church

• A renewed vision of eternity and the hope of heaven

• A powerful new single from Caleb Yetton: No One Knows Me Like You

👉 Whether you’re in a season of joy or sorrow, this episode will encourage your spirit and remind you that no one knows you like Jesus does.

💬 Enjoying the show?
Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today! Your reviews help others discover the podcast and mean the world to us.

🔗 Connect with us:
🌐 WorshipLeader.com
📸 Instagram.com/worshipleader
📘 Facebook.com/worshipleadermag
🐦 X.com/WorshipLeader

🎙️ Connect with Caleb and Kelsea Yetton:
🌐 TheRockMusic.org
📸 Instagram.com/TheRockMusic

🙏 Worship isn’t just for the mountaintops. It’s our lifeline in the valleys.
Take a walk with us, and be reminded of the God who never leaves.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.