Archives

Ep. 200 – Johnny B Burkhalter – Your Identity Is Not Your Ministry

In this new episode, Johnny Burkhalter shares a needed challenge to all of us about rediscovering worship as something much bigger than music, Sunday services, or what happens on a platform. Hear how worship leaders can find their identity beyond their role, lead from authenticity instead of performance, and remember that before we lead worship,... View Article

Ep. 199 – Paul Mabury & John Hartley – What Today’s Worship Leaders Are Missing

In this episode, Matt McCoy sits down with Paul Mabury and John Hartley to talk about House of Worship, a collaborative project bringing together some of the most influential voices in modern worship music. They unpack why these older worship songs still resonate so deeply, what’s been lost in modern worship culture, and why mentorship... View Article

Ep. 198 – Erik Gaylo – Worship Pastors Need Community, Not Just Creativity

In this episode, Matt McCoy sits down with worship leader and Table Songs founder Erik Gaylo for an honest conversation about identity, collaboration, creativity, and the hidden isolation many worship leaders experience. Erik shares how God used burnout, disappointment, and COVID to reshape his understanding of ministry and launch a movement centered around community instead... View Article

Ep. 197 – Michael W. Smith – Giving Communion the Attention It Deserves

In this episode, Matt McCoy sits down with Michael W. Smith to talk about the heart behind communion and why it deserves more attention in our services. Michael shares the story behind his new song “Hymn for Communion” and why there aren’t enough songs written for this part of the service. This conversation is packed... View Article

Ep. 196 – Red Rocks Worship – Why Your Church Isn’t Singing New Songs

Matt sits down with Tyler and Kendra from Red Rocks Worship to get super real about introducing new songs in church. They talk through what actually works, what totally flops, and how to tell the difference in the moment. From picking the right songs to setting them up in a way people actually connect with,... View Article

Ep. 195 – Alexander Pappas – How Hillsong Young & Free Rewrote the Sound of Worship Music

In this episode, Matt sits down with Alexander Pappas to talk about the origin story behind Young & Free and the massive impact of “Alive.” Alexander shares how a simple youth night moment sparked a movement, and how technology and timing shaped a new worship sound. He also unpacks his new project Sunday, why he... View Article

Ep. 194 – Wade Joye – The Dream You Prayed For Might Not Be Yours

Matt sits down with Wade Joye, former worship pastor at Elevation Church, for a vulnerable conversation about unfulfilled dreams, identity, and the pressure worship leaders feel to chase visibility and success. Wade shares his journey from being a founding member of Elevation Worship to stepping into a behind-the-scenes pastoral role, and how surrender became the... View Article

Ep. 193 – Canaan Baca – How to Build a Worship Team That Actually Feels Like Family

Matt McCoy sits down with Canaan Baca, Enterprise Worship Pastor at New Life Church, to talk about discipling worship teams beyond just musicianship. They dive into why midweek rehearsals still matter, how shared meals shape team culture, and the tension between paid musicians and spiritual ownership. Canaan shares practical rhythms his church uses to develop... View Article

Ep. 192 – Bella Taylor Smith – Crafting Worship Sets, Pastoring Teams, and Serving the Local Church

 In this episode, Matt sits down with Bella Taylor Smith to talk about crafting worship sets for the local church and releasing her new project, For The House. Bella shares how she approaches worship planning with intention, why knowing your congregation matters, and how choosing songs can pastor people, not just fill a set list.... View Article

Ep. 191 – Justin Tweito – Lead Worship Like a Pastor

I sat down with Justin Tweito to reflect on his journey into worship leadership, we explore why theological depth, discipleship, and intentional song selection matter more than charisma or performance, and how planning worship like a pastor leads to healthier leaders and more gospel-centered services.