New songs, interviews, news, songwriting tips, events and loads more from Worship Central, a school of worship from Alpha International with a vision to encounter God, equip the worshipper and empower the church.
Noel shares deeply from his own life and describes how it is possible to turn petition into praise, no matter what the circumstance we face. He reminds us too that children model this kind of faith, this simple-hearted praise: ‘Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger' (Ps 8.2).
We begin by exploring the crucial theme of intimacy in worship. Worship enables and encourages an openness in our hearts to the heart of God. Kees Kraayenoord shares his own story of vulnerability before God and encourages us to do the same: ‘It takes the real you to step into intimacy with the Father. Not the “spiritual you”, the “you” you want people to believe you are.'
Lyn Weston from the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity expertly leads us through themes such as worship and justice, and how worship must overflow into action, as well as offering some really practical guidance for being a fruitful Christian in our everyday life. She leaves us with the challenge: ‘What is happening in the 110 hours a week where we are not worshipping at church? How do we worship God in those places?'
Why come together to worship and sing? What does singing do? How is physical expression linked to worshipping together? How does worship foster a greater sense of community? Lou inspires us to come to corporate worship with faith and expectation: ‘as you lift your voice, as you declare truth again over your life, as you lay your worries before him, God will meet with you!’
We begin by opening the door on the ‘private’ space of our lives. How do we invest in our own personal devotion? What are some of the crucial tools to help us worship when no one is looking? In this episode, Graham encour- ages us to develop rhythms of worship in our day-to-day lives that will last a lifetime. He invites us to be ‘self-starters’, not depending on others to lead us but rather leading ourselves first and foremost to live authentic, sustained lives of worship.
Exploring the absolute centrality of Jesus to our worship through the book of Hebrews with Dr Helen Morris. Hebrews is a key text, if not the key text, for understanding Christian worship. It is so rich with imagery and Old Testament reference. ‘In Hebrews, the author expresses his praise to Jesus by presenting the amazing truths about who Jesus is and what he has done, with beauty and intricacy.’ In this podcast, we are reawakened to the beauty of who Jesus is and the majestic scope of what he has done for us on the cross.’
‘If we are to authentically live out a lifestyle of worship it must come from truth we have heard about him and a revelation we have received from him.’ Dr Nick Drake & Dr John Andrews explore the study of ’Shema’ — the Jewish confession of faith that we find in Deuteronomy 6.4–5. This is a foundational revelation of the nature of the Oneness of God and our right response to him. He explores what it meant for the people of God at that time, and for us today, to not only hear this truth of God’s nature but to obey it.
Why Worship is a series based on the book 'Why Worship?' curated by Dr Nick Drake & Tim Hughes, exploring the questions — how do we worship better? How can we honour, love and serve God better? How can our lives be more aligned to his incredible life? In this episode, Nick & Tim unpack a little about the heart behind the book and open up part one, why worship?
What does it look like when the Spirit of God is poured out on all people? Join the WC Team as they prepare for Pentecost, desiring more of Holy Spirit in our times of worship. We also have a special guest interview w/ worship leader and songwriter Nicky Brown from Saints Church, London.
In this episode, Luke Hellebronth interviews Jeremy Riddle on setting a culture of worship and digging deeper into Jeremy's book 'The Reset'. Listen in on this raw, unedited conversation!
In this episode, we dive into our thoughts and reflections on 'The Reset' by Jeremy Riddle. Join Tim Hughes, Luke & Anna Hellebronth, Nick Herbert & Dr Nick Drake as we explore 'deconstructing deconstruction'.
What does it look like for us as worshippers to return to our first love? Join in on the conversation with Tim Hughes, Luke & Anna Hellebronth, Dr Nick Drake & Nick Herbert as we explore this together. We also have a great guest Q&A with worship leader & songwriter Nathan Jess, on how he's kept creating during lockdown.
This month we’re discussing how character matters — how it affects the way we lead and the paths we follow. Join Tim Hughes, Luke Hellebronth, Dr Nick Drake & Nick Herbert plus hear from our guest Junior Garr.
In this episode, the team, Tim Hughes, Luke & Anna Hellebronth, and Nick Herbert look back at how songwriting has evolved over the years, explore what it means to cultivate a songwriting community and writing songs in every season.
The team explores how we can fuel hope, not only in ourselves but also in our churches during these significant days. We also hear from Sinach, who has been a worship leader for over 30 years and is a multi award-winning songwriter, most known for her song 'Way Maker'.
In this episode we catch up with worship leader, singer-songwriter and artist Jake Isaac. We explore all things creativity, conviction and cultivating relationships.
Mark Counihan hosts a special 'Live Session' featuring stories from the nations. Be encouraged as you listen and hear how God is moving across the globe.
In this episode we chat with Les Moir. Les has played a significant role in the international contemporary worship music community. As a mentor, A&R manager at Integrity Music, record producer and bass player, he has encouraged and coached many worship leaders, musicians and songwriters. We look at how different writers and movements have shaped contemporary worship and how songs such as Waymaker & The Blessing can travel, reaching millions across the globe.
In this episode we chat with Martin Smith and hear what worship looks like for him in this moment. We talk about unwinding, taking the pressure off and the importance of leaning into what God is speaking to each of us.
In this episode Luke & Anna Hellebronth have a special interview with Nick & Becky Drake as we hear their heart behind worship and encounter for the whole family. Worship for Everyone was born out of the local church need for songs that carried ‘adult’ worship values (adoration, encounter, transformation) but united all ages in praise.
In this special series of the Worship Central Podcast the team continue the conversation around COVID-19 and how to navigate leading from home. In this episode we explore the questions and values behind leading people we can’t see and embracing authentic and pure worship.
In this special series of the Worship Central Podcast the team continue the conversation around COVID-19 and how to navigate the challenges of leading worship online. What does it look like to handle the pressures of creating content and how do we reposition ourselves to lead more effectively?
In this special edition of the Worship Central Podcast the team have their first conversation around COVID-19 and launch a new mini-series called ‘Worship In This Moment’. How do we continue to pursue His presence and carry hope as we deal with the challenges. What does it look like to worship heading into the unknown?
In this episode the team, Tim Hughes, Luke & Anna Hellebronth, Nick Herbert & Nick Drake answer questions on three of our six hot topics! We've paused our usual format to spend more time unpacking songwriting, setlists & band dynamics.
In this episode the team, Tim Hughes, Luke & Anna Hellebronth, Nick Herbert & Nick Drake explore how the link between prayer and worship releases faith. Hear a special guest interview with Brian Doerksen, a song feature and another great songwriting tip with Nick Herbs! Brian Doerksen is a songwriter, recording artist, author, conference speaker and pastor, but most of all he loves spending time with his high-school sweetheart Joyce (they have been married for 35 years.) Brian & Joyce have 4 daughters and 2 sons with Fragile X Syndrome. His songs are known and sung internationally in churches of all kinds including ‘Come now is the time to worship’, ‘Refiner’s Fire’, ‘Hope Of The Nations’ and ‘The River.’
In this episode the team, Tim Hughes, Luke & Anna Hellebronth, Nick Herbert & Nick Drake explore 'Recapturing the Vision' plus hear a special guest interview with Julian Adams. Julian is a co-director of Frequentsee. He is an author, spiritual advisor, revelatory teacher and leadership consultant in political, business and creative spheres. An internationally recognised prophet, Julian has a proven track record in the fulfilment of words released over individuals, communities and nations. He is a director for NEWDAY United, a charity based in South Africa and England that serves the poor and vulnerable in Southern Africa.
In this episode, the team, Tim Hughes, Luke & Anna Hellebronth, Nick Herbert & Nick Drake celebrate with a Christmas Special. They explore advent and reclaiming the wonder, plus unpack what Christmas looks like for the local church and how to add a creative twist to traditional carols. Find out more about writing Christmas worship songs in 'The Bridge' with Herbs.
In this episode the team, Tim Hughes, Luke & Anna Hellebronth, Nick Herbert & Nick Drake explore 'Worship & Lament' plus hear a special guest interview with Brenton Brown. Brenton Brown, originally from South Africa, found breakout success as a worship leader and songwriter as part of the Vineyard movement in the UK, writing several worship standards across multiple albums including “Lord Reign In Me”, “I Surrender”, “Humble King”, “All Are Thirsty” and “Hallelujah (Your Love Is Amazing)”. Brenton and his wife Jude relocated to California in 2008 and he has continued to create incredibly powerful worship songs including “Everlasting God”, “Lion and the Lamb”, “Worthy Is Your Name”, “Impossible Things” and many more. Brenton stretched his creativity in 2014 writing Grammy Award-nominated CCM song “Soul On Fire” for Third Day which spent an incredible 11 weeks at #1 on Christian AC radio. In 2018, tragedy struck the Brown family as their home was completely destroyed by the Woosley wildfire, losing all of the contents. Miraculously, Brenton’s writing shed on the property was spared along with his songwriting notes and instruments. Brenton regularly leads worship and attends Vintage Church L.A. where he currently serves as worship pastor.
In this episode the team, Tim Hughes, Luke & Anna Hellebronth, Nick Herbert & Nick Drake explore 'Spontaneity vs Liturgy' plus hear a special guest interview with Amy Orr-Ewing. Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing is a Senior Vice President with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries and Co-director of the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics.
In this episode the team, Tim Hughes, Luke & Anna Hellebronth, Nick Herbert & Nick Drake explore 'Modern Day Liturgy' plus hear a special guest interview with Guvna B.
In this episode the team, Tim Hughes, Luke & Anna Hellebronth, Nick Herbert & Nick Drake explore 'Being Spirit-Led' plus hear a special guest interview with Jeremy Riddle.
We're back! In this episode the team, Tim Hughes, Luke & Anna Hellebronth, Nick Herbert & Nick Drake explore 'Worship & Mission' plus hear a special guest interview with Sean Feucht