The Worship Circle Podcast

Our guest on this podcast has remained faithful through every season—as a friend, husband, father, drummer, and pastor. From the early days of 7:22 in Atlanta, GA, to serving on church staff for many years, and now in his role as a Working Genius Coach, Elliott shares how God has used his passion for being behind the band as a drummer to shepherd and guide teams toward greater health and wholeness. http://www.worshipcircle.com

Are you feeling hurt, tired, lonely, and yearning for a safe community that offers presence and love? Our REST Retreat, scheduled for October 20-22 this coming fall, could be an ideal starting point for you to embark on the Worship Circle journey! In this episode, we are delighted to have Aaron and Janie Hoskins share their inspiring story of how God met them and continues to meet them through their deep connection to this family.   http://www.worshipcircle.com

In this podcast, we hear from Jala Tass and Demi Dodds from Christ Chapel Bible Church in Fort Worth, TX, as well as Meridith Parker and Sabrina Dillard from New Life Church in Denton, TX, following our time at the first-ever Worship Circle Story Conference in Dallas, TX. They each share a bit about their journey in ministry and also how God revealed His love and presence to them at the story conference.  http://www.worshipcircle.com

We often struggle to sit with others in their pain and sorrow because we haven't fully faced our own. Instead, we offer verses or spiritual-sounding one-liners—sometimes without realizing they signal our discomfort with being truly present in suffering. But Jesus knew how.In this podcast, our friend Karrie Scott Garcia helps us understand why our past stories matter and how, through community, our brains can be rewired and healed http://www.worshipcircle.com

In this podcast, we hear from our dear friend Heath Balltzglier. Heath played bass on both Worship Circle projects. He is a gifted songwriter, worship leader, husband, and dad. Heath's stories have been known to bring healing laughter to those around him. http://www.worshipcircle.com

Whether during his years with Truth and 4Him, or serving as a worship pastor in the local church, Andy Chrisman's voice and heart for God have been an encouragement and blessing to so many. In this episode, we discuss Andy's music and worship history and his podcast “One Degree From Andy,” where he allows us all to hear from so many Christian artists that reminded us on our journeys that we are loved and not alone. http://www.worshipcircle.com

We are honored to have former 4Him group member, artist, worship leader, and pastor, Mark Harris, in this podcast. Mark is now part of our Worship Circle family as a small group leader and brings years of experience walking with God and leading others to carry out the calling of leading others to encounter God's presence. Mark will be with us at Worship Circle Dallas May 1-3, 2025. http://www.worshipcircle.com

In this podcast, we are honored to spend time with author and teacher Steve Cuss. Steve's books "Managing Leadership Anxiety" and "The Expectation Gap" are written out of his journey of experiencing the deep connection between fostering a well self as a way of being most present to God and others.  http://www.worshipcircle.com

In this podcast, Todd shares a tool we've used at Worship Circle for years. As God continues to lead us, it has become even more integral. We hope that you will begin to be curious about the pace at which you live, and the stories you are comprised of. As we allow ourselves to be honest about our stories of harm, we become more able to bring an “authentic” or “integrated” response to God! http://www.worshipcircle.com

In this podcast, we sit down with friend and brother, Brian Scoggin former drummer of Casting Crowns for 13 years. For those of us who have been blessed to know him..we all confess that he is not only a great drummer…but first and foremost a loving and servant-hearted follower of Jesus and leader of his family. Brian is a worship leader from the drums and is as grace-filled as they come. We hope you are encouraged by Brian's story and that you laugh a little too. He would want it that way. We also hope that his insight can help musicians and drummers with approach and application.  http://www.worshipcircle.com

In this podcast, we talk with artist, producer, and session player Jason Hoard about his journey from bluegrass prodigy to helping others bring their songs and sounds to life. From guitarist best practices to finding your own voice as a musician, this conversation is helpful and inspiring.  http://www.worshipcircle.com

In this podcast, Todd and Matt discuss Matt's history with the idea and song “Heart of Worship,” his latest offering, “Coming Back to the Heart,” his current Christmas EP, “In Excelsis,” and the importance of sound Theology in songwriting.  http://www.worshipcircle.com

In this podcast, John Ortberg talks about his spiritual journey as a follower of Jesus and ministry leader and some of the key takeaways from being mentored by Dallas Willard. He offers some thoughts and insights on what to pay attention to in ourselves that will matter in our becoming who God created us to be.  http://www.worshipcircle.com

In this podcast, Mack and Todd discuss Mack's involvement in Worship Circle and the latest “Foundations” project, his journey into worship leading, and his new project “This is Holy”. They also discuss his inventory of God's constant faithfulness on the journey.  http://www.worshipcircle.com

Through the songs he's written and the people he's been entrusted to lead over the years Kristian Stanfill has been a voice to the Church of freedom and hope in Jesus. This podcast discusses his recent experience recording the Worship Circle album Foundations, how God uses our unique placement and calling, and how we can engage the people we lead to join the heavenly song.  http://www.worshipcircle.com

Jesse Reeves has had his heart and hand involved in writing or co-writing many songs over the past couple of decades, and they have had and will continue to have staying power in the Church for generations. From “How Great is Our God” to “Lord I Need You” and most recently “I Speak Jesus”. Jesse sat down with us to share what God has been teaching him lately in his journey and how the theme of “story” is on his radar this season. Jesse will be a mentor with us for our upcoming 2025 term and you can register for his group at www.worshipcircle.com  http://www.worshipcircle.com

In this podcast, we continue our focus on why our story matters. Our guest, Cathy Loerzel, holds an MACP in Psychology from the Seattle School and helped found the Allender Center with Dan Allender in 2010. She is the co-author of the book “Redeeming Heartache” with Dan. She has developed a therapeutic approach called story work which moves people through their past stories of heartache to heal and discover healthier ways of being in the world. Cathy will be with us at our upcoming REST Retreat at Stone Mountain in Georgia. http://www.worshipcircle.com

We all have a story. It primarily influences who we are and who we are becoming. In this episode, we talk with Adam Young who is a counselor and the host of “The Place We Find Ourselves” podcast to begin paying attention to how significant it can be to ourselves, our family, and those we lead for us to heal from the past harm we have all encountered on the earth.  http://www.worshipcircle.com

In this podcast, Worship Circle family members Lori McBride and Durell Comedy share how God drew them into our community and how He used them during their journey. The online SUMMIT is our entry point for you and is right around the corner. We invite you to pray about joining us to experience God's love and presence with your brothers and sisters.  http://www.worshipcircle.com

In this podcast, we hear from two of our Worship Circle Pastor members about their story of jumping in with us this year. Todd Cullen of Hilton Head Community Church and Conrad McKenzie of Christ Community Church in Massachusetts share how God has used the WC community to bring rest and healing to their personal and ministry lives. http://www.worshipcircle.com

Being present in God's presence is vital for our hearts and souls to experience God's love. In this podcast, we are honored to have our sister and Worship Circle mentor, Melodie Malone, share her story and heart for God's presence and her desire for others to experience Him in intimacy and worship. Melodie's new version of “Breathe” is on the Worship Circle “Foundations” project.  http://www.worshipcircle.com

In this podcast, we check in with our friend and Worship Circle mentor, Charlie Hall. Charlie's pastoral heart, listening ear, and authentic way of life have blessed so many of the guys he's led in small groups. Charlie's classic song “Marvelous Light” will be released soon on our new “Foundations” project.  http://www.worshipcircle.com

In this podcast, we sit down with our sister and Worship Circle mentor, Laura Story, to talk about her new version of “Indescribable” from the Worship Circle “Foundations” project. We also discuss current tendencies and leanings in worship ministry in the Church and Laura's experience leading her small group with us. http://www.worshipcircle.com

In this podcast, we sit down with our friend and new Worship Circle mentor, Jill Phillips, to talk about her musical journey through the years as well as her path towards helping others move toward healing.  http://www.worshipcircle.com

In this podcast, Paul shares the origin story and eventual worldwide impact of his song, "Open The Eyes Of My Heart." http://www.worshipcircle.com

In this podcast, we discuss our good friend Meredith Andrew's current season of life, her new project “Heaven's Frequency”, as well as her experience as a Worship Circle mentor and song on the upcoming “Foundations” live album.

In this podcast, former Worship Circle member Becky Ykema shares her journey from the stage of a megachurch to serving the local church as an all-hands-on-deck worship pastor in a context where responsibilities were added. We discuss the challenges and the rewards of leading a team, as well as the current state of worship ministry in the Church. 

In this podcast, we sit down with Michael Jones of Worship Circle Pastors, along with David and Holly Jauregui of Winshape Retreats and spiritual directors Will Truesdell and Brenda Golden. We talk about the upcoming needs, the journey, and the offerings of Worship Circle Pastors.

Our care is often the last thing we realize we need. To allow ourselves to be loved is risky. To come as we are and not as we should be, without allowing our accomplishments to define us. What if God just wants you to know how deeply loved you are? In this podcast, we hear stories from Worship Circle members who were skeptics but discovered God's love when they risked being known.

In this podcast, we sit down with our friend Linda Harrington of Clarity Keys Ministry. Linda has ministered to the Worship Circle family over the years at our REST Retreats and has been with us online and provided personal ministry to our coaches and participants. Join us as we discuss this encouraging gift that has edified us and reminded us that we are loved and not alone. 

In this episode, we share info about our upcoming in-person REST Retreat happening October 23-26. We hear stories from leaders in our family who have been impacted by attending in years past.

From Vertical Worship to Brandon Lake and Matt Maher, our friend Jacob Sooter has helped many artists and musicians bring their ideas to reality. In this podcast we talk with Jacob about his journey into music as a profession, his advice for worship team musicians, and his love for the outdoors as a way to care for his soul.

In this podcast, Todd discusses some of the lies we believe in ministry that keep us from first receiving God's love as a daily practice. 

Sometimes we sense that maybe there's another lane or path that could be a part of our story. In this podcast, Todd sits down with Jeff Henderson to discuss his journey and to hear some of the things he's learned along the way.

In this episode, we talk with singer-songwriter Andy Gullahorn about worship, songwriting, and the journey we all take of paying attention to and caring for our hearts.

In this episode, we sit down with my spiritual director Danny Mullins for a follow-up conversation about our REST retreat in October. We talk about our journey toward learning how our unique makeup, personality, gifting, and life is a masterpiece created by God for the days He's ordained for us. As part of our conversation, we discuss Todd's journey to write and record songs from a vulnerable place. 

In this episode, we catch up with our sister and Worship Circle Mentor Kim Walker Smith. We discuss her faith journey, her new season of life in a new location, and her heart for mentoring other worship leaders. 

In this podcast, we have a discussion with Paul Baloche and Mack Brock about the pull of busyness and striving on our lives in ministry. We discuss the importance of having a safe place to be vulnerable as well as their experience as mentors in Worship Circle. 

In this episode, Todd sits down with a long-time friend and soon-to-be Worship Circle mentor, Kristian Stanfill. They discuss leading worship through the years for Passion Conferences and Passion City Church, song stories of some favorites of the Church, and leadership advice regarding the power of authenticity. 

In this episode, we are honored to have Jeff Sandstrom, long-time sound engineer, and MXU founder, to help us with church sound, acoustic tone, as well as how to shepherd volunteers. Through the years Jeff has worked with Chris Tomlin, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Lauren Daigle among others. 

In this podcast, we hear from worship leaders and artists Brian and Katie Torwalt. From their early days of ministry writing songs like “Holy Spirit” to their most recent project “Good News”, Brian and Katie have a heart for God, His presence, and leading others to Him. We discuss the journey of writing the new album, the power of vulnerability, as well as excellence vs perfection. 

In this podcast, Todd sits down with Eric and Krissy Nordhoff. Krissy is a Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning songwriter who has written many songs that have been recorded by known artists. Together they have the heart to help other songwriters grow in their abilities to write personal and corporate songs of worship. 

In this podcast, we hear from our new Worship Circle mentor, Kristene Dimarco. Kristene discusses her life journey of experiencing God's presence and friendship in different seasons, and also shares her heart behind her new project “The Field”.

In this podcast, we talk with author and speaker John Lynch about the power of vulnerability and the freedom that comes when we rest in our true identity.

In this podcast, Charlie Hall discusses his current role at Frontline Church in Oklahoma City, the mentoring process, the importance of knowing your lyrics, and his experience as a coach in the Worship Circle family!

In this podcast, Christy Nockels, Eric Hill, Larry Green, and Todd Fields reflect on what God did at the recent REST Retreat in North Georgia. Listen with us and be reminded that God is present with you now in the midst of whatever you're going through. 

In this podcast, Todd discusses lies we believe as worship leaders about our identity and calling.We also discuss what Worship Circle is as well as our upcoming online SUMMIT.

In this podcast, we talk with Mack Brock about worship team culture, songwriting, and his faith journey as a worship leader. 

In this Podcast, Todd sits down with friend Laura Story to discuss the reality of following and trusting Jesus through the joy and pain of life. Laura's willingness to write, teach, and lead authentically from her heart has impacted so many through her songs and worship leadership. In this podcast, you'll hear the story of the song “Blessings” as well as some valuable insight for your worship leading.

In this podcast, Todd interviews Rooted Music Coaching founder Chris Brink. Their company provides online music instruction that is set apart from most lesson company's because they help musicians with tools that are transferable from song to song.

With our next SUMMIT right around the corner, we thought it would be fun to interview some Worship Circle members to hear a few of their stories and experience. Chris Orr, Meredith Parker, and Chris Wood, and his wife Meredith join us for this special peek behind the scenes of what keeps us from risking being known in the community.