SARAH KROGER: Invitation to the Desert

Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3

Episode Title: SARAH KROGER: Invitation to the Desert

Host: John Chisum

Episode Summary:

Happy New Year and welcome to 2026! Thank you for joining us for Song Revolution. As we gear up for season 4 we wanted to share just a few of our favorite episodes from 2025. Enjoy!

In this deeply moving episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum welcomes recording artist and worship leader Sarah Kroger for an honest conversation about faith, identity, songwriting, and spiritual wilderness. With a contemplative heart and a background shaped by Catholic tradition, Sarah shares how her latest album A New Reality was birthed in a season of silence and questioning.

Together, John and Sarah explore what it means to embrace mystery in the Christian life, the importance of living in the present moment, and how belovedness can become an anchor in seasons of darkness. They also discuss the role of co-writing in Sarah's journey, her musical influences, and the inspiration behind standout tracks like "Galaxies," "Ghost," and the beloved fan-favorite "Belovedness."

Whether you're navigating your own spiritual desert or longing to write from a deeper place, this episode offers a rich well of encouragement, authenticity, and insight.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• How Sarah Kroger discovered her identity as a songwriter through co-writing
• Why gratitude and presence are key to thriving as an artist
• The inspiration and impact of her song "Belovedness"
• How contemplative authors like Henri Nouwen shaped her spiritual growth
• Why living in mystery may be the most authentic form of faith
• Real talk on spiritual silence, deconstruction, and creative perseverance

Key Moments:
[01:09] – John welcomes listeners and introduces Sarah Kroger
[03:34] – Sarah on gratitude, presence, and the joy of doing what she loves
[05:56] – The early passion for music and discovering co-writing
[10:24] – Influences from Nouwen, Merton, and Catholic mysticism
[13:06] – John and Sarah discuss spiritual darkness and the mystery of God
[17:03] – "I am with you always" as a theme through the desert
[23:39] – Letting go of old faith feelings and embracing radical immediacy
[29:01] – Practicing presence and the discipline of stillness
[31:14] – The story behind "Belovedness" and Sarah's devotional book
[36:39] – Exploring "Galaxies" and the divine image within us
[38:40] – Writing "Ghost" and choosing sacred, traditional language
[40:17] – John reflects on Sarah's album and the beauty of authenticity

Resources & Links:

Order Sarah Kroger's devotional Belovedness: Overcoming Your Inner Critic
https://sarahkroger.com

Join the NCS 2025 Songwriting Challenge – Download the free 31-page guide
https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/challenge2025

Sign up for Free First Monday Songwriting Training
https://courses.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/training

Explore NCS Community and membership options
https://www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com/ncs-community