Theology in Motion

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:

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)."

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)."

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:  

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:

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:

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:  

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: 

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: 

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: 

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".

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    

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

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

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  

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:    

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        

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

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  

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  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)  

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!

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.

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) .

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:  

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."

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  

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.

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

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!