Podcast Summary: EP 78 – True Worship In Totality with Megan Ashley Release Date: July 8, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 78 of "In Totality," host Megan Ashley delves deep into the essence of true worship with her special guest, Pastor Ebenezer, the founder and host of the "Shaping the Culture" podcast. The episode, titled "True Worship," navigates the intricacies of worship beyond the confines of traditional settings, emphasizing a life wholly devoted to God.

Guest Introduction

Megan warmly welcomes Ebenezer, highlighting his expertise in fostering meaningful conversations about faith and culture. Their camaraderie sets a collaborative tone for the episode.

Megan Ashley [03:12]: "You are literally the best question asker ever."

Ebenezer [05:10]: "The main thing is him."

Defining True Worship

The heart of the discussion revolves around understanding what constitutes true worship. Megan references Romans 12, framing true worship not merely as singing or attending church but as a reasonable service—a continuous, daily offering of oneself to God.

Megan Ashley [17:58]: "Give us this day our daily bread... worship is something that is your reasonable service."

Ebenezer [52:10]: "True worship is forgiving one another, bearing with one another, honoring one another. It takes a level of death. It takes a level of sacrifice."

Posture in Prayer and Worship

Megan introduces the concept of 'posture' in prayer, advocating for physical positions that reflect humility and reverence. This practice, she believes, transforms prayer from a mere routine into a profound act of worship.

Megan Ashley [19:28]: "There's something about being on my face before the Lord that automatically switches me into a position of humility and dependence."

Ebenezer [22:12]: "There was this posture of humility dependence."

Living Worship Daily

Both hosts emphasize that true worship extends beyond Sunday services. It encompasses everyday actions—serving others, forgiving, and living out God's commands. This continuous worship creates an overflow that naturally extends into moments of corporate worship.

Megan Ashley [54:19]: "I've been worshiping all week. Monday through Saturday."

Ebenezer [53:52]: "When there is a reasonable service that is worked out Monday through Saturday, there's an overflow of it."

Shaping Culture Through Faith

Ebenezer shares his journey in podcasting, initially aimed at reaching his Ethiopian Christian community. Over eight years, his podcast "Shaping the Culture" has grown, impacting listeners beyond his immediate circle. He discusses the importance of Christians actively contributing to culture rather than merely critiquing it.

Ebenezer [24:06]: "Andy Crouch says we are notorious for condemning culture, but where are the Christians contributing to culture?"

Megan Ashley [70:21]: "Love covers a multitude of sins."

Facing Personal Sin Through Knowing God

A poignant segment addresses the struggle of recognizing one's own sins as one grows closer to God. Megan shares her personal experience of how deeper knowledge of God has led her to confront and confess her shortcomings, viewing it as a pathway to redemption rather than a source of discouragement.

Megan Ashley [60:28]: "The more I know God, the more he's exposing sin in me."

Ebenezer [63:23]: "As you get closer to the light, the darkness gets exposed."

Humility and Dependency

The conversation underscores the necessity of humility and total dependence on God. Both Megan and Ebenezer agree that worship should be centered on acknowledging God's sovereignty and relinquishing personal pride.

Megan Ashley [39:12]: "You can't add anything to God. You cannot."

Ebenezer [43:10]: "You are uniquely made, but you're not special. You are God."

Practical Applications for Listeners

The episode concludes with practical advice for listeners striving to embody true worship. Megan encourages daily practices that reflect worship through actions, such as praying for church leaders and serving the community selflessly.

Megan Ashley [55:38]: "Pray for your pastor before you go to church. Pray for your parking lot volunteers."

Ebenezer [66:46]: "We need more humility as we approach the Word and understand our culture."

Conclusion

EP 78 of "In Totality" offers a comprehensive exploration of true worship, advocating for a worshipful lifestyle that transcends traditional boundaries. Through heartfelt dialogue, Megan and Ebenezer inspire listeners to integrate worship into every aspect of their lives, shaping both personal faith and broader cultural landscapes.

Notable Quotes:

• Megan Ashley [19:28]: "There's something about being on my face before the Lord that automatically switches me into a position of humility and dependence."

• Ebenezer [24:06]: "Andy Crouch says we are notorious for condemning culture, but where are the Christians contributing to culture?"

• Megan Ashley [54:19]: "I've been worshiping all week. Monday through Saturday."

• Megan Ashley [60:28]: "The more I know God, the more he's exposing sin in me."

• Ebenezer [66:46]: "We need more humility as we approach the Word and understand our culture."

Recommendations: For those inspired by this episode, Megan Ashley invites listeners to join the "Village" Patreon community for exclusive content and deeper engagement. Additionally, listeners are encouraged to explore Ebenezer's "Shaping the Culture" podcast to further their understanding of integrating faith with contemporary societal issues.