The Walk: A Devotional Podcast from Worship Leader Magazine

When God disrupts what’s familiar, He’s often inviting us into deeper trust.In this episode of The Walk, Kurtis Parks sits down with Jeff Deyo to talk about calling, pain, faithfulness, and what it really means to shepherd people—not just lead platforms. In this conversation, you’ll hear Jeff and Kurtis talk about: Why pastoring is less about performance and more about guiding people to God How pain and disappointment often precede clarity in our calling What it looks like to be “comfortable in the uncomfortable” as a follower of Jesus Why the church doesn’t need more spectators—it needs more shepherded disciples The difference between feeding sheep and teaching them how to graze Staying rooted when it would be easier to walk away Guest Bio Jeff Deyo is the lead pastor of Trinity Church Waxahachie in Waxahachie, Texas, near Dallas. He is an author, speaker, leadership coach, and longtime worship leader best known as the former lead singer of the Grammy-nominated, Dove Award-winning band Sonicflood. Jeff has written and recorded over 75 songs, authored several books on worship and leadership, and served for 14 years as a professor at North Central University in Minneapolis. Today, Jeff’s heart is centered on pastoring people into deeper intimacy with God, raising up disciples, and helping leaders live rooted, Spirit-led lives. Pull Quote “The only place God wants you to be comfortable is in the uncomfortable—because that’s where faith actually grows.” Helpful Links https://www.jeffdeyo.comhttps://www.instagram.com/jeffdeyo Sponsor: Planning Center This episode is brought to you by Planning Center—the all-in-one software that helps churches plan services, schedule volunteers, and stay organized so ministry can thrive.Try it free today at:https://planningcenter.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In a divided and distracted age, what does it really mean for the Church to be the hope of the world? In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, Kurtis Parks sits down with theologian, worship pastor, and author Steven Félix-Jäger to rediscover the Church’s calling to live as a people of Jubilee. Episode 160Hosted by Kurtis Parks Steven invites us to zoom out—beyond our local context, beyond our political moment—and see the global, Spirit-filled movement of God through His Church. In This Episode, We Talk About: What Scripture really says about the Church as the “hope of the world” The biblical meaning of Jubilee—and how it shapes Christian generosity Why being rooted in a local church still matters in a post-2020 world The danger of interpreting ancient Scripture through a narrow modern lens How worship unites the global Church across cultures and denominations Writing songs from the real stories happening in your congregation Major on the majors: how to lead worship with theological clarity and unity About Steven Félix-Jäger Steven Félix-Jäger is Associate Professor of Theology & Worship, Chair of Worship & Media, and Director of Academic Research at Life Pacific University in Southern California. A theologian, exhibiting artist, songwriter, and producer, he is the author or co-author of eight books exploring worship, aesthetics, theology, and culture. Born on the mission field in Schillingsfürst, Germany to a Puerto Rican and German family, Steven brings a deeply global perspective to his work in the Church. He serves as a worship pastor at Pasadena Foursquare Church and lives in Southern California with his wife Connie, daughter Mila, and their dog Biggie. His latest book, How to Worship for All Its Worth: A Guide for Pastors, Worship Leaders, and Students, is available now. Helpful Links How to Worship for All Its Worth (Book):https://www.amazon.com/How-Worship-All-Its-Worth/dp/0310172667 Life Pacific University:https://lifepacific.edu Pasadena Foursquare Church:https://pasadenafoursquare.com This episode is brought to you by Planning Center—the all-in-one software built to help your church schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized without the chaos. Whether you're leading worship, managing teams, or planning Sunday morning, Planning Center keeps everything in one place so you can focus on ministry. Try it free today by clicking here. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Walk, Kurtis Parks sits down with pastor-turned-maker Derek Welborn to tell a story that starts with loss, wrestles through identity, and unfolds into unexpected calling. What began as a painful journey through alopecia became the soil God used to birth Saints Western—and a deeper trust in His timing. Episode 159Host: Kurtis Parks In This Episode, You’ll Hear: How losing his hair forced Derek to confront identity, fear, and faith Why unanswered prayers can still become sacred turning points The role community plays when God invites us to step out in faith How Saints Western was born from pain, craftsmanship, and obedience What it looks like to follow God when the next step feels unclear Guest Bio Derek Welborn lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife Jill and their daughters, Jaymes and Gray. After 15 years in full-time ministry, Derek stepped into a new season when a battle with severe alopecia disrupted everything he thought he knew about calling and identity. What began as a deeply personal loss became the birthplace of Saints Western, a brand rooted in craftsmanship, legacy, and faith. Today, Derek continues to tell redemptive stories—through community, creativity, and a life surrendered to God’s leading. Pull Quote “WHAT I THOUGHT WAS THE END OF MY STORY WAS ACTUALLY THE PLACE GOD STARTED WRITING A NEW ONE.” Helpful Links https://www.saintswestern.comhttps://www.instagram.com/derekwelbornhttps://www.instagram.com/saintswestern Sponsor — Planning Center This episode is brought to you by Planning Center, the all-in-one software built to help churches stay organized and care for people well. From scheduling volunteers to planning services, Planning Center frees church leaders to focus on ministry instead of logistics.Try it free today at:https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=thewalk&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=episode159 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sometimes faith isn’t about finding answers. Sometimes it’s about waking up again—and choosing to join Jesus right where you are. In this episode of The Walk, host Kurtis Parks sits down with singer-songwriter Tim Timmons for a conversation that is honest, challenging, and deeply hope-filled. Episode 158Host: Kurtis Parks Episode Highlights How a terminal cancer diagnosis at 25 reshaped Tim’s faith and view of God Why Tim says he stopped “working for Jesus” and started learning how to join Him What worship looks like when it’s about attention, not performance How grief and gratitude can live side by side without canceling each other out The story behind Even If, I Can Only Imagine 2, and Tim’s new book Waking Up Again Why the Church isn’t something you attend—but a people sent to bless the world Guest Bio Tim Timmons is a Nashville, Tennessee–based singer-songwriter, worship leader, and author who has spent more than two decades in ministry. Diagnosed with incurable cancer at age 25 and given five years to live, Tim is now more than 24 years into that journey. He is the co-writer of MercyMe’s Grammy-nominated hit “Even If,” the subject of the upcoming film I Can Only Imagine 2, and the author of Waking Up Again: A Journey of Grief and Gratitude. Through music, storytelling, and daily practices of faith, Tim helps people discover the real life found with Jesus—one day at a time. Pull Quote “I quit working for Jesus—and started learning how to join Him.” Helpful Links Official Movie Site: https://icanonlyimagine.com/Movie Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4M6Vi4Uc04Publicity Materials: https://www.lionsgatepublicity.com/theatrical/i-can-only-imagine-2Tim Timmons / Integrity Music: https://integritymusic.com/10000 Minutes: https://10000minutes.org/ Sponsor: Planning Center This episode of The Walk is brought to you by Planning Center—the all-in-one software that helps churches schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay connected throughout the week. If you’re leading people—not just gatherings—Planning Center helps remove friction so you can focus on what matters most. Try it free today at:https://planningcenter.com/?utm_source=worshipleadermag&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=worshipleadermagazine Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does it look like to walk faithfully with Jesus through success, suffering, creativity, and calling? In this episode of The Walk, Trip Lee opens up about discipleship, worship, and learning to boast in the Lord in every season of life. Guest BioTrip Lee is a Dove and Stellar Award–winning Christian artist, pastor, and author based in Atlanta, Georgia. A foundational voice in Christian Hip Hop for nearly two decades, Trip has released eight solo albums, authored The Good Life and Rise, and pastored in both Dallas and Atlanta. After reigniting his musical momentum with The Epilogue, Trip is launching BRAG Worship in early 2026—an expression rooted in helping the Church boast in the Lord through culturally expansive, theologically rich worship music. Episode Highlights How meeting Jesus at 14 reshaped Trip’s music, ambition, and identity Why discipleship, rebuke, and real community were essential to his growth How worship songs function as discipleship, not just emotional moments The heart behind BRAG Worship and writing songs for the gathered Church Why lament, honesty, and joy all belong in Christian worship Pull Quote“Worship songs shouldn’t be divorced from real life. I want people to be honest about how hard life is—and still boast in God.” Helpful Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triplee/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@triplee116 Website: https://builttobrag.com/ Sponsor — Planning CenterThis episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software to help your church schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Check it out today:👉 PLANNING CENTER Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of The Walk, host Kurtis Parks sits down with Dove Award–winning worship leader and songwriter Meredith Andrews for an honest conversation about rejection, rest, identity, and learning to live at the walking pace of Jesus. From her home near Nashville, Tennessee, Meredith shares how seasons of burnout and hiddenness revealed deeper wounds shaped by rejection—and how God met her with healing, rest, and a re-anchored identity in Christ. This episode speaks directly to worship leaders, creatives, and anyone feeling the pressure to stay productive while their soul is tired. Episode Topics How rejection quietly shapes identity in ministry Learning to rest without guilt or fear Why hidden seasons often bring the deepest healing Living from God instead of constantly living for God Untangling calling from productivity and platform Featured Guest Meredith Andrews is a Dove Award–winning worship leader, songwriter, author, and speaker based in the Nashville, Tennessee area. She is known for songs sung by churches across the U.S., including Open Up the Heavens, Spirit of the Living God, Not For a Moment, Lamb of God, and Faith and Wonder. Meredith previously served with Vertical Worship and Long Hollow Church and regularly leads worship at women’s and worship leader gatherings nationwide. She released her first mini-book, Healing the Wound of Rejection, in September 2025. Her upcoming live album, Live From Liberty University (with Liberty Worship Collective), releases April 3, 2026, with the single Prevail releasing February 6, 2026. Quote from the Episode “What I thought was rejection, God showed me was actually His protection.” Links & Resources Meredith Andrews Website:https://meredithandrews.com Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/meremusic Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/MeredithAndrews Book – Healing the Wound of Rejection:(Available wherever books are sold) Upcoming Album – Live From Liberty University (Liberty Worship Collective):Releases April 3, 2026 Single – Prevail (with Liberty Worship Collective):Releases February 6, 2026 Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Planning Center, the all-in-one software to help your church plan services, schedule volunteers, and stay organized. Try it free:https://planningcenter.com/?utm_source=thewalk&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=episode156 Listen & Subscribe Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com Spotify:https://open.spotify.com Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What does it look like to come full circle after 30 years in ministry and music? In this raw and inspiring episode of The Walk, Grammy-winning artist Mac Powell shares what it's like reuniting with Third Day for a 30th Anniversary Tour, the sacred weight of worship, and the surprising joy of rest after decades on the road. From the depth of stage memories to the fire that fuels his calling, Mac invites listeners into a legacy of faith, friendship, and spiritual renewal. Guest Bio Mac Powell is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and worship leader best known as the frontman of the iconic band Third Day. Founded in Atlanta, Georgia in 1991, Third Day became one of the most influential live acts in Contemporary Christian Music, selling over 10 million albums, earning 31 No. 1 hits, and performing on major national platforms like The Tonight Show, 60 Minutes, and the cover of Billboard. In recent years, Mac has led worship at his home church and toured as a solo artist while preparing for Third Day’s highly anticipated 30th Anniversary Tour. With a passion for connecting deeply through music, Mac continues to inspire audiences across generations. Episode Highlights Why Mac stepped back from church worship leading and what he learned in the stillness How the band prepared for the 30th Anniversary Tour after a 7-year hiatus Which Third Day songs made the cut—and the surprising reason why The spiritual depth of the Come Together and Worship Tour with Michael W. Smith and Max Lucado What fuels Mac's joy and calling after decades in music ministry Featured Quote "It would be hard to continue if it weren't fun. But every night feels different because we know God has specific people there for a reason." Thanks to our sponsor! This episode of The Walk is made possible by Planning Center—the all-in-one platform to help you organize, coordinate, and communicate with your church teams. Click here to learn more. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“We’re not just making art — we’re shaping theology.” In this deeply honest and thought-provoking episode of The Walk, musician, producer, and hymn scholar Andrew Osenga unpacks the surprising discovery that reshaped his faith: ancient songs still speak today. From his early years in Caedmon's Call to his executive work at Integrity Music, Andrew has always wrestled with what the Church sings — and what it doesn't. He shares how old hymnals, Anglican liturgies, and honest songs about suffering reconnected him to Jesus after a season of spiritual burnout. You'll hear why songs about doubt, the future, and loving our enemies are urgently needed today, and how Gen Z is leading a revival of ancient rhythms. If you’ve ever longed for worship that tells the whole truth — this is your episode. 👤 Guest Bio Andrew Osenga is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter, producer, and A&R veteran known for his work with Caedmon’s Call, The Normals, and artists like Steven Curtis Chapman and Andrew Peterson. He currently leads the collective Anchor Hymns, hosts the podcast The Pivot, and serves his community through songwriting, spiritual formation, and Anglican liturgy. He lives in Nashville, TN with his wife and three daughters. 🔍 Episode Highlights What songs are missing from modern worship? “We don’t sing about suffering, doubt, or the future. And that shapes how we see God.” Why hymns still matter: “Nobody’s making a dime off of ‘Amazing Grace.’ And we feel that difference.” What drew Andrew to Anglicanism: A flooded house, an elderly Bible study, and the quiet beauty of written prayers. Why Gen Z loves liturgy: “In a world of marketing, old words feel trustworthy.” What’s next for Anchor Hymns: A new collection of songs based on Every Moment Holy, funded by a grant from the Lilly Foundation and Samford University. 💬 Pull Quote “We typically don’t leave church with the sermon in our head — we leave with the songs. And they teach us what we believe about God.” — Andrew Osenga 🔗 Helpful Links 🎵 Anchor Hymns 📖 How to Remember by Andrew Osenga 🎧 The Pivot Podcast 📷 Follow Andrew on Instagram 🙏 Sponsor Blurb This episode of The Walk is made possible by Planning Center — the all-in-one platform to help you organize, coordinate, and communicate with your church teams. Click here to learn more Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

📘 Show Notes What if God gave you seven dreams that changed everything? In this raw and Spirit-filled episode of The Walk, worship leader and recording artist Skye Reedy (Nashville, TN) shares how God spoke to her through prophetic dreams, Scripture, and the challenges of new motherhood. From touring while pregnant to writing worship songs in the kitchen, Skye reveals how obedience in the wilderness leads to deeper intimacy with Jesus. 💡 Whether you're a worship leader, a mom, or just longing for God's voice, this conversation will stir your faith. 👤 Guest Bio Skye Reedy is a Nashville-based worship leader, recording artist, and songwriter who has toured with Michael W. Smith and Mandisa, and collaborated with Brandon Lake, Cody Carnes, and others. She is part of the worship team at The Belonging Co and recently stepped into motherhood while preparing for her next worship album. ✨ Episode Highlights How did seven dreams lead Skye and her family to a new church? What does it look like to write worship songs as a new mom? Why is singing Scripture over your life so powerful? How do creatives protect their hearts in the middle of ministry? What’s next for Skye’s upcoming worship album? 🔥 Pull Quote "I just feel on fire like never before... staying close to the Lord keeps worship alive in the wilderness." 🔗 Helpful Links Follow Skye Reedy on Instagram Skye Reedy on Spotify The Belonging Co Church 🎁 Thanks to Our Sponsor This episode of The Walk is made possible by Planning Center — the all-in-one platform to help you organize, coordinate, and communicate with your church teams. Click here to learn more. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

“I thought I had my whole plan mapped out. His plan was better.” In this deeply personal episode of The Walk, Lexi Fromm—President of Worship Leader Magazine and daughter of Maranatha! Music pioneer Chuck Fromm—shares a powerful testimony of disrupted plans, painful losses, and unexpected callings. From law school ambitions to taking the reins of a ministry in the wake of her father’s battle with Lewy body dementia, Lexi’s journey is a raw and Spirit-led look at faith, legacy, and letting go. You’ll hear about growing up in the epicenter of the Jesus Music movement, singing prayers off a diving board, surviving four knee surgeries, and learning to lead Worship Leader Magazine with both conviction and compassion. 📍 Guest Bio:Lexi Fromm lives in Franklin, Tennessee and serves as President of Worship Leader Magazine. With a background in education and a passion for empowering creatives, she carries forward a legacy rooted in the Jesus Movement while forging a vision for tomorrow’s worship leaders. 🔍 Episode Highlights 🎓 Q: What were Lexi’s original career plans?A: She planned to attend law school and become a children’s rights attorney through Teach for America. 🛑 Q: What disrupted those plans?A: A spontaneous meeting with her father’s board changed everything—and led to her calling. 🧠 Q: What personal struggles has she faced recently?A: Caring for her father through dementia, grieving his loss, and enduring four knee surgeries in one year. 🧭 Q: How does she discern God's will?A: Through daily surrender, “garden walks” of prayer, and remembering Proverbs 16:9. 🎙️ Q: What’s the future of Worship Leader Magazine?A: Digital resources built on timeless truths, podcast curation, and a relaunch of Song Discovery. 💬 Pull Quote “God didn’t cause my pain—but He’s brought me through it. And He’s still writing the story.” 🔗 Helpful Links Worship Leader Magazine 💡 This episode of The Walk is made possible by Planning Center The all-in-one platform to help you organize, coordinate, and communicate with your church teams. Click here to learn more. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.