Chasing Sunday

We're sitting down with Keith Hughes to talk about his new book, "4 Breaths: Catch Your Breath, Find Your Life With These 4 Psychological & Biblical Principles"Keith's spent 35 years as a Christian mental health clinician, and he's identified four key principles that can either drain us or give us life. You know those moments when life just knocks the wind out of you? Keith's got some practical wisdom on how to catch your breath again.We'll chat about finding new perspectives when you're stuck, the real impact of forgiveness (and what happens when we don't forgive), what Christ meant by "it is finished," and how what we worship shapes who we become. It's real talk about faith and mental health without the fluff.Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, searching for meaning, or just curious about blending biblical principles with psychological insights, you'll get something valuable from this conversation. Tune in to hear Keith's down-to-earth approach to finding your breath again when life leaves you gasping.

In this thought-provoking episode of Chasing Sunday, hosts Brian Davis and Paul Romig-Leavitt sit down with the insightful Dave King to explore the intersection of worship, technology, and the human quest for connection. They unpack the challenges and opportunities presented by technology in the worship space, navigating the delicate balance between leveraging tech to enhance community and the risk of letting it overshadow the heart of ministry. Dave, a seasoned expert in AV management for churches, shares his philosophy on empowering volunteers and his pastoral approach to stewardship of technology. This conversation also takes a philosophical turn as Paul offers deep reflections on the broader implications of technological advancement, including AI, and its potential spiritual dimensions. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a worship leader, or simply someone who values meaningful human connection, this episode offers a rich tapestry of ideas to ponder.To learn more about how Torn Curtain Arts can assist your church with technology and more, visit https://torncurtainarts.org/.Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review Chasing Sunday on your favorite podcast platform to help spread the word and support the show!

In the last episode of the season for the Chasing Sunday podcast, hosts Brian Davis and Paul Romig-Leavitt discuss the concept of a "bottleneck," a term used to describe challenges and questions faced by worship leaders. They answer a question from a worship leader about engaging with all aspects of God and human experience in worship. They also discuss the dominance of the "big four" churches in the worship music industry, the challenge of getting congregations to sing more, and share book recommendations that have impacted them. The next season will focus on the impact of technology on worship.https://worshipleaderresearch.com/2022-worship-leader-survey-report/ https://worshipleader.com/leadership/worship-in-the-average-church-in-america/Brian's book recs:The Ragamuffin Gospel - Brennan ManningMessy Spirituality - Mike YaconelliLove Is The Killer App - Tim SandersHoly the Firm - Annie DillardPaul's book recs:The Sabbath - Abraham Joshua HeschelLearning To Walk In The Dark - Barbara Brown TaylorThe Great Emergence - Phyllis TickleAtomic Habits - James Clear

In this podcast episode, hosts Brian Davis and Paul Romig-Leavitt welcome worship leader and coach Becky Ykema. They discuss the challenges faced by worship leaders, particularly female ones and the importance of finding supportive communities. They also touch on the impact of the pandemic on church attendance and the shift towards gig-based worship leaders. Becky shares her experiences as a coach, emphasizing the importance of personal development and mentorship in the worship community. Becky Ykema is currently a worship leader at large, serving a number of congregations through worship leading and vocal coaching in the Denver area. She is an associate with Slingshot Group, an organization committed to coaching and pairing leaders with great places of ministry. After spending many years on Willow Creek Community Church staff, she took a call as Worship Pastor at Ascent Community Church in Louisville, CO, where she served for seven years. She is a graduate of Wesley Seminary and has served in the vocational worship ministry for 17 years. She resides in Denver with her husband and two kids.Becky has a Female Worship Leader Group starting in January through Slingshot Group. Sign-ups are due in by the middle of December. Here's a link to it: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/female-worship-leader-group-coaching-tickets-676321354377

In this podcast episode, Brian Davis and Paul Romig-Leavitt delve into the significance of strategic planning in worship ministry. They underscore the value of having a well-thought-out plan and executing it effectively, as it can yield positive outcomes not only in church settings but also in various aspects of life such as work, relationships, and personal growth. Contrary to popular belief, they dispel the notion that planning hampers creativity, instead highlighting how it can foster freedom and provide a solid foundation for artistic endeavors. They also touch upon the importance of community support, delegating tasks, and the advantages of documenting processes.

In this episode, hosts Brian and Paul interview guest Josh Packard, author of "Church Refugees." They discuss the impact of Josh's book on their own work in worship leadership and the need for research to be accessible and applicable to everyday life. They delve into topics such as the decline of the church, the erosion of institutional trust, and the need for the church to adapt to societal changes. They also explore innovative approaches to worship and the importance of building trust and connecting with individuals. 

In this episode of the Chasing Sunday podcast, hosts Brian and Paul discuss the fourth pillar of their coaching platform, the Green Room, which focuses on strength. They emphasize the importance of starting with a strong foundation of identity and acceptance before diving into practical strategies and methods. They caution against prioritizing success and achievement over deeper spiritual growth. They also discuss the power and responsibility of amplifying messages through social media, the importance of grounding leadership in acceptance and unconditional love of God, and the need for balance and involving others in leadership. They reflect on the cyclical nature of maturity and encourage listeners to embrace it.

In this episode of the "Chasing Sunday" podcast, hosts Brian Davis and Paul Romig-Leavitt discuss the Mind pillar, one of the core tenets of their coaching and spiritual formation platform called "The Green Room." They emphasize the integration of the mind, soul, heart, and strength in ministry, highlighting the need for a strong foundation in soul and heart before implementing plans and strategies. They also discuss the importance of embracing intuition and mystery in ministry, the challenges of emulating successful churches, and the significance of understanding and embracing one's own cultural context. They stress the importance of building relationships and engaging the mind in worship.

The concept of the heart can be confusing; Jeremiah said it is "deceptive above all things," but we're told in Sunday school to "invite Jesus into our heart." In this episode we dive in to what it looks like to trust the Spirit with our heart and learn to discern where we're being led and where to lead others.

Are you feeling stuck in your calling as a spiritual leader? In this episode of the Chasing Sunday podcast, Dr. Todd Ferguson, a sociologist of religion, shares his insights on the challenges faced by pastors in their calling, congregation, and career. Dr. Ferguson discusses the three major factors that shape religion today, the level of secularization in society, and the shifts happening in the transition from the industrial age to the participation age. He also talks about the concept of traditional innovation and the struggle of authenticity in the church. Tune in to learn how to navigate ministry without losing yourself, and discover some valuable resources for worship leaders who may be struggling in their ministry.Dr. Ferguson emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and grounding of one's spiritual tradition while also being open to new ideas and approaches. He suggests a balanced approach of tradition and innovation, where institutions are valued for their long-term survivability, but also open to change and adaptation. Dr. Ferguson believes that people are still called to be spiritual leaders, and that the church will continue to exist in some form, even if it looks and feels different.

The concept of the heart can be confusing; Jeremiah said it is "deceptive above all things," but we're told in Sunday school to "invite Jesus into our heart." In this episode we dive in to what it looks like to trust the Spirit with our heart and learn to discern where we're being led and where to lead others.

Are you feeling burnt out or overwhelmed in your ministry or worship leadership role? If so, you're not alone. Welcome back to Chasing Sunday! This season, Brian & Paul unpack the core tenets of The Green Room, TCA's new spiritual formation and coaching platform for worship leaders. It all starts with the soul: what is it, how do you care for it, and how important is it to our life and longevity in ministry?

Reflecting on our guests and conversations, Paul and Brian reminisce about their favorite guests and conversations, sharing gratitude for people who like them, are passionate about caring for leaders and the church. Listen in for highlights of great clips and insights from the season that was!

Mark S. Dorn is Professor of Music at Colorado Christian University, as well as a private practice counselor. In his work at CCU, Mark leads the Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble, teaches trumpet lessons, and actively mentors undergraduate students. He is both a freelance musician and conductor, as well as author. With a longtime investment in discipleship and counseling, his curiosity about how knowing God can lead to personal transformation has propelled him into counseling, writing, and a lot of musing about the journey. He is married to Jill, with four grown children and ten grandchildren, and lives in Morrison, Colorado, where he is never far from his next mountain adventure.

Daniel is a composer, songwriter, and musician. He composes music for film and stage, enjoying writing for orchestra, choir, folk instruments, and electronic music. He also teaches music both privately and as a professor of music at Colorado Christian University, as well as regularly leads worship at churches along the front range in Colorado. He has been married to his wife Mariana for 15 years and they have 3 growing boys.

Stephen Redden was one of the founding pastors of NDC in 2009. He's no longer on staff but is still part of the community and serves in so many important ways. Stephen currently works as the Director of Strategic Projects at Marrow, a small business that starts and operates small businesses. He is also the director of The Church Cooperative of Denver, the local church network NDC helped launch in 2017. Stephen is a graduate of Mississippi State University (B.S. Computer Engineering, M.B.A.) and Dallas Theological Seminary (M.A. Biblical Studies). He is married to Kate and they have two teenage sons, Ethan and Andrew. Stephen loves football (Go Broncos and Hail State!) and futbol (Go Rapids and Gunners!), snowboarding, and considers himself a geek at heart.

Chuck Blakeman is a successful entrepreneur, best-selling business author, TED Speaker, and world-renowned business advisor who built twelve businesses in eight industries on five continents, and now uses his experience to advise others. His company, Crankset Group, provides outcome-based mentoring and peer advisory for business leaders worldwide. Chuck sold one of his businesses to the largest consumer fulfillment company in America and led three other $10-$100 million companies.  He presently leads the Crankset Group and a for-profit business based in Africa, focused on developing local economies to solve poverty. Mr. Blakeman is a results leader with decades of experience leading companies in multiple markets. Chuck is also the host of the GOTT Podcast for dentists, one of the top three dental podcasts in the profession. Some of Chuck's customers have included Google, Microsoft, Apple, Eli Lilly, TAP Pharmaceuticals, Sun Microsystems, Tyco Healthcare, Johns Manville and many more Fortune 500s and smaller businesses. He is a convention speaker, writer, and non-profit board member.  Recent speaking appearances include England, Kenya, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Italy, and across the US. 100+ times a year.  Recent print and online appearances include Inc. Magazine (regular contributor), Success Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine, CNNMoney.com, NYTimes.com. He was cited in Dr. Stephen Covey's last book, The 3rd Alternative 

Thom is the author of five books and numerous articles on leadership, team building and mentoring and has over 40 years experience in leadership, consulting and organizational development across several industries including church planting, business development, training and corporate development. Now Thom is Chief Transformation Officer for 3to5 Clubs and he sells homes to raise money to underwrite sustainable water projects in 3rd world Villages. Thom is married to the love of his life, Sandra. They have successfully raised four girls and have 4 incredible grand-children. He's an avid motorcyclist, horseman, reader and of jazz and blues enthusiast. Sandy Corrigan is an author, coach, speaker, podcast host, writer, singer Sandy was a co-owner of a company that implemented mentoring solutions for large distributed Fortune 500 Companies. She and her team spearheaded a complete turn around for a large real estate franchise and a assisted the product launch of several major cosmetic brands as a Nationaql Training Director. She has coached over 100 CEO's and Leaders of Business Teams with Revenues of 100 million plus. Sandy, with her husband, Thom are the Founders of Transformation Companies, LLC, providing real estate and coaching services. She is Passionate about animals, especially for horses and dogs, Sandy has expanded her coaching practice as an Equine Inspired Coach and is in the process to become the first Qualified Practitioner of the Trust Technique for Colorado, “Helping humans and animals to build Trust and Confidence”. She and her husband Thom are also licensed to deliver Virtual Training with Teaching Horse, Helping Leaders Navigate Uncertainty. Sandy is currently Chief Conation Officer, with Crankset Group, has her focus on engaging small business owners and coaches to bring 3to5 Clubs to their cities across the globe. 

Dave King is a lifelong musician, currently working as the senior AV manager at the Denver Art Museum, Denver, CO. Dave also has experience in the church and nonprofit world, serving as Director of Worship Arts for two churches and as Executive Director for a nonprofit. Dave's interest in music and technical audio started at a young age. With severe hearing loss from birth, he's always been fascinated learning the science behind sound and the way that these waves interact with ears and brains, work together to create music, and impact emotional responses. His passion is building relationships with others and being in a support role, ensuring that all the technical aspects and musical aspects of an event, service, or live experience match up to create a consistent, high-quality end product.

Josh Gaffga has spent his professional career navigating between the worlds of worship ministry, theater and film performance and directing, and K-12 education. His experience in these three worlds has allowed him to create bridges between church, theater, and educational institutions and to borrow best practices from each realm. Currently, Josh is a Middle School Performing Arts teacher at Dawson School in Lafayette, Colorado. In addition, he has a private vocal and acting coaching business and also serves as part of Invia Collective's worship leading team. Josh is also internet-famous for having a photo of him and his brothers go viral on the website Awkwardfamilyphotos.com You can see him in all his glory in the photo humbly titled “The King” right here: 

Managing stress and anxiety can be the hardest job for any ministry leader in church. Jimmy Carnes joins the show to talk about the anxiety of leadership and shares some tools that he's learned along the way that have been helpful for him in his ministry.Jimmy Carnes is the Director of Operations at Discovery Christian Church in Broomfield CO.  A decade ago, he joined the church as the director of Worship Arts, and between then and now have worn several hats within the organization.  Discovery is also the place that he encountered family systems theory from Steve Cuss, began facilitating leadership community groups where they taught this material to our staff and key leaders, and am now a systems theory and Enneagram coach on Capable life.  

Spiritual Directors Ally Ley and Debbie Swanson join the pod to talk about caring for one's soul and being in relationship with a relational God who is for us and with us, living in partnership with God rather than feeling the need to perform for God. More, they invite leaders into a new way of living and serving, one in which they are filled up and give of the over flow, rather than constantly pouring themselves out for others.Ally Ley is a trained Christian spiritual director dedicated to creating space for individuals and groups to encounter God in transformative ways. She leads retreats, teaches, and preaches as well as has her own spiritual direction practice companioning women on the journey of wholeness, particularly female faith leaders and mothers. A graduate of the Christian Spiritual Formation and Soul Care Master's Program at Denver Seminary, Ally delights in walking with women as they examine everything from perfectionism to shame to patriarchy to their leadership to integrating the various parts of one's self and story as they are unleashed more fully into the freedom of their identity as God's beloved daughters. She lives in Parker, Colorado with her husband and two young children. Learn more at www.allyley.com. Debbie Swanson is passionate about accompanying people as they seek to know God more intimately. She is a trained Ignatian spiritual director and supervisor, holding a certificate from the Lanteri Center for Ignatian Spirituality in Denver, Colorado and additional training to direct retreatants through The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. She offers spiritual direction and the use of retreat space through her formation ministry, Vacare Deo. In addition, she teaches Christian Formation and Soul Care at Denver Seminary. She also serves the Denver Seminary Soul Care Initiative  in the praxis ministry. which offers a safe space for Christian leaders to nurture their own personalThe Chasing Sunday Podcast is a production of Torn Curtain Arts and Resonate Media.

Tommy Staudt joins the podcast and talks about breaking the mold, moving from volunteer to paid positions in worship ministry, and why relational equity is the most valuable tool in your tool box.Tommy Staudt is a worship pastor from Westminster, Colorado who currently leads the worship ministry at Kindred Church in Broomfield. His music and ministry experience spans over 20 years and includes being the worship pastor of Flatirons Church in Lafayette, Colorado, as well as leading at dozens of other churches around the country. He will be marrying his fiancé, Lauren in September 2022 and would love to talk to you about golf, bourbon and/or Avalanche hockey.The Chasing Sunday Podcast is a production of Torn Curtain Arts and Resonate Media.

Paul Romig-Leavitt interviews Church planter and fellow podcaster Loren Richmond Jr. about the passion and disappointments in planting a church.

Worship leaders and organizational coaches Marcel and Cindy Arocha with InVia Collective talk about the challenges and joys of the intersection of marriage and ministry along with the racial reckoning the church faces in 2021. Guest Hosted by Paul Romig-Leavitt.

Veteran songwriter and worship leader Danny Oertli shares his story, chats about songwriting, receiving criticism in ministry, and shares his thoughts on his hope for the future of worship in the local church.

Brian sits down for a conversation with worship leader Luke Burgett and talks about calling and what to do with difficult conversations about performance.

Brian has a quick update about why there haven't been any new episodes lately.

An interview with worship leader and songwriter Justin Adams. Brian and Justin discuss the calling to ministry and how to handle conflict with your leadership.

A conversation with Mark Groutas (Journey Church, Castle Rock, CO) about the lessons he's learning in ministry and how to genuinely care for your teams.

Brian wraps up this crazy year and explains how you can partner with Torn Curtain Arts to help make a difference in the lives of worship leaders and churches in 2021!

Brian chats with worship leader & author Danny Byram about his new book Wallpaper Worship.

Anne and Brian discuss processing pain and loss as a part of the ministry journey, the reluctance of reentering ministry after being wounded, “doing church differently”, and dealing with burnout.

Brian interviews Dave Powers of Mountain City Music and founder of Worship & The Word Movement.

Brian interviews worship leader and president of Torn Curtain Arts, Paul Romig-Leavitt.

The very first episode of Chasing Sunday!!! Brian shares his ministry story and his heart behind the podcast and Torn Curtain Arts.