The Lutheran Worship Podcast

4 Dimensions of Worship

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 07:45:20 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve explore four dimensions of Lutheran worship—encounter, education, evangelism, and expression—drawing from Dr. Timothy Maschke’s book Gathered Guests. Together, they consider how these dimensions interact and complement one another, and why attending to each is important for thoughtful worship planning. The conversation reflects on how a balanced approach can enrich the Divine Service and help worship leaders serve the church with greater theological clarity and intentionality.

Psalm 90

Center for Worship Leadership — Thu, 15 Oct 2026 01:22:59 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve are joined by Cara Berg to go behind the songwriting process for Psalm 90, part of the Psalm Library initiative. Together, they explore the collaboration between songwriters and theologians in bringing ancient biblical texts into contemporary congregational song. The conversation unpacks the song’s lyrics, structure, and themes of God’s steadfast love and wisdom, reflecting on its use as a morning prayer and its practical applications in the worship life of the church.

Ever Reign

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 07:15:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve are joined by Dr. Lisa Clark to go behind the song “Ever Reign” from the Always album. Together, they explore the collaborative writing process, unpack the song’s lyrics and imagery, and discuss the theological themes that shaped the song. They also consider the musical and production choices behind “Ever Rain” and offer practical ideas for incorporating it into the worship life of the church.

No Other Voice

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 13:33:39 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve are joined by Dr. Lisa Clark to go behind the song “No Other Voice” from the Always album. Together, they explore the collaborative songwriting process, unpack the song’s lyrics and themes of comfort and community, and discuss the production choices that helped bring it to life. The conversation concludes with practical ideas for using “No Other Voice” in the worship life of the church.

Always

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 07:15:00 GMT

In this episode of The Lutheran Worship Podcast, Kip Fox and Steve Zank take a deep dive into “Always,” the title track from The Songwriter Initiative’s album Always. They explore the story behind the song, its songwriting process and theological themes, and how it might function within the Divine Service. Along the way, they unpack the song’s distinctive musical and production choices, including its prelude, structure, vocoder aesthetic, and choral interlude. The episode also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the recording and release process and previews upcoming episodes and resources connected to the Always album.

Faithful to the End

Center for Worship Leadership — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve are joined by Nathan Huse and Jordan Miller to go behind the song “Faithful to the End” from the Songwriter Initiative. Together, they explore how the song emerged from a collaborative songwriting retreat and how Psalm 116 and personal experiences shaped its message of God’s enduring faithfulness. The conversation walks through the song’s lyrics and biblical foundations before considering how churches might use it in worship and across different seasons of life.

What God Does With Sinners

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 07:15:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve go behind the song “What God Does With Sinners” from the Always album. Joined along the way by Cara Berg, they unpack the collaborative songwriting process, the theological inspiration behind the lyrics, and the challenge of capturing the surprise and joy of the Gospel in song. They also explore the production process and musical choices that helped bring the song’s message to life.

Confession & Absolution: Forms

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 08:30:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve explore the history and theology of confession and absolution in Lutheran worship. They trace two major traditions, including the Mecklenburg and Saxon forms, examining their development, translation, placement within the service, and influence on later Lutheran practice. Along the way, they consider how variations in these historic forms reveal important theological distinctions and shed light on the confession and absolution used in Lutheran worship today.

The Three Cultures of Worship Songwriting: Involvement

Center for Worship Leadership — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 06:45:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve continue their exploration of the three cultures of songwriting, focusing especially on the involvement approach and the importance of congregational participation. They consider what motivates people to sing, how knowing the congregation should shape song selection, and the value of simplicity and repetition. The conversation also explores the distinction between fides qua and fides quae, and how both faith’s content and the act of believing can inform the songs the church sings.

The Three Cultures of Worship Songwriting

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 07:15:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve explore three cultures that shape how music is written and experienced: Mastery, Consumer, and Involvement. They examine the assumptions and goals behind each approach and consider how cultural context affects the way songs are written, performed, and received. The conversation focuses especially on the challenge of writing involvement-oriented songs for congregational singing and why understanding these cultures matters for those who write music for the church.

Inside the 2026 WALi Summit

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:15:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve preview the upcoming Worship Arts Leader Initiative (WALi) Summit and the vision behind gathering worship leaders from across the church. They discuss the three core competencies of worship leadership, the importance of fostering unity across traditional and contemporary worship contexts, and the value of building a community of encouragement and shared learning. The conversation also highlights practical workshops, meaningful conversations, and a renewed focus on the spiritual and mental well-being of those who lead the church’s worship.

Lutheran Response to NAR: Final Reflections

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:15:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve continue their examination of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) by exploring the ethical and theological claims of the Prosperity Gospel. They discuss how prosperity teaching shapes expectations about wealth, success, and the Christian life, while also considering its influence on worship and congregational song. Through a Lutheran lens, they evaluate representative songs, reflect on the theology behind them, and consider why careful discernment is essential for faithful worship and pastoral care.

Rethinking Lex Orandi Lex Credendi: A Lutheran Model

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:15:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve explore the reciprocal relationship between doctrine and practice, introducing a framework for understanding how theology shapes worship and how worship, in turn, forms the Christian life. Building on the concepts of lex orandi and lex credendi, they incorporate the complementary ideas of lex agendi and lex vivendi, offering a broader model for evaluating liturgical practices and their formative impact. Together, they reflect on how sound theology provides the foundation for faithful worship and faithful living.

Lutheran Response to NAR: Faith

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 07:15:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip Fox and Steve Zank are joined by Rev. Dr. Robert Kolb to continue comparing the theology of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) with the Lutheran Confessions. Together, they examine the differing understandings of faith, healing, and sin, exploring how these theological differences shape pastoral care, Christian living, and the believer’s confidence in God’s promises. The conversation also reflects on the role of doctrine in forming both worship and everyday life.

Lutheran Response to NAR: The Theology of the Cross

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 07:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip Fox and Steve Zank are joined by Rev. Dr. Robert Kolb as they continue their Lutheran response to the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). Together, they explore Luther’s distinction between the theologian of the cross and the theologian of glory, emphasizing trust in God’s faithfulness, the centrality of Word and Sacrament, and the way Christians encounter God through His promised means.

Lutheran Response to NAR: Prosperity

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 07:15:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip Fox and Steve Zank are joined by Rev. Dr. Robert Kolb as they continue their examination of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) movement. Together, they compare these theological claims with the Lutheran Confessions, exploring suffering, God’s proper and alien work, and the danger of making religion revolve around human success and fulfillment. The conversation reflects on how the theology of the cross offers a distinctly Lutheran response and reorients worship around Christ’s gifts rather than human achievement.

Dogma is the Norm for the Liturgy

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 07:30:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve continue their exploration of lex orandi, lex credendi, examining how the phrase has been understood in Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran contexts. With reference to Hermann Sasse and others, they consider questions of liturgical authority, the relationship between worship and doctrine, and the extent to which liturgical practices can shape theological understanding. Together, they reflect on the opportunities and dangers of appealing to lex orandi, lex credendi, especially when discussing liturgical change and its doctrinal implications.

Lex Orandi Lex Credendi?

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 07:45:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve explore the history, meaning, and controversy surrounding the phrase 'lex orandi, lex credendi'. Tracing its origins and historical context, they examine common misunderstandings, questions of attribution, and the phrase’s relationship to both Roman Catholic and Lutheran theology. Together, they consider how the expression has been used in discussions of doctrine and worship, why it has gained prominence in recent Lutheran conversations, and why careful historical and theological clarity is essential when appealing to it.

2026 Songwriting Retreat

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 07:15:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve discuss the annual songwriter retreat hosted by the Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University Irvine. With participants from more than 20 states, the retreat brings songwriters together for collaboration, encouragement, and shared purpose. Together, they reflect on how the songwriting process fosters unity, forms meaningful partnerships, and supports the church with songs written for congregational worship.

Doctrine & Practice

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 07:30:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve explore the relationship between theology and practice in Lutheran worship. The conversation examines how worship both expresses and shapes belief, considering themes such as theology in liturgy, theology through liturgy, and the ways liturgical practices form Christians for everyday life. Together, they reflect on how the church’s worship is not merely a reflection of theology, but also a powerful means through which theology is learned, embodied, and lived.

Searching for the "Good Song" (Tönsing)

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 27 May 2026 07:30:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve explore different approaches used to select songs for worship through the work of Gertrud Tönsing. They consider common approaches to song selection—including emotional, evangelistic, aesthetic, theological, and personal meaning—and then turn toward a more integrated approach. Together, they reflect on how text, tune, theology, emotion, and congregational formation belong together as the church considers not only what makes a song effective, but what makes it faithful and durable.

Luther's Theology of Music: Part 5 (Luther)

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 20 May 2026 19:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve continue drawing from Kip’s Master’s thesis to explore the theological and practical implications of music in Lutheran worship. They consider tradition and innovation, emotion and expression, instrumentation and musical diversity, showing how Luther’s theology of music makes room for creativity in the church’s song.

Luther's Theology of Music: Part 4 (Luther)

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 13 May 2026 19:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve continue their exploration of Luther’s theology of music through themes drawn from Kip’s Master’s thesis. The conversation examines Luther’s understanding of music as both gift and proclamation, reflecting on his musical background, his love for music, and the role of song in the life of the church. Together, they also explore themes of textual freedom, sacred and secular borrowing, and the diversity of musical expression within Luther’s theological framework.

Luther's Theology of Music: Part 3 (Luther)

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 06 May 2026 07:30:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve explore Luther’s theology of beauty, drawing from themes in Kip’s Master’s thesis. The conversation considers the hiddenness of God and the paradox at the heart of Christian beauty, connecting Luther’s doctrine of justification to a richer understanding of creation as gift. Together, they reflect on how the Gospel shapes the way the church perceives beauty—with wonder, humility, and theological clarity.

Luther's Theology of Music: Part 2 (Calvin)

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 07:15:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve draw from Kip’s Master’s thesis to explore the contrasting views of John Calvin and Martin Luther on music in worship. Focusing on Calvin’s approach, they examine his caution around music—emphasizing a unified sacred style, restrained affect, the absence of instrumentation, and strict attention to text. Together, they set the stage for how these convictions differ from Luther’s perspective and what these distinctions reveal about theology, practice, and the role of music in the church.

Luther's Theology of Music: Part 1 (Plato & Augustine)

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 07:30:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve draw from Kip’s Master’s thesis to explore how the influence of Plato and Augustine interacts with Luther’s theology of music. They trace key ideas about beauty, pleasure, and the power of music, highlighting the tension between its formative role and its potential for manipulation, and setting the stage for Luther’s response within the life of the church.

How Money Shapes What We Sing

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:15:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve explore the role of major publishing entities in shaping today’s worship music landscape. The conversation examines how industry influence affects what songs are written, distributed, and widely sung, and the implications this has for the theological formation of congregations. Together, they reflect on how these dynamics shape the church’s song and why thoughtful discernment matters as churches consider what they sing.

Missa Catechumenorum

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:30:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve are joined by Rev. Dr. Kent Burreson to explore the distinction between the Missa Catechumenorum and the Missa Fidelium, highlighting the significance of the Service of the Word in the life and mission of the church. The conversation reflects on early church practices, the role of Scripture reading and interpretation, and how the Service of the Word serves not only to form believers but also to engage those outside the faith.

The Craft of Leading on Acoustic

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:15:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve are joined by Brendan Knorp to explore the role of guitar in worship and the broader responsibilities of a worship arts director. The conversation reflects on the importance of musical formation, the challenges of leading hymns on guitar, and the ongoing development of practical skills for church musicians. Together, they also consider the role of the music director and the unique dynamics of working with volunteer guitarists, offering insight into how thoughtful leadership and training can serve the church’s song.

Doctrines of the NAR Movement

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 07:15:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve take a closer look at key theological claims within the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), particularly the understanding of prayer as declaration and the belief that prosperity and physical healing are always God’s will. The conversation explores how these ideas shape worship practices and songwriting, and why careful theological discernment is essential as the church considers what it sings and confesses.

What is the NAR Movement?

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 10:30:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve invite you into The Lutheran Worship Podcast, hosted by the Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University Irvine. Together, they examine the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and its growing influence on contemporary worship songs. The conversation explores the relationship between doctrine and practice, showing how what is believed shapes what is sung and experienced in worship. They walk through key themes that often come along with the NAR movement—including the Prosperity Gospel, Dominionism, and the Seven Mountain Mandate—while reflecting on how underlying doctrinal frameworks shape both theology and worship in the life of the church.

Curating Worship, Caring for Souls

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 07:15:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve are joined by Pastor Nathan Huse. Together they trace his journey from contemporary worship leader to pastor and how that transition reshaped his understanding of worship. The conversation reflects on the pastoral responsibility behind song selection, the importance of intentional worship curation, and the ways congregational songs shape the faith and formation of the people who sing them.

Liturgy, Then Worship

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 08:30:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve invite you into The Lutheran Worship Podcast, hosted by the Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University Irvine. Together, they explore the meaning of liturgy, Divine Service, and worship in the Lutheran tradition—clarifying common misconceptions and emphasizing God’s gracious service to His people. Drawing on etymology, biblical foundations, and practical implications, the conversation considers how Lutheran worship is shaped not by what we offer to God, but by what He gives to us in Word and Sacrament.

Homegrown Tomatoes (The Big 4)

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 08:15:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve invite you into The Lutheran Worship Podcast, hosted by the Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University Irvine. Together, they explore how repeated worship practices form faith over time and why congregational song plays a powerful role in shaping what the church believes and confesses. The conversation reflects on a recent Worship Leader research article on “The Big 4” worship publishers and their influence on what churches sing, examining how industry trends shape the theological diet of congregations. With a focus on intentional, theologically grounded planning, this episode considers why song selection is never neutral and how thoughtful choices help form a faithful Lutheran confession week after week.

Get to Know CWL

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve invite you into The Lutheran Worship Podcast, hosted by the Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University Irvine. Together, they explore the work of worship leadership in a church shaped by diverse styles and contexts. The conversation reflects on synodical action, the role of the Center for Worship Leadership, and the growing need for faithful contemporary resources rooted in Lutheran theology. Whether you’re navigating questions of style, leading a team, or seeking tools for thoughtful planning, this episode highlights how diverse expressions of worship can remain grounded in a shared Lutheran confession.

Let's Be Fully Lutheran!

Center for Worship Leadership — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve invite you into The Lutheran Worship Podcast, hosted by the Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University Irvine. Together, they reflect on the balance at the heart of Lutheran worship—holding a common order of service while making room for faithful and thoughtful adaptation. Drawing on Synodical Resolution 4-04 from the 2016 Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Convention, the conversation explores how unity and flexibility belong together, and what it means to live fully within the Lutheran tradition as worship continues to serve the church today.

Trailer

Center for Worship Leadership — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 19:52:14 GMT

In this episode, Kip and Steve invite you into The Lutheran Worship Podcast, hosted by the Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University Irvine. Together, they explore theology, music, and worship practice through honest, thoughtful conversation. Whether you’re a pastor, music director, worship leader, teacher, or simply someone who cares about Lutheran worship, we invite you to engage more deeply and join the ongoing conversation shaping worship in the church.