Kelsey McGinnis on the Worship Industry and the Future of Church Music

How did contemporary praise and worship develop—and who is shaping what the church sings today? In this episode, Loren talks with Kelsey McGinnis to explore the evolution of modern worship, the lingering effects of the “worship wars,” and the growing influence of the worship industry on local congregations. They discuss how large-scale production and publishing networks shape song selection and theology, the unseen pressures facing worship leaders, and what healthy support actually looks like in a local church. The conversation also revisits the hymns versus modern worship debate, the renewed interest in liturgy, and whether lament, silence, and stillness have space in contemporary services. This episode offers a thoughtful, grounded look at how what we sing forms what we believe—and how churches might lead worship more intentionally in the years ahead. Together they explore: The rise of contemporary praise and worship How the worship industry shapes theology and song selection The pressures facing today’s worship leaders Hymns, liturgy, and the place of lament Whether secular songs belong in church Kelsey McGinnis is the worship correspondent for Christianity Today. She holds a PhD in musicology and teaches music and theology at Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa, and writes broadly on Christian music and the intersection of American Christianity and popular culture. Kelsey is a coauthor of the book The Myth of Good Christian Parenting and the author of a forthcoming book about Christian diet and wellness culture.  She lives in central Iowa with her husband and three children.   Mentioned Resources: 🌐 Kelsey's Website: https://www.kkramermcginnis.com/ 📖 Kelsey's Book: The Myth of Good Christian Parenting 🟧 Kelsey's Substack: https://kkramermcginnis.substack.com/ 📱 Instagram: @kelseykmcginnis 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Michelle Van Loon 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Michael Huerter 🎧 Episodes Referenced: Robert Schuller   Connect with Future Christian: 📱 Future Christian Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurechristianpod/ 📱 Martha's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martha_tatarnic/ 📱 Loren's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richmondljr/ 🟧 Future Christian Substack: https://futurechristian.substack.com/   Supporting Sponsors: Free Range Priest Helping clergy and congregations reimagine ministry in the digital age.  Martha's New Book! Anne Boleyn: Reputation, Revolution, Religion, and the Queen Who Changed History Available for Pre-order now!   Future Christian Team: Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host Dennis Sanders – Producer     SEO / Keywords contemporary worship, praise and worship history, worship wars, worship industry, church music theology, hymns vs modern worship, liturgy renewal, lament in worship, worship leader burnout, secular songs in church, worship culture, evangelical worship music, mainline worship styles, Future Christian Podcast, Loren Richmond Jr.