The Walk: A Devotional Podcast from Worship Leader Magazine

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.

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.