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."
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Episodes
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 MBIn 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
"Shout To The Lord", How it's Great/What it Lacks, and Shouting for Joy and not Fear in a Fearful World
January 27, 2022 18:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MBIn this episode, Joel takes a look at the world-renowned worship song, "Shout To The Lord", released in 1993 and written by Darlene Zscheche. This song has been sung by millions and millions over all the years and still today. This song was even sung on American Idol at the height of its popularity! Take a listen and support the podcast through the links below. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theologyofmusic/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu9Yg11BfPKTODM98Hi6TfA Suppor...
Breaking Free From Self-Importance, the Difficulty in New Seasons, and Surrendering to God feat. (the ever youthful) Meredith Andrews
January 20, 2022 05:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBIn this episode, Joel sits down with Dove Award-Winning and incredibly humble Christian artist, Meredith Andrews. Meredith and Joel discuss breaking free from the lie of self-importance that plagues many artists, the hardship of new seasons, the ache for rival in our nation, and surrendering to God. (This is only half of the whole episode, to access the full episode and other great content, become a member through the link below) Support the show
"How He Loves", Why Our Lives Lack Meaning, and Uncomfortable Lyrics
January 13, 2022 14:00 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MBIn this episode, Joel examines the 2010 hit worship song, "How He Loves" released by original author John Mark McMillan in 2005 and unpacks why our lives lack meaning and power, uncomfortable lyrics, and gives shout-outs to the members who financially support the pod. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theologyofmusic/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu9Yg11BfPKTODM98Hi6TfA Support the show
"Great I Am", Rethinking Ministry and Calling, & The Wonder of the Human Voice feat. Jared Anderson
January 06, 2022 15:00 - 42 minutes - 28.9 MBIn this episode, Joel gets to sit down with critically acclaimed songwriter, Jared Anderson, who wrote hit worship songs like "Great I Am" and "Rescue", which have been covered by many worship artists still today. Jared and Joel discuss rethinking what ministry looks like as life seasons change, the story behind "Great I Am", and how incredible the human voice is. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theologyofmusic/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu9Yg11BfPKTODM98Hi6TfA Suppo...
All Glory Be To Christ, Recapping the Year, & Rejoicing and Removing
December 30, 2021 19:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBIn this episode, Joel takes a look back at this year and what happened in his own life, the life of this podcast, and our lives as a society. Along with the 2012 song by Dustin Kensrue called "All Glory Be To Christ", Joel also discusses what to do when we look back at a year and look forward to a new year. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theologyofmusic/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu9Yg11BfPKTODM98Hi6TfA Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theologyofmusic)
"All Glory Be To Christ", Recapping the Year, & Rejoicing and Removing
December 30, 2021 19:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBIn this episode, Joel takes a look back at this year and what happened in his own life, the life of this podcast, and our lives as a society. Along with the 2012 song by Dustin Kensrue called "All Glory Be To Christ", Joel also discusses what to do when we look back at a year and look forward to a new year. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theologyofmusic/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu9Yg11BfPKTODM98Hi6TfA Support the show
"Mary Did You Know", Did She Know?, and The Best Way To Spread Good Cheer
December 24, 2021 17:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBIn this episode, Joel takes a look at the controversial Christmas Song "Mary Did You Know?" by Mark Lowry. This 1991 song has been a part of controversy every holiday season around churches because of the nature of the song and whether Mary did indeed, know. What do you think? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theologyofmusic/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu9Yg11BfPKTODM98Hi6TfA Support the show
"Prince of Heaven" & The Doctrine of the God-Man
December 16, 2021 17:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBIn this episode, Joel unpacks the 2017 Christmas song by Hillsong worship called "Prince of Heaven", what is does well when talking about the realities of Christ's Incarnation, a brief overview of Kenotic Christianity, and what we should "lead" with when interaction with the world this Christmas season. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theologyofmusic/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu9Yg11BfPKTODM98Hi6TfA Support the show
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" & Timeless Songs vs. Timely Songs
December 09, 2021 17:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBIn this episode, Joel takes a look at one of the greatest Christmas Hymns of all time in the 1739 song by Charles Wesley, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and the balance between writing timeless songs and timely songs. IG: https://www.instagram.com/theologyofmusic/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu9Yg11BfPKTODM98Hi6TfA Support the show
Timeless Songs vs. Timely Songs & "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
December 09, 2021 17:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBIn this episode, Joel takes a look at one of the greatest Christmas Hymns of all time in the 1739 song by Charles Wesley, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and the balance between writing timeless songs and timely songs. IG: https://www.instagram.com/theologyofmusic/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu9Yg11BfPKTODM98Hi6TfA Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theologyofmusic)
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" & Timeless Songs vs. Timely Songs
December 09, 2021 17:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBIn this episode, Joel takes a look at one of the greatest Christmas Hymns of all time in the 1739 song by Charles Wesley, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and the balance between writing timeless songs and timely songs. IG: https://www.instagram.com/theologyofmusic/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu9Yg11BfPKTODM98Hi6TfA Support the show
Seeing God Move Through Suffering & Leading Worship With a Right Heart feat. Justin Kintzel
December 02, 2021 15:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MBIn this episode, Joel sits down with Justin Kintzel, the worship pastor at Grace Church in MI, to talk about how God uses suffering to refocus us on what's important, how to lead worship with a right heart posture, and navigating different seasons in life. Support: buymeacoffee.com/theologyofmusic IG: @TheologyofMusic Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu9Yg11BfPKTODM98Hi6TfA Support the show
Seeing God Move Through Suffering & Leading Worship With a Right Heart feat. Justin Kintzel
December 02, 2021 15:00 - 37 minutes - 25.9 MBIn this episode, Joel sits down with Justin Kintzel, the worship pastor at Grace Church in MI, to talk about how God uses suffering to refocus us on what's important, how to lead worship with a right heart posture, and navigating different seasons in life. Support: buymeacoffee.com/theologyofmusic IG: @TheologyofMusic Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu9Yg11BfPKTODM98Hi6TfA Support the show
"Blessed Be Your Name", True Thankfulness, & Evangelizing During the Holidays
November 25, 2021 13:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBThis week, Joel discusses the 2005 Dove winner for Song of The Year, "Blessed Be Your Name", written by Matt Redman, where true thankfulness comes from, and how we can better evangelize during these holidays. Support: buymeacoffee.com/theologyofmusic IG: https://www.instagram.com/theologyofmusic/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu9Yg11BfPKTODM98Hi6TfA Support the show
Godly Priorities as a Christian first and Christian Artist Second feat. Mike Donehey
November 18, 2021 20:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MBIn this episode, Joel sits down (via zoom) with the ever pastoral and insane hilarious Mike Donehey (formerly of Tenth Ave North) to talk about life as a solo artist, what it really means to be a Christian in the music industry, and how fight for presence over perception. Support: buymeacoffee.com/theologyofmusic IG: @Theology of Music Youtube: Theology of Music Support the show
"Reckless Love" & the Toxicity of the Senior-Celebrity Pastor
November 11, 2021 13:00 - 33 minutes - 23.4 MBIn this episode, Joel draws a line from the 2018 Dove Award-Winning song, "Reckless Love", by Corey Asbury, and the toxic culture created by senior and celebrity pastors. You won't want to miss this one! Support: buymeacoffee.com/theologyofmusic IG: @theologyofmusic YT: Theology of Music Support the show
Talking Worship Music feat. Dead Men Walking Podcast
November 04, 2021 12:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBIn this episode, Joel joins forces with Greg Moore Jr and Jason Hamlin, the guys at Dead Men Walking Podcast, and they discuss things like current worship culture, musicianship, etc. If you want to access the full version of this episode go to buymeacoffee.com/theologyofmusic.com and sign up for any level of membership in order to access this and other full-length episodes in the future. IG: @theologyofmusic Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu9Yg11BfPKTODM98Hi6TfA Support the show
"This I Believe" & Whether Hillsong Backs That Up
October 28, 2021 17:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBIn this episode, Joel examines Hillsong's version of the Apostle's Creed put to song in order to see whether they hold to those beliefs. This song was released in 2014 and written by both Matt Crockers and Ben Feildings. Support financially: buymeacoffee.com/theologyofmusic IG: @theologyofmusic Support the show
"Morning By Morning" vs. (kinda) Great Is Thy Faithfulness
October 22, 2021 01:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBIn this episode, Joel takes another look at a modern interpretation of the timeless hymn "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" in the form of "Morning By Morning" by Pat Berrett. Joel also discusses how we often view sins that we wrestle with as outside of ourselves and can lack personal responsibility when we do so. Support the show
"Morning By Morning" (kinda) vs. Great Is Thy Faithfulness
October 22, 2021 01:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBIn this episode, Joel takes another look at a modern interpretation of the timeless hymn "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" in the form of "Morning By Morning" by Pat Berrett. Joel also discusses how we often view sins that we wrestle with as outside of ourselves and can lack personal responsibility when we do so.
"This Is My Father's World" & God's Ownership Trumps Our Mandates and Control
October 15, 2021 01:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBIn this episode, Joel examines "This Is My Father's World" and discusses how this pertinent hymn to today's current climate pushes back against our desire for control and our lack of care for God as Creator. Follow on IG: @theologyofmusic Financial Support: buymeacoffee.com/theologyofmusic Support the show
The Lie of Being "Called By God", Parenting, and Video Games feat. Jeff Owen (Tenth Ave North)
October 07, 2021 16:00 - 48 minutes - 33 MBIn this episode, Joel sits down with Jeff Owen (Tenth Ave North) to talk about life on the road, how people misuse the phrase "God is calling me", and video games among other things! Financially support the podcast at buymeacoffee.com/theologyofmusic Follow on Instagram: @joelconwell Support the show
Three Friends, The Word, and a Song feat. Michelle Nezat & The Berean Test
September 30, 2021 17:00 - 59 minutes - 40.6 MBThis episode it is packed with some wonderful discussion between Joel, Michelle Nezat (More Than A Song) and Vince Wright (The Berean Test). We discuss the song "I Will Trust My Savior Jesus" by CityAlight and what it really means to trust Jesus in every aspect! Support the show
"Come Thou Fount" and What it Means to Wander
September 23, 2021 14:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MBIn this episode, Joel looks at the aged-old hymn still sung in many churches, "Come Thou Fount" - written by Robert Robinson in the 1700's. Join Joel as he discusses what it means to wander, how our worship looks to God when we harbor sin, and the real meaning of freedom. Support the show
"The Grace"and Writing Songs for the Church feat. Dave Whitcroft (KDMusic)
September 16, 2021 12:00 - 41 minutes - 28.5 MBIn this episode, Joel sits down with Dave Whitcroft of KDMusic, who lives in Northern Ireland, to discuss his new song "The Grace", writing songs for the church, and their favorite Chronicles of Narnia book. Support the show
Getting Covid & Depression vs. Discipline
September 09, 2021 12:00 - 32 minutes - 22 MBIn this episode, Joel talks about what it was like for his whole family to get covid, how he wrestles against his melancholy tendency, and what disciplines you can utilize during difficult times. Support the show
Getting Covid & Depression vs. Discipline
September 09, 2021 12:00 - 32 minutes - 22 MBIn this episode, Joel talks about what it was like for his whole family to get covid, how he wrestles against his melancholy tendency, and what disciplines you can utilize during difficult times. Support the show
Defecting From The Big 3 of Modern Worship feat. Mackenzie Holloway
September 02, 2021 12:00 - 39 minutes - 27.1 MBIn this episode, Joel sits down with viral Facebook poster and worship leader, Mackenzie Morgan to talk her defection from the big 3 of modern worship, being intentional about what songs we sing on Sunday, and songwriting. Nashville based professional recording artist Mackenzie Morgan has been singing, performing, and songwriting since she was 7 years old. Mackenzie has won dozens of awards throughout her career, sang on national television, and has traveled across the US performing. As a ...
"Amazing Grace" & Failure Porn
August 26, 2021 00:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBIn this episode, at the request of a listener, Joel takes a look at the wonderful, old hymn "Amazing Grace" written by John Newton. While discussing this song, Joel brings current events, popular podcasts, and other phenomenon to unpack the theology of this song. https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=959488 Support the show
Brett Perkins (Journey Worship Co.) & Fran Times
August 19, 2021 13:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBIn this episode, Joel sits down with Brett Perkins from Journey Worship Co. and discusses their song "Come To The Lord", working out, being a positive voice in a negative Christian culture, and being really really ridiculously good-looking. Support the show
"Relent" (Citizens) & Letting Go/Letting God
August 12, 2021 09:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBIn this episode, Joel examines another song by Citizens called "Relent" and what it says about letting go of the control of our lives in order to let God have his way - ultimately for our good and His glory. Support the show
Why You Don't Stay As You Are & "As I Am"
August 04, 2021 23:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBOnce again, Joel is joined by Vince Wright of TheBereanTest.com as he tackles the notion of "come as you are" and how many songs, including this one, do a poor job showing how you can't stay as you are. "As I Am" was released by Hillsong Young & Free in 2020 and was released during that time as a way to unite us during a difficult time.
"As I Am"(Hillsong Y&F) & Why You Don't Stay As You Are feat. The Berean Test
August 04, 2021 23:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBOnce again, Joel is joined by Vince Wright of TheBereanTest.com as he tackles the notion of "come as you are" and how many songs, including this one, do a poor job showing how you can't stay as you are. "As I Am" was released by Hillsong Young & Free in 2020 and was released during that time as a way to unite us during a difficult time. Support the show
"As I Am"(Hillsong Y&F) & Why You Don't Stay As You Are
August 04, 2021 23:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBOnce again, Joel is joined by Vince Wright of TheBereanTest.com as he tackles the notion of "come as you are" and how many songs, including this one, do a poor job showing how you can't stay as you are. "As I Am" was released by Hillsong Young & Free in 2020 and was released during that time as a way to unite us during a difficult time. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/theologyofmusic)
He Sees You When You're Sleeping & "You Have Searched Me"
July 29, 2021 17:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBIn this episode, Joel examines an old favorite of his by Citizens called "You Have Searched Me" (a direct pull from Psalm 139) and what it says about God's omnipresence.
"You Have Searched Me" (Citizens) & He Sees You When You're Sleeping
July 29, 2021 17:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBIn this episode, Joel examines an old favorite of his by Citizens called "You Have Searched Me" (a direct pull from Psalm 139) and what it says about God's omnipresence. Support the show
Songs about Sanctification & "New Wine"
July 22, 2021 15:00 - 31 minutes - 21.3 MBIn this episode, Joel unpacks a popular Hillsong record called "New Wine" written by one of his favorite writers, Brooke Ligertwood- and discusses what this song teaches about Sanctification and our daily walk with Christ.
"New Wine" & Singing About Sanctification
July 22, 2021 15:00 - 31 minutes - 21.3 MBIn this episode, Joel unpacks a popular Hillsong record called "New Wine" written by one of his favorite writers, Brooke Ligertwood- and discusses what this song teaches about Sanctification and our daily walk with Christ. Support the show
"Come To The Lord" & When Songs Do Specificity Right
July 15, 2021 22:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MBIn this episode, Joel continues his discussion about whether worship songs can ever get too specific when discussing struggles, sins, and wrestles this side of eternity. Yet, this week, Joel showcases another song that he believes does it right= the song "Come To The Lord" by Journey Worship Co. Support the show
When Songs Do Specificity Well & "Come To The Lord"
July 15, 2021 22:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MBIn this episode, Joel continues his discussion about whether worship songs can ever get too specific when discussing struggles, sins, and wrestles this side of eternity. Yet, this week, Joel showcases another song that he believes does it right= the song "Come To The Lord" by Journey Worship Co.
"Jesus Over Everthing" & When Songs Are Too Specific
July 08, 2021 15:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MBIn this episode, Joel opens up the mailbag to answer a question about whether worship songs can ever get too specific when discussing struggles, sins, and wrestles this side of eternity. To help inform this conversation, Joel discusses how he believes that the newer song, "Jesus Over Everything" (written by The Belonging Co.) does cross over that specificity threshold. Support the show
When Songs Get Too Specific & "Jesus Over Everthing"
July 08, 2021 15:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MBIn this episode, Joel opens up the mailbag to answer a question about whether worship songs can ever get too specific when discussing struggles, sins, and wrestles this side of eternity. To help inform this conversation, Joel discusses how he believes that the newer song, "Jesus Over Everything" (written by The Belonging Co.) does cross over that specificity threshold.
Life Beyond The Grave and "Hymn of Heaven"
July 01, 2021 23:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MBIn this episode, Joel examines the new song by Phil Wickham called "Hymn of Heaven" and how it helps us look forward to what life will be like after we die. The song was written by Phil Wickham, Chris Davenport, Brian Johnson, and Bill Johnson.
"Hymn of Heaven" & Life Beyond This Life
July 01, 2021 23:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MBIn this episode, Joel examines the new song by Phil Wickham called "Hymn of Heaven" and how it helps us look forward to what life will be like after we die. The song was written by Phil Wickham, Chris Davenport, Brian Johnson, and Bill Johnson. Support the show
The Lie of Faith Deconstruction and "Make Room"
June 24, 2021 17:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBIn this episode, Joel takes a look at the song "Make Room" by The Church Will Sing- specifically, how it subtly encourages us to deconstruct our faith, but also why that trend is harmful to the bride of Christ and dangerous for the soul.
"Make Room" & The Danger of Deconstructing Your Faith
June 24, 2021 17:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBIn this episode, Joel takes a look at the song "Make Room" by The Church Will Sing- specifically, how it subtly encourages us to deconstruct our faith, but also why that trend is harmful to the bride of Christ and dangerous for the soul. Support the show
What is Hurting Corporate Worship? feat. Cliff Lambert
June 17, 2021 16:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBIn this episode, Joel sits down on a beautiful summer night with a cigar and his old friend and worship leader, Cliff Lambert, to discuss what they believe has been hurting Corporate Worship in the American Church. Support the show
What is Hurting Corporate Worship?
June 17, 2021 16:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBIn this episode, Joel sits down on a beautiful summer night with a cigar and his old friend and worship leader, Cliff Lambert, to discuss what they believe has been hurting Corporate Worship in the American Church.
"King of Kings" or King of "Meh"?
June 10, 2021 19:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MBIn this episode, Joel takes a look at the popular worship song, "King of Kings" written by Brooke Ligertwood, Scott Ligertwood, and Jason Ingram to determine whether it is a song of merit or just another big song from a big church. Support the show