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PODCAST · religion

Theology in Motion

by The Center for Worship Leadership

Join Steve Zank for conversations about the theology of Christian worship and how it is relates to practice, design, and culture. The "Theology in Motion" podcast is produced by the Center For Worship Leadership, Christ College, Concordia University Irvine, CA. "Theology In Motion" is a part of the Center for Worship Leadership Podcast Network, for more information and other shows see us at cwlonline.org.

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Episodes

  1. Worship Leaders as Loved and Sent (Cloeter)

    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...

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

    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...

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

    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…

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

    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

  5. Worship as an Operating Room (Hicks)

    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…

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  6. Worship as a Wormhole (Hicks)

    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…

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  7. Worship as a Gymnasium (Hicks)

    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…

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

    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....

  9. A History of Contemporary Praise and Worship Part 2 (Lim, Ruth)

    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...

  10. A History of Contemporary Praise and Worship Part 1 (Lim, Ruth)

    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...

  11. Psalm 42: The Longest Night (Fox, Saleska)

    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…

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  12. Worship and the Formative Power of the Arts (Taylor)

    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...

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

    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…

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  14. Book: Work and Worship (Kaemingk)

    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...

  15. Psalm 130: Out of the Depths (Armstrong, Fox, McMahon)

    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)…

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  16. Contemporary and Traditional Worship (Ruth)

    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...

  17. Book: The Worship Architect (Cherry)

    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...

  18. Worship Formation and the Catechumenate (Burreson, Schuler)

    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...

  19. Baptism and the Old Testament (Sundquist)

    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:...

  20. Psalm 72: Long Live the King (Elliott, Fox)

    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…

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  21. Book: The Holy Spirit and Christian Experience (Zahl)

    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…

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  22. Theology of Beauty (Mattes)

    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…

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  23. Book: Worship and the World to Come (Packiam)

    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…

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  24. Covid-19: Incarnation, Excarnation, and Worship (Oesch)

    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…

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  25. Worship's Dependance on Justification (Hicks, Kolb)

    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…

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  26. The Walk For All Mankind (Jones, Sundquist)

    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

  27. Luther, the Lord's Supper, and Lessons from LSB (Herl)

    In this conversation with Dr. Joe Herl we explore: 1. comparing Luther and Rome on the Lord's Supper. 2. the power of music. 3. the impact of pietism on sacramental traditions. 3. lessons for worship from Lutheran Service Book (LSB). Links (Visit episode website for active links) Take a look at...

  28. 2019 WALi Summit Recap 2 - Practical Skills

    On this recap episode from the 2019 WALi Summit listen to conversations with music director Corey Witt, drummer and educator Dave Owens, and acoustic guitarist Matt Preston. We also announce the release of our new website, new podcast network, and Registration for the 2020 WALi Summit in Irvine,...

  29. 2019 WALi Summit Recap 1

    On this recap episode from the 2019 WALi Summit listen to conversations with 2 attendees: Brandon Li, Paul Kasaty, and two presenters: Dr. Steve Mueller, and Dr. Michael Eschelbach. Consider joining us for the 2020 WALi Summit in Irvine, CA. Save June 28-July 3, and we will be back with more...

  30. Holiness and Worship in Isaiah 6 (Lessing)

    In this conversation with Dr. Reed Lessing we explore: 1. Isaiah 6. 2. are you "holy?" How do you know? 3. what does it mean to worship a holy God? 4. what's the relationship between the heavenly and the earthly in worship? 5. what is the role of confession and absolution in worship? Shownotes...

  31. Book: The Worship Pastor (Hicks)

    In this conversation with Zac Hicks we explore: 1. Zac's book, "The Worship Pastor." 2. The history of music as priestcraft. 3. The distinction between law and gospel and its application to worship. 4. A resource to sing Psalm 119 in worship. Links: Zac Hicks Blessed Are All (Only in Jesus)…

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  32. Worship and Culture (Fluegge, Marriott)

    In this conversation with Dr. Glenn Fluegge and Dr. Jim Marriott we explore: 1. the cultural challenges facing the American church, especially its worship practices. 2. anecdotal stories from West Africa. 3. methods for navigating culture's influence on issues of worship. 4. a framework of...

  33. Introduction to the Psalms (Armstrong, Mallinson)

    There may be no better illustration of Theology of Motion than the book of Psalms and the singing of God's Word. This episode I sat down with Dr. CJ Armstrong, Dr. Jeff Mallinson, and Jon Jordening to talk about about the Psalms as both a devotional and congregational book. We discuss the Psalms…

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  34. Church Goers Throughout History (Mueller, Oesch)

    The Christian Church has a long and interesting history, with different events marking new periods of how the church relates to the culture, and how individuals relate to the church. In this episode of "Theology in Motion" i sat down with Dr. Steve Mueller and Dr. Joel Oesch to talk about the…

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  35. Navigating Surveys and Why Americans Go to Church (Enemark)

    There are many surveys available to church leaders addressing why people attend religious services and what the average person might be expecting from their church experience. On this episode Steve interviews Dr. Daniel Enemark, a professional researcher, about the meaning of these latest surveys...

  36. Theology in Motion Trailer

    If you have any questions about the Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University Irvine, check out our website at cwlonline.com Thanks for listening!

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Join Steve Zank for conversations about the theology of Christian worship and how it is relates to practice, design, and culture. The "Theology in Motion" podcast is produced by the Center For Worship Leadership, Christ College, Concordia University Irvine, CA. "Theology In Motion" is a part of the Center for Worship Leadership Podcast Network, for more information and other shows see us at cwlonline.org.

HOSTED BY

The Center for Worship Leadership

Produced by Steve Zank

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Theology in Motion have?

Theology in Motion currently has 36 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Theology in Motion about?

Join Steve Zank for conversations about the theology of Christian worship and how it is relates to practice, design, and culture. The "Theology in Motion" podcast is produced by the Center For Worship Leadership, Christ College, Concordia University Irvine, CA. "Theology In Motion" is a part of the...

How often does Theology in Motion release new episodes?

Theology in Motion has 36 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Theology in Motion?

You can listen to Theology in Motion on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Theology in Motion?

Theology in Motion is created and hosted by The Center for Worship Leadership.
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