The Walk: A Devotional Podcast from Worship Leader Magazine

Church hurt is real.But what if we’ve misunderstood where the hurt actually comes from? In this episode of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, Cliff Preston shares one of the most honest conversations we’ve had about pain, ministry, mental health, and why community still matters even after disappointment. Growing up as the son of a pastor in broken church environments, Cliff experienced firsthand the tension, division, and emotional fallout that ministry can bring. But instead of walking away from the Church, he chose to stay—and help people heal. From leading worship and touring with The Band Table to launching Christ-centered counseling clinics across the country, Cliff opens up about why people need both truth and compassion, why mental health matters in the Church, and how God can resurrect things you thought were over. This episode is raw, hopeful, and deeply needed for anyone carrying disappointment, burnout, or questions about faith and community. Guest Bio Cliff Preston is a pastor, worship leader, songwriter, and entrepreneur from Smackover, Arkansas. For more than 20 years, he has traveled the country leading worship, writing songs, and speaking about faith and mental health. Cliff has written songs recorded by artists including Newsong, JJ Weeks, and Carrollton, and has shared stages with MercyMe, Jeremy Camp, and Natalie Grant. He is also the founder of Christ-centered counseling clinics inspired by the legacy of his late father, professional counselor and pastor Dr. David Preston. Cliff currently partners with People & Songs and serves with The Band Table. Episode Highlights “The church didn’t hurt you—people did”Cliff shares a perspective on church hurt shaped by personal pain and redemption Why mental health and faith belong togetherHow Cliff’s counseling clinics are helping churches care for hurting people The songwriting retreat that changed everythingHow a call from Jenny Riddle resurrected a season Cliff thought was over What real ministry looks like“Anybody can play a guitar and sing a song—ministry happens face to face.” Why community is essential for pastors and leadersThe role friendship and vulnerability play in lasting ministry 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 do you do when God keeps stirring something in your heart—but none of it makes logical sense? In this episode of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, rising Christian pop artist Meeks Carter shares the incredible story behind his journey from pest control and finance… to signing with Red Street Records and stepping into a calling he couldn’t ignore. But this conversation isn’t really about a record deal. It’s about obedience. It’s about trusting God before you have guarantees.Following Him before you see the outcome.And learning how to steward the gifts He’s placed inside you—even when no one else sees them yet. From building a makeshift studio in his garage after long workdays to moving his family to Nashville with no promises on the table, Meeks opens up about faith, purpose, comparison, creativity, and what it means to simply keep saying “yes” to God. If you’ve ever felt stuck between responsibility and calling, this episode will remind you that God often reveals the next step before He reveals the whole plan. Guest Bio Meeks Carter is a Christian pop artist signed to Red Street Records. Originally from Yakima, Washington, Meeks grew up as a pastor’s kid before attending Highlands College in Birmingham, Alabama. After years working outside of ministry in pest control and finance, Meeks and his family followed God’s leading to Nashville, Tennessee—where he signed with Red Street Records exactly 90 days after relocating. His debut single, “Wonder,” introduces listeners to his fresh pop sound and heart for helping people encounter Jesus through honest, hope-filled music. Episode Highlights What happens when God calls you before the plan makes senseMeeks shares the faith journey that led his family to Nashville with no guarantees Why your calling isn’t your job titleUnderstanding purpose beyond platforms, careers, or recognition Stewarding the gift before the opportunity comesBuilding songs in a garage studio while working long days in pest control How comparison kills callingWhy your assignment from God doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s Why Meeks writes music for the spiritually curiousReaching people who are asking questions about God but don’t know where to start 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.

Some pain doesn’t just go away.It follows you. It waits. It whispers. And if you’re not careful—it starts to feel like it owns you. In this episode of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, Kevin Young of the band Disciple shares an unfiltered conversation about sin, freedom, and the battle every believer faces behind the scenes. After more than 30 years in Christian music, Kevin opens up about the reality that following Jesus doesn’t mean you stop struggling—it means you learn how to fight differently. From the story behind “Dear X (You Don’t Own Me)” to the hard lessons of confession, accountability, and healing, this episode is a reminder that the things chasing you don’t get the final word. Guest Bio Kevin Young is the lead vocalist of the Christian rock band Disciple, a group that has spent over 30 years blending hard rock with a bold message of faith. With 13 studio albums, multiple Dove Awards, and songs featured across major platforms like ESPN, WWE, and CBS, Disciple has impacted listeners around the world. Kevin is passionate about evangelism, authenticity, and helping people find freedom through Jesus. Episode Highlights Why sin doesn’t just disappear—it chases youThe powerful metaphor behind “Dear X (You Don’t Own Me)” The danger of “small” compromisesHow sin starts subtle—but spreads like cancer if left unchecked Why confession leads to healingThe difference between hiding struggles and bringing them into the light How music breaks through where words can’tWhy God uses music to reach places nothing else can What it really means to follow JesusNot perfection—but learning, failing, and being formed over time Pull Quote “SIN DOESN’T JUST LEAVE—IT WAITS. BUT THROUGH JESUS, IT DOESN’T OWN YOU ANYMORE.” Helpful Links Disciple Band: https://disciplerocks.com 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.

Most Christians would say they know Jesus. But what if we’ve misunderstood who He really is? In this episode of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, Mark E. Moore—teaching pastor at Christ’s Church of the Valley and bestselling author of Core 52—challenges one of the most foundational assumptions in modern faith: not whether we believe in Jesus, but whether we actually understand Him. From his years as a New Testament professor to leading at one of the largest churches in the country, Mark brings clarity to a question that reshapes everything: Have we reduced Jesus to something smaller than who He really is? This conversation explores the tension between seeing Jesus as Savior versus recognizing Him as Messiah and King—and why that distinction changes how we live, lead, and follow Him today. Guest Bio Mark E. Moore is the teaching pastor at Christ’s Church of the Valley in Peoria, Arizona—one of the fastest-growing churches in the United States. He previously spent over 20 years as a New Testament professor at Ozark Christian College and is the bestselling author of Core 52. Mark is passionate about making Scripture accessible, clear, and transformative for everyday life. He and his wife, Barbara, live in Phoenix. Episode Highlights Are we missing the real Jesus?How modern Christianity can unintentionally reshape Jesus into our own image Savior vs. King: why it mattersWhat happens when we embrace Jesus as Savior but ignore His authority as Messiah Why “personal faith” might be incompleteRecovering the power of a shared, lived-out faith in community The danger of a customized JesusHow culture influences the way we interpret Scripture and identity What it actually means to follow Jesus todayMoving from comfort to surrender—and from belief to embodied faith Pull Quote “IF YOU SEE JESUS ONLY AS SAVIOR, YOU’LL WAIT FOR HEAVEN SOMEDAY—INSTEAD OF LIVING ETERNAL LIFE RIGHT NOW.” Helpful Links Mark E. Moore Books: https://www.markmoore.org/ Christ’s Church of the Valley: https://ccv.church 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.

The cross is central to everything we believe.So why does it sometimes feel… familiar? In this episode of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, Cade Thompson opens up about a tension many Christians quietly carry—what happens when the message of the cross stops feeling powerful and starts feeling routine. Growing up in church and now touring as a Christian artist, Cade shares how easy it is to lose the wonder of what Jesus has done—and how to find it again. From a life-changing moment at summer camp to a simple conversation in an airport that sparked his song “That’s What the Cross Is For,” this episode is a reminder that the gospel was never meant to become background noise—it was meant to transform everything. Guest Bio Cade Thompson is a Christian artist and songwriter based in Franklin, Tennessee. Originally from South Dakota, Cade has over 121 million lifetime streams and has toured with artists like Chris Tomlin, TobyMac, Newsboys, and Michael W. Smith. He is signed to Red Street Records and leads worship weekly at his local church, writing songs that reflect his passion for Jesus and the power of the gospel. Episode Highlights Why the message of the cross can lose its meaningAnd how to rediscover the wonder of what Jesus has done The story behind “That’s What the Cross Is For”How a simple airport conversation became a defining song How to stay spiritually fresh in worship and everyday lifeWhy your private time with God matters more than the platform Fighting comparison as a Christian creativeChoosing kingdom perspective over personal success What Gen Z is really looking for in worshipA shift toward authenticity, simplicity, and real encounters with God Pull Quote “WHEN YOU’VE BEEN WITH GOD IN PRIVATE, YOU DON’T HAVE TO TURN IT ON IN PUBLIC—IT JUST OVERFLOWS.” Helpful Links Instagram: https://instagram.com/cadethompson 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.

This episode gets honest about something many worship leaders feel—but rarely say out loud. Dan Rivera has led on big stages, written songs heard around the world, and helped shape worship culture in the Church. But in this conversation, he pulls things back to what actually sustains a life in ministry: humility, real relationships, and a faith that doesn’t depend on the platform. Because the truth is—what people see on stage is only a window… not the whole life. Guest Bio Dan Rivera lives just outside New Orleans, Louisiana, where he serves as Worship Pastor at Church of the King. A songwriter, leader, and pastor, Dan is passionate about building healthy worship cultures that reach people and reflect the heart of the local church. He and his wife have been married for over 12 years and have three kids. Episode Highlights “Worship leading is a window—not the whole house”Why what people see on stage doesn’t define your spiritual health The hidden loneliness many worship leaders faceAnd how real relationships—not platforms—keep you grounded Why your closest friends shouldn’t all be worship leadersBreaking out of the “echo chamber” of ministry culture The most important trait for anyone on a worship team(Hint: it’s not talent) How to lead with faith in an uncertain worldA simple but powerful framework: Is God real? Then His promises are too. Pull Quote “Worship leading is a window into your life—it’s not the whole picture.” Helpful Links Church of the King: https://churchoftheking.com Listen to For The One album (search “Church of the King Worship”) 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.

This episode is about the quiet tension every worship leader feels—but doesn’t always say out loud. Clayton Brooks has spent over 20 years in worship ministry, and in this conversation, he pulls back the curtain on what it really looks like to lead when no one’s responding, when insecurity creeps in, and when the line between worship and performance starts to blur. From leading in highly produced environments to moments where everything stripped away, Clayton shares why the greatest danger in worship isn’t getting it wrong—it’s slowly shifting who you’re doing it for. Guest Bio Clayton Brooks lives in Stokesdale, North Carolina, where he serves as Worship Pastor at Calvary Church of Greensboro. He’s a songwriter, producer, and pastor with over two decades of experience in worship ministry. Clayton is passionate about helping the Church—especially worship leaders—live what they sing. He’s married to Aunie, and they have three sons: Connor, Cayden, and Asher. Episode Highlights “Who are you leading for?”The subtle shift from leading people to God… to leading for people’s approval Why crowd response can quietly shape your leadershipAnd how to stay grounded when the room feels disengaged The tension between production and presenceAre we creating moments—or making space for God to move? What worship really is (and what it’s not)A needed reset for leaders navigating modern church culture The power of simple, unfiltered worshipWhy some of the most impactful moments happen when everything else falls away Pull Quote “Don’t let the room determine your leadership—lead from what God is doing in you.” Helpful Links Instagram: https://instagram.com/claytonbrooks Calvary Church Greensboro: https://calvarychurch.com 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.

Chris Clayton: Writing Worship Songs That Shape the Church What does it really mean to write songs for the Church—not just for a moment, but for generations? In this episode of The Walk, Chris Clayton shares his journey from a dream in Texas to becoming a trusted voice in worship songwriting and production in Nashville. With honesty and depth, Chris opens up about family, faith, discipline, and the responsibility of writing songs that don’t just sound good—but actually form people. Guest Bio Chris Clayton is a Nashville-based worship and CCM producer and songwriter signed to Story House Publishing, a creative venture led by Matthew West in partnership with Essential Music Publishing (Sony Music Entertainment). Originally from Beaumont, Texas, Chris has worked with artists including Chris Tomlin, Keith & Kristyn Getty, Shane & Shane, Bethel Music, Meredith Andrews, and more. He is passionate about helping churches and artists create songs that are theologically grounded, musically strong, and built to serve the Church for generations. Chris lives in the Nashville area with his wife Kara and their five children. Episode Highlights What does it mean to write a “legacy” worship song?Chris explains the difference between songs that trend and songs that endure. How do you balance calling, creativity, and family?A real look at discipline, boundaries, and staying faithful in every season. Are we writing for the Church—or for platforms?A needed challenge to refocus on shepherding people through song. Why does Scripture have to be the foundation of songwriting?“Songwriting doesn’t start with vibes—it starts with Scripture.” What is the Church missing in worship music today?Chris shares why we need more songs about God’s character, the cross, and His faithfulness. Pull Quote “Songwriting doesn’t start with vibes—it starts with Scripture.” Helpful Links Website: https://www.chrisclaytonmusic.com/Instagram: http://instagram.com/chrisclaytonmusicFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/chrismclayton78 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=thewalk&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=wlm Listen Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon Music Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if your biggest project wasn’t just creative—but deeply spiritual? In this episode, Tommee Profitt shares how The Resurrection of a King was born out of surrender, obedience, and a powerful encounter with God that reshaped how he creates music. About This EpisodeTommee Profitt is known for cinematic music that reaches billions—but behind the success is a story of calling, tension, and rediscovering worship. From producing chart-topping hits to creating faith-centered orchestral albums, Tommee opens up about the moment everything shifted—and why this project feels more important than anything he’s ever done. What You’ll Hear in This Episode How a 2AM moment led to The Resurrection of a King Why Tommee says this project felt “downloaded from God” The tension between mainstream success and spiritual calling How he chooses the right voice for every song His honest thoughts on AI, creativity, and staying grounded Why obedience matters more than platform or recognition Key TakeawayTommee reminds us that creativity isn’t just expression—it can be an act of surrender. When God is at the center, the goal shifts from success to impact. Standout Moment“It felt like these songs were downloaded to me—and I just got to hear them before everyone else.” About Tommee ProfittTommee Profitt is a Nashville-based producer, songwriter, and composer whose work spans film, television, and mainstream music. With over 100 billion streams globally and collaborations with artists like NF, Avril Lavigne, and Josh Groban, Tommee is known for his cinematic sound. A former worship leader, his recent projects—including The Birth of a King and The Resurrection of a King—reflect a deep return to faith-driven creativity. Links & Resources Tommee Profitt: https://www.tommeeprofitt.com Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommeeprofitt SponsorThis 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 Listen & SubscribeListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream podcasts. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Real worship leadership begins long before the stage. In this episode of The Walk, Kurtis Parks sits down with worship pastor, mentor, and founder of The Worship Life, Amber Peairs, to talk about identity, leadership health, and why so many worship leaders quietly struggle behind the scenes. Amber shares wisdom from more than three decades in worship ministry—along with hard-won lessons about calling, comparison, feedback culture, and learning to lead from a place of sonship rather than performance. Guest Bio Amber Peairs is a worship pastor, vocal coach, speaker, and mentor with more than 30 years of experience in full-time ministry. She is the founder of The Worship Life, an international training hub equipping worship pastors and teams to lead with clarity, excellence, and Kingdom impact. Amber provides coaching, courses, and resources for worship leaders while consulting with churches around the world. She is also a songwriter with five English albums and one Spanish album. Episode Highlights Why do worship teams struggle with culture?Amber explains that one of the biggest challenges globally is helping teams rediscover their why and building a healthy culture rooted in biblical worship. What is the biblical definition of worship?Amber simplifies it powerfully: worship is love expressed. When teams understand this, it shifts the focus from performance to devotion. How can leaders help volunteers grow in skill?Develop a culture of feedback, mentorship, and intentional coaching so musicians continually “skill up” instead of coasting. How should worship leaders handle comparison?Amber encourages leaders to stay focused on their God-given assignment and resist measuring their calling against someone else’s platform. What’s the biggest issue facing young worship leaders today?Identity. When creatives tie their worth to their gifting instead of their identity in Christ, it leads to burnout, insecurity, and striving. Pull Quote “Your gifting is what you do — but your identity is who you are. When worship leaders confuse the two, ministry becomes striving instead of worship.” Helpful Links Amber PeairsWebsite: https://www.theworshiplife.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberpeairsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amberpeairsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theworshiplifeofficialSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Ub2M2bxb3xjiz20qZuWUf?si=lkAqGSesQPmzJ1v83IuIAQ 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.Learn more at: https://planningcenter.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.