Theology of Music
As an associate professor of music and worship and part-time worship pastor, Cliff has spent years thinking deeply about the songs that we sing together as a church during our corporate worship services. Yet, instead of being another deconstructing voice, Cliff seeks to foster thought-provoking and edifying conversations with folks who create and lead the songs we sing in corporate worship.
- Update frequency
- every 6 days
- Average duration
- 31 minutes
- Episodes
- 126
- Years Active
- 2020 - 2025
Creative and Intentional Worship Planning Using AI with Adam Stinespring
This month’s episode is a conversation I had with Adam Stinespring, worship leader, realtor, and designer of CreativeWorshipFlow.com, a worship planning tool using AI to assist worship leaders in put…
When We Sing with Jon Azzarello
As I was finishing up my doctoral studies in worship a couple of years ago, I came across a book called “The Greatest Worship Leader,” by author and worship pastor at Mercy Hill Church in North Carol…
Important Questions to Ask When Choosing Songs for Coprorate Worship with Dalton Shaffer
This month’s episode is a conversation I had with Dalton Shaffer, Music Ministry and Liturgy Director at Candeo church in Cedar Falls, Iowa. I’ve followed Dalton for a while on Instagram, and his ins…
AI and the Worship Leader with Travis Doucette - PART 2
My guest on this month’s episode is an experienced worship pastor, educator, and songwriter who has provided oversight to one of the largest multi-campus churches in Virginia. I knew I wanted to pull…
AI and the Worship Leader with Travis Doucette - PART 1
My guest on this month’s episode is an experienced worship pastor, educator, and songwriter who has provided oversight to one of the largest multi-campus churches in Virginia. I knew I wanted to pull…
Worship Song Contextualization with Dr. Ryan Loche of the Church Collective
My guest on this month's episode was long overdue! I got a chance to talk with Dr. Ryan Loche, the co-founder of The Church Collective https://www.instagram.com/thechurchcollective/. If you’re unfami…
Colossians 3:16 - An Biblical Guide to Corporate Worship with Spencer Cormany from Leading Worship Well
Colossians 3:16 not only guides the Church in WHY we should sing but WHAT we should be singing and WHY we should be singing it.
Do You Have A Worship Song Metric?
On this month’s episode, I bring back former guest, Justin Kintzel. While I’ve known Justin for a while through our connections at Liberty University and a quick coffee shop chat a couple of years ag…
How are we Discipling our Congregations in the Songs we Choose for Corporate Worship?
Joel and I discuss giving our congregations more than just a musically emotional experience but facilitating opportunities for them to both proclaim and ingest lasting Truth. Such a rich episode!
Brett Perkins Shares Some Guidelines for Choosing and Writing Songs for Corporate Worship
This is part 2 of my conversation with Brett Perkins, worship pastor at The Journey Church in Lebanon, TN. In this episode, Brett shares how they choose songs for corporate worship and even some of t…
The Motivation Behind Opening Doors with Brett Perkins
My conversation with Brett wasn't planned but it was SO good I had to hit record. In this episode, we discuss God's leading and how we discern the motivation behind stepping into opportunities the Lo…
The Role of Emotions in Corporate Worship with Pastor Kevin Haglund
A great conversation with Pastor Kevin Haglund on his research regarding the role of emotions in corporate worship.
The Relaunch with Dr. Gabriel Miller
Welcome or welcome back! My name is Cliff, and I'm the new Theology of Music podcast host. I'm excited to get to know you as we have discussions around the theology of the music we use in corporate…
The Good and Bad trends in the Church & the Last Episode of the Theology of Music Podcast
In this episode, Joel discusses the good and bad trends within the reformed and more charismatic churches. Additionally, Joel gives his last encouragement and exhortation to the listeners of this pod…
Should Churches Cancel Service on Christmas & "Joy To The World"
In this episode, Joel touches on a hot topic this year - whether churches should cancel services when Christmas falls on Sunday and how the song "Joy to the World" can inform our decisions.
The Beginning of the End for Theology of Music & Why
In this episode, Joel lists the reasons why the podcast is coming to an end and what the last few weeks will look like.
What It's Like to Move Everytime God Calls & the Story Behind "Wherever I Go" feat. Jackie Minton
In the last guest episode of the year, Joel sits down with Singer-Songwriter, Jackie Minton, to discuss how God continually utilized a certain Scripture to call her to make big leaps of faith and tru…
From Unemployed to Being a Pastor, The Story Behind His Music, and How Our Wives Told Us They Were Pregnant Again feat. Daniel Mulkey
In this episode, Joel sits down with Daniel Mulkey to talk about what it was like trusting God during a season of unemployment, serving in the church without agenda, and how our wives told us when th…
Growing Up With A Famous Dad, Hypocrisy in Christian Music, & Finding Spiritual Healing Through Playwriting
In this episode, Joel sits down with Anna Smith who is the daughter of World-famous Christian Artist, Michael W Smith. In this episode, Joel and Anna talk about what it's like growing up with a famou…
From Humble Beginnings to Humbly Leading, Why Our Stories Matter In Songwriting, & Prodigal Living feat. Mitch Langley
In this episode, Joel sits down with another fantastic worship leader and songwriter, Mitch Langley. They talk all about how God can use even the most wayward of sinners and bring them to a place whe…