First Draft Phil

Last part of my conversation with worship leader Reggie Brooks Jr. — God at work behind the scenes in our life and love story. An amazing and powerful testimony of the goodness of God.Check out Of Dust @ www.facebook.com/ofdustmusicSupport me on Patreon here! Patrons get early access to all new music, exclusive content, livestreams, and more.Theme music for First Draft Phil is from the song Trampoline, composed by Phil Laeger and produced by Jason Hoard. All rights reserved.

Part two of my conversation with Reggie Brooks, Jr.; live worship recording with OF DUST; Reggie's dreams and goals for his new job as the Director of Contemporary Music for The Salvation Army USA Central Territory; removing barriers in worship and building unity; battling the competitive spirit while offering our best; saying no to gossip; confidence in Christ vs confidence in self.Music in this episode:Only You Can Do It — words & music by Of DustCome & See — words & music by Of DustAll instrumental music in this episode composed and performed by Phil Laeger.Check out Of Dust @ www.facebook.com/ofdustmusicSupport me on Patreon here! Patrons get early access to all new music, exclusive content, livestreams, and more.Theme music for First Draft Phil is from the song Trampoline, composed by Phil Laeger and produced by Jason Hoard. All rights reserved.

Part one of my conversation with worship leader and songwriter Reggie Brooks Jr.; Reggie shares his heritage of faith and his testimony of God working miracles in his and his family's life; faith, passion and musical skill growing alongside one another; how God wove worship-leading into Reggie's relationships; authenticity as the foundation of our worship offerings; the formation of the band OF DUST; having a posture of earning VS a posture of receiving.Music in this episode:'Tis So Sweet — words & music by Of DustDon't Leave Me Alone — words & music by Of DustAll instrumental music in this episode composed and performed by Phil Laeger.Check out Of Dust @ www.facebook.com/ofdustmusicSupport me on Patreon here! Patrons get early access to all new music, exclusive content, livestreams, and more.Theme music for First Draft Phil is from the song Trampoline, composed by Phil Laeger and produced by Jason Hoard. All rights reserved.

Exploring the intersection between the ways we worship and our own journeys on the road toward transformation to be like Jesus, based on 1 John 3:1-3. Part 2 of 2 — three of six things to consider: worshipping in our preferred styles and in other styles; worshipping with our skill and from a pure heart; worshipping honestly (in the now) and hopefully (in the not yet).All instrumental music in this episode composed and performed by Phil Laeger.Support me on Patreon here! Patrons get early access to all new music, exclusive content, livestreams, and more.Theme music for First Draft Phil is from the song Trampoline, composed by Phil Laeger and produced by Jason Hoard. All rights reserved.

Exploring the intersection between the ways we worship and our own journeys on the road toward transformation to be like Jesus, based on 1 John 3:1-3. Part 1 of 2 — three of six things to consider: worshipping in times of ease and times of hardship; worshipping in times of comfort and in times of refinement; worshipping in “the shallows” and in “the depths”.Music in this episode:• To Be Like You, by Brooke Ligertwood, Matt Crocker• Blessed Be Your Name, by Matt & Beth Redman• Refiner's Fire, by Brian Doerksen• Altar (Come, Thou Fount), by Phil Laeger• I Could Sing of Your Love Forever, by Martin Smith• The Wonderful Cross, by Isaac Watts, Chris Tomlin, J. D. Walt, Jesse Reeves, Lowell MasonSupport me on Patreon here! Patrons get early access to all new music, exclusive content, livestreams, and more.Theme music for First Draft Phil is from the song Trampoline, composed by Phil Laeger and produced by Jason Hoard. All rights reserved.

Sitting in the silence and considering all that God has done for us; meditating on His faithfulness in times of doubt, difficulty and discouragement; stirring up our faith by way of reminder.Music in this episode:• Consider, written by Shalini Danielson & Jeff CainFor more information about Shalini Danielson, go here.Support me on Patreon here! Patrons get early access to all new music, exclusive content, livestreams, and more.Theme music for First Draft Phil is from the song Trampoline, composed by Phil Laeger and produced by Jason Hoard. All rights reserved.

What happens when you're headed one way in life and God begins to lead in a different way? Today on the podcast, we talk to worship leader and songwriter Shalini Danielson about her life journey, and about how God led her from pursuing a career in nursing, to now working as the Worship Specialist for The Salvation Army in Los Angeles.Music in this episode:• Consider, written by Shalini Danielson & Jeff CainFor more information about Shalini Danielson, go here.Support me on Patreon here! Patrons get early access to all new music, including my new EP, Kohelet, available now a full month before releasing to the public.Theme music for First Draft Phil is from the song Trampoline, composed by Phil Laeger and produced by Jason Hoard. All rights reserved.

Coaching your people about what the spiritual discipline of worship actually is; wrestling with our own need for validation as worship leaders VS leading in environments where you are called to be a frontrunner and discipler; the Instagram-ification of worship gatherings; does recording our worship have the potential to corrupt our worship?Music in this episode is from Rocky Worship• Fully Loved, written by Luke Hall, Nic Carver, Dane Voorhees, © Rocky Worship• Faithful God, written by Luke Hall, Nic Carver, Dane Voorhees, © Rocky WorshipFor more information about Rocky Worship and to listen to more of their music, go here.Theme music for First Draft Phil is from the song Trampoline, composed by Phil Laeger and produced by Jason Hoard. All rights reserved.

Talking with Nic Carver, Luke Hall, and Dane Voorhees of Rocky Church in Colorado; navigating changes through COVID; streamlining your church's mission; a church that's “for the one”; following Jesus to the broken and resting in His work; worketing = working + marketing; behind the scenes of recording, releasing and marketing a church worship album.Music in this episode is from Rocky Worship• Where You Are, written by Luke Hall, Nic Carver, Dane Voorhees, © Rocky WorshipFor more information about Rocky Worship and to listen to more of their music, go here.Theme music for First Draft Phil is from the song Trampoline, composed by Phil Laeger and produced by Jason Hoard. All rights reserved.

To take part in the anonymous survey mentioned in today's episode, click here.A growing hunger in The Salvation Army for healthy worshipping communities; nurturing congregations vs entertaining them; the danger of idolizing certain styles of worship; have we lost our zealousness in worship; what's next for Unbound - retro worship?? :) — Spirit-led planning for multi-generational congregations.Music in this episode is from the album Thou Silver Moon by Unbound:• Brave (Live), written by Amanda Cook, © 2013 Bethel Music Publishing• So Will I (100 Billion X), Benjamin Hastings | Joel Houston | Michael Fatkin, © 2017 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)• Rattle!, Brandon Lake | Chris Brown | Steven Furtick© 2020 Brandon Lake Music (Admin. by Bethel Music Publishing); Maverick City Publishing Worldwide (Admin. by Bethel Music Publishing); Music by Elevation Worship Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC); Bethel Music PublishingFor more information about Unbound and to listen to more of their music, go here.Theme music for First Draft Phil is from the song Trampoline, composed by Phil Laeger and produced by Jason Hoard. All rights reserved.

To take part in the anonymous survey mentioned in today's episode, click here.On today's episode: Finding God in the dark at 30 years old; is getting better at music a way to get closer to God? — what to do when what you've poured your life into starts to become uncertain; the heart and story behind the formation of the band Unbound; how congregations have built-in authenticity barometers; being intentional with worship team dynamics so that it isn't about one personality but about different expressions of the body of Christ.Music in this episode is from the album Thou Silver Moon by Unbound:• All Creatures (Live)• Echo, written by Alexander Pappas, Chris Brown, Israel Houghton, Matthews Ntlele, Steven Furtic, © 2018 SHOUT! Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing); LEVIBE (Admin. by Curb Music Publishing); Mike Curb Music (Admin. by Curb Music Publishing); Music by Elevation Worship Publishing (Admin. by Essential Music Publishing LLC); Remaining portion is unaffiliatedFor more information about Unbound and to listen to more of their music, go here.Theme music for First Draft Phil is from the song Trampoline, composed by Phil Laeger and produced by Jason Hoard. All rights reserved.

Creative opportunities opened up by the pandemic; the Erin + Nick Worship Collaborative; the story behind the song King Jesus; seeking the freedom of the worshippers that we are leading; imagining an Army of worshippers who choose Him in the secret place; what we value in The Salvation Army; raising up skilled musicians vs raising up people who worship in Spirit and truth; letting the Holy Spirit lead us in worship.Music in this episode:• King Jesus (feat. Phil Laeger), words & music by Erin L. Wikle and Phil Laeger, performed by Erin WikleTheme music for First Draft Phil is from the song Trampoline, composed by Phil Laeger and produced by Jason Hoard

Developing a love for worship through osmosis; walking away from everything you know for the sake of a hard reset; allowing God to “undo” us for the sake of us finding our true identity in Him; answering the call to become a Salvation Army officer; finding time to keep our relationship with Jesus vibrant; allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us into both work and rest.Music in this episode:• Known to Me, words & music by Erin L. Wikle, performed by Nick + Erin Worship Collaborative• Do You See Me? (feat. Nick Helms), words & music by Erin L. Wikle• Be Thou My Vision, new words & music by Erin L. WikleTheme music for First Draft Phil is from the song Trampoline, composed by Phil Laeger and produced by Jason Hoard

Looking back on this first season of being a podcaster and reminding myself why I started doing this podcast; some lessons I've learned along the way; sharing my hope for the future.Music in this episode:Reflections, by Phil Laeger

Some of my favorite moments from the first season. Snippets from John Copeland, Bill & Sue Dunigan, Bill Rollins, Eric Himes, Randy Bonifield and others...

It's the time of year where we rejoice, but it's also a tough time for many people. Enjoy this little moment of musical rest - a little gift for you featuring a rendition of one of my favorite carols… O come, O come, Immanuel… Merry Christmas.Music in today's episode:O Come, O Come, Immanuel (arr. by Phil Laeger)

Interviewing country Christian artist Daniel Mulkey to talk about his brand new album Real; Daniel tells the real life stories behind the songs he's written; the challenge for us, as Christians, to be authentic and transparent with each other, especially as we are dealing with the tough stuff in life.All music in today's episode by Daniel Mulkey, from his new album Real, available everywhere you get your music.www.danielmulkey.com

Processing personal and corporate trauma through worship songwriting; God as our restorer and healer; the “in-between” is not the ending.Music in today's episode:Restorer (Demo), by The Honey InitiativeRock of Ages, by The Honey InitiativeCheck out Zach and Hannah's ministry and everything else they're up to!https://linktr.ee/thehoneyinitiativeworshipGodfellas Podcast

Jesus extends the invitation of friendship and belonging to each of us; learning unity in ministry as couples; the heart behind The Honey Initiative; building each other up with encouraging words; being relational as a way to combat “green room culture”Music in today's episode:rapids ii, by Yes to YesOver There (feat. Adely Charles, Jason Hoard, Chris Hofer, Sheena Marquis, Marty Mikles, Josh Powell & Rachel Wiley), by Phil LaegerRestorer (Demo), by The Honey InitiativeIf You Can, by The Honey InitiativeCheck out Zach and Hannah's ministry and everything else they're up to!https://linktr.ee/thehoneyinitiativeworship

Meditating on how Jesus enters into our sadness when we lose those that we love, those who leave “before their time”.Music in today's episode:No Woman No Cry, by Vincent Ford

Final part of my conversation with worship artist Aaron McClain; how he got connected with Worship Mob (aka Jesus Co.) + the story behind his song “Sure”.Music in today's episode:Sure, by Aaron McClainFind more of Aaron's music and ministry @ aaronmcclain.com

Continuing my conversation with worship artist Aaron McClain, Aaron shares about the family, faith community and leaders that God brought around him to love and disciple him into the man that God was calling him to become. We also discuss the whirlwind of life events that led up to the release of his first album, In Victory, and how God began to restore to him all that the enemy had taken away.Music in today's episode:In Spite of It All, by Aaron McClainThe Victory Is Yours, by Aaron McClain

Worship artist and anointed vocalist Aaron McClain sits down with me to tell his story of how God called him and anointed him to be a minister of worship… and the broken road that followed before beginning to step into his calling.Music in today's episode:Came to My Rescue, by Antonio Romero / Joel Davies / Martin W. Sampson / Tania Braun / Dylan George Thomas / © Hillsong Music Publishing Australia, Hillsong Mp Music

Sitting down with Arcadia Worship out of Redemption Church in Phoenix, Arizona, to talk about the songs from their new album Infinite; asking if and how worship music should be impacted by and sound like the popular music in culture; creating good, excellent art that is a reflection of God's creativity; how do we judge the “success” of our creative endeavors; communicating timeless truth in contextualized ways.Arcadia Worship — instagram.com/arcadiaworshipPresave link for Infinite — https://wingsmusic.lnk.to/97905Infinite

The intersection of beauty and function; writing songs from the standpoint of engagement; “arena” participation vs typical Sunday mornings; how embodying our calling encourages our congregations; the good, bad and ugly of the commercialization of worship music; the rise of diversity and collaboration.Randy Bonifield — www.randybonifield.comMusic in today's episode:Friend of God, words & music by Israel Houghton and Michael GungorLord, I Lift Your Name On High, words & music by Rick Founds, arranged by Randy Bonifield, performed by the Mokan Gospel ChoirCome, Sing for Joy, words & music by Randy Bonifield

The MoKan Gospel Choir; asking if there is a place for different types of artists in our denomination; why Randy left The Salvation Army, but still considers himself a Salvationist; tracing the evolution of praise and worship music through contemporary music pioneers; how worship reorients us as the story of God is told and retold; curating worship experiences for our people; what ought to be, what is, what can be, and what will be.Randy Bonifield — www.randybonifield.comMusic in today's episode:Spirit of the Living God, words & music by Daniel Iverson, performed by the Mokan Gospel ChoirSt. Patrick's Breastplate, words & music by Randy Bonifield and Phil Laeger, performed by Randy BonifieldChrist Is All, words & music by Herbert Howard Booth and W.A. Williams, performed by Randy BonifieldRestoration Hymn, words & music by Randy Bonifield, performed by Randy Bonifield

Music and God: getting the order right; how Randy started leading worship; how a scary hospital visit started Randy on a search for assurance of salvation and the true meaning of grace; “the gospel for everyone else, but not for me”; Jesus' all-sufficient work of salvation; when Randy met Wendy; church community, letting our kids seeing the importance of Jesus in the lives of others; having no taboo subjects as our children's first disciplers.Randy Bonifield — www.randybonifield.comWendy Bonifield's podcast: On Carlson Drive, https://www.oncarlsondrive.comMusic in today's episode:How Great Is Your Love, words & music by Randy BonifieldGive Me Jesus, traditionalCity Girl, composed by Randy BonifieldA Little Rain Must Fall, words & music by Randy Bonifield

Processing confusion and hurt about how The Singing Company ended; do we really believe that God is at work in the broken and unresolved places; giving to God VS giving to an organization; Eric's new role as Divisional Director of Music & Creative Arts in Chicago; Amplify camp and a shift in our approach to discipleship through the arts; embracing diversity and celebrating different artistic expression; don't abandon your ideas — God will use them, just hold on to them — it may just not be the right time yet; hopes and dreams for the future of The Salvation Army; allowing prophetic voices to challenge us.

Creating culture by embracing originality / How Eric's experiences both in and beyond his home church prepared him for worship leadership; the genesis of The Singing Company; the influence of The War College and using fight songs in worship; the Beatles, The Weakerthans, Woody Guthrie; having a polished voice VS owning your own voice; navigating organizational red tape; changing culture by creating more of it VS dismantling culture; the beauty of unity in diversity in congregational worship; discipleship and community in musical rehearsal groups; the joy of amplifying other voices.Find The Singing Company anywhere you stream or buy music, including Bandcamp, Spotify, and Apple Music.

The carpenter's daughter / God's timing and our dreams; laying down your will for the Lord's; our journey of moving from Australia to New Jersey; how Sarah went from housekeeper and lifeguard to furniture artist and YouTuber; “giving it a go” - just starting something w/o having all the answers; finding community online and having an out-of-the-box kind of ministry; how stepping into the identity God has given you opens the doors for connection with others.Four Forty Five Designs — Sarah's furniturehttps://www.fourfortyfivedesigns.com

Sarah's journey of faith / finding your way through grief, betrayal and healing; burying our feelings vs processing them; how I convinced Sarah to lead worship with me that one time; why she is passionate about the Jewishness of our Christian faith; how getting counseling by an older Christian couple saved our marriage.Four Forty Five Designs — Sarah's furniturehttps://www.fourfortyfivedesigns.comThe Creator Podcast — https://www.facebook.com/TheCreatorPod/

The story of Outside Worship / How the group Outside Worship (Marty Mikles, Anna Street, Phil Laeger) came together, and how we made the decision to move into the next season of life; the process behind cowriting as a worship team; how we recorded a worship album in the middle of a global pandemic; grieving unrealized dreams and trusting the future to God

Following Jesus as a lifestyle; the inspiration behind Send the Fire!; the genesis of Youth Praise; giving people time to “get into” worship; the importance of hymns and contextualization; love for God and being in His presence; music and worship as connection points for people to enter the kingdom of God; creative arts groups as disciple-making avenues for young people; serving people with our music and arts

John shares how his job working with children equipped him to hold a “no pretense” approach to worship leading. Unbound worship. Excitements and concerns about trends in worship. Promoting unity vs being divisive. Being teachable.

John Copeland shares his testimony of how an atheist called him out on his hypocrisy, how that led him on a path to start following Jesus, and how he got started leading worship.

A brief introduction and explanation behind the show name.