The Walk: A Devotional Podcast from Worship Leader Magazine

What if the greatest blessing in your life is a prayer God never answered the way you expected? In Episode 181 of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, Dove Award-winning artist Leanna Crawford shares the deeply personal journey behind her sophomore album, Thank God. While many know Leanna for her No. 1 hit "Still Waters (Psalm 23)," this conversation reveals the seasons of disappointment, comparison, anxiety, and healing that shaped the songs on her newest record. Leanna opens up about nearly walking away from music, how counseling helped her rediscover joy, and why she's now grateful that God didn't answer every prayer the way she wanted. She also shares the excitement surrounding her Grand Ole Opry debut, her love for country music, and how faith continues to shape every lyric she writes. Whether you're walking through uncertainty, waiting on God, or learning to trust His timing, this conversation is a reminder that His plans are always better—even when they don't make sense at first. Guest Bio Leanna Crawford is a Dove Award-winning singer-songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee. Named New Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards, she is known for heartfelt songs including the RIAA Gold-certified, Billboard No. 1 hit "Still Waters (Psalm 23)." Her sophomore album, Thank God, blends country influences with honest storytelling and faith-filled encouragement as she continues reaching millions of listeners around the world. Episode Highlights Why Leanna almost walked away from music How counseling helped change her perspective The story behind her new album, Thank God Learning gratitude in seasons of disappointment The growing connection between country and Christian music What it means to trust God's timing instead of your own Her upcoming Grand Ole Opry debut Why a full life includes both joy and sorrow Pull Quote "I'm thankful God didn't answer every prayer the way I wanted Him to." Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Planning Center—the all-in-one software that helps churches schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Try it today:https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=wlm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thewalk Listen Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music Watch Watch the full conversation on the Worship Leader Media YouTube channel. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What makes a worship song truly powerful? Is it the melody? The production? The number of streams? According to 2819 Worship, it's much simpler than that: Does the song help people behold Jesus more clearly? In this episode of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, Kurtis Parks sits down with Kristen Pinckney and Trey Heflin of 2819 Worship, the Atlanta-based collective from 2819 Church whose debut single, "For Christ Alone," has quickly become one of the most talked-about new worship songs of the year. The conversation goes far beyond songwriting. Kristen and Trey share the heart behind their church's explosive growth, why every worship gathering begins and ends with prayer, and how a three-year journey through the Gospel of Matthew shaped both their church and their music. They also discuss the spontaneous moment that transformed "For Christ Alone" into a 13-minute worship anthem and why their mission has never been to create viral songs—but songs rooted in Scripture that point people to Christ. Whether you're a worship leader, songwriter, pastor, or someone longing for deeper worship, this episode is a timely reminder that our greatest calling is not influence—it's faithfulness. Guest Bio 2819 Worship is the worship collective of 2819 Church in Atlanta, Georgia, led by Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell. Comprised of worship leaders, musicians, and songwriters including Kristen Pinckney and Trey Heflin, the collective exists to create biblically grounded worship music that helps the Church behold Jesus more clearly. Their debut single, "For Christ Alone," released in partnership with Reach Records, has quickly gained worldwide attention for its Scripture-centered message and authentic live worship expression. Episode Highlights The story behind 2819 Church's remarkable growth Why every worship gathering begins and ends with prayer How a three-year study through Matthew transformed their church The inspiration behind "For Christ Alone" Why worship songs should be rooted in Scripture The spontaneous moment that changed the song forever Faithfulness vs. influence in worship ministry Why today's Church is hungry for biblical truth Pull Quote "We write songs that help people behold Christ more clearly." Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Planning Center—the all-in-one software that helps churches schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Try it today:https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=wlm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thewalk Listen Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music Watch Watch the full conversation on the Worship Leader Media YouTube channel. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What do you do when the dream you've spent your life chasing no longer makes sense? In Episode 179 of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, singer-songwriter and worship leader Bodie shares the surprising story behind his rise from local church worship leader to runner-up on NBC's The Voice and one of Christian music's fastest-rising artists. Before millions watched him compete on national television, Bodie was already considering walking away from music altogether. Discouraged, exhausted, and questioning his future, he found himself at a crossroads where surrender became more important than success. Then came an unexpected opportunity that changed everything. In this conversation, Bodie opens up about identity, calling, worship leadership, songwriting, family life on the road, and the challenge of keeping Jesus at the center when opportunities begin multiplying. He also shares the heart behind his new single, "Almost Famous," and why he's learned that true success is measured by obedience, not recognition. Along the way, you'll hear stories from The Voice, lessons learned from touring with artists like Colton Dixon and Elevation Rhythm, and powerful moments where God's presence redirected the course of his life. Whether you're a worship leader, creative, musician, or simply someone trying to follow God's leading in a season of uncertainty, this episode offers a timely reminder that surrender often comes before breakthrough. Guest Bio Bodie first captured national attention as the runner-up on Season 22 of NBC's The Voice. Since then, his debut album No Skips has generated more than 38 million streams, and he has toured with artists including Elevation Rhythm, Colton Dixon, and Seth Schluter. A worship leader, songwriter, and artist, Bodie combines alternative rock influences with honest faith-filled storytelling. Originally from Los Angeles, he now serves in ministry while continuing to create music that points listeners toward Jesus. Episode Highlights • Why Bodie was preparing to quit music before The Voice • The conversation with God that changed his perspective on calling • How surrender became the foundation of his career • What worship leadership taught him about success • The story behind his new single, "Almost Famous" • Touring, family life, and staying grounded in ministry • How God's presence met him in one of the lowest moments of his life • Why obedience matters more than recognition Pull Quote "You don't choose who you reach. God chooses who you reach." Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software that helps churches schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Try it today at:https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=wlm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thewalk Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if the most important part of worship happens long before Sunday morning? In Episode 178 of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, Bella Taylor Smith shares her remarkable journey from a teenager with no church background to becoming one of Christian music's most compelling voices. After winning The Voice Australia in 2021, Bella's life changed dramatically. What began as a simple prompting from the Holy Spirit during the COVID lockdowns eventually led her from Sydney, Australia, to Nashville, Tennessee, where she now records music, leads worship, and serves the global Church through her songs. But behind the success story is a much deeper testimony of God's faithfulness. Bella opens up about coming to faith at age fifteen after a year of attending youth group, the worship moment that changed her life forever, and the people who faithfully showed her Jesus before she was ready to fully surrender her life to Him. She also shares why private devotion fuels public ministry, how worship extends far beyond music, and what she's learning about obedience, surrender, and the fruit of the Spirit in this season. The conversation also explores her new EP, for the home, a companion project to FOR THE HOUSE, designed to help believers encounter God in everyday moments—from devotional time to family life and everything in between. Whether you're a worship leader, songwriter, creative, or simply someone who wants a deeper relationship with Jesus, this episode offers practical encouragement for cultivating a faith that lasts. Guest Bio Bella Taylor Smith first rose to prominence after winning The Voice Australia in 2021. Since then, she has amassed more than 50 million career streams and performed alongside artists including Chris Tomlin, Jeremy Camp, Darlene Zschech, Pentatonix, and Benjamin William Hastings. Originally from Sydney, Australia, Bella began her musical journey as a worship leader at Hillsong Church. She now lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with her husband and producer Josh Cole and continues to write music that serves both the Church and individual believers through worship and discipleship. Episode Highlights • How a simple invitation to youth group changed Bella's life • The worship moment that led her to surrender her life to Christ • Why private devotion fuels public ministry • What winning The Voice Australia taught her about obedience • The story behind her move from Australia to Nashville • Why worship is more than music • The heart behind her new EP, for the home • What it means to live from the overflow of your relationship with God Pull Quote "We can't invite people somewhere we've never been ourselves." Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software that helps churches schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Try it today at https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=wlm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thewalk Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does it take to write a worship song that serves the Church? In this episode of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, Kurtis Parks sits down with Justin Barnett, Bryant Urich, and Anne Elise Sherrod of the NCS Collective to talk about songwriting, worship leadership, artist development, and the power of Christian community. The NCS Collective recently released their live worship album, Nothing But the Name, bringing together songwriters, artists, worship leaders, and creatives from across the country. But this conversation goes far beyond a new album. Bryant, Justin, and Anne Elise share how Nashville Christian Songwriters grew from a songwriting coaching program into a thriving creative community that helps Christian songwriters, worship leaders, and artists develop their craft while staying rooted in their faith. They discuss the songwriting process, the challenges of creating a live worship album, why community matters for creatives, and what they've learned from bringing together people from different church traditions, generations, and backgrounds around a shared love for Jesus. If you're a worship leader, songwriter, musician, or creative wondering how God can use your gifts for His Kingdom, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and encouragement. Guest Bio The NCS Collective is the artist and worship expression of Nashville Christian Songwriters, a songwriting community, record label, publishing company, and artist development platform founded by industry veteran John Chisum. The collective exists to create and release faith-filled worship music while helping Christian songwriters and artists grow in their craft and calling. Their latest live worship album, Nothing But the Name, features songs written and led by members of the NCS community. Episode Highlights The story behind Nashville Christian Songwriters and the NCS Collective How a songwriting community became a record label and artist development platform The making of the live worship album Nothing But the Name Why collaboration beats competition in Christian music How songwriting helps believers tell their stories of faith The importance of artist development in today's music industry Why becoming a great songwriter starts with learning to tell the truth well How worship songs move from private prayer to congregational worship Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software that helps churches schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Try it today at:https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=wlm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thewalk Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if the songs we sing on Sunday are shaping our faith more than we realize? In this episode of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, award-winning artist, songwriter, worship leader, and author Ginny Owens joins us for a thoughtful conversation about worship, theology, discipleship, and the responsibility of leading people in song. After nearly three decades in Christian music, Ginny now serves at Redeemer Church Lincoln Square in New York City, where she helps lead worship in one of the most influential and spiritually diverse cities in the world. She shares what ministry looks like in a post-Christian culture, how worship can help people encounter Jesus, and why every worship leader should think deeply about the songs they choose. Ginny also discusses her new EP, Different Kind of Water, inspired by Jesus' conversation with the woman at the well in John 4. The project explores the longing every person carries and why Christ alone offers the living water that truly satisfies. Along the way, you'll hear stories from her years of touring, lessons learned from studying under Tim Keller, the vision behind The Asaph Project, and practical wisdom for worship leaders seeking to serve their churches with both theological depth and creativity. Whether you're a worship leader, songwriter, pastor, or simply someone who loves the Church, this conversation will challenge you to think more intentionally about worship and the truths that shape your faith. Guest Bio Ginny Owens has been a leading voice in Christian music for nearly three decades. A Dove Award-winning singer-songwriter, worship leader, and author, Ginny currently serves at Redeemer Church Lincoln Square in New York City. Her latest EP, Different Kind of Water, explores themes of spiritual longing, identity, and the living water found only in Christ. She is also launching The Asaph Project, a new initiative designed to provide biblically grounded training and resources for worship leaders. Episode Highlights • What ministry looks like in a post-Christian culture like New York City • Why worship songs are "portable theology" and shape what believers remember • Lessons learned from studying under Tim Keller • The vision behind The Asaph Project and training the next generation of worship leaders • Why singability matters more than most worship leaders realize • The story behind Ginny's new EP, Different Kind of Water • How churches can better connect worship, theology, and discipleship Pull Quote "WORSHIP MUSIC IS OUR PORTABLE THEOLOGY. WHAT WE SING IS WHAT WE'RE GOING TO REMEMBER." Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software to help your church schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Try it free today at https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=wlm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thewalk Listen Links Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music YouTube Watch the full conversation on the Worship Leader Media YouTube channel. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What happens when the thing you believe God called you to becomes more important than God Himself? In this episode of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, Amanda Janson shares one of the most honest and powerful testimonies we've ever featured on the podcast. Before releasing her debut album, Sinner to Saint, Amanda found herself living the dream she thought God had given her. After moving to Nashville, pursuing Christian music, and chasing every opportunity she could find, the pressure began to take its toll. What started as a calling slowly became an obsession, and eventually her mental health collapsed under the weight of expectations. Amanda opens up about battling shame, depression, suicidal thoughts, and the moment God interrupted her darkest season. She shares how confession, surrender, worship, and rediscovering her identity in Christ became the pathway to healing and freedom. You'll also hear the story behind songs like "No Dark Corners" and "Where the Warfare Ends," why vulnerability matters in ministry, and how God used brokenness to create a message of hope through her debut album. This conversation is for anyone who feels exhausted, overwhelmed, discouraged, or trapped beneath expectations. Amanda's story is proof that God's grace reaches even into our darkest moments. Guest Bio Amanda Janson is a singer-songwriter, worship leader, and recording artist based in Nashville, Tennessee. Her debut album, Sinner to Saint, tells the story of God's redemption throughout her life—from addiction and depression to healing, freedom, and purpose. Amanda leads worship, writes music rooted in testimony, and shares openly about identity, mental health, and God's relentless pursuit of His children. Episode Highlights • How Amanda walked away from a promising opportunity before finding Christ • Why Christian success became an unhealthy idol • The hidden mental health struggle that nearly cost her everything • The powerful role confession plays in healing and freedom • How worship extends far beyond music • The story behind "No Dark Corners" and "Where the Warfare Ends" • Why identity is one of the most overlooked topics in the Church today Pull Quote "THE LORD ASKED ME, 'WHAT'S MORE IMPORTANT TO YOU—YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH ME OR YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH MUSIC?'" Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software that helps churches schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Learn more at https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=wlm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thewalk Listen Now Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music YouTube Watch the full episode on Worship Leader Media's YouTube channel. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What do you do when you're exhausted, discouraged, and ready to quit? In this episode of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, the brothers of Consumed By Fire share the deeply personal story behind some of the hardest seasons of their lives—and how God met them in the middle of it. Known for hit songs like "First Things First" and "Walk With Jesus," Caleb, Jordan, and Josh Ward open up about growing up in ministry, carrying on a family legacy of faith, life on the road, and the reality of burnout. They share how their father's years-long health battle forced them to confront exhaustion, disappointment, and questions about whether they could keep going. But this conversation isn't ultimately about burnout. It's about faith. It's about learning to trust God when you're tired, letting go of control, and discovering that God's calling doesn't disappear when life gets difficult. You'll also hear the story behind the band's name, why Scripture remains central to their songwriting, what they've learned from decades of ministry together as brothers, and the heart behind their upcoming album, Whole Wide World. If you've ever felt weary, overwhelmed, or tempted to walk away from something God called you to, this episode will remind you that God's faithfulness is often most visible when your strength is gone. Guest Bio Consumed By Fire is a Christian rock band made up of brothers Caleb Ward, Jordan Ward, and Josh Ward. Signed to Red Street Records, the group is known for hit songs including "First Things First" and "Walk With Jesus." Raised in a ministry family, the brothers have spent decades sharing the Gospel through music, performing more than 2,000 concerts across North America while carrying forward a legacy of faith, missions, and ministry. Their new album, Whole Wide World, releases June 12. Episode Highlights • The story behind the band's name and the Scripture that inspired it • How their father's health battle changed their perspective on faith and ministry • What to do when you're spiritually and emotionally exhausted • Why God's calling remains even when you feel like quitting • The importance of Scripture, community, and daily spiritual formation • Lessons learned from over 2,000 concerts and decades on the road • The heart behind their upcoming album, Whole Wide World Pull Quote "There have been moments where we said, 'We're done.' I'm just grateful that God never said He was done." Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software that helps churches schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Learn more at https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=wlm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thewalk Listen Now Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music YouTube Watch the full episode on Worship Leader Media's YouTube channel. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if worship was never just about music? In this episode of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, Alexandra Osteen of Lakewood Music shares an honest conversation about worship, calling, healing, church community, and the faithfulness of God across generations. As the Worship Director at Lakewood Church and part of the leadership behind Lakewood Music’s newest album House of Worship, Alexandra opens up about growing up in ministry, discovering her own personal faith, and learning to say yes to God’s calling—even when it felt intimidating. She also shares the powerful story behind the song Made You Well, inspired by scriptures on healing that her grandmother held onto after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis decades ago. What began as declarations of faith eventually became part of her testimony of miraculous healing—and now a song being sung by the Church. From songwriting and collaboration to the role worship plays in shaping hearts, this conversation is a reminder that God is still faithful, still moving, and still drawing people close through worship. Guest Bio Alexandra Osteen is the Worship Director at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, and a leader with Lakewood Music. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Alexandra has spent years leading worship and writing songs that point people toward the hope and faithfulness of God. She has been featured with Lakewood Music since its debut album Live in the Wonderful and continues to help lead worship for one of the largest and most influential churches in America. Episode Highlights When faith becomes personalAlexandra shares the moment she stopped living off her family’s faith and personally said yes to God’s calling. Why worship is more than music“God inhabits the praises of His people.” Alexandra explains why worship creates space for people to encounter God. The healing story behind “Made You Well”How her grandmother’s miraculous healing shaped one of the album’s most personal songs. How Lakewood Music writes songs for the ChurchWhy their focus is creating worship music rooted deeply in Scripture and hope. The role of community in spiritual growthWhy youth ministry and church community played such a critical role in Alexandra’s faith journey. Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software to help your church schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Try it free today at https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=wlm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thewalk Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if praise was never meant to be a warm-up for worship? In this episode of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, Alexander Pappas—founding member of Hillsong Young & Free and writer of songs like Alive, Wake, Real Love, and Echo—shares a passionate and deeply personal conversation about worship, grace, repentance, and the transformational power of praise. After years of leading worship around the world, Alexander opens up about the tension between confidence and humility, conviction and shame, and why praise is more than fast songs and high energy—it’s a spiritual posture that changes us from the inside out. He also shares the heart behind his new EP Sunday, the stories that shaped songs like It Is So Sweet, and why worship gatherings should equip believers for the other six days of the week. This conversation will challenge the way you think about worship—and remind you why praise still matters. Guest Bio Alexander Pappas is a world-renowned worship leader, songwriter, and founding member of the twice GRAMMY-nominated band Hillsong Young & Free. He is best known for writing songs including Alive, Wake, Real Love, Echo (Elevation Worship), and A Great Awakening. Alexander currently lives in Los Angeles and also serves as a contributor with Lakewood Music. His latest EP, Sunday, explores worship not just as a church experience, but as a lifestyle lived throughout the week. Episode Highlights Why praise is more than emotional hypeAlexander explains how praise shifts our hearts into agreement with God’s truth The difference between conviction and shameHow grace changes the way believers process failure and growth Why worship should prepare you for Monday—not just SundayThe deeper heart behind his new EP Sunday The danger of treating praise like a warm-upWhy fast songs still matter in modern worship culture How songs shape spiritual formation“Music connects our emotions to our intellect.” Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software to help your church schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Try it today at https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=wlm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thewalk Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.