Theology in Motion

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Join Steve Zank and Jon Jordening as they host conversations about the theology of Christian worship and how it is relates to practice, design, and culture. The "Theology in Motion" podcast is produced by the Center For Worship Leadership, Christ College, Concordia University Irvine, CA.

The Center for Worship Leadership


    • Feb 27, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 50m AVG DURATION
    • 36 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Theology in Motion

    Worship Leaders as Loved and Sent (Cloeter)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2024 35:09


    In this episode we share Rev. Jeff Cloeter's plenary from the 2023 Worship Arts Leader Initiative (WALi) Summit: Worship Leaders as Loved and Sent. Be encouraged - you are much, much more than your achievements - you are loved by God in Jesus!   SHOW NOTES Links to Pastor Cloeter's Book: Check-out the WALi Summit:

    Psalm 65 (Hope Has An Answer): Behind the Music w/ Mike Middendorf and Kip Fox

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2023 40:31


    In this conversation with Rev. Dr. Mike Middendorf and Kip Fox, we explore the song "Psalm 65 (Hope Has an Answer)" based upon the text of Psalm 65 - a part of The Center for Worship Leadership's Psalm Library. We discuss: 1. the exegesis of Psalm 65, 2. what it is like for a songwriter to work with an academic theologian (and vice versa), and 3. going "behind the music" of "Psalm 65 (Hope Has an Answer)."

    Psalm 56 (Your Promise): Behind the Music w/ Paul Elliott, Emily Bartels and Kip Fox

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2023 32:11


    In this conversation with Paul Elliott, Emily Bartels and Kip Fox we explore the song "Psalm 56 (Your Promise)" based upon the text of Psalm 56 - a part of CWL's Psalm Library. We discuss: 1. the exegesis of Psalm 56, 2. what it is like for a songwriter to work with an academic theologian (and vice versa), 3. going "behind the music" of "Psalm 56 (Your Promise)."

    Miles to Go and the Tank's on Empty: Wny Ministers Need Ministry (Mueller)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2023 47:23


    In this episode we share Rev. Dr. Steve Mueller's plenariy from the 2022 Worship Arts Leader Initiative (WALi) Summit: Miles to Go and the Tank's on Empty: Wny Ministers Need Ministry.    SHOW NOTES Check-out the WALi Summit:  

    Worship as an Operating Room (Hicks)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2023 45:03


    In this episode we share one of Rev. Dr. Zac Hick's plenaries from the 2022 Worship Arts Leader Initiative (WALi) Summit: Worship as an Operating Room.    SHOW NOTES Links to Zac's Recent work: Check-out the WALi Summit:

    Worship as a Wormhole (Hicks)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2023 43:31


    In this episode we share one of Rev. Dr. Zac Hick's plenaries from the 2022 Worship Arts Leader Initiative (WALi) Summit: Worship as a Wormhole.    SHOW NOTES Links to Zac's Recent work: Check-out the WALi Summit:

    Worship as a Gymnasium (Hicks)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2023 49:13


    In this episode we share one of Rev. Dr. Zac Hick's plenaries from the 2022 Worship Arts Leader Initiative (WALi) Summit: Worship as Gymnasium.    SHOW NOTES Links to Zac's Recent work: Check-out the WALi Summit:  

    Psalm 1 (That Man): Behind the Music w/ Chad Bird, Kip Fox and Ben Lange

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2023 39:43


    In this conversation with Chad Bird, Ben Lange and Kip Fox we explore the song "Psalm 1 (That Man)" based upon the text of Psalm 1 - a part of CWL's Psalm Library. We discuss: 1. the exegesis of Psalm 1, 2. what it is like for a songwriter to work with an academic theologian (and vice versa), 3. going "behind the music" of "Psalm 1 (That Man)."   SHOW NOTES The Psalm Library - Psalm 1 (That Man) [Official Video] Written by: Kip Fox, Chad Bird, Ben Lange CCLI# 7216472 Spotify: Apple Music:  Amazon Music:  Pandora:  Free Charts:  Instagram:  Facebook: 

    A History of Contemporary Praise and Worship Part 2 (Lim, Ruth)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2022 63:29


    In this conversation with Dr. Swee Hong Lim and Rev. Dr. Lester Ruth we explore: 1. the history and impact of the "gap" movement within contemporary praise and worship (CPaW), 2. the influence of cultural considerations on CPaW, and 3. how modern Christian music is influenced by CPaW - as it appears in their new book A History of Contemporary Praise and Worship - Understanding the Movements that Reshaped the Protestant Church. If shownotes do not appear, follow this link: 

    A History of Contemporary Praise and Worship Part 1 (Lim, Ruth)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2022 66:17


    In this conversation with Dr. Swee Hong Lim and Rev. Dr. Lester Ruth we explore: 1. the history and impact of the "gift" movement within contemporary praise and worship (CPaW), 2. the influence of Reg Layzell and others on CPaW, and 3. how modern Christian music is influenced by CPaW - as it appears in their new book A History of Contemporary Praise and Worship - Understanding the Movements that Reshaped the Protestant Church. If shownotes do not appear, follow this link: 

    Psalm 42: The Longest Night (Fox, Saleska)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2021 61:53


    In this conversation with Dr. Tim Saleska and Kip Fox we explore the song "The Longest Night" based upon Psalm 42 - a part of CWL's Psalm Library. We discuss: 1. the exegesis of Psalm 42, 2. what it is like for a songwriter to work with an academic theologian (and vice versa), 3. going "behind the music" of "The Longest Night".

    Worship and the Formative Power of the Arts (Taylor)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2021 60:43


    In this stimulating conversation with Rev. Dr. W. David O. Taylor we explore his book Glimpses of the New Creation: Worship and the Formative Power of the Arts. - We discuss: 1. the role of the arts in worship, 2. the unique powers of different art forms, 3. arts' influence on theology and vice-versa, and 4. the ways our aesthetic choices open up and close down opportunities for formation in worship. If shownotes do not appear, follow this link: https://theologyinmotion.libsyn.com/worship-and-the-formative-power-of-the-arts-taylor    

    Psalm 22:3 and God's Presence in Worship (Saleska)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2021 58:13


    In this conversation with Rev. Dr. Timothy Saleska we dive deeply into the text of Psalm 22:3 - as a Lutherans trying to understand what it means for God to be "enthroned on the praises of Israel" (ESV).  - We discuss: 1. the exegesis of Psalm 22, 2. the discrepancy between the Septuagint and Hebrew in regard to Psalm 22:3, and 3. what it can tell us about the relationship between God's presence and the praises of His people. If shownotes do not appear, follow this link: https://theologyinmotion.libsyn.com/psalm-223-and-gods-presence-in-worship-saleska

    Book: Work and Worship (Kaemingk)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2021 56:01


    In this conversation with Rev. Dr. Matthew Kaemingk we explore the book Work and Worship - Reconnecting Our Labor and Liturgy. We discuss: 1. What it looks like for workers to bring their whole selves to worship (trumpets, ashes, tears, petitions, and fruits), 2. How worship enlivens and contextualizes the workplace, 3. The Old Testament and Early Church as a model of this integration, and 4. the importance of festival and frivolity. If shownotes do not appear, follow this link: https://theologyinmotion.libsyn.com/book-work-and-worship-kaemingk

    Psalm 130: Out of the Depths (Armstrong, Fox, McMahon)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2021 52:25


    In this conversation with Dr. CJ Armstrong, Kip Fox, and Ariel McMahon we explore the song "Out of the Depths" based upon Psalm 130 - a part of CWL's Psalm Libary. We discuss: 1. the exegesis of Psalm 130, 2. what it is like for a songwriter to work with an academic theologian (and vice versa), 3. going "behind the music" of "Out of the Depths". If shownotes do not appear, follow this link: https://theologyinmotion.libsyn.com/psalm-130-out-of-the-depths-armstrong-fox-mcmahon  

    Contemporary and Traditional Worship (Ruth)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2021 68:29


    In this conversation with Rev. Dr. Lester Ruth we explore: 1. the sources of contemporary praise and worship (CPaW), 2. stereotypes in regard to traditional and CPaW styles, 3. the storytelling aspect of worship, and 4. the future of the relationship between CPaW and traditional worship. If shownotes do not appear, follow this link:    

    Worship Formation and the Catechumanate (Burreson, Schuler)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2021 55:55


    In this conversation with Drs. Rhoda Schuler and Kent Burreson we explore their Calvin Institute of Worship funded research project involving worship and the catechumanate: 1. the implications of baptism for the local community of faith, 2. the integration of worship and discipleship, 3. the ways in which rituals form us, and 4. the four stages of discipleship. If shownotes do not appear, follow this link:  https://theologyinmotion.libsyn.com/worship-formation-and-the-catechumanate-burreson-schuler        

    Baptism and the Old Testament (Sundquist)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2021 54:45


    In this conversation with Rev. Bob Sundquist we explore the biblical narrative of baptism starting in a seemingly unlikely place: the Old Testament. If shownotes do not appear, follow this link: https://theologyinmotion.libsyn.com/baptism-and-the-old-testament-sundquist

    Psalm 72: Long Live the King (Elliott, Fox)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2020 40:48


    In this conversation with Dr. Paul Elliott and Kip Fox we explore the song "Long Live the King" based upon Psalm 72 - a part of CWL's Psalm Libary Initiative and: 1. the exegesis of Psalm 72, 2. what it is like for a songwriter to work with an academic theologian (and vice versa), 3. going "behind the music" with the songwriters of 'Long Live the King". If shownotes do not appear, follow this link: https://theologyinmotion.libsyn.com/psalm-72-long-live-the-king-elliott-fox  

    Book: The Holy Spirit and Christian Experience (Zahl)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2020 55:05


    In this conversation with Dr. Simeon Zahl we explore his latest book, The Holy Spirit and Christian Experience, and what it has to say about leading worship: 1. moving past the false dichotomy of theology and experience, 2. the distinction between law and gospel in worship, 3. the ways in which the Holy Spirit's work is connected to salvation and how that relates to our experience. If shownotes do not appear, follow this link: https://theologyinmotion.libsyn.com/book-the-holy-spirit-and-christian-experience-zahl  

    Book: The Worship Architect (Cherry)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2020 54:47


    In this conversation with Rev. Dr. Constance Cherry we explore her book The Worship Architect: 1. God's blueprint for worship, 2. the leader's role in designing services, 3. how worship designers engage culture, and 4. criteria for song selection. If shownotes do not appear, follow this link: https://theologyinmotion.libsyn.com/book-the-worship-architect-cherry

    Theology of Beauty (Mattes)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2020 56:43


    Co-hosted by Kip Fox, in this conversation with Rev. Dr. Mark Mattes we explore: 1. Mark's book Martin Luther's Theology of Beauty, 2. What makes worship "beautiful," 3. The distinction between theological and creation categories for beauty, and 4. The role of the artist in worship. If shownotes do not appear, follow this link: https://theologyinmotion.libsyn.com/theology-of-beauty-mattes

    Book: Worship and the World to Come (Packiam)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2020 44:43


    In this conversation with Rev. Dr. Glenn Packiam we explore: 1. Glenn's latest book on christian hope in contemporary worship, 2. worship as faith formation, 3. how worship songs are encoded and experienced, 4. encouragements for pastors, songwriters and worship leaders, 5. theological ethnography and research methods. If shownotes do not appear, follow this link: https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/15462116

    Covid-19: Incarnation, Excarnation, and Worship (Oesch)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2020 57:21


    In this conversation with Rev. Dr. Joel Oesch we explore: 1. the opportunities and challenges of online worship during the Covid-19 lockdown, 2. what we can learn for the future of the church, 3. the theological implications of incarnations and digital excarnation in worship.   If shownotes do not appear follow this link: https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/show/theologyinmotion/id/15067778

    Worship's Dependance on Justification (Hicks, Kolb)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2020 66:07


    In this conversation with Rev. Zac Hicks and Dr. Robert Kolb we explore: 1. Zac's recent doctoral work regarding Thomas Cramner's commitment to "faith alone" in the Book of Common Prayer. 2. How our view of justification defines our approach to worship as individuals and as a church. 3. The ways in which the rediscovery of justification by faith alone affected worship practice in the English and Lutheran Reformations. 4. The implications of these conversations for the 21st century. If shownotes do not appear follow this link: https://theologyinmotion.libsyn.com/the-dependance-of-justification-and-worship-hicks-kolb

    The Walk For All Mankind

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2020 35:05


    In this conversation with Dr. Timothy Jones and Rev. Robert Sundquist we explore: 1. The Walk For All Mankind 2. Creativity in music and preaching 3. The power of collaboration

    Luther, the Lord's Supper, and Lessons from LSB

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2020 60:59


    In this conversation with Dr. Joe Herl we explore: 1.  comparing Luther and Rome on the Lord's Supper. 2. the power of music. 3. the impact of pietism on sacramental traditions. 3. lessons for worship from Lutheran Service Book (LSB). Links (Visit episode website for active links)  

    2019 WALi Summit Recap 2 - Practical Skills

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2020 46:19


    On this recap episode from the 2019 WALi Summit listen to conversations with music director Corey Witt, drummer and educator , and acoustic guitarist Matt Preston. We also announce the release of our , new , and Registration for the 2020 in Irvine, CA, June 29-July 2!

    2019 WALi Summit Recap 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2019 51:43


    On this recap episode from the 2019 WALi Summit listen to conversations with 2 attendees: Brandon Li, Paul Kasaty, and two presenters: Dr. Steve Mueller, and Dr. Michael Eschelbach. Consider joining us for the 2020 WALi Summit in Irvine, CA. Save June 28-July 3, and we will be back with more information regarding registration and exact dates. Thanks to Jon Jordening, the executive director of the Center for Worship Leadership, for telling us about WALi at the beginning of the show.

    summit irvine wali worship leadership
    Holiness and Worship (Isaiah 6)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2019 48:39


    In this conversation with Dr. Reed Lessing we explore:   1. Isaiah 6. 2. are you "holy?" How do you know? 3. what does it mean to worship a holy God? 4. what's the relationship between the heavenly and the earthly in worship? 5. what is the role of confession and absolution in worship?   Shownotes (Visit episode website for active links) .

    Book: The Worship Pastor

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2019 50:04


    In this conversation with Zac Hicks we explore: 1. Zac's book, "The Worship Pastor." 2. The history of music as priestcraft. 3. The distinction between law and gospel and its application to worship. 4. A resource to sing Psalm 119 in worship. Links:  

    Worship and Culture

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2019 64:55


    In this conversation with Dr. Glenn Fluegge and Dr. Jim Marriott we explore: 1. the cultural challenges facing the American church, especially its worship practices. 2. anecdotal stories from West Africa. 3. methods for navigating culture's influence on issues of worship. 4. a framework of understanding cultural engagement in 4 different dimensions.   See attached PDF for Glenn's "In Seach of a Biblical and Contextualized Response."

    Introduction to the Psalms

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2019 54:48


    There may be no better illustration of Theology of Motion than the book of Psalms and the singing of God's Word. This episode I sat down with Dr. CJ Armstrong, Dr. Jeff Mallinson, and Jon Jordening to talk about about the Psalms as both a devotional and congregational book. We discuss the Psalms as they are used by Jesus, monastic Christians, French Huguenots, and even Isaac Watts. Join us for a discussion of what Richard Hanson calls “one of the most significant collections of literature ever compiled...by any people.”   Show Notes - Lutheranism vs. Calvinism: The Classic Debate at the Colloquy of Montbéliard, 1586 - Sexy: The Quest for Erotic Virtue in Perplexing Times  

    Church-Goers Throughout History

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2019 56:08


    The Christian Church has a long and interesting history, with different events marking new periods of how the church relates to the culture, and how individuals relate to the church. In this episode of "Theology in Motion" i sat down with Dr. Steve Mueller and Dr. Joel Oesch to talk about the many reasons Christians have "gone to church" through the centuries. We discuss the persecuted-church, the institutional church, the church of the Reformation, what's essential, and the importance of community.

    Navigating Surveys and Why Americans Go to Church

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2019 40:33


    There are many surveys available to church leaders addressing why people attend religious services and what the average person might be expecting from their church experience. On this episode Steve interviews Dr. Daniel Enemark, a professional researcher, about the meaning of these latest surveys for church leaders. Show Notes

    Theology in Motion Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2019 1:51


    If you have any questions about the Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University Irvine, check out our website at cwlonline.com   Thanks for listening!

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