Theology of Music artwork

Theology of Music

156 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago -

As an associate professor of music and worship and part-time worship pastor, Cliff has spent years thinking deeply about the songs that we sing together as a church during our corporate worship services. Yet, instead of being another deconstructing voice, Cliff seeks to foster unique and edifying conversations with folks all over the Christian Music spectrum as the "Christian Joe Rogan." 

Christianity Religion & Spirituality theology music church worship doxology christian spiritual jesus god holy spirit
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Episodes

The Good and Bad trends in the Church & the Last Episode of the Theology of Music Podcast

December 21, 2022 11:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MB

In this episode, Joel discusses the good and bad trends within the reformed and more charismatic churches. Additionally, Joel gives his last encouragement and exhortation to the listeners of this podcast.  Joel's IG: https://www.instagram.com/joelconwell/ Joel's FB: https://www.facebook.com/joel.arcieri/ Band FB: https://www.facebook.com/thegracecollective757 Band IG: https://www.instagram.com/thegracecollective757/ Leadership Company Podcast link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aydKPPGAp...

Should Churches Cancel Service on Christmas & "Joy To The World"

December 15, 2022 14:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MB

In this episode, Joel touches on a hot topic this year - whether churches should cancel services when Christmas falls on Sunday and how the song "Joy to the World" can inform our decisions.  Support the show

The Beginning of the End for Theology of Music & Why

December 08, 2022 14:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MB

In this episode, Joel lists the reasons why the podcast is coming to an end and what the last few weeks will look like.  Support the show

What It's Like to Move Everytime God Calls & the Story Behind "Wherever I Go" feat. Jackie Minton

December 02, 2022 20:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MB

In the last guest episode of the year, Joel sits down with Singer-Songwriter, Jackie Minton, to discuss how God continually utilized a certain Scripture to call her to make big leaps of faith and trust in His provision as well as the story behind her new song "Wherever I Go." Support the show

From Unemployed to Being a Pastor, The Story Behind His Music, and How Our Wives Told Us They Were Pregnant Again feat. Daniel Mulkey

November 25, 2022 12:00 - 41 minutes - 28.5 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with Daniel Mulkey to talk about what it was like trusting God during a season of unemployment, serving in the church without agenda, and how our wives told us when they were pregnant again! Support the show

Growing Up With A Famous Dad, Hypocrisy in Christian Music, & Finding Spiritual Healing Through Playwriting

November 17, 2022 17:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with Anna Smith who is the daughter of World-famous Christian Artist, Michael W Smith. In this episode, Joel and Anna talk about what it's like growing up with a famous dad, being jaded by hypocrisy in the Church, and how she found healing after a terrible divorce through writing plays. Support the show

Growing Up With A Famous Dad, Hypocrisy in Christian Music, & Finding Spiritual Healing Through Playwriting

November 17, 2022 17:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with Anna Smith who is the daughter of World-famous Christian Artist, Michael W Smith. In this episode, Joel and Anna talk about what it's like growing up with a famous dad, being jaded by hypocrisy in the Church, and how she found healing after a terrible divorce through writing plays. Support the show

From Humble Beginnings to Humbly Leading, Why Our Stories Matter In Songwriting, & Prodigal Living feat. Mitch Langley

November 10, 2022 21:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with another fantastic worship leader and songwriter, Mitch Langley. They talk all about how God can use even the most wayward of sinners and bring them to a place where He uses them to spread His name.  Support the show

Looking For God Not Relief When Faced with Trials, Being an Optimist, and Weird Bios feat. Hunter Fraser

November 04, 2022 11:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with Worship Leader and Singer-Songwriter Hunter Fraser to talk about how he focused on God when faced with debilitating sickness, why he continues to write, and what unites us as Christian musicians and songwriters.  Support the show

How God Plays the Long Game, How to Balance Irons in the Fire, & Having a Heart for Burnout Pastors feat. Ronnie Martin

October 20, 2022 14:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with the incredibly impressive Ronnie Martin who is the co-host of The Happy Rant Podcast, pastor of Substance Church, singer-songwriter with a Christmas Album just released,  Producer, and Author of a recent Advent Devotional, among other things. In this discussion, Joel and Ronnie talk about how God guided him and worked in him to get him to this place with so many things going on as well as why the Pastor is an underserved leader in the church.  Support the...

Getting Crunk for Jesus, The BTS of Maturing in Christ, & Why The Marketplace is Underutilized by Christians feat. Brittany Batson

October 13, 2022 13:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with Brittany Batson who is a designer, model, singer-songwriter, and worship leader to discuss all things Christians impacting culture. Whether it's being a designer, worship leader, or whatever it is - Brittany states that we Christians are not impacting the culture around us as we could.  Support the show

The Importance of Youth Musicians & What Influences Our Music feat. Dan Slater

September 29, 2022 10:00 - 39 minutes - 26.8 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with Dan Slater,  who is a singer-songwriter from Traverse City, MI. During the episode, Joel and Dan talk about why it is so important for youth to be plugged into a youth group worship team and what has influenced our music styles.  Support the show

Being Alone With Your Thoughts, Recapping The Song Writers Retreat, & "Abide" by Aaron Williams

September 22, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MB

In this episode, Joel looks back on the last few weeks, the songwriter's retreat, the time with his family, and how God used a song by one of the pro-writers at the retreat to break down some sinful patterns.  Support the show

Answering Your Questions after 100 Episodes & "Christ Is Mine Forevermore" by CityAlight

September 01, 2022 12:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MB

In this episode, Joel opens up the mailbag and answers questions from you all after airing 100 episodes and then takes a look at one of his favorite CityAlight songs, "Christ Is Mine Forevermore." Support the show

Celebrating Episode #100 with Cliff Lambert

August 25, 2022 11:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MB

In this episode, Joel and Cliff celebrate 100 episodes of Theology of Music by discussing Cliff's near-death experience.  Support the show

Celebrating Episode #100 with Cliff Lambert

August 25, 2022 11:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MB

In this episode, Joel and Cliff celebrate 100 episodes of Theology of Music by discussing Cliff's near-death experience.  Support the show

Being in the World, But Not of it as an Illustrator, the High and Lows of Being a Christian Illustrator, & Finding Beauty Around Us feat. Stephen Crotts

August 18, 2022 12:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with acclaimed Christian Illustrator, Stephen Crotts, to talk about how he got started as an illustrator, how he got his big break, what influences his style, and balancing being in the world but not of the world!  Support the show

What it is Like to Win a Dove Award, Why Kid's Music?, & "Sweet Sound: The Art of Discipling Your Kids In Worship" feat. Yancy Richmond

August 11, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 43.8 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with Dove-Award Winning Artist, Yancy Richmond, to talk about her new book, "Sweet Sound: The Art of Discipling Your Kids In Worship", how she got into being a Christian Artist who writes and performs music for kids, and what it was like to win a Dove Award after all these years! Support the show

Being a Prodigal Christian Artist, Chasing Fame's Empty Worth, & Why Every Artist Needs Authentic Community feat. Kurtis Parks

August 05, 2022 12:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MB

In this episode,  Joel sits down with American Idol contestant, published author, acclaimed worship artist, and all-around incredible man, Kurtis Parks. They discuss things like how chasing fame as a Christian artist is just as empty as it seems, what it's like now after he had his "prodigal Son" season, and why authentic community is that much more important to the Christian artist.  Support the show

Digital Dominion: Five Questions Christians Should Ask to Take Control of their Digital Devices feat. Jeff Mingee

July 28, 2022 10:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with his good friend and author, Jeff Mingee,  to discuss his latest book "Digital Dominion: Five Questions Christians Should Ask to Take Control of their Digital Devices", what that has to do with worship ministries, and how Pastors should utilize social media.  Support the show

How All Sons & Daughters Started, Why There Should Be Equality in Songwriting, & Fostering Songwriting Spaces Without Pressure and Ego feat. Leslie Jordan

July 21, 2022 07:00 - 40 minutes - 28 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with Leslie Jordan who used to be the other half of the incredibly impactful worship duo, All Sons & Daughters. Leslie has since switched gears and started to aid songwriters through her non-profit "The Fold" as well as through her role in Integrity Music. Leslie and Joel talk about worship leading after being a successful artist, why the music industry still feels icky, and how to create a positive songwriting experience, among other things!  Link to Leslie’...

The Purity in Re-Tuning Old Hymns & Why Hymns Draw Us Deeper feat. Scott Gayer of Forgotten Voyage

July 14, 2022 13:00 - 32 minutes - 22.7 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with the man behind Forgotten Voyage, Scott Gayer, to talk about why he got into re-tuning hymns, why hymns seem to always be in the conversation for the best songs for congregational worship, what drives him as he continues to write unique and compelling melodies to old and lesser-known hymns, and what's next for him and forgotten voyage.  Support the show

What's the Point?, The Pros and Cons of Being Out of Occupational Ministry, & Finding Your Mantra

July 07, 2022 13:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MB

In this solo episode, Joel discusses wrestling with angst and impatience as a creative and entrepreneur-minded person, what the pros and cons are of being out of occupational ministry, and the act of finding your mantra (your worldview and your self-view combined). The  Support the show

Being A Viral Christian, Are Memes Beneficial For the Believer, & Balancing Faith and Fame feat. Jonathan Allen Wright

June 30, 2022 09:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MB

In this episode, Joel chats with meme-lord, musician, podcaster, and pastor, Jonathan Wright. They discuss topics ranging from, pastoring a small country church, being Instagram famous, running meme pages, embarrassing stories from when we were younger, and balancing your faith with fame.  The outro is "So Real" by Natural State Support the show

Being A Viral Christian, Are Memes Beneficial For the Believer, & Balancing Faith and Fame

June 30, 2022 09:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MB

In this episode, Joel chats with meme-lord, musician, podcaster, and pastor, Jonathan Wright. They discuss topics ranging from, pastoring a small country church, being Instagram famous, running meme pages, embarrassing stories from when we were younger, and balancing your faith with fame.  The outro is "So Real" by Natural State Support the show

Redeeming Media for Kids, Empowering Children to think with Impact, & Ministry Burnout feat. Christen Clark (Collide Kids Podcast)

June 23, 2022 13:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MB

In this episode, Joel links up with fellow podcaster and host of the Collide Kids Podcast, Christen Clark, to discuss her experience with ministry burnout, why she created her podcast, to begin with, and how she empowers the next generation to think with impact in mind! The outro is "So Real" by Natural State Support the show

Are Sabbaticals Actually A Bad Thing?, Worship Isn't A Genre, & Being Active feat. Tim Nicholson

June 16, 2022 13:00 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with acclaimed pianist, Tim Nicholson, who is also the husband of Sandra McCracken. during this episode, Joel and Tim talk about how Sabbaticals aren't a good thing for a Pastor and may actually signal some unhealthy rhythms, how worship music isn't really a genre, and trying to stay healthy!  The outro is "So Real" by Natural State Support the show

Deconstructing Before it was Cool, The Case for Bi-Vocational Pastors, & Being Quirky Christian feat. Elias Dummer

June 09, 2022 11:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MB

In this week's podcast, Joel gets the wonderful chance to talk with Elias Dummer (The City Harmonic) about his history with Deconstruction, what the past few years were like for him as an artist/pastor/business owner, etc., and what motivates him as a content creator and musician now after all these years.  The outro is "So Real" by Natural State Support the show

When Performance is OK, Being Married To Your Bandmate, and Why There Isn't a Hermeneutics for Art feat. Zach White

June 02, 2022 14:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with Critically Acclaimed Guitarist, Zach White, who writes and performs his own music with his wife Maggie when he isn't being the main guitarist for Keith & Kristen Getty. Joel and Zach talk about when it's ok to show more performance in worship, what it's like being married to your bandmate, and why people seem to think that there is a hermeneutic for art in the scriptures.  The song in the outro is "So Real" by Natural State Support the show

What's Going On With Leadership in the Church, Giving People a Place To Be Real, & The Story Behind The Song feat. Natural State

May 26, 2022 12:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with Halley and Dell from "Natural State" to talk about their new songs, what seems to be going on with leadership in the church these days, enabling people to have a space to be real and feel through their music, and their single "So Real." "So Real" by Natural State is the outro for this episode (stream it everywhere) Support the show

Responding to Mean Comments, Living a Double Life, & "Rising Sun" by All Sons & Daughters

May 19, 2022 09:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MB

In this solo pod, Joel discusses how we should respond to mean comments and all types of critique, how that criticism can expose the double lives that we lead, how those double lives exhaust our souls, & what the song "Rising Sun" by All Sons & Daughters does to shine light on all those things.  Support the show

Being Faithful in the Little and Being Blessed with Much, Exploring Hymns in a Modern Way, and Pop Punk Bands feat. Reawaken Hymns

May 13, 2022 13:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with Nathan Drake of Reawaken Hymns to discuss how Reawaken Hymns came to be, how God blessed him with much as he was faithful in the little, exploring hymns with a modern style, and our favorite Pop Punk/Emo bands! The song in the outro is Future Years by Jonathan David Middleton Support the show

Being Faithful in the Little and Being Blessed with Much, Exploring Hymns in a Modern Way, and Pop Punk Bands feat. Reawaken Hymns

May 13, 2022 13:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with Nathan Drake of Reawaken Hymns to discuss how Reawaken Hymns came to be, how God blessed him with much as he was faithful in the little, exploring hymns with a modern style, and our favorite Pop Punk/Emo bands! The song in the outro is Future Years by Jonathan David Middleton Support the show

Seaking Revival in Cape Town, God Inhabiting Our Praise, and Fostering Communities of Worship feat. Jonathan David Middleton

May 05, 2022 19:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with an indie Christian artist and all-around wonderful guy, Jonathan David Middleton, to discuss seeking revival in Cape Town, South Africa, the beauty of how God made us able to physically engage with worship music, and seeking to restore and heal through song.  Support the show

Responding to the HIllsong Documentary, the John Macarthur Scandal, and Wrestling With Hope For The Church

April 28, 2022 04:00 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MB

In this episode, Joel tries to give a response to the Hillsong documentary, the situation surrounding the John Macarthur Scandal, and to wrap up his discussion on whether there is hope for the American Church.  Support the show

Entitlement in the Church, Being a Worship "Mogul", and Stepping Out In Faith feat. Melody Noel

April 22, 2022 19:00 - 40 minutes - 27.5 MB

In this episode, Melody Noel (Influence Music) talks with Joel about how she went from writing hits for secular artists to being a worship leader and running a worship label, entitlement in the church, and being a Disney princess.  Support the show

Liturgy that Spans the Year, Fostering Meaningful Community in Music Ministries, and Overplaying feat. Ryan Foglesong

April 14, 2022 14:00 - 40 minutes - 27.8 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with the musical genius that is Ryan Foglesong. Ryan is the Pastor of Corporate Worship at Grace Church in CA, an Adjunct Professor at Master's Seminary, an arranger and writer for Sovereign Grace Music, and one of the best bassists currently playing in Christian music.  Support the show

Why Hymnology, Being a Balanced Pastor While Podcasting, & The Wrestle of Worship-Leading in a Divided Culture feat. Sawyer Whittaker of Hymnology

April 07, 2022 04:00 - 50 minutes - 35 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with fellow podcaster and host of the Hymnology podcast, Sawyer Whittaker. Technical difficulties kept some of the conversations from making it to the finished file, but the conversation still covered wonderful topics like current worship culture, balancing the grind of podcasting and pastoring, and songwriting.  Support the show

Why Hymnology, Being a Balanced Pastor While Podcasting, & The Wrestle of Worship-Leading in a Divided Culture feat. Sawyer Whittaker of Hymnology

April 07, 2022 04:00 - 50 minutes - 35 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with fellow podcaster and host of the Hymnology podcast, Sawyer Whittaker. Technical difficulties kept some of the conversations from making it to the finished file, but the conversation still covered wonderful topics like current worship culture, balancing the grind of podcasting and pastoring, and songwriting.  Support the show

How Music Embodies Theology & What The "Reformed Church" Gets Wrong About It feat. Scott Aniol

March 31, 2022 10:00 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with the EVP of G3 Ministries, Scott Aniol, to discuss his viral article "Stop Singing Hillsong, Bethel, Jesus Culture, Elevation", about how music embodies theology, and how many reformed churches think they have the high-ground in this area but are falling in line with the same churches that they decry as heretical and unhelpful theologically.  Scott Aniol has a website, a podcast, and many other ways to find his wonderful material. Be sure to check out his...

Post-Pandemic Artistry, The Wood Drake Sessions, & Being "Woke" feat. Kirk Sauers

March 24, 2022 12:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MB

In this episode, Kirk Sauers makes his triumphant return after starting Wood Drake Sessions and releases multiple singles. Joel and Kirk talk about the stories behind some of the singles like "Oh How Good To Be Together", why Jesus as King is so important for us to sing about, and being an artist in a post-pandemic age. Support the show

"Take My Life And Let It Be" & Is There Hope For The American Church? Pt.1

March 18, 2022 02:00 - 40 minutes - 27.5 MB

In this part 1 of 2, Joel uses the old hymn by  Frances R. Havergal (1874), "Take My Life And Let It Be" as a jumping-off point for discussing why he believes there is not much hope for the American Church as it stands today. Joel discusses things like Senior Pastor culture and the saturation of "one foot in, one-foot out-ism" within the church.  Support below and follow on Instagram and Youtube. Support the show

Understanding Deconstruction, Life After Mars Hill, and Jesus Over Everything feat. Zach Bolen of Citizens

March 10, 2022 05:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MB

In this episode, Joel has the Joy of Being able to sit down with Zach Bolen from Citizens.  In Tenderness,  Zach talks about life before and after Mars Hill and how it has helped him Hail the King, Jesus! Sadly, technical difficulties cause Joel and Zach to cry "Oh God", "we are Living in a Land of Death!" Yet, through all the Madness of internet issues that all the Kids face Day by Day, Zach and Joel have a wonderful conversation ranging from Faith, Doubting Doubts, to the Mighty Hand of Go...

A Mission's Trip That Changed His Life, The Story Behind "Even Here Love Comes", & the Often Felt Emptiness of American Christianity feat. Todd McVicker

March 08, 2022 03:00 - 37 minutes - 25.4 MB

In this episode, Joel is joined by indie artist, worship leader, and incredibly humble man of God, Todd McVicker, to talk about his new song "Even Here Love Comes", the story behind it, how often we can pastor/lead on autopilot, and why you should go on a missions trip. Support the show

A Mission's Trip That Changed His Life, The Story Behind "Even Here Love Comes", & the Often Felt Emptiness of American Christianity feat. Todd McVicker

March 08, 2022 03:00 - 37 minutes - 25.4 MB

In this episode, Joel is joined by indie artist, worship leader, and incredibly humble man of God, Todd McVicker, to talk about his new song "Even Here Love Comes", the story behind it, how often we can pastor/lead on autopilot, and why you should go on a missions trip. Support the show

A Mission's Trip That Changed His Life, The Story Behind "Even Here Love Comes", & the Often Felt Emptiness of American Christianity

March 08, 2022 03:00 - 37 minutes - 25.4 MB

In this episode, Joel is joined by indie artist, worship leader, and incredibly humble man of God, Todd McVicker, to talk about his new song "Even Here Love Comes", the story behind it, how often we can pastor/lead on autopilot, and why you should go on a missions trip. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theologyofmusic)

The Delicate Balance of Being Winsome and Truthful, How The Church Has Fallen, and Mean Reviews feat. Jason Stinson

February 24, 2022 05:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with the Worship Pastor of Redeemer Bible Church in AZ, Jason Stinson. They talk about being balanced in our approach towards others, why it feels like so many people just want to divide within the church, and facing critics. Check out the full episode by becoming a member at the link below.  Support the show

Podcasting In a Pandemic and The Beauty of Hymns feat. the ladies of Hymnpartial

February 17, 2022 15:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with some sisters in Christ across the pond and talks about why they started their podcast, their favorite hymns, and what their goals for the future are. Check out the ladies of Hymnpartial via their website hymnpartial.com  Support the show

"How Deep The Father's Love", Did God Really Forsake Jesus On The Cross, and Why Reformed People Get Squeamish Talking About Love

February 10, 2022 12:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MB

In this episode, Joel examines, the already timeless, hymn by Stuart Townend called "How Deep The Father's Love," and what it shows us about God's love displayed through Christ, whether God actually forsook Jesus on the cross, and the problem with us "reformed" people.  Support the show

Growing Up In A Racist Church & Modern Worship's Neglect of Biblical Justice and God's Heart for the Oppressed feat. Dr. Michael Rhodes

February 03, 2022 17:00 - 42 minutes - 29.2 MB

In this episode, Joel sits down with Dr. Michael Rhodes, an Old Testament Professor at Carey Baptist College who has numerous published works and recently went viral when he tweeted about how he researched the top 25 worship songs and found a shocking discovery. Learn more about what he discovered and how God intends His people to care about justice differently than the world shows today.  Support the show