The Walk: A Devotional Podcast from Worship Leader Magazine

In this unforgettable episode of The Walk, Colton Dixon shares a deeply personal journey from industry pressure to spiritual renewal. From his breakout moment on American Idol to chart-topping songs and even launching a fragrance, Colton’s story reveals the tension between platform and purpose. But it's his candid reflections on anxiety, fatherhood, and the call to authenticity that will stay with you. Whether you're a worship leader navigating industry expectations or a parent trying to live your faith at home, this conversation will inspire you to choose presence, purpose, and Jesus. Who is Colton Dixon? Colton Dixon is a gold-certified recording artist, husband, father of twins, and bold worshiper known for hits like “Build a Boat” and “Miracles.” He launched into national attention via American Idol and has since expanded his creative footprint to books, fragrances, and family-centered ministry. 🔑 Episode Highlights Why biblically sound music should never compromise authenticity How Romans 8 helped him overcome anxiety and inspired his latest single The responsibility of modeling faith at home as a father and artist Why “the plaque isn’t the point—it’s the people” How creative outlets like fragrance and fashion can still serve ministry 💬 One Powerful Quote “We’re not stopping at gold. It’s not for the plaque—it’s for the people.” 🔗 Helpful Links Colton Dixon's Website Listen to “The Love I Have for You” Shop Desert Rain Fragrance WorshipLeader.com More Episodes of The Walk 🙌 Sponsored by Planning Center Planning Center is a powerful suite of software tools built to help churches plan services, schedule volunteers, manage giving, and foster community. Whether you're a small team or a large ministry, Planning Center helps worship leaders stay organized and focused on what matters most—people and presence.planningcenter.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

📄 Episode Summary / Show Notes In this unforgettable episode of The Walk, Melanie Penn shares her winding journey from Broadway stages to Redeemer’s worship ministry under Tim Keller, and ultimately to her calling as a Christian singer-songwriter. From striving for identity in the performing arts to discovering true worth in Christ, Melanie opens up about the divine redirection that led to The Rising, her new resurrection album told from the perspective of biblical witnesses. Whether you're a worship leader, creative, or a believer seeking deeper roots in the gospel, this conversation will reawaken your awe in the resurrection and stir your imagination for what sacred storytelling can become. Who is Melanie Penn? Melanie Penn is a singer-songwriter based in Nashville, formerly a Broadway performer and longtime worship leader at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC. Her work blends narrative songwriting, Scripture, and artistic excellence. Her latest project, The Rising, is a first-person resurrection album voiced by biblical figures. Episode Highlights 🎭 Why performing other people’s words left her empty—and how God rewrote her story 🎤 The moment a Redeemer attendee offered to fund her first album ✝️ How New York after 9/11 became the birthplace of her faith 💔 What Peter’s redemption story taught her about honest faith 🎶 The creative process behind The Rising and writing “in character” from Scripture Helpful Links MelaniePenn.com WorshipLeader.com Sponsored by Planning Center Planning Center is a powerful suite of software tools built to help churches plan services, schedule volunteers, manage giving, and foster community. Whether you're a small team or a large ministry, Planning Center helps worship leaders stay organized and focused on what matters most—people and presence.LEARN MORE: planningcenter.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ian Simkins: Faithfulness Over Platform in the Age of Distraction In this powerful episode of The Walk, pastor and communicator Ian Simkins shares how God has shaped his calling through quiet faithfulness, spiritual formation, and the tension between comfort and the cross. From preaching his first sermon at 16 to leading The Bridge Church outside of Nashville, Ian opens up about raising sons, resisting distraction, and confronting the pull of platform culture in the American church. If you've ever wrestled with calling, comfort, or the desire to be seen, this conversation will remind you that fruitfulness in the Kingdom is often born in the unseen places. 👤 Who Is Ian Simkins? Ian Simkins is the lead pastor of teaching and vision at The Bridge Church in Spring Hill, Tennessee, and host of The Common Good. A Detroit native, Ian has served communities in the U.S. and abroad—from the streets of India to the suburbs of Nashville. Known for his humility, humor, and theological depth, Ian is passionate about helping people live formed, faithful lives of mission and presence. ✨ Episode Highlights Why faithfulness must come before influence How to raise children in identity, not just morality The danger of distraction and the call to deep presence Why the Kingdom of God is about now, not just later How Ian’s church challenges comfort from the start 💬 One Powerful Quote “Public fruit grows from private formation.” 🔗 Helpful Links Learn more about Ian: thebridge.church Follow Ian’s podcast: The Common Good Explore worship leader resources: worshipleader.com Listen to more episodes: All Episodes of The Walk 🙌 What Is Planning Center? Planning Center is a powerful suite of software tools built to help churches plan services, schedule volunteers, manage giving, and foster community. Whether you're a small team or a large ministry, Planning Center helps worship leaders stay organized and focused on what matters most—people and presence.planningcenter.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Jamie MacDonald: How God Used Grief to Give Me My Voice Back In this raw and hope-filled episode of The Walk, breakout artist Jamie MacDonald shares how God met her in the depths of loss to restore her voice—both literally and spiritually. From being silenced as a child to standing on the K-LOVE Fan Awards stage, Jamie reflects on the years of hidden healing, background vocals, and divine timing that led to her debut single, Desperate. Whether you're walking through grief, rediscovering your calling, or learning to worship in weakness, Jamie’s story will remind you that God often uses our deepest valleys to bring forth our most powerful songs. 👤 Who Is Jamie MacDonald? Jamie MacDonald is one of Christian music’s most authentic emerging voices. Her single Desperate spent seven weeks at #1, and her recent collaboration with Lauren Daigle continues to impact listeners globally. Before launching her solo career, Jamie spent years writing, touring, and singing background vocals—until God called her out of the shadows and into the spotlight, through a season of caregiving, reconciliation, and raw surrender. ✨ Episode Highlights Why Jamie laid music down for seven years—and how grief called her back The day Lauren Daigle texted her out of the blue Singing for inmates—and how prison ministry unlocked her voice What happens when worship comes from weakness, not perfection The promise God gave her: “These songs will heal you first” 💬 One Powerful Quote “I stepped into the spotlight at the weakest point of my life—and that’s exactly where God showed up.” 🔗 Helpful Links Listen to Jamie's music: Jamie MacDonald on Spotify Watch the new version of Desperate with Lauren Daigle Read more artist stories and worship devotionals: worshipleader.com Follow the podcast feed: All Episodes of The Walk 🙌 What Is Planning Center? Planning Center is a powerful suite of software tools built to help churches plan services, schedule volunteers, manage giving, and foster community. Whether you're a small team or a large ministry, Planning Center helps worship leaders stay organized and focused on what matters most—people and presence. planningcenter.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Finding God’s Presence in Fear and FamilyIn this moving episode of The Walk, Bethel Music worship leaders Paul and Hannah McClure share their journey of faith, worship, and family. From their roots as teenage worship leaders in North Carolina to writing anthems like I Belong to Jesus and Even Though I Walk, the McClures open their hearts about walking through miscarriage, confronting fear, and finding God’s presence in every season. They remind us that worship isn’t about performing for others but about returning to our first love—and that the truest songs often come from our hardest valleys. Episode Highlights Worship as a weapon against fear and anxiety The story behind I Belong to Jesus and Even Though I Walk Balancing family life with ministry and touring The power of excellence and anointing in worship Why identity must be rooted in Christ, not the stage Helpful Links Paul & Hannah McClure on Instagram Bethel Music Worship Leader Magazine Podcasts What Is Planning Center? Planning Center is a powerful suite of software tools built to help churches plan services, schedule volunteers, manage giving, and foster community. Whether you're a small team or a large ministry, Planning Center helps worship leaders stay organized and focused on what matters most—people and presence. planningcenter.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this unforgettable episode of The Walk, legendary sibling trio The Archers—Tim and Stephen—sit down to reflect on their 50-year journey through ministry, music, and the message of Jesus. From the Jesus Music movement to Grammy stages, and now to a brand-new live album, Legacy Live, the Archers remind us why truth-filled songs still matter. Whether you're a worship leader, an artist, or a listener who grew up singing “Fresh Surrender,” this conversation will stir your soul and reignite your love for music that preaches the gospel. Who Are The Archers? The Archers helped pioneer the sound of contemporary Christian music, blending gospel roots with pop, soul, and R&B. Known for powerful harmonies and songs like It Wouldn’t Be Enough, Make Me an Instrument, and Jesus Is the Answer (gifted to them by Andre Crouch), their legacy spans stages like the Grammys, the White House, and sold-out arenas—and now, into the next generation through their children and grandchildren in worship ministry. Episode Highlights The heart behind their new album, Legacy Live How Andre Crouch gave them Jesus Is the Answer—and finished the second verse on the spot Turning down Hollywood to stay true to their calling What they’re seeing and loving in today’s worship music scene Why legacy means more when your grandkids become worship leaders One Powerful Quote “If you want a promoter, stay close to the Lord. The Holy Spirit is the best promoter there is.” – Tim Archer Helpful Links Listen to Legacy Live: thearcherslegacylive.com Read more devotionals and artist stories: worshipleader.com Follow the podcast feed: All Episodes of The Walk What Is Planning Center? Planning Center is a powerful suite of software tools built to help churches plan services, schedule volunteers, manage giving, and foster community. Whether you're a small team or a large ministry, Planning Center helps worship leaders stay organized and focused on what matters most—people and presence. planningcenter.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this powerful follow-up episode, Dr. Laura Sanger returns to explore the healing power of 444 Hertz and how sound frequencies affect our spiritual and physical health. A clinical psychologist and prophetic teacher, Dr. Sanger explains how tuning to heaven’s frequency can reduce stress, promote DNA healing, and release the presence of God through worship. Whether you're a worship leader, creative, or simply hungry for deeper spiritual clarity, this conversation will help you align your sound, your heart, and your healing with heaven. 🎧 Listen now and discover how to tune your worship to the Spirit of God. 🔑 Topics Covered: Why 444 Hz is called the "miracle tone" How sound impacts our DNA and hormones The danger of formulas in healing How worship becomes warfare through alignment 📘 Visit Dr. Laura Sanger’s website🌐 Explore more at WorshipLeader.com 🙏 Thanks to our sponsor! This episode of The Walk is brought to you by Planning Center—a powerful suite of software tools to help churches schedule teams, plan services, and stay organized in ministry. Learn more at planningcenter.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

🎧 The Walk Ep. 139 Worship, Sound Frequencies, and Spiritual Warfare with Dr. Laura Sanger In this eye-opening episode of The Walk, Dr. Laura Sanger—clinical psychologist, theologian, and author—joins us to explore how worship, frequencies, and spiritual warfare are deeply intertwined. From the origins of music in heaven to the weaponization of sound in culture, Dr. Sanger challenges worship leaders to release pure, unmixed worship that partners with heaven. Whether you're new to 444 Hz tuning or seeking deliverance from harmful sound environments, this conversation offers deep spiritual insight, practical application, and hope for healing. 👤 About Dr. Laura Sanger Dr. Laura Sanger is the author of The Roots of the Federal Reserve and Generation Hoodwinked, host of No Longer Enslaved Ministries, and a speaker on spiritual warfare, healing, and prophetic discernment. She equips the Body of Christ to break free from deception and walk in wholeness. 📘 NoLongerEnslaved.com🎧 Books on Audible📺 YouTube: No Longer Enslaved📱 Instagram: @laurasanger_444hertz 🔑 Episode Highlights The heavenly origin of music—and how Lucifer defiled it How 440 Hz became the global standard (hint: Nazi propaganda) What makes 444 Hz “heaven’s frequency” Why unmixed worship is a weapon of spiritual warfare How to spiritually and physically detox from harmful frequencies 🗣️ Quote of the Episode “When we release unmixed worship, we release the sound of heaven.” —Dr. Laura Sanger 🔗 Helpful Links 🌐 WorshipLeader.com 🎧 The Walk Podcast Feed 📘 Dr. Laura Sanger’s Website 💡 What Is Planning Center? Planning Center is a powerful suite of software tools that helps churches plan services, schedule volunteers, manage giving, and more. Trusted by worship leaders worldwide to keep ministry focused on what matters most—people and presence. 🔗 planningcenter.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“Finding God in the PTSD” In this emotionally raw and deeply hopeful episode of The Walk, award-winning Christian pop punk artist Grace Graber shares her journey from suicidal silence to spiritual breakthrough. Raised as a pastor’s kid and bullied for her faith, Grace developed undiagnosed PTSD that nearly took her life as a teenager. But one Christian rock song—heard in a moment of crisis—became a divine lifeline. Now the 2025 We Love Christian Music Awards’ Pop Album of the Year winner, Grace opens up about the healing journey behind her debut project The Breakthrough, collaborating with her childhood heroes, and discovering her true artistic voice. She tackles church hurt, the stigma around mental health, and what it means to be both vulnerable and victorious in Christ. This is not just a story of survival—it’s a testimony of how God shines through the shattered pieces. Grace’s bold message will inspire worship leaders, misfits, and anyone who’s ever wondered if their story could be used for glory. Thanks to our sponsor, Planning Center!Planning Center is a suite of powerful software tools designed to help churches stay organized and focus on what matters most—ministry. Whether you're scheduling your worship team, managing small groups, or coordinating services, Planning Center equips your team to serve with excellence and ease. 👉 Learn more at planningcenter.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

"When Worship Is One Degree Off"In this spiritually stirring episode of The Walk, worship consultant and author Mark Mattingly explores the quiet but critical shifts that can occur in a worship leader’s life when alignment with God drifts—even by just one degree. Drawing from his 52-week devotional The Power of One Degree, Mark shares how seemingly small compromises in heart, posture, or focus can compound over time and affect an entire worship ministry. With over 30 years of experience in full-time, part-time, and bi-vocational worship leadership, Mark speaks with a calm authority that calls leaders back to intimacy, clarity, and faithful obedience. This devotional is not just for worship leaders—it’s for anyone seeking to recalibrate their life and ministry to the voice of the Spirit. ✨ Thanks to our sponsor, Planning Center!Planning Center is a set of software tools designed to help you organize information, coordinate events, and communicate with your teams. Thousands of churches use Planning Center every week to schedule volunteers, plan services, and streamline ministry. Whether you lead worship, run tech, or oversee small groups, Planning Center makes it simple to keep your church connected and moving in the same direction. Whether he’s assessing services, coaching worship teams, or helping churches find their next leader, Mark Mattingly continues to champion worship that flows from a rightly aligned heart. Let this episode inspire you to examine your course and return to the center. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.