The Sound of Discipleship: What Your Worship Set Is Teaching

Register Now for the Elevate Conference on September 9, 2025 Join us in Nashville, TN, for a one-day event designed to equip church leaders with practical strategies for sustainable ministry. Learn more at elevatechurchconference.com.On this episode of the Elevate Podcast, host Nic Gonzales (Worship Minister at The Church at Avenue South) is joined by Travis Cottrell (Worship Minister at Brentwood Baptist) and Luke Roman (Worship Minister at The Church at Station Hill) for a rich conversation on the theology of worship music and how song selection shapes the spiritual formation of a congregation. From building a healthy “song diet” to evaluating song rotation, introducing new songs, and retiring old ones, they discuss how worship leaders can shepherd their church through intentional and theological song choices.Meet the Speakers:Nic Gonzales – Worship Minister at The Church at Avenue South, passionate about encouraging authenticity in worship through music and relationships.Travis Cottrell – Worship Minister at Brentwood Baptist, seasoned leader, songwriter, and mentor shaping multi-generational worship in Middle Tennessee.Luke Roman – Worship Minister at The Church at Station Hill, committed to building singing congregations with a heart for spiritual depth and theological clarity.Topics Discussed in This Episode:2:00 – What is a healthy “song diet” and why it matters6:00 – How singing shapes theology and discipleship10:07 – Balancing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs13:00 – How worship engages mind, heart, and body15:18 – Evaluating your current rotation with a quarterly review20:15 – The role of theology in new song selection23:00 – Practical approaches to introducing new songs26:00 – How to connect new songs with spiritual moments31:00 – How often should you repeat songs to build familiarity?35:00 – When and how to “retire” a song with wisdom38:20 – Preparing your church for Easter songs47:00 – Encouragement for worship leaders in small or isolated churchesResources Mentioned:Grace Upon Grace – Michael BoggsBless God – Brooke LigertwoodHe Will Hold Me Fast – Keith & Kristyn GettySong Diet Exercise – Brentwood Worship team practice (inquire at Elevate Conference breakout sessions)Elevate Conference | September 9, 2025 | https://elevatechurchconference.com/ Elevate ConferenceLooking to grow as a worship leader or lead your team with greater clarity? Join us for the Elevate Conference on September 9, 2025, at Brentwood Baptist Church in Nashville, TN. This one-day event is packed with practical tools and fresh vision for every area of church leadership. Register now at https://elevatechurchconference.com/.