Best The Liturgists Network Podcasts (2025)

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Magnificat: Be (with special guest Dave Riffel) 58:32

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6d ago58:32

58:32

Host Michael Gunger welcomes songwriter Dave Riffle to discuss the origin and meaning of the song "Be," and how it grew from a meditation into a shared hymn. The episode explores the Mystic Hymnal project and why group singing matters for connection, health, and spirit. They trace the history of communal singing, critique modern worship trends, and…

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Dancing on the Hills of Assisi (Magnificat: Re-Member) 32:39

7d ago32:39

32:39

In this episode Michael Gungor shares a personal 2010 story of spiritual crisis and a week of silence in Assisi that led to a profound breakthrough—dissolving into a sense of God, dancing on the hills where St. Francis preached, and feeling a deep, freeing presence. He connects that experience to the song "Remember," inspired by a letter from St. C…

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Bubbles & Worship 2.0 (Magnificat: This is Love) 40:00

16d ago40:00

40:00

This episode is a continuation of the "Magnificat" series, where Michael Gungor does a deep dive on every song of his new Gungor album, Magnificat. This week's song: "This is Love". To understand this song fully, one must understand "Play"--an experiment in “worship 2.0” that mixes the sacred and the absurd, explains the song’s writing and producti…

1
Jesus Broke the Fourth Wall (Magnificat: I AM) 53:26

1M ago53:26

53:26

Michael Gungor reflects on seeing three crosses with a political banner and uses the image to explore the song "I Am," the meaning of Jesus (Yeshua), the I AM mantra, and how religion and empire distorted a message of love. He combines musical behind-the-scenes, personal stories from the Mystic Hymnal retreat, and a call to return to the root of be…

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Sacred Sexuality (Magnificat: Like Hallelujah) 31:29

1M ago31:29

31:29

Michael Gungor recounts a shamanic sexual healing retreat and explores the ideas behind his song "Like Hallelujah" from the album Magnificat. He argues for a third way between repression and indulgence—sacred sexuality as a guided life force—draws on Tantra and Christian mystics, and shares personal stories of healing and deprogramming religious sh…

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Magnificat--Burdens 29:30

2M ago29:30

29:30

In this episode, Michael Gungor explores the song "Burdens," tracing its origin from a Mystic Hymnal retreat through LA wildfires, Bell's palsy, and time alone in the Sequoia forest. He shares how personal pain, community rejection, and the healing arc of the album shaped the music and lyrics, blending field recordings, playful community rituals, a…

1
Magnificat: Smokeless Fire 36:49

2M ago36:49

36:49

Michael Gungor walks through the song "Smokeless Fire" from his album Magnificat, explaining his musical choices and the three-character arc that shapes the record. He explores themes of desire, incarnation, suffering as offering, and the invitation to let life have its way, guiding listeners into presence and surrender.…

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Magnificat: Totally Meaningless 36:13

2M ago36:13

36:13

Michael Gungor breaks down the song "Totally Meaningless" from his album Magnificat, sharing early demos, inspirations, and studio moments. Through playful strings, candid demos, and his daughter Lou’s cameo, he explores how embracing life’s inherent meaninglessness can open the door to presence, joy, and creative freedom. This episode blends songw…

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Magnificat: All In 28:19

2M ago28:19

28:19

Michael Gungor breaks down episode 3 of the Magnificat series on the Loving This Podcast, exploring the song "All In" from his album Magnificat — a celebration of embodied life, sexuality, and the wildness of being human. He shares the song's origins, its place in the album's narrative (Mother, Father/Forest, and the mystic child), and challenges p…

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Magnificat: Same Sky 36:21

3M ago36:21

36:21

Michael Gungor breaks down the making of "Same Sky" from his album Magnificat, sharing early versions, studio anecdotes, and production choices that shaped the final song. He explains Internal Family Systems and the sky/cloud metaphor that inspired the lyrics, and invites listeners to witness and hold all parts of themselves with open, non-judging …

1
Magnificat: The Vortex That Sang 35:14

3M ago35:14

35:14

Host Michael Gungor introduces his new album Magnificat and a short podcast series that explores each song, blending music-making with a spiritual invitation to "spirit remembering itself." The episode recounts a powerful experience at a songwriter retreat in the Garden of the Gods where Hope hears a voice she identifies as Mary singing in 432 Hz, …

1
Worship Leaders as Loved and Sent (Cloeter) 32:55

1+ y ago32:55

32:55

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:https://www.amazon.com/Loved-Sent-Words-Define-Matter/dp/1938840…

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Psalm 65 (Hope Has An Answer): Behind the Music w/ Mike Middendorf and Kip Fox 40:31

2y ago40:31

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. g…

1
Psalm 56 (Your Promise): Behind the Music w/ Paul Elliott, Emily Bartels and Kip Fox 32:11

2y ago32:11

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 (…

1
Prayer For An Imaginary World 13:48

2y ago13:48

13:48

May we be free from our beliefs. Amen.By The Liturgists Network

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Miles to Go and the Tank's on Empty: Why Ministers Need Ministry (Mueller) 47:23

2y ago47:23

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: WALi Summit

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Worship as an Operating Room (Hicks) 45:03

2y ago45:03

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: Worship by Faith Alone: Thomas Cranmer, the Book of Common Prayer, and the Reformation of Liturgy Before We Gather: Devotions for Worship Leaders and Teams The…

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Worship as a Wormhole (Hicks) 43:31

2+ y ago43:31

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: Worship by Faith Alone: Thomas Cranmer, the Book of Common Prayer, and the Reformation of Liturgy Before We Gather: Devotions for Worship Leaders and Teams The Worshi…

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Worship as a Gymnasium (Hicks) 49:13

2+ y ago49:13

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: Worship by Faith Alone: Thomas Cranmer, the Book of Common Prayer, and the Reformation of Liturgy Before We Gather: Devotions for Worship Leaders and Teams The Worship…

1
Psalm 1 (That Man): Behind the Music w/ Chad Bird, Kip Fox and Ben Lange 39:43

2+ y ago39:43

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)." SHO…

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Enough 37:07

3y ago37:07

37:07

In this episode, Michael talks about his discovery about how the most destructive patterns in his history have been rooted in a story of not being enough. This realization has made him refocus his mission to the point that he is restructuring all of his life, work, and business. Support this new work at www.patreon.com/michaelgungor…

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I Still Love You 24:48

3y ago24:48

24:48

“What do I love when I love my God?” This is a famous question asked in St. Augustine’s “Confessions” that many people through the centuries have pondered and wrestled with. I too have wrestled with that question. And I can tell you it wasn’t just a theoretical or casual philosophical conversation for me. For me, it felt like the slow breaking of a…

1
Nonviolent Forgiveness (I Forgive You) 27:11

3y ago27:11

27:11

Can the idea of forgiveness actually be violent? In this episode, Michael talks about Gungor's new single "I Forgive You" and explores the idea of forgiveness looking through the different lenses presented in Marshall Rosenberg's "Nonviolent Communication".By The Liturgists Network

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A History of Contemporary Praise and Worship Part 2 (Lim, Ruth) 1:03:29

3y ago1:03:29

1:03:29

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 Prais…

1
A Million I’s 19:45

3y ago19:45

19:45

Michael talks about the meaning and story of Gungor's new single "A Million I's"By The Liturgists Network

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A History of Contemporary Praise and Worship Part 1 (Lim, Ruth) 1:06:17

3+ y ago1:06:17

1:06:17

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 Prais…

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Psalm 42: The Longest Night (Fox, Saleska) 1:01:53

4y ago1:01:53

1:01:53

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".…

1
For James 28:16

4y ago28:16

28:16

What is truth? Can one be certain of anything?By The Liturgists Network

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Worship and the Formative Power of the Arts (Taylor) 1:00:43

4+ y ago1:00:43

1:00:43

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 a…

1
Singing Together 14:48

4+ y ago14:48

14:48

Singing together is not only a potentially powerful spiritual technology and form of spiritual community, but it’s good for you! Studies have shown singing to be linked to lower stress, better moods, more of a sense of connection, and many more benefits. In this podcast, Michael Gungor announces that he will be leading some simple chants and musica…

1
How to Change the World 28:22

4+ y ago28:22

28:22

How do we make a difference in a world that feels so big and out of our control? How do we not feel hopeless in the face of huge problems like climate change, racism, and inequality? Michael offers a radical suggestion.By The Liturgists Network

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Psalm 22:3 and God's Presence in Worship (Saleska) 58:13

4+ y ago58:13

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 u…

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Look What I Can Do 29:52

4+ y ago29:52

29:52

This is probably the most vulnerable podcast I've ever recorded. 2020 and 2021 have been some of the most challenging and beautiful years of my life. In this podcast, I share some of what's been happening with me as well as a song that I just released out of some of the shadow work I've been doing called "Look What I Can Do."…

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Book: Work and Worship (Kaemingk) 56:01

4+ y ago56:01

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 …

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Psalm 130: Out of the Depths (Armstrong, Fox, McMahon) 52:25

4+ y ago52:25

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…

1
Contemporary and Traditional Worship (Ruth) 1:08:29

4+ y ago1:08:29

1:08:29

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: https://theolog…

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Book: The Worship Architect (Cherry) 54:47

5y ago54:47

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. The Worship Architect Selecting Worship Songs Worship Like Jesus If shownotes do not appear, follow th…

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Worship Formation and the Catechumenate (Burreson, Schuler) 55:55

5y ago55:55

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 …

1
Good and Evil 40:14

5y ago40:14

40:14

In the wake of a disturbing week (and year) (and four years) (and however long humans have been around), we are confronted with what feels to be such vivid displays of evil in the world. What is evil exactly? Is it real? Is it objective? What do we even mean when we talk about good and evil and how does it relate to who we are and how we live?…

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Baptism and the Old Testament (Sundquist) 54:45

5y ago54:45

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. Bob's Appearance on "Preacher's Studio" The Walk for All Mankind Episode If shownotes do not appear, follow this link: https://theologyinmotion.libsyn.com/baptism-and-the-old-testament-sundquist…

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Psalm 72: Long Live the King (Elliott, Fox) 40:48

5y ago40:48

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 K…

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Book: The Holy Spirit and Christian Experience (Zahl) 55:05

5y ago55:05

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 h…

1
Theology of Beauty (Mattes) 56:43

5y ago56:43

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. Martin Luther's Theology of Beauty If shownotes do not appear, fol…

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Book: Worship and the World to Come (Packiam) 44:43

5+ y ago44:43

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. Worship and the World to Come…

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Grace 39:18

5+ y ago39:18

39:18

What is grace? Is it a magical power-up potion? A thought in the mind of God? A metaphor for fortunate moments in life? In this episode, Michael takes a deep dive into the idea of grace and offers his thoughts on why so many religious traditions have some sort of concept of it.By The Liturgists Network

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Covid-19: Incarnation, Excarnation, and Worship (Oesch) 57:21

5+ y ago57:21

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. Joel's Book "More Than a Pretty Face." Ep. 1 on Surveys Ep 2 with Drs. Jo…

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Are You Perfect Yet? 50:18

5+ y ago50:18

50:18

In this episode, Michael talks about the core idea behind his new debut Weiwu album "Are You Perfect Yet?" Why are our normal ideas of perfection so absurd? Is it possible to feel totally at home within this moment without it being some static, idyllic non-reality?By The Liturgists Network

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Worship's Dependance on Justification (Hicks, Kolb) 1:06:07

5+ y ago1:06:07

1:06:07

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 al…

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The Walk For All Mankind (Jones, Sundquist) 35:05

5+ y ago35:05

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

1
Ya Wei Embodiment Meditation 16:21

5+ y ago16:21

16:21

Michael leads a movement based body meditation using sounds from his upcoming single “Ya Wei”, which will be released in stores everywhere this Friday under the artist name Wuwei.By The Liturgists Network