The Lutheran Worship Podcast

In this episode, Kip and Steve explore the history, meaning, and controversy surrounding the phrase 'lex orandi, lex credendi'. Tracing its origins and historical context, they examine common misunderstandings, questions of attribution, and the phrase’s relationship to both Roman Catholic and Lutheran theology. Together, they consider how the expression has been used in discussions of doctrine and worship, why it has gained prominence in recent Lutheran conversations, and why careful historical and theological clarity is essential when appealing to it.

In this episode, Kip and Steve discuss the annual songwriter retreat hosted by the Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University Irvine. With participants from more than 20 states, the retreat brings songwriters together for collaboration, encouragement, and shared purpose. Together, they reflect on how the songwriting process fosters unity, forms meaningful partnerships, and supports the church with songs written for congregational worship.

In this episode, Kip and Steve explore the relationship between theology and practice in Lutheran worship. The conversation examines how worship both expresses and shapes belief, considering themes such as theology in liturgy, theology through liturgy, and the ways liturgical practices form Christians for everyday life. Together, they reflect on how the church’s worship is not merely a reflection of theology, but also a powerful means through which theology is learned, embodied, and lived.

In this episode, Kip and Steve explore different approaches used to select songs for worship through the work of Gertrud Tönsing. They consider common approaches to song selection—including emotional, evangelistic, aesthetic, theological, and personal meaning—and then turn toward a more integrated approach. Together, they reflect on how text, tune, theology, emotion, and congregational formation belong together as the church considers not only what makes a song effective, but what makes it faithful and durable.

In this episode, Kip and Steve continue drawing from Kip’s Master’s thesis to explore the theological and practical implications of music in Lutheran worship. They consider tradition and innovation, emotion and expression, instrumentation and musical diversity, showing how Luther’s theology of music makes room for creativity in the church’s song.

In this episode, Kip and Steve continue their exploration of Luther’s theology of music through themes drawn from Kip’s Master’s thesis. The conversation examines Luther’s understanding of music as both gift and proclamation, reflecting on his musical background, his love for music, and the role of song in the life of the church. Together, they also explore themes of textual freedom, sacred and secular borrowing, and the diversity of musical expression within Luther’s theological framework.

In this episode, Kip and Steve explore Luther’s theology of beauty, drawing from themes in Kip’s Master’s thesis. The conversation considers the hiddenness of God and the paradox at the heart of Christian beauty, connecting Luther’s doctrine of justification to a richer understanding of creation as gift. Together, they reflect on how the Gospel shapes the way the church perceives beauty—with wonder, humility, and theological clarity.

In this episode, Kip and Steve draw from Kip’s Master’s thesis to explore the contrasting views of John Calvin and Martin Luther on music in worship. Focusing on Calvin’s approach, they examine his caution around music—emphasizing a unified sacred style, restrained affect, the absence of instrumentation, and strict attention to text. Together, they set the stage for how these convictions differ from Luther’s perspective and what these distinctions reveal about theology, practice, and the role of music in the church.

In this episode, Kip and Steve draw from Kip’s Master’s thesis to explore how the influence of Plato and Augustine interacts with Luther’s theology of music. They trace key ideas about beauty, pleasure, and the power of music, highlighting the tension between its formative role and its potential for manipulation, and setting the stage for Luther’s response within the life of the church.

In this episode, Kip and Steve explore the role of major publishing entities in shaping today’s worship music landscape. The conversation examines how industry influence affects what songs are written, distributed, and widely sung, and the implications this has for the theological formation of congregations. Together, they reflect on how these dynamics shape the church’s song and why thoughtful discernment matters as churches consider what they sing.

In this episode, Kip and Steve are joined by Rev. Dr. Kent Burreson to explore the distinction between the Missa Catechumenorum and the Missa Fidelium, highlighting the significance of the Service of the Word in the life and mission of the church. The conversation reflects on early church practices, the role of Scripture reading and interpretation, and how the Service of the Word serves not only to form believers but also to engage those outside the faith.

In this episode, Kip and Steve are joined by Brendan Knorp to explore the role of guitar in worship and the broader responsibilities of a worship arts director. The conversation reflects on the importance of musical formation, the challenges of leading hymns on guitar, and the ongoing development of practical skills for church musicians. Together, they also consider the role of the music director and the unique dynamics of working with volunteer guitarists, offering insight into how thoughtful leadership and training can serve the church’s song.

In this episode, Kip and Steve take a closer look at key theological claims within the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), particularly the understanding of prayer as declaration and the belief that prosperity and physical healing are always God’s will. The conversation explores how these ideas shape worship practices and songwriting, and why careful theological discernment is essential as the church considers what it sings and confesses.

In this episode, Kip and Steve invite you into The Lutheran Worship Podcast, hosted by the Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University Irvine. Together, they examine the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and its growing influence on contemporary worship songs. The conversation explores the relationship between doctrine and practice, showing how what is believed shapes what is sung and experienced in worship. They walk through key themes that often come along with the NAR movement—including the Prosperity Gospel, Dominionism, and the Seven Mountain Mandate—while reflecting on how underlying doctrinal frameworks shape both theology and worship in the life of the church.

In this episode, Kip and Steve are joined by Pastor Nathan Huse. Together they trace his journey from contemporary worship leader to pastor and how that transition reshaped his understanding of worship. The conversation reflects on the pastoral responsibility behind song selection, the importance of intentional worship curation, and the ways congregational songs shape the faith and formation of the people who sing them.

In this episode, Kip and Steve invite you into The Lutheran Worship Podcast, hosted by the Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University Irvine. Together, they explore the meaning of liturgy, Divine Service, and worship in the Lutheran tradition—clarifying common misconceptions and emphasizing God’s gracious service to His people. Drawing on etymology, biblical foundations, and practical implications, the conversation considers how Lutheran worship is shaped not by what we offer to God, but by what He gives to us in Word and Sacrament.

In this episode, Kip and Steve invite you into The Lutheran Worship Podcast, hosted by the Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University Irvine. Together, they explore how repeated worship practices form faith over time and why congregational song plays a powerful role in shaping what the church believes and confesses. The conversation reflects on a recent Worship Leader research article on “The Big 4” worship publishers and their influence on what churches sing, examining how industry trends shape the theological diet of congregations. With a focus on intentional, theologically grounded planning, this episode considers why song selection is never neutral and how thoughtful choices help form a faithful Lutheran confession week after week.

In this episode, Kip and Steve invite you into The Lutheran Worship Podcast, hosted by the Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University Irvine. Together, they explore the work of worship leadership in a church shaped by diverse styles and contexts. The conversation reflects on synodical action, the role of the Center for Worship Leadership, and the growing need for faithful contemporary resources rooted in Lutheran theology. Whether you’re navigating questions of style, leading a team, or seeking tools for thoughtful planning, this episode highlights how diverse expressions of worship can remain grounded in a shared Lutheran confession.

In this episode, Kip and Steve invite you into The Lutheran Worship Podcast, hosted by the Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University Irvine. Together, they reflect on the balance at the heart of Lutheran worship—holding a common order of service while making room for faithful and thoughtful adaptation. Drawing on Synodical Resolution 4-04 from the 2016 Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Convention, the conversation explores how unity and flexibility belong together, and what it means to live fully within the Lutheran tradition as worship continues to serve the church today.

In this episode, Kip and Steve invite you into The Lutheran Worship Podcast, hosted by the Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University Irvine. Together, they explore theology, music, and worship practice through honest, thoughtful conversation. Whether you’re a pastor, music director, worship leader, teacher, or simply someone who cares about Lutheran worship, we invite you to engage more deeply and join the ongoing conversation shaping worship in the church.