The Ferment Podcast - Conversations About Worship And Transformation

Welcome back to The Ferment Podcast! On today's episode, we are kicking off a mini-series about a very special session of this summer's National Conference called "A Story of the Vineyard in Song." In this episode, you will hear from the planning team (Adam Russell, Casey Corum, Melisa Keller, Caleb Maskell, and Nicole Dill) about why they decided to create this session and some behind-the-scenes stories about the planning process. Different members of the team also share why songs are such a cornerstone of the Vineyard Movement, how songs serve as a marker for us of time and place, and some of the songs that have been especially formational in each of their lives.   Show notes Vineyard Worship Essentials Vineyard USA

Today's episode of The Ferment is a special re-post from the We Are Vineyard podcast! That's right, Adam has been cohosting a special mini-series on preaching with Ted Kim (Lead Pastor of Evanston Vineyard in IL), and if you're a pastor in the Vineyard this series is GOLD. In this introductory episode, Adam and Ted each share their early journey as a pastor, how they realized they were called to preach, and the insecurities they faced while finding their unique voice. They talk about how to learn from influential pastors without mimicking them, how they approach sermon prep each week, and each of their superpowers and kryptonite as pastors.  Show Notes:  We Are Vineyard Podcast  

In this episode of The Ferment, Mike O'Brien interviews several Vineyard Worship Essentials cohort leaders! They talk about the value of continuing education for worship leaders, why it's worth adding another thing into an already busy season, and the role coaches play in the cohort dynamic. Registration is open for the 2024 summer cohort which begins June 2, so sign up now! Show notes: Vineyard Worship Essentials 

Today on the Ferment, we wanted to give you a taste of Vineyard Worship Essentials with a mini-session by Melisa Keller on "Home"- serving in your local church. Registration for the 2024 Summer Cohorts is open until May 20, and the session runs from June 2 - July 27. Go to www.vineyardworship.com/essentials to learn more about Vineyard Worship Essentials, check out the amazing lineup of instructors, see some of the course topics and more! We hope you'll join us! 

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam and Mike O'Brien continue our series on inhabiting the Christian year by tackling Pentecost! Adam and Mike discuss how Pentecost is the most explicitly Biblical date of the church calendar, but maybe the one we observe least, and they talk about how Pentecost is a story of celebration and fire, but also the reversal of fragmentation in our families and society. Show notes: Ancient-Future Time by Robert E. Webber Vineyard USA's Pentecost series: "Empowered" 

In this episode of The Ferment, we share a keynote message that Adam gave at a Vineyard Worship weekend event at the Evanston Vineyard. Adam shares about the new rhythms that come with summer, and challenges us to take advantage of the different pace to try some beneficial practices such as working on emotional intelligence and self-awareness, taking musical risks, having fun with our team, remembering Jesus, and finding a spiritual director.  Show notes: Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs by Steve Cuss Register for Vineyard Worship Essentials- summer session 

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam talks with Kurt Attaway about growing up in the Vineyard, meeting his wife at 4years old, and how his involvement with Fellowship of Christian Athletes evolved into a pastoral role at a local church. Kurt also shares about his career as a Marriage and Family Therapist, the role of humility and emotional health in healthy leadership, and the role of a leader in a healthy team.  Kurt Attaway serves as the lead pastor of The Vineyard Church in Pearland, Tx. He earned a BA in Psychology from The University of Texas San Antonio, which he attended on a full athletic scholarship. Kurt's love for basketball opened doors to have a great career as a D-1 point guard. Playing in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament (aka March Madness) will always be a lifelong highlight, even if they lost to Stanford in the first round. Playing hoops at UTSA paved the way for Kurt to participate in and lead Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and God used those years to redirect his heart toward vocational ministry. In 2007 Kurt and his wife Lauren moved from San Antonio to join the staff at The Vineyard Church Pearland. In 2012, he completed a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from University of Houston Clear Lake, and spent 10 years being trained and practicing as a clinician. In February 2020, he stepped into the Lead Pastor role after serving on staff as the Associate Pastor for almost 12 years. Kurt has been married to his wife Lauren since 2006, and they have four children. They love the city of Pearland and the growing community at The Vineyard. Beyond the local church, Kurt has served in some national roles with Vineyard USA: currently on the Multiply Vineyard Team.

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Tyler Jarvis about growing up as an athlete who was interested in music, and some reflections on his young adult years. Tyler shares about the growing pains of becoming a leader and learning to pastor the room, how he was tricked into returning to Vineyard Cincinati, and the blessings and pain of working at a large church. Tyler is an artist, songwriter, and worship pastor from Cincinnati, OH. As an artist, Tyler writes and produces nostalgic pop songs that remind listeners to embrace the childlike wonder within everyday they're given. As a Worship Pastor, Tyler is passionate about leading people into, and teaching them how to, worship in a way that is biblically appropriate and emotionally authentic. He and his wife Lisa love traveling to new places, finding great coffee shops, and long walks through their neighborhood. Show Notes: Vineyard Worship Essentials Tyler Jarvis on Spotify Tyler Jarvis on Instagram

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam and Mike O'Brien continue in our church calendar series with a discussion about Holy Week. They talk about what Holy Week means, ways to celebrate each day within Holy Week, and some of the different kinds of services that are traditional held for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.  Show Notes:  This is Love by Terry Butler Songs for Easter and Lent playlist by Vineyard Worship

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Vineyard Worship's newest hire, Digital Marketing Coordinator Nicole Topete. Nicole shares about growing up in Arizona after her grandparents immigrated from Mexico, when the Lord awakened her heart to justice and compassion as a young adult, and the major shifts that happened in her life during Covid. Nicole talks about the role worship plays in her life and marriage, how she and her husband get paid to eat amazing food, and what Vineyard Worship wants to see from you on the socials.  Nicole Topete joined the Vineyard Worship team in 2023. She's passionate about worship, emotional health, social justice, and creativity. She's also passionate about writing really honest songs about Jesus and serves on the Vineyard Worship Spanish Translation team along with her husband. Nicole is an Arizona native but currently resides in Mexico City with her husband, where they enjoy tasting all the food and drinks Mexico City offers. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Social Work. Show Notes:  Follow Vineyard Worship on Instagram: @vineyardworship, @thefermentpodcast Follow Nicole's food blog on Instagram: @mexa.taste

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam continues his conversation with John Mark McMillan. John Mark shares some wisdom with young creators about playing the long game, making a heart connection with the listeners, vulnerability and building a team. They also talk about the role of ritual in surpassing the surface magic to cultivate moments of deep magic. John Mark McMillan is an artist and Platinum-selling songwriter. Show Notes: John Mark McMillan's Website Listen to Deep Magic John Mark on The Ferment 10/25/20 John Mark on The Ferment 9/18/19

Welcome back to Season 6 of The Ferment Podcast! In this episode, Adam and John Mark McMillan chat about John Mark's experiences during his recent tour in Japan, and his newest album Deep Magic. John Mark also talks about how his songwriting has changed over time. Part 2 of this conversation will release March 11! John Mark McMillan is an artist and Platinum-selling songwriter. Show Notes: John Mark McMillan's Website Listen to Deep Magic John Mark on The Ferment 10/25/20 John Mark on The Ferment 9/18/19

Welcome back to Season 6 of The Ferment Podcast! In this episode, Adam and Mike O'Brien continue on with the Church Calendar series by talking about Ash Wednesday and Lent! Mike shares about how the season aligns with Vineyard values and provides a moment of pause that helps to reframe the resurrection story, and Adam shares about the beauty to be found in bringing our informal selves formally before God. They discuss leading a good Ash Wednesday service in a Vineyard context, a practical approach to fasting, and natural ways to incorporate Lenten themes into your Sunday services.      Show notes:  Advent episode of The Ferment https://bit.ly/42zWDVt   Andy Squyres: You Bring The Morning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwWvsEHfH3o

As we engage the season of Advent, we invite you to join us for a special four-week series that will be featured on both the We Are Vineyard and the Ferment Podcasts. This special feature will showcase weekly devotionals from Vineyard USA Association Leaders and songs from Vineyard Worship. In this episode, Geno Olison, leader of the Vineyard USA Black Pastors and Leaders Association, shares a devotion he has prepared on the theme of Love from 1 John 4:7-14, Romans 5:8, John 3:16, followed by the song “Behold,” the title track of Vineyard Worship's newest album release, created in partnership with Heaven and Earth, Vineyard Columbus's worship and songwriting community.   Show Notes:  Behold: https://slinky.to/HeavenAndEarthBeholdVW Heaven and Earth Worship: https://www.instagram.com/heavenandearthworship_/ Vineyard Worship: https://www.vineyardworship.com/ Vineyard USA Associations: https://vineyardusa.org/associations/

As we engage the season of Advent, we invite you to join us for a special four-week series that will be featured on both the We Are Vineyard and the Ferment Podcasts. This special feature will showcase weekly devotionals from Vineyard USA Association Leaders and songs from Vineyard Worship. In this episode, Kirk Yamaguchi, leader of the Vineyard USA Asian American Pacific Islander Association, shares a devotion he has prepared for the third week of Advent on the theme of Joy from Philippians 4:4-5. We'll then hear the song “This Joy” from Vineyard Worship!   Show Notes:  This Joy: https://slinky.to/ThisJoyVW Vineyard Worship: https://www.vineyardworship.com/ Vineyard USA Associations: https://vineyardusa.org/associations/

As we enter the season of Advent, we invite you to join us for a special four-week series that will be featured on both the We Are Vineyard and the Ferment Podcasts. This special feature will showcase weekly devotionals from Vineyard USA Association Leaders and songs from Vineyard Worship. In this episode, Rubén Quintero, leader of the Vineyard USA Hispanic Association, will be sharing a devotion he has prepared for the second week of Advent on the theme of Peace from Luke 2:13-14, followed by the song “Shalom” from Vineyard Worship's album “This Joy.”     Show Notes:  This Joy: https://slinky.to/ThisJoyVW  Vineyard Worship: https://www.vineyardworship.com/ Vineyard USA Associations: https://vineyardusa.org/associations/

As we enter the season of Advent, we invite you to join us for a special four-week series that will be featured on both the We Are Vineyard and the Ferment Podcasts. This special feature will showcase weekly devotionals from Vineyard USA Association Leaders and songs from Vineyard Worship. In this episode, Melanie Forsythe-Lee, leader of the Vineyard USA Women's Association, shares a devotion she has prepared on the theme of Hope from Isaiah 11:1-10, followed by the song, “O Come O Come Emmanuel” from Vineyard Worship's newest album release “Behold”, created in partnership with Heaven and Earth, Vineyard Columbus's worship and songwriting community.   Show Notes:  Behold: https://slinky.to/HeavenAndEarthBeholdVW Heaven and Earth Worship: https://www.instagram.com/heavenandearthworship_/ Vineyard Worship: https://www.vineyardworship.com/ Vineyard USA Associations: https://vineyardusa.org/associations/

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam and Mike O'Brien begin a series of conversations based around the church calendar, starting with a reflection on the season of Advent. They talk about some ways to incorporate the richness of Advent tradition into a modern worship service that allows us to join the global and historical church in the practice of waiting and longing while keeping the flavor of your local Vineyard church, and they look at different ways to "thicken your service" such as song choice, incorporating scripture, and stage presentation.  Show Notes:  Lectionary Page  https://lectionarypage.net/

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam and Mike O'Brien chat about the things they've been observing in both Vineyard and non-Vineyard churches around the country during their travels over the last year, relating to things like song choice and administration, and relational connectedness. They also share some predictions about the direction of the Church in the near future, and the gifts we'll find in learning from other denominations.    Show Notes:  Sound Lab  https://www.vineyardworship.com/soundlab

In this episode of The Ferment, Mike O'Brien chats with Bobby Spangler about growing up in a recording family and having access to sound equipment, and how the Lord called him to the Campbellsville Vineyard in central Kentucky. Bobby shares some reasons why it might actually be cost-effective for a church to hire a media consultant and the issues he commonly sees in churches where he provides consultation. Bobby also talks about caring for our media crews, some common pain points for media team members, and how the upcoming Sound Lab can benefit those who run sound at your church. Bobby Spangler has 3 decades serving in “the industry.” He has installed systems and trained techs in many churches and schools throughout the US.  He had the privilege to mix FOH for portions of the 2015 Vineyard National Conference (Hosted at the Columbus, OH Vineyard), and has recently upgraded and installed systems at several Vineyard churches around the US.  He's engineered projects released by Vineyard Worship and Tooth and Nail Records and has toured with several local and national acts as their FOH engineer and road tech.  Bobby and his wife Jennifer live in Campbellsville, KY, where they raise their 3 kids and serve at the Vineyard Church. Show notes:  Contact Bobby: soundguybob@gmail.com Sound Lab Houston: https://www.vineyardworship.com/soundlab Vineyard Campbellsville: http://www.vineyardcampbellsville.org/

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Maria Hinge about some updates in the world of Vineyard Worship Nordic (Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway). Maria talks about some cultural differences in Denmark including considerations when most people are only familiar with the state church, how COVID affected the Copenhagen Vineyard, and the generational shift in leadership.   Maria Lundbak Hinge is a worship leader, songwriter, and worship pastor at Copenhagen Vineyard.  She also leads Vineyard Nordic Worship across Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland. Maria and her husband Morten have three boys and live in Copenhagen, Denmark. Show Notes: Copenhagen Vineyard https://kbhvineyard.dk/en/

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Colt Westbrook about growing up as the son of a Baptist preacher who believed in the gifts, some spiritual experiences he had as a teen seeking after the Lord, and being pulled into a musical world. Colt talks about the role of the electric guitar in a worship band, playing prophetically, and some advice for newer guitar players. Colt also shares some of his current favorite gear setups and his thoughts on pastoring a room during worship.  Colt Westbrook is husband to his college girlfriend, Claire, and father to their three kids, Duke, Nova, and Veda. He is President of Walrus Audio and also serves as the Worship Pastor at All Saints Community Church in Oklahoma City along with his wife, Claire.  Show notes  Walrus audio  https://www.walrusaudio.com/

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Dale Dimapindan about his immigration experience, getting connected to the Vineyard through musical friends, and how he got into playing bass. Dale shares some lessons he learned about how to serve a song as a bass player, how sharing a common goal unites a band, and the different things you can learn as a musician playing with worship bands and bar bands.   Dale Dimapindan is a 1st generation Filipino who immigrated to the US in 1983. He committed his life to Christ at Vineyard Fullerton in 1998 and is a member of the worship team. He was “forced” to play bass because “nobody else wanted to” but he eventually became passionate about bass, music, and worship. When not playing bass, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, or his local tattoo shop :) Show Notes: Vineyard Worship resources en español https://www.vineyardworship.com/adoracion Worship Team Dynamics by Terry Butler https://crossrhythms.co.uk/products/Terry_Butler_Randy_Butler/Worship_Team_Dynamics/122277/

In this episode of The Ferment, Mike O'Brien chats with Jon Meek about all things keyboard, including why piano players are afraid to leave space while playing and some pro tips on exploring what your keyboard is capable of. Jon shares about building a life of trust and faithful service where he feels fulfilled and has margins to serve generously, some thoughts on how a worship pastor might approach their church board when gear upgrades are needed, and ways that a worship leader can best serve their keyboardist and team. Jon also talks about starting Camp Vineyard and why it's his favorite week of the year.  Jon Meek is the director of Camp Vineyard, the southeast region's youth summer camp. He has over 20 years of ministry experience as a musician, problem solver, and professional tinkerer. Jon, his wife Melissa, and their two kids are part of Restoration Vineyard Church in Chattanooga. He's passionate about giving the next generation opportunities to learn on their feet as they explore their gifts and callings as followers of Christ. Show Notes: Not Be Moved by Vineyard Worship https://youtu.be/pPbOcuJqsmU?si=2wCjFnQZH_aPzepS Restoration Vineyard in Chattanooga, TN https://www.restorationvineyardchurch.com/ Finance Health workshop from VUSA National Conference 2023 https://d1h8uvf6sd4tvp.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/20230828155444/Resilient-Leadership-THURSDAY-BREAKOUT.mp3

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam talks with Calum Rees about being born into a family of rhythm and spending his earliest years touring with his dad's band. Calum shares about finding his way into a musical life, the people who invested in his musicianship and engineering skills as a young man, and the way faith entwined itself throughout. Calum recounts stories where the power of music connected him with community, allowing the Holy Spirit to move in unexpected places, and how music and community now mix in his life as a pastor.    Calum Rees immigrated to Canada from the UK in 2006, fulfilling a lifelong dream of living in easy proximity to the mountains. He has invested his life's work in the Church globally for nearly 30 years, both in worship and pastoral work. For the past nine years Calum has served as lead pastor of Epic Vineyard Church (https://epicvineyard.church) in Calgary, while also continuing to cultivate worship through touring, recording, and teaching in various settings.   Show Notes: Hungry by Vineyard Worship https://open.spotify.com/album/0QX9Pzr8nGcCdxKlQoIw9y Vineyard Worship resources en español https://www.vineyardworship.com/adoracion

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with return guests Nicole and Daniel Hernández about some practical tips for those who are interested in incorporating another language into their worship set, and how to ensure that the translations you find are quality. Nicole and Daniel share about hosting bilingual church services directed at Spanish speakers while working towards being hospitable to English speakers, what they see as important in building a multiethnic community, and why our efforts speak louder than our errors when it comes to bridging cultural divides.    Daniel and Nicole Hernández have been involved in the Vineyard Movement, serving in a Viña church in Venezuela and in a Vineyard church in Southern California, and recently planted a Viña church campus for Vineyard Columbus. They are both songwriters and share a passion for bringing Latin rhythms to modern worship.  Best of all, they've been blessed to do this while enjoying family life with their two teens, Zoe and Jonah.    Show Notes:  Vineyard Worship Essentials https://www.vineyardworship.com/essentials Vineyard Worship resources en español https://www.vineyardworship.com/adoracion Vineyard Songs https://vineyardsongs.com/

Welcome back to Season 6 of The Ferment Podcast! In this episode, Adam chats with Olu Meduoye about growing up in London in a Christian Nigerian family. They talk about balancing life between leading worship, a career, and family, and Olu shares about his songwriting journey and some of what the Lord is doing in his life right now.  Olu Meduoye is a singer, songwriter, musician and worship leader from East London, UK. He currently serves as the worship pastor in his local church and also within the Vineyard Worship movement within the UK. His heart is for the church to seek intimate worship with Jesus and live lives completely abandoned to the will of God. He and his wife, Leshia, lead worship regularly in their church (Highway Vineyard, Stratford), and are regularly guest worship leaders at churches and events in London and around the UK.   Show Notes: Listen to Olu on Youtube!  https://www.youtube.com/@oluwaseun1987?app=desktop   Socials: Instagram: thefermentpodcast Twitter (X): fermentcast   

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam and Mike O'Brien (Director of Vineyard School of Worship) talk about the challenges and opportunities that accompany the beautiful season of summer! They discuss the value in flowing with the natural rhythms of your church, ideas about some investments you can make in your church and individuals, and some practical tips for planning your vacation time.    Show Notes:  Vineyard Worship Essentials 

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Jimmy John Morris about living a double life as a senior pastor and drummer. Jimmy John describes how music is woven through his story of faith, and shares some words of wisdom for both worship leaders and senior pastors. And much to Jimmy John's delight, you'll hear the story of "The Hit."  Jimmy John Morris has been serving in the Vineyard for 30 years. They served over 20 years at the Yakima, WA Vineyard, spent two years in Texas, and moved back to Kent, WA to serve as the senior pastor in 2017. Prior to serving in the Vineyard, he was a professional musician and an educator. He has a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from The Institute of Biblical Studies Seattle and a Masters of Arts degree in Global Urban Leadership from Bakke Graduate University. Jimmy John has also served on the Vineyard's Northwest Leadership team, as an area pastor, and served on both the NW youth and worship task forces. Jimmy John is passionate about seeing people become authentic followers of Jesus. He and his wife, Donna, have been married for 32 years and have two married children, David (& Shelby), and Sara (& Bryson), and he is a grandfather to Wesley, who he is now teaching how to play drums...at the age of two.   Show Notes: Vineyard Worship Essentials: https://www.vineyardworship.com/essentials

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam talks with Kyle Howard about the joys and challenges of leading worship in a large church. Kyle shares about some practical and emotional considerations of leading worship for a diverse congregation, and ways that he works to create opportunities for people at different stages of faith to engage. They also talk through some details relating to administration, worship team gatherings, and coordinating midweek and Sunday teams.  Since his early teenage years, it's been obvious to those around Kyle that he would be making a huge impact in the worship culture of his generation. He began leading worship in the youth ministry at Vineyard Church of Urbana at the young age of 14 and continues his leadership today as the lead Worship Pastor and Creative Director. In the last few years, he has been featured on multiple Vineyard Worship albums and is flourishing in his gift of songwriting. Kyle's deepest passion is to see people encounter the loving embrace of the Father and to walk in the fullness of who they were made to be as sons and daughters.   Kyle and his beautiful wife Shelby recently had their first son. They are loving life together and share a joint passion for good ice cream. In his free time, Kyle is an avid golfer, a pretty solid basketball player and a professional at buying tennis shoes. (No joke, always look at his shoes.)   Show Notes:  Vineyard Worship Essentials: https://www.vineyardworship.com/essentials  

This week we continue our a three-part series on leading worship in different-sized churches.  In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Megan Zeilinger about leading worship in a midsized church, some practical steps for building a relational team, and how she dealt with a season of carrying a desire for church growth that she wasn't seeing. Megan also shares about the songs that are currently speaking to her church.  Megan Zeilinger is the worship pastor at Tehachapi Vineyard Church. She is passionate about hospitality and making space for people to experience the love and presence of God in corporate worship. She loves coffee, authentic conversations, and watching people's lives be transformed by the love and kindness of Jesus. Her husband, Jeff, leads the Production Team, and together they love serving the church with what they have been given to give away. Megan, Jeff, and their adorable two-year-old daughter live in Tehachapi, California.   Show Notes:  Vineyard Worship Essentials: https://www.vineyardworship.com/essentials

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Derek McTavish about his experiences leading worship in a small college town church for the last 20 years, including some of the unique joys and challenges, and the creativity and flexibility required.  Derek also shares an encouragement for other worship leaders at smaller churches.    Derek McTavish lives in Athens, GA, with his wife and 5 kids. He has served as the worship leader at the Athens Vineyard Church since 2004. He listens to a lot of music and loves camping and college football. He's a Tolkien nerd and isn't ashamed to admit he loves professional wrestling.    Show notes:  Athens Vineyard  https://www.athensvineyard.com/  

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam talks with Keva Green about accepting Jesus as a child and growing up in a musical home. Keva shares about her work with Restorative Justice ministries, keeping her heart buoyant while staying proximate to the people in her community, and creating a worship space that is both encompassing of the diversity of her church and also stretching. Finally, Keva shares what she's looking forward to, and some words for the broader Vineyard Worship community. Keva Green is a pastor on staff at the Evanston Vineyard. She was born and raised in Southern California. After receiving her B.A. in Black Studies and Women's Studies, God connected her to a church where she learned to love the Bible, experienced deep community, and discovered God's concern for those on the margins of society. Since then, Keva has been passionate about the church's role in meeting the spiritual and material needs of those experiencing lack. She later earned her Master of Public Administration degree from Syracuse University, with an emphasis on non-profits. She has over ten years of experience with a focus on mobilizing the church to love their neighbors well. As a member of church staff, she's directed community centers, led worship, and helped to create systems and structures. When she's not working, Keva enjoys growing in contemplative faith practices, being active and creative, and sitting in the sun.   Show Notes: The Welcoming Prayer (by Father Thomas Keating)  Welcome, welcome, welcome.  I welcome everything that comes to me today, because I know it's for my healing.  I welcome all thoughts, feelings, emotions, persons, situations, and conditions.  I let go of my desire for power and control.  I let go of my desire for affection, esteem, approval, and pleasure.  I let go of my desire for survival and security.  I let go of my desire to change any situation, condition, person or myself.  I open to the love and presence of God and God's action within. Amen. The Justice God is Seeking by David Ruis https://amzn.to/3oiOjJJ The Worship God is Seeking by David Ruis https://amzn.to/3oevFma

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Leah Morrison about being a worship leader and a mother of 3 kids, including how she learned to work within the confines of her real life and some practical tips for pastors working with moms of young children. Leah also shares how motherhood has changed her worship leading.  Leah Morrison joined our staff in 2015 after several years as an ordained worship pastor with her previous church. We are a little biased, but we think she's one of the best and brightest worship leaders in the Vineyard movement. Leah spent some of her growing up years in Russia as her family did missionary work with the Vineyard, and after moving back to the US attended Kendall College of Art & Design. Her and her husband are raising 3 awesome kiddos and have a passion for ministry in their neighborhood and a dream of doing work in the middle east.     Show Notes:  Leah's Instagram: @leah_morrison_creative

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with us about the relentless nature of Sundays that just.keep.coming and shares some suggestions about how to think bigger than the weekly rhythm.

Adam gathers with the Vineyard Worship crew to talk about Vineyard Worship Essentials, an online training opportunity! You can join a cohort or audit the program with your worship community or by yourself. Take a listen and share this episode with all the worship leaders in your life! Sign up now at: Vineyardworship.com/essentials

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Thomas Lyons about the difference between a revival and revivalism, how revival has shaped American identity, and what the hope of the church is during ordinary seasons of life.  Thomas shares an academic perspective on historical outpourings, common precursors to revivals, and some Biblical study on the presence of God. Adam and Thomas also share some of their personal experiences of the Asbury Outpouring.  Thomas Lyons (PhD, Asbury Theological Seminary) is the interim Director of For-Credit Courses for Seminary Now  and Director of Library Services and Education Technology at Northern Seminary. He has served the Vineyard movement locally, nationally, and globally in a variety of ministries and capacities over the past 17 years. Thomas lives in the Lexington, KY area with his four children. Show Notes:  Asbury University https://www.asbury.edu/outpouring/ 

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Liz Hix about growing up in the Vineyard, the moment when she first felt the Holy Spirit, and her process of becoming a worship leader. Liz shares about her Pacific Northwest songwriter's melancholy, her dreams for future songs, and some tips for those who want to try songwriting.  Born in Yakima, Washington to Vineyard pastors John and Judith Hix, Liz grew up half in Washington State, and half in Kansas City. Coming from a family of worship leaders, musicians, and teachers, she discovered a deep love for songwriting when she learned guitar to lead worship in her youth group. After graduating college in 2016 with a degree in theater/speech secondary education, she worked as a high school teacher in inner city LA, and a summer Shakespeare director for teens. Two years later, Liz eventually made her way to the Portland/Vancouver area, where she's now the youth pastor of Vancouver Vineyard, a commercial real estate gal in Portland by day, and a local singer-songwriter by night. Liz is a worship leader, Shakespeare aficionado, whiskey appreciator, and a self-described “moody musician with a propensity for silliness.” She's deeply passionate about writing songs that capture both the sorrow and joys of the human experience. One of her greatest joys is seeing her songs resonate with friends and audience members alike. Liz hopes to record her first EP sometime this year. 

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam talks with Dan Wilt about what he has seen and felt during the Asbury Outpouring, the beautiful humility he has observed, and the emphasis on Gen Z. Dan also shares six takeaways to consider as a worship leader.  Dan Wilt is a husband, father, author, speaker, and worship leader from Nashville, TN. He part of the Vineyard and Anglican families, and is co-author of the books Sheltering Mercy and Endless Grace, Prayers Inspired by the Psalms (Baker).   Dan currently serves with Seedbed and New Room as Director of Learning Communities. Seedbed is a resourcing organization out of Asbury Theological Seminary, committed to gathering, connecting, and resourcing the people of God for a great awakening.    Dan is completing his doctoral studies at Asbury in missional leadership in the sacramental tradition, and enjoys laughing hard, art galleries, and country drives.   He and his wife, Anita, live south of Nashville, TN, and have three grown children.   Show Notes:  Want to hear more from Dan on The Ferment?  https://bit.ly/3KF98Ic   Read more about the Asbury Outpouring https://www.asbury.edu/outpouring/

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam talks with Ranjo Clements about what's happening at Asbury College and Seminary. As a resident of Wilmore, KY and a pastor of a local Vineyard, Ranjo shares about the history of revivals at Asbury, and his experience of the current outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He and Adam discuss their observations about the generational diversity in the room, describe the rhythms of what they see the Lord doing, and the on-ramps it's providing for people to encounter God. Ranjo Clements is the Associate Pastor at GCF Vineyard in Wilmore, KY. Although originally from India, he is a card-carrying “third culture kid,” having spent multiple stints in India and the US. Ranjo served as a worship pastor in India before returning to the US in 2008 to pursue an M.Div. in worship studies at Asbury Theological Seminary (ATS). He planned to return but met a girl from China, and they fell in love with a Vineyard in Kentucky, which they have served for the past thirteen years. He loves multiethnic spaces, equipping worship leaders, and helping people encounter God and operate in their gifting. He is currently a Ph.D. student at ATS in the intercultural studies program. His research interests include Asian American Identity and theology, worship, ethnodoxology, and missiology. Ranjo and Aletha have five beautiful daughters. They love hosting people, singing, sharing stories, laughing, and eating all kinds of ethnic food, especially spicy food.   Show notes:  Asbury  https://www.asbury.edu/outpouring GCF Vineyard - Wilmore, KY https://www.gcfvineyard.church/ 

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam talks with Paul Cullen about growing up in a small town, how he turned from an athlete into a musician, and when he started to know his marketing degree wasn't going to be utilized. Paul shares about discovering that he loved leading worship during a tumultuous time at his church, and how following the Lord's leading consisted of saying yes to the next thing offered to him. He talks about the people who believed in him from the beginning and the joy he now finds in pouring into students at his church, the ways he cares for himself as an introvert, and the refreshment he finds through leading a small group with his wife.   Paul and his wife Leah live in Columbus, OH and serve as a part of Vineyard Columbus, where Paul is one of the worship pastors.  Paul has been leading worship in Vineyard churches for nearly 15 years. Since joining the worship staff at Vineyard Columbus in 2015, Paul has primarily invested in training worship leaders, developing a culture of songwriting, and raising up the next generation of worshippers. In addition to leading worship at Vineyard Columbus, Paul has recently become involved with the growing community of songwriting and creativity in Vineyard Worship (USA), most recently as a songwriter and worship leader on the upcoming Vineyard Worship album "This Joy", releasing Summer 2023!    Show Notes: Catch the latest single from Vineyard Worship: "If You Say Go (We Wait For You)"-Live From Urbana https://youtu.be/jejv_GAY2CI Alpha https://alphausa.org/    

It's season FIVE of The Ferment Podcast, and our friend David Ruis is back to kick it off with a conversation about communal discernment of prophetic words! He and Adam talk about how and why the Lord speaks in a community, the process of discerning the timing and meaning of words, and some lessons they've learned the hard way.    David and Anita Ruis have lead, encourage, and empowered the Vineyard in Canada as the National Directors since 2014. David is a well-respected worship leader and songwriter (You're Worthy Of My Praise, Every Move I Make) and has also authored two books: The Worship God Is Seeking and The Justice God Is Seeking. Most recently, he is a contributing songwriter on Vineyard Worship's highly anticipated album “This Joy”, releasing summer 2023! As a team David and Anita are also known to be effective church planters and seasoned pastors, having established churches in Canada and the US. David has also been instrumental in seeing Vineyard communities established in Nepal and India. Much of the Ruises' focus has been in indigenous settings, working with people experiencing poverty and subsequent marginalization. They also have significant experience facilitating leadership development and on the creative side David is known for fostering originality in song-writing and the arts in various cultural settings.   A burning passion for the Ruises is both practical and theological integration of creative worship in church community, and deep life engagement with issues of poverty and social injustice. The Ruises currently reside in Kelowna, BC. In their down time they love to be creative and hang with their grandkids.     Show Notes:  The Patient Ferment of The Early Church by Alan Kreider https://amzn.to/3Y8eNdZ   Slow Kingdom Coming  by JT Meyer, Dan Wilt and Michael Hansen (2017 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foedee85CDk     

In this Advent-focused episode of The Ferment, Adam catches up with Mike and Susan O'Brien to chat about some themes to meditate on, the gifts that come through a season of waiting, and why Advent might feel like a heavy weight for some worship leaders. They talk through some practical ways to relieve the pressure of expectation, remove the tension and chaos of the season, and share an encouragement to prioritize the traditions that make Christmastime special and enjoyable for you and your family. Mike provides some thoughts about how to mix classic Christmas songs into a modern worship set, and ways we can take advantage of the liturgical gifts offered by our friends in different streams. Finally, Susan leads us in a spiritual direction exercise that allows us to connect with the Holy Spirit and prepare our hearts and minds for this coming Advent Season. Mike O'Brien has served as a worship pastor, speaker, record producer and songwriter for over 25 years. For 18 years he served one church (Vineyard Community Church of Marietta, GA) training hundreds of worship leaders and musicians and is currently serving the church at large in worship team training and worship leader mentoring as the director for the Vineyard School of Worship. Susan O'Brien is a spiritual director who works with people to become more aware of God's presence in their lives. She received her certification through the Institute of Christian Spirituality at Lipscomb University and also holds a Bachelor of Theology from Point University. She believes that God is working in every person that she encounters. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, Mike and their son, Ezekiel.   Socials:  Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship Vineyardworship.com  

In this special repost of The Ferment, Eleanor shares her origin story and the power of a praying roommate. She also talks about her husband's first interactions with John Wimber and their earliest days with the Vineyard movement, the profound impact of worship in their life and ministry, and their life more recently as international coordinators within Vineyard Global. Eleanor speaks about unity, equipping international leaders to care for their people and communities, and shares an encouraging word about staying close to the Lord during this hard season. Eleanor Mumford and her husband John play a significant leadership role within the Vineyard family of churches, both in the UK and overseas. They worked for two years with John Wimber at the Anaheim Vineyard in California before starting the SW London Vineyard in 1987. They handed over the leadership of that church in 2008 and served as National Directors in the UK and Ireland until 2015. They now focus on the continued development and momentum of the international Vineyard family. Eleanor and John have two grown sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law and 4 grandchildren.   Show notes: Vineyard Global: https://vineyard.org

In this episode of the Ferment, Adam and Steve Nicholson have a conversation about how to lead a Vineyard ministry time.  Steve identifies the distinctives of Vineyard ministry, and they talk about what we can do when ministry time becomes formulaic, and how to recognize what the Lord is doing in people. Steve shares his thoughts on the role of a worship leader in ministry, and what to do when nothing seems to be happening. This is a back-to-basics conversation where Adam asks all the questions you've probably wondered at one time or another, and is an excellent training tool for both fresh and seasoned ministry leaders and prayer teams! Steve Nicholson began ministering as a college student through InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in the early 1970s.  After graduation, he moved to the Chicago area where he and several other twenty-something leaders founded a church.  That fellowship, begun in 1976 in Evanston, Illinois, placed a high priority on contemporary worship, biblical teaching, openness to the Holy Spirit, and committed relationships as a church family. In 1981, Steve and a team from the fellowship established a new church in Humboldt Park, a neighborhood in Chicago's inner city. Both churches joined Vineyard USA in August of 1985, and Steve transferred leadership of the Humboldt Park Vineyard to one of his team members in 1986. The Evanston Vineyard has since planted nine other congregations in the Chicago area, and another fifteen in other cities or countries.  Steve led Vineyard USA's church planting task force for over twenty years. Steve has ministered to and trained church leaders in India, Australia, New Zealand, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Turkey, Lebanon, Brazil, Chile and several Central Asian countries as well as in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The Evanston Vineyard is a diverse congregation from over 50 nations of the world with no majority racial or cultural group. Since 1986 the ministry of the Holy Spirit has been a regular and ongoing strength and emphasis of the Evanston Vineyard.  Steve and his wife, Cindy, live in Chicago. They have three adult children and eight grandchildren.  

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam talks with Christina Lowery in a continuation of our short series on raising up leaders. Christina shares about her inclination towards ministry from an early age, and when that calling was named and fostered by her pastor. She talks about how being a life-long church attendee and student of church health eventually led to her role as the Associate National Director of Church Health and Development for Vineyard USA, the effects of COVID on the church she pastors, and what that time of disruption revealed about the discipleship in our congregations. Christina gives an encouragement to tell people what you see God doing in them, and talks about the gift of entrusting youth with Sunday service responsibilities, as well as the value in broadening our expectations of what it looks like to disciple people.   Christina Lowery is the Associate National Director for Church Health and Development. Early in her ministry career, Christina served as the Events Director for a large student internship at Teen Mania Ministries (Acquire the Fire) in Tyler, TX.  In 2001, she and her husband Joel joined a local Vineyard Church there, and served on the pastoral team for several years until they were called to move back to Virginia and plant Crossroads Church.     Christina and Joel have co-pastored Crossroads Church in Fredericksburg, VA since 2008. As a Lead Pastor, Christina has been a big-picture thinker and creative visionary, responsible for communicating and driving the vision and mission of the church forward. She finds great joy in preaching and teaching, leadership development, and building systems that foster church health and growth. In addition to her local leadership at Crossroads Church, she has served in other leadership roles with the Vineyard, such as an Area Leader in Northern and Central Virginia for ten years (2009-2019) and on the Vineyard Women in Leadership Team for the past three years (2018-2021).  Joel and Christina have been married for 23 years and have 3 amazing kids – Hannah (17), Caleb (15) and Zoe (8).  The Lowery family loves to travel and so far, their favorite destination is Maui, with its warm sun and beautiful island beaches.    Show notes:  Malcolm Gladwell podcast - Revisionist History https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/revisionist-history

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam talks with returning guest Terry Butler.  This is the first episode in a short new series on developing leaders. Terry shares about being raised in an environment where equipping leaders was a way of life, developing a mindset of mentoring, and the areas he looks for to cultivate and train in a potential worship leader. Terry and Adam also discuss the role of scripture in the life of a worship leader, and the biggest things Terry has learned in 45 years of worship leading and raising up leaders.   Terry Butler is a veteran Vineyard songwriter and worship pastor, but he is first and foremost a worshipper.  Drawn into the mystery and majesty of God through anointed hymns in his early childhood, Terry has written songs and pastored worship for over 42 years. Best known for the classic Vineyard songs "Cry Of My Heart,” "At The Cross,” "Psalm 19 (May The Words Of My Mouth),” and the 2019 Vineyard Worship single "All The Same,” his pastoral work in raising up younger generations into ministry reflects his passion for true, heartfelt congregational worship.    Show notes:  Want to hear more from Terry? Listen to his episode from January 2020 here:  https://bit.ly/3SoBsyR   Socials:  Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam talks with Kelly D'Auria about life at Cape Vineyard Community Church in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Kelly provides an on-the-ground update about the effects of the hurricane on her community and what the church is doing to meet the needs of their neighbors.  She also talks about what it's like to be a worship leader after a community-wide crisis, the way devastating events shape the songs we write, and how songs birthed from tragedy serve a congregation. Kelly speaks a powerful word about how worship leaders are called to lead people through times of chaos and hardship, and shares some of the beautiful moments she's seen in the wake of Hurricane Ian, as well as the lasting work that will need to be done over the coming months and years. Kelly D'Auria is the worship leader at Cape Vineyard in Cape Coral, FL. Kelly, her husband, and their three boys are busy helping to care for their community in the wake of Hurricane Ian.   Show Notes: Cape Vineyard needs about $1000 per day to feed their community. If you would like to contribute, please go to CapeVineyard.com

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam and Melisa share some updates about Vineyard Worship, including a recap of last week's Worship Leaders' Retreat, some upcoming events for worship leaders and sound techs (you're invited!!), and an exciting new project called Adoración Viña, which includes Spanish and bilingual songs, training videos and other resources for our Spanish-speaking friends.    Show Notes:  Convoy Of Hope https://convoyofhope.org   Cape Coral Vineyard  https://www.capevineyard.com/hurricane   Thrive Worship Leader Training https://www.vineyardworship.com/vsow-thrive   Sound Lab https://www.vineyardworship.com/soundlab   Quiero Cantar  https://www.vineyardworship.com/quiero-cantar   Socials:  Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

In this special repost episode of The Ferment, Sam shares his journey into worship leading and songwriting as the son of Vineyard UK pioneers Chris and Fliss Lane. From the depths of a life given to the worship of God and the service of His people, Sam brings a treasure of insights to sustain and inspire all of us who serve weekly in the trenches of local church worship ministry.   Samuel Lane is a worship leader, songwriter, and recording artist. For over twenty years, he has worked to refine his songwriting, exploring musicality and faith, pouring his life into crafting songs that draw people closer to God.   Lane has written and recorded 40 songs with Vineyard Worship, and his songs have been covered by various artists including Jesus Culture. In 2013, Samuel released his debut solo album, The Fire, which Christianity Magazine called “incredible - there hasn't been an album that has captured my attention in such a way for a long time.”   In 2018, Lane released  The Difference. “Maybe it's the stripped-down urgency of Lane's voice, the album's eclectic sonic treasure-chest or simply the B3 humming throughout, but whatever it is, it's enough to make you rethink today's neat-and-tidy Christian music categories” (Pandora Blog, Curators'Choice).

In this intercontinental episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Bazi Baker in Christ Church, New Zealand about meeting Jesus at a youth camp, and the little seeds his dad planted throughout his life that guided him to where he is today. Bazi shares about becoming interested in music and falling in love with the guitar, as well as some of the key mentors in his younger years and the way they contributed to his formation. Adam and Bazi talk through what they're hoping to see in the future of songwriting in the church, and some disciplines that might help us get there. Bazi Baker is the worship pastor of Grace Vineyard Church in New Zealand and heads up the School of Worship. He has a heart to raise up worshippers and songwriters in order to see the Church equipped and released into passionate worship of God. He earned his degree in jazz guitar and loves to help musicians become the best they can be. Show Notes:  Thrive worship leader training  Promo code: Ferment15 VSOW.Org