Believers and non-believers have heard the story about the crucifixion of our Savior, Jesus Christ. But some may question why He had to die the way He did. Dr. Chad Nall from Faith Baptist Church in West End, NC along with Bryan Foster will dive into scripture to answer the question, "Why did Jesus die the way He did?"

Why Jesus died the way He did Bible Study

Part 2 of my conversation with Bro. Kenny Lamm, Worship Strategist with the NC Baptist State Convention concerning his new project, "Healthy Worship."

Part 1 of the  season finale of the Ministry Focus - Worship Essentials podcast. In Part 1, my special guest is Kenny Lamm, Worship Strategist with the NC Baptist State Convention. We discuss his new project "Healthy Worship" and why God lead him to write this book.

Many believers spend time preparing for work, school, meetings, vacations, and special events, but sometimes we walk into worship services spiritually distracted, emotionally drained, and mentally scattered. Then we wonder why it’s difficult to engage deeply in worship.

Today we’re going to look at three ways we can prepare ourselves before we gather for worship. 

Can worship happen in the workplace? Absolutely! In fact, God calls us to live a life of worship. We're going to explore three key ways we can worship God right where we are. 

 Many of us think of worship as something we do mainly on Sunday mornings at church, but the Bible encourages us to worship God every day, in every part of our lives. 

There comes a time in the ministry of a worship leader where they have to think about discipling the next generation of worship leaders. Here are 5 PIllars that every worship should master and pass on to the next generation.

Join us during for a special Ministry Focus – Worship Essentials podcast as myself and Dr. Chad Nall, senior pastor of Faith Baptist Church in West End discuss in detail the death, burial and Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We discuss the significance of why these events took place as well as what they mean for us as Christians today. 

It’s one thing to sing songs or serve others, but God calls us to worship Him by obeying His Word wholeheartedly. 

Sometimes we think worship is only about singing or prayer, but serving others and giving from the heart are powerful acts of worship too. 

I had the pleasure to sit down w/Bro Jeff Whisnant of The Whisnants and got his thoughts on worship in today's church, updates on what's trending in the Southern Gospel Music industry, as well as how God has been blessing in The Whisnants ministry. 

Just as we learned last time about prayer being a vital way to worship God, today we’ll see how praise and singing are powerful expressions of our love and adoration for Him. 

Characteristics of Worship Part 2

I had the opportunity to interview the patriarch of one of the finest families in Southern Gospel music today, Mr. Mylon Hayes of the Mylon Hayes Family. We discuss his family, ministry, and views on worship in today's churches and larger venues across the U.S. 

In this series, we’ll dive deep into how worship isn’t just about singing songs or attending church, but it’s a lifestyle—one that honors God in everything we do. On today's podcast, we’ll focus on Worship through Prayer. Prayer is a powerful way we connect with God, and it’s a vital expression of worship. 

Every year, we picture the Christmas story as one quiet night—

a stable, shepherds, angels, and wise men all gathered together.

 But is that really what the Bible says?

 Did all the events of the Christmas story happen in a single night…

or have tradition blended details Scripture keeps distinct?

On today's podcast,  Dr Chad Nall of Faith Baptist Church in West End, NC and I do a deep dive into the Christmas Story—separating biblical fact from familiar tradition.

Every year the world gets louder with sales, shopping, travel, parties, and decorations—and none of these things are wrong in themselves. But the danger comes when the noise of commercialism drowns out the true sound of Christmas: the worship of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, born to save sinners.

With Thanksgiving season in full swing, we often talk about gratitude, family, and celebration. But there’s another topic we need to address—something subtle, something quiet, something dangerous:

Losing focus on worship during Thanksgiving.

If you’ve ever stood on stage and thought, “What should I say right now?” or “How do I transition without sounding awkward?” — this episode is for you.

On this episode, we’re going to look at three key things worship leaders should focus on when speaking between songs, and we’ll back it all up with Scripture.

“3 Things Worship Leaders Can’t Do”

Now, that might sound limiting—but trust me, it’s actually freeing. Because when we understand what’s not our job, we can better embrace what is. Let’s unpack these three truths together.

“3 Things Worship Leaders Can’t Do”

Now, that might sound limiting—but trust me, it’s actually freeing. Because when we understand what’s not our job, we can better embrace what is. 

When we gather together as believers, our worship is not just about songs, sermons, or routines. It’s about how we see God — our perception of His holiness, His majesty, His love, and His presence.

Today, I want to take you through ten key aspects that, in my experience, make a worship service truly meaningful and memorable. Whether you’re a worship leader, a regular attendee, or simply curious, these insights shine a light on what sets exceptional worship gatherings apart.

What Makes A Worship Service Exceptional

Church leaders often feel the pressure to meet the expectations of their congregation. A common reflex is to take surveys or polls, asking members what they would like worship to look like. While this may seem like a democratic and inclusive approach, relying on personal preference as the driving force for shaping worship holds some significant dangers.

 We’re going to explore a powerful passage from God’s Word—2 Samuel 6:1-11. This scripture tells of King David bringing the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem. The Ark was the very symbol of the Lord’s presence among His people.
 
 As we unpack this story, we will discover important truths about worship—how God desires us to approach Him, the attitude we ought to have, and the heart behind true worship. 

In part 2 of the season finale, Pastor Tecsh continues to provide insight into what God is doing in the music ministry of Victory Baptist Church and what his expectations are for the future.

Part 1 of a 2-part interview with Pastor Josh Tesch, Worship Pastor of Victory Baptist Church in North Augusta, SC.

The Old Testament is a treasure trove of worship principles, examples, and instructions that form the foundation for the worship of God’s people. From the Psalms to the prophets to the laws of Moses, these verses offer timeless insights for worship leaders. 

Caring for your voice is essential, whether you’re a singer, teacher, public speaker, or simply someone who wants to maintain their vocal health. Our voice is a delicate instrument, and poor habits can lead to strain, hoarseness, or even long-term damage. 

Many people do not worship the living God. They worship their worship. The great secret (and great difficulty) of true worship is that when we worship truly, our focus is to be exclusively on the object of our worship: God. 

Healthy church worship is a reflection of its spiritual health, unity, and mission. When worship is vibrant, sincere, and biblically grounded, it nurtures spiritual growth and strengthens the church community. But what does a healthy church worship culture look like? Here are 10 key signs to help you evaluate and cultivate a thriving worship atmosphere in your church.

Have you ever had something that you love taken away from you, and then when it seemed all hope was lost, you got it back?

We can only imagine how the disciples must have felt on that first Easter. Their hopes were dashed to pieces when they saw their Rabbi, friend, and Savior hanging on a Roman cross. No greater sadness had ever been known by the world. With each of those three passing days, their future and their lives seemed to be slipping away. And yet, we know the story doesn’t end in a grave but with an empty tomb!

I had the privilege to speak with Bro. Britton Altman, Minister of Music at Beulah Baptist Church of Bennett, NC. We discuss trends in worship and share his general thoughts on the state of worship in today's church.

Interview w/special guest Britton Altman.

Worship leaders play a vital role in guiding God’s people into His presence through song, prayer, and the Word. They need our intercession, encouragement, and support to remain effective and faithful in their calling. 

10 Ways to Pray For Your Worship Leaders

So what is easier for you to remember; a bible verse you heard in church, or a song you've sung in church? On today's podcast we look at why it is important to sing during worship.

Many of us are familiar with the story of David dancing naked in 2 Samuel. While this may seem like a problem for many of us in the context of corporate worship, we must understand the heart behind this. 

Part 2 of my conversation w/Dr. Chad Nall from Faith Baptist Church in West End, NC. The focus of today's podcast is what is the difference between a worshipper and a washipper? 

Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Chad Nall from Faith Baptist Church in West End, NC.

What started as a conversation about worship turned into a church service when I had the pleasure to speak with my pastor, Dr. Chad Nall of Faith Baptist Church in West End, NC! In Part 1, we take a look at what worship looks like now compared to when we first started in ministry.

As you and your family think about gathering with others for worship this weekend, here are some ways NOT to get ready:

Heaven is often depicted as a place of ultimate peace and tranquility, where believers go to worship and be in the presence of God for eternity. In many religious beliefs, Heaven is described as a sacred and holy realm where worship and adoration are central to its existence. From celestial beings singing praises to the Creator to believers engaging in prayer and devotion, Heaven is portrayed as a place where worship is a continuous and joyous activity. The idea of Heaven as a place of worship evokes a sense of reverence and awe, inviting believers to contemplate the beauty and majesty of a divine realm beyond human comprehension. So why is Heaven the ultimate place to worship?

The misunderstanding of a short, three-letter word can transform an act of heartfelt worship into a slanderous insult. Little words can mean a lot. They can make the difference between good and evil, between heaven and hell. In this case, a right understanding of a single word is the only thing that prevents an act of worship from degenerating into a colossal insult to God. 

2 Corinthians 3:17 says, “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” The surefire sign of the Spirit’s presence is freedom. That means in a worship service, when the Spirit of the Lord is present, the worshiper should feel freedom to worship, not restriction from raising their hands or clapping or singing loudly or dancing, all of which are biblical marks of worship. 

In Romans 12:2, it says that we should offer our bodies as living sacrifices, which is our spiritual act of worship. So how we can use our bodies as tools to worship God and to lead others in worship? 

 As a worship leader, do you realize you have a Levitical responsibility when you stand up before a congregation on Sundays? When we lead, we are ministering in two directions — engage the Lord and the congregation. So as we minister we need to be mindful of two important things; what we say and what we do as we minister to God’s people. 

Do you know that there is more to your calling as a worship Leader than just making sure you pick out the right songs to sing on Sunday morning? You are more than a worship leader responsible for assembling songs; you are a minister to those you lead. 

Conditional worship happens when we allow personal preferences to dictate our ability to engage in worship. For some, it’s about having a choir; for others, it’s the need for a cutting-edge band or modern visuals. While these elements can enhance our experience, they are not the essence of worship. 

With all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, it's easy to loose focus on what Christmas is really all about.........the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ! Here are some ways to keep the focus where it needs to be.

Psalm 100:4“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.”

There is nothing that fills us up or fulfills us more than God’s presence. There is nothing that gets us into the presence of God faster than thanksgiving and praise. There is not a greater lost art in the Body of Christ than breaking out of selfishness into thankfulness and praise toward God. 

9 Reasons People Aren’t Singing in Worship – 10 Years Later Part 2 

Ten years ago, Kenny Lamm wrote the article, 9 Reasons People Aren’t Singing in Worship. Little did he know that this article would turn viral multiple times (in one day, over 100,000 people accessed the article), be published in eight languages, read in over 220 countries and territories, be viewed on renewingworshipnc.org over 1.5 million times, become the topic of podcasts and other’s blog posts and be republished on other platforms (with permission). 

Worship and warfare; quite an oxymoron to some unless it is seen through the eyes of faith and authority. There are many different opinions about what it is, how and when it can be used, how it should be expressed, and more.

On today's series finale of The Five Words of Worship", I look at the biblical meaning behind the words "Hosanna" and "Amen."

In part 2 of the series "The Five Words of Worship," we'll explore the biblical meanings of the words "Abba" and "Maranatha."

These five words together comprise the full range of worship music’s theological function and, by extension, all the devotional arts. Worship leaders who seek to understand and embrace their role as theologians can find no better place to begin than with a thorough study of these five words. 

On today’s podcast, I had the chance to sit down and catch up with a dear brother in Christ, Bobby Carter of the Jay Stone Singers. Bobby along with his wife Sharona and daughter Emma, have traveled the highways and byways of this great land for many years ministering to thousands in churches and singing venues alike. 

Sunday is the day most congregations designate as their day of rest and worship. For worship planners and leaders, however, rest is often elusive as they are responsible for preparing and implementing worship for the rest of us. As a result, worship leaders often are exhausted emotionally, mentally, physically, and even spiritually. If Sunday is not a sabbath for worship leaders, do they even take one? If not, then how can we expect them to lead us to a place they no longer go to themselves?

Have you ever led a worship set and noticed someone in the congregation struggling with life-changing loss, mental health challenges, or concerns about a loved one? As a worship leader, your heart naturally desires to help them connect with God through praise, even during these tough times. Or perhaps you’re the one going through a hard time, standing on stage thinking, I’m struggling. I don’t really feel like worshiping today. If you’ve felt this way, you’re not alone.

 On today’s podcast, I want to delve into the spiritual warfare faced by worship leaders and offer some guidance on how to remain steadfast in faith. 

To start off Season 2, I take time to remember the life and legacy of gospel music by The Nelon's

In the season finale of the Ministry Focus - Worship Essentials podcast, I speak with church pianist and assistant Worship Leader Tommy Crissman about the issue of youth involvement in worship ministry and what church leaders can do to involve more youth in church ministry.

Is having a church choir still as important as it was back during the time of King Jehosophat's reign? On today's podcast, I will give you three reasons why having a choir is as prevalent today as it ever has been

On today's podcast, I go over some helpful strategies on how to prepare your choir to minister to your congregations on a weekly basis.  

In my final conversation w/Kenny, we’ll talk about worship topics ranging from how to get more young people involved in worship leadership to what he sees for worship in local churches in the future. 

In Part 2 of my interview w/Kenny Lamm, Worship Strategist for the NC Baptist State Convention, we cover topics from why worship leaders should be disciplining those in their music ministries to where to find worship resources for worship leaders who have limited or no live instrumentation.

I have the privilege of interviewing a man I consider a friend, a brother, and a mentor…..Kenny Lamm, Worship Strategist for the NC Baptist State Convention. In this three-part interview, Kenny and I speak on topics ranging from whether believers understand the true meaning of worship to what the future holds in the worship ministry. That’s only on the next Ministry Focus – Worship Essentials podcast. 

In part 1 of my interview with Kenny, I begin talking about the Worship Leader’s Retreat that I was a part of back in August of last year, then we explore what biblical worship is and if believers understand what true worship is. Here’s part one of that interview.

Have you ever heard the expression, when praises go up, heaven comes down? When we hear phrases like that, we typically picture a big crowd in a big church with many hands raised by people singing worship music. And it’s true: when God’s people get together to worship him, he is present among them in a special way. But it’s also true that when you’re all alone, in the dark, walking through the valley of the shadow of death, You will also find God in the valley. And I believe God responds hastily to our praise in the valley. 

On this week's podcast, we pick up where we left off by talking with Ben Hart about his website and what led him to create this resource for churches. 

Part 1 of a 2-part interview I conducted with Ben Hart, Independent Church Worship Contractor talking about issues with worship in today's churches and what steps to take in addressing these issues. 

On today's podcast, I want to explore the theme of worship through the troubles. In the midst of life's challenges and trials, how can we continue to worship God even when we don't feel like it? Our focus will be on Psalm 59:16-17, which reminds us of the power and importance of worship in all circumstances. 

On today’s podcast, I want to talk about the need for worship leaders to develop a Master Song List to help them better organize and catalog the songs they use at your church.

On today’s podcast, I want to speak with you worship leaders on some things that you should never, ever, ever, never do as a worship leader. I call these the “Thou Shall Not’s” of worship leading. Today’s podcast will be short, but I wanted to step back a moment from planning a worship service to spend a few moments on things you should attempt not to do as much as possible, or never at all! 

On today’s podcast I want to look at how to introduce new songs to your congregation. Kenny Lamm listed some excellent ways of how to introduce these new songs in the “Worship Leader’s Handbook” he has written for worship leaders. 

On today’s podcast I want to continue to look at ways of planning a worship service by taking a look at a worship leader's need to evaluate songs for their church services. 

On today’s podcast, I want to give worship leaders who are listening some practical ideas about how to plan out a worship service. In most churches, you will have at least four basic formats that you can utilize. 

What does it take to be a worship leader? Did God place a calling on you to lead worship, or were you appointed by default? On today's podcast, we'll take a look at what it takes to be a worship leader and what our responsibilities are.

In the story of Jesus and the woman at the well, during their conversation, Jesus stated that “true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth. If you are like me, you probably wondered what Jesus meant when He said that. What is the difference? Why do we need to do both? What does it mean to worship in spirit and in truth? 

There has been a question that I imagine has plagued the most ardent churchgoer over the centuries, “Why do we need to sing during worship?” If I had a nickel for the times I have been asked this question over my years in ministry, I would be well into retirement by now! After quite a bit of thought, prayer, and research, I have come up with a top 10 of why we should sing during our times of corporate worship. 

On today's podcast, we'll be exploring a topic that's close to the hearts of many during this holiday season: Christmas worship. In this episode, we'll be diving into The Blueprint for Christmas Worship - the essential guide to creating a meaningful and memorable worship experience for you personally and for your church family during this special time of year.

So what kind of worship “Tater” are you?

 I know this sounds like an “off the wall” question but hear me out. In corporate worship, there are two types of worshippers: spectators and participators. Too often, our churches take on a performance orientation, feeling like the congregation is a group of spectators watching what is playing out on stage.

Thanksgiving and Praise – The Key to God’s Presence

I was sent a video not too long ago that made me start to think about the songs we sing every Sunday at church or during the week along life’s highway. The message of the video was, "When we as Christians worship, do we think about how we sing to God?" 

In Part 2 of this series, we continue the conversation with the Senior Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in West End, NC, Rev. Chad Nall, as we look this week at the difference between worshipers and "washipers."

In Part 1 of this series, I invite the Senior Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in West End, NC, Rev. Chad Nall, to dive deeper in God's Word about what He expects from us when we worship and why we need be more intentional when we worship.

In the story of the woman at the well, Jesus told her in John 4:23, “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.” On today’s podcast, I take a look at the difference between a worshiper and a “washiper.” 

On today’s podcast, I want to look at the practices of worship. Depending on the religion you are involved with, your worship will differ from others. Muslims worship differently than Buddhists, and Buddhists worship differently than Hindus. For Christians, there are two different types of worship we involve ourselves with. 

Is worship just a matter of coming to church on Sunday's, opening a hymnal or follow the words on the screen, and sing? On this week's podcast, Bryan takes a look at what worship is and what the Bible says our worship should include.

The premiere of the Ministry Focus - Worship Essentials podcast! The host introduces himself and explains what this podcast will be about.