The Walk: Real Stories of Faith

God can work through any situation. That means a major career setback, financial stress, and even challenging personal relationships can all become opportunities to see God’s hand in our lives. Actually, oftentimes, He mostly works through trials, doesn’t He? Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”Colton Dixon is our guest for this episode of The Walk and his story introduces our audience to the ups and downs of the music business. He also reminds us of the faith one needs to have on a daily basis in any business. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself the question of what is the “God thread” in my life? Who has come before me and laid the foundation or created the path for me to be introduced to Jesus and what was that story?In today’s episode of The Walk, Anna Golden recounts some of her very special family faith history involving a neighborhood Memphis church and its pastor and how that community gifted her family with Jesus. “Before they ever started asking them to come to church, they just started serving them.” Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Once in a while when you tell a story, even if that story is decades old, the emotions you experienced come rushing back and it’s as if you’re right there reliving that experience again. In this episode our guest, Paul Wilbur, tells a beautiful story about when he met “Yeshua, Jesus” for the first time and then dedicated his life and music to “knowing Him and making Him known.”Paul’s inspiring story begs the question in all of us; Was there a moment when you knew God was calling you to use your gifting for His purposes?“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23–24 (ESV)Please subscribe to our social channels for more information and great content surrounding building a lifestyle of worship. This podcast is brought to you by Authentic Media and Worship Leader Magazine. Our host is Joshua Swanson and the show’s co-producer and editor is Matt McCartie. More episodes can be found here.Sponsor InformationWorship Leader Institutehttps://www.worshipleaderinstitute.com/Additional Linkshttps://www.wilburministries.com/about-paul/https://www.instagram.com/worshipleader/https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/https://authenticmedia.company/https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/our-host/Who is Paul Wilbur?Paul Wilbur is an internationally-acclaimed messianic worship artist, song writer, speaker, award-winning author, and Dove Award nominee. Paul has sold over three million albums globally and has recorded albums in several languages. He's been sharing a unique Kingdom message that reaches beyond cultural, social and political borders for more than 40 years. Whether he’s singing to packed soccer stadiums throughout Latin America, Africa and Asia, or bringing his message directly to the people of Israel, his distinctive songs of prophetic praise and worship have reached millions. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

So many Worship Leaders are so concerned about being accused of “performing” and not actually leading worship. Questions like “are we doing it well?” and “how did we sound?'' come before the important question of “did we see lives changed?'' and “did people meet Jesus?” There’s a tension that exists between the space of worship and the space of performance. Accusations of “that church just puts on a show” are prevalent within the western Church and our megachurches have spent lots of tithe money on creating a highly produced Sunday service. One might even say that the light show on Sunday helps keep the lights on the rest of the week.Elias Dummer knows a thing or two about this topic of worship versus performance. As a former successful CCM artist and lead singer of the band The City Harmonic and as a songwriter and Worship Leader for his local church, he has a unique perspective based on his years of experience. In this episode he addresses this issue by bringing us back to the basics of how we were created.Hopefully, through this episode, our tribe will be able to remove the fear of creating a performance culture and just focus on doing worship well and connecting the congregation with God.This podcast is brought to you by Authentic Media and Worship Leader Magazine. Our host is Joshua Swanson and the show’s co-producer and editor is Matt McCartie. Additional Linkshttps://eliasdummer.com/https://www.instagram.com/worshipleader/https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/https://authenticmedia.company/https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/our-host/Who is Elias Dummer?Elias Dummer co-founded and fronted one of Canada’s most acclaimed worship bands, The City Harmonic. As the group's principal songwriter, he helped pen such hits as “Holy (Wedding Day)” and “Mountaintop,” as well as “Manifesto,” which served as the theme song for 2011’s National Day of Prayer. The City Harmonic earned 12 GMA Canada Covenant Awards and a Juno Award (Canada’s GRAMMY® equivalent), before disbanding in 2017. Dummer released his solo debut, The Work Vol. I, in 2019 and was named Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the 2020 Covenant Awards. Both as a solo artist and with The City Harmonic, Dummer’s music has garnered more than 100 million streams to date. His latest album, The Work Vol. II, released July 29 and features collaborations with such artists as Sandra McCracken; Citizens’ Zach Bolen; JJ Heller; and Land of Color. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. These services are free and confidential. The contents of this website and its mobile application are for general informational purposes only, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any condition or disease or substitute for medical advice.God can walk us through anything. In Cheri Keaggy’s case it was the death of a parent. This episode makes me ask, how would I walk through a tragedy like that? Hopefully, as Cheri did, I would walk through it with scripture, prayer, and faith.Her testimony on how God brought the right Word at the right time is an important reminder for all of us. We limit how much the Holy Spirit can speak to us if we don’t really know our Bible. In addition to comforting us during times of trials, like in Cheri’s case, she also references the importance of knowing the Word of God in times of celebration. These two emotions of joy and pain are both a blessing when they are partnered with scripture and God’s grace. For Cheri, those scriptures are also a guiding light in her songwriting process. This episode goes from grief to grace and we’re excited to share it with our worship tribe.Please subscribe to our social channels for more information and great content surrounding building a lifestyle of worship. We’re very active on Instagram. Also, our website is constantly updated with new and fresh content that will both inspire and educate on all things worship.The Walk is brought to you by Worship Leader Magazine, an Authentic Media brand. More episodes can be found here: https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/.- - - - - -Who is Cheri Keaggy? https://cherikeaggy.com/Additional Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/worshipleader/https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/https://authenticmedia.company/https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/our-host/Since the release of her self-titled 1994 Sparrow Records debut, Child of the Father, Cheri Keaggy has been writing and performing songs that have helped listeners around the world give voice to their worship of God. She has released nine albums; garnered nine #1 singles; and was honored with a Dove Award in 1998 for Special Event Album of the Year for God With Us: A Celebration of Christmas Carols and Classics. Her signature songs include “My Faith Will Stay,” “Make My Life An Altar,” “Open My Heart” and “You, Oh Lord, Are My Refuge,” while her “In Remembrance Of Me” and “There Is Joy In The Lord” have been sung in churches around the globe. She has also spoken at women’s events and conferences across the country. Her most recent recording, What I Know To Be True, released earlier this summer and was co-produced by Phil Keaggy. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

"The Christian life is a fight against a never ending struggle against evil. It is not an earthly military campaign, but a spiritual battle."Can you imagine being in jail and knowing that you are “at the end of your journey?” Paul was awaiting his death and looking back at his life and taking stock when he wrote 2 Timothy. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 This episode is an encouragement to all Believers to finish the race and keep the faith. Charles encourages listeners to first recognize that there’s a daily battle going on for your soul. Put on the armor daily. Next, to run towards the presence of God and live in the moment with the Holy Spirit as your guide. Let’s not leave this world with regrets, but instead run the race for Christ as if each day is your last so we can “finish well.”The Walk is brought to you by Worship Leader Magazine , an Authentic Media brand. More episodes can be found here: https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/ More About Charles Billingsley https://www.charlesbillingsley.com/ Additional Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/worshipleader/https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/https://authenticmedia.company/https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/our-host/From the stages of Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center to numerous events and conferences around the country, Charles Billingsley has been one of Christian music’s most distinctive artists for nearly 30 years. Beginning his career as a lead vocalist for GRAMMY®-nominated genre giant NewSong, Billingsley has since headlined more than 3,200 concerts, released 24 recordings as a solo artist, and garnered seven #1 Inspirational radio hits. Charles and his wife, Shae, have been married for 28 years and they have two sons, Caleb and Cooper. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How would you react if the doctor said to you, “it’s cancer?” Can the lyrics of a song increase our faith and lead us to healing? “I’m not going to let anything stop me from what God’s called me to do.” Joth Hunt, from Planetshakers, tells us the story of the biggest challenge he’s ever faced which hit him just 7 days before a trip to Manilla, Philippines to minister at a conference.More episodes can be found here : https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/ Additional Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/jothhunt/https://www.instagram.com/worshipleader/https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/https://authenticmedia.company/https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/our-host/Who is Joth Hunt?Born into a musical family, Joth’s love for all things musical emerged at a very young age and drove him to learn multiple instruments to a high level of competence. He later developed a passion for songwriting and producing music that equipped him for his ‘call’ to write, produce and lead praise and worship with the Planetshakers Band—both in Australia and all around the world.Joth is a much sought-after and influential musician who operates powerfully in his God-given gift and is anointed to bring a ‘fresh’ sound of praise and worship that transcends culture and creates environments for spiritual breakthrough. He has faithfully served in the Planetshakers ministry since 2007 and has invested in and influenced the lives of many aspiring musicians, singers and creatives— all around the world. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Kurtis Parks is a father and husband, a church planter, a worship leader, an author*, and a songwriter. We are blessed that he had the time to share this incredible devotional with us all about faith. Christians can always use a little bit more faith and it’s a topic that, no matter how many times it’s covered in any format, it’s relevant. Sometimes God rewards our faith with tangible experiences that we can’t deny are a result of His intervention. This episode has just such a story and it will truly blow your mind. God is so good and so alive.Today’s episode is one of those worth listening to…twice.More about our podcast can be found on Worship Leader's website.https://www.kurtisparks.com/bioAbout Our Sponsor - Next Sunday https://bit.ly/3P71uFwWill future generations find a church worth fighting for?A great reckoning is underway in the church today: a naming and exposing of the exclusivity, abuse, racism, patriarchy, and unchecked power that have marked evangelical Christianity for far too long. What kind of church will emerge on the other side?Like many families, the Beaches have been wrestling with this question. Together, Nancy and Samantha represent two generations: Nancy, a boomer, was a key player in the megachurch movement that revolutionized global ministry during the '80s and '90s, while Samantha, a millennial, is willing to abandon those massive buildings and celebrity cultures and find out whether the foundation holds. Each chapter offers their individual experiences and perspectives on a challenge facing the church and considers the way forward.Filled with deep introspection and keen insight, Next Sunday is a vulnerable conversation about what the church has been—and what it can be.Go here for more on the book: https://www.ivpress.com/next-sundayhttps://bit.ly/3P71uFw*Our website is supported by our users. We sometimes earn affiliate commissions when you click through the affiliate links on our website. Contact us with questions.- - - - - -Additional Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/worshipleader/https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/https://authenticmedia.company/https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/our-host/More About Kurtis ParksHaving written over 1200 songs in every genre since the age of 13, and being a worship leader since the age of 13, Kurtis truly understands the gift of music, and the potential for it’s impact on our world today. Some may recognize him as a top 50 finalist on American Idol’s fourth season. Kurtis has also appeared on the Fox Morning Show, BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel Hour, and his song “Forever Changed”, written for his beloved Virginia Tech community after the April 2007 tragedy was featured on NBC News and CNN. His song “Burn it All Down” hit Billboard’s Hot Gospel top 20, written with Joel Buckner, fellow worship leader. Kurtis wrote for and was featured on Integrity Music’s “ONE a Worship Collective”, which hit #1 on Soundscan in it’s first week in 2013. In Summer 2017, Kurtis was featured on the #1 album “The Emerging Sound Vol. 3”. With his latest solo release “Hymn Like” Kurtis hit Billboard Christian charts, and the songs are making their way to audiences of all ages, and churches of all styles. Many of his worship choruses are being sung around the world in churches every weekend. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Laura has spent the last 20 years singing anywhere between 15 and 18 hours a week at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City. Her sets are two hours at a time and they mostly sing spontaneously from the Bible. Every day they pick a passage as a team and turn that into a worship set.With that much time in prayerful worship, Laura has so much to share with our audience of Worship Teams and Worshippers, but in this episode she shares how the Lord taught her to sing her way into the truth.A special thanks goes out to Eric Volz from Arrowhead Music for connecting us with Laura.More about this podcast on WorshipLeader.com.- - - - - -Additional Linkshttps://www.laurahackettpark.com/https://www.instagram.com/worshipleader/https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/https://authenticmedia.company/https://worshipleader.com/all-podcasts/our-host/About Laura Hackett ParkA recording artist, songwriter and worship leader, Laura Hackett Park currently resides in Kansas City with her husband and fellow songwriter, Jonas Park, and their three small children. She writes and leads worship songs for congregations across the world and has led weekly at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City since 2003.To date, she has led close to 10,000 hours of live worship sets. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.