Podcast
The Walk: A Devotional Podcast from Worship Leader Magazine
Hosted by Worship Leader Magazine · EN
Part of the Worship Leader Magazine Podcast Network, The Walk is a weekly devotional podcast where faith meets story in powerful, personal ways.
Each episode features a first-person devotional from a worship leader, pastor, artist, or creative—believers who don’t just lead worship, but live it. These aren’t interviews; they’re heartfelt testimonies about walking with God in the highs and lows, the mundane and miraculous.
Produced by Worship Leader Magazine, a trusted resource in worship ministry for over 30 years, The Walk equips and encourages worshipers to cultivate a lifestyle of Spirit-led worship beyond the platform.
Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just beginning your journey, these stories will help you walk closer with Jesus.
Explore every episode: worshipleader.com/podcasts
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep 174: Consumed By Fire: What to Do When You Want to Quit
1w ago00:45:14Tap to summarizeWhat do you do when you're exhausted, discouraged, and ready to quit? In this episode of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, the brothers of Consumed By Fire share the deeply personal story behind some of the hardest seasons of their lives—and how God met them in the middle of it. Known for hit songs like "First Things First" and "Walk With Jesus," Caleb, Jordan, and Josh Ward open up about growing up in ministry, carrying on a family legacy of faith, life on the road, and the reality of burnout. They share how their father's years-long health battle forced them to confront exhaustion, disappointment, and questions about whether they could keep going. But this conversation isn't ultimately about burnout. It's about faith. It's about learning to trust God when you're tired, letting go of control, and discovering that God's calling doesn't disappear when life gets difficult. You'll also hear the story behind the band's name, why Scripture remains central to their songwriting, what they've learned from decades of ministry together as brothers, and the heart behind their upcoming album, Whole Wide World. If you've ever felt weary, overwhelmed, or tempted to walk away from something God called you to, this episode will remind you that God's faithfulness is often most visible when your strength is gone. Guest Bio Consumed By Fire is a Christian rock band made up of brothers Caleb Ward, Jordan Ward, and Josh Ward. Signed to Red Street Records, the group is known for hit songs including "First Things First" and "Walk With Jesus." Raised in a ministry family, the brothers have spent decades sharing the Gospel through music, performing more than 2,000 concerts across North America while carrying forward a legacy of faith, missions, and ministry. Their new album, Whole Wide World, releases June 12. Episode Highlights • The story behind the band's name and the Scripture that inspired it • How their father's health battle changed their perspective on faith and ministry • What to do when you're spiritually and emotionally exhausted • Why God's calling remains even when you feel like quitting • The importance of Scripture, community, and daily spiritual formation • Lessons learned from over 2,000 concerts and decades on the road • The heart behind their upcoming album, Whole Wide World Pull Quote "There have been moments where we said, 'We're done.' I'm just grateful that God never said He was done." Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software that helps churches schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Learn more at https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=wlm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thewalk Listen Now Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music YouTube Watch the full episode on Worship Leader Media's YouTube channel. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Ep 173: Alexandra Osteen: Why Worship Still Matters in a Distracted World
2w ago00:42:46Tap to summarizeWhat if worship was never just about music? In this episode of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, Alexandra Osteen of Lakewood Music shares an honest conversation about worship, calling, healing, church community, and the faithfulness of God across generations. As the Worship Director at Lakewood Church and part of the leadership behind Lakewood Music’s newest album House of Worship, Alexandra opens up about growing up in ministry, discovering her own personal faith, and learning to say yes to God’s calling—even when it felt intimidating. She also shares the powerful story behind the song Made You Well, inspired by scriptures on healing that her grandmother held onto after receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis decades ago. What began as declarations of faith eventually became part of her testimony of miraculous healing—and now a song being sung by the Church. From songwriting and collaboration to the role worship plays in shaping hearts, this conversation is a reminder that God is still faithful, still moving, and still drawing people close through worship. Guest Bio Alexandra Osteen is the Worship Director at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, and a leader with Lakewood Music. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Alexandra has spent years leading worship and writing songs that point people toward the hope and faithfulness of God. She has been featured with Lakewood Music since its debut album Live in the Wonderful and continues to help lead worship for one of the largest and most influential churches in America. Episode Highlights When faith becomes personalAlexandra shares the moment she stopped living off her family’s faith and personally said yes to God’s calling. Why worship is more than music“God inhabits the praises of His people.” Alexandra explains why worship creates space for people to encounter God. The healing story behind “Made You Well”How her grandmother’s miraculous healing shaped one of the album’s most personal songs. How Lakewood Music writes songs for the ChurchWhy their focus is creating worship music rooted deeply in Scripture and hope. The role of community in spiritual growthWhy youth ministry and church community played such a critical role in Alexandra’s faith journey. Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software to help your church schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Try it free today at https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=wlm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thewalk Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Ep 172: Alexander Pappas: Worship Isn’t Just for Sunday
3w ago00:46:26Tap to summarizeWhat if praise was never meant to be a warm-up for worship? In this episode of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, Alexander Pappas—founding member of Hillsong Young & Free and writer of songs like Alive, Wake, Real Love, and Echo—shares a passionate and deeply personal conversation about worship, grace, repentance, and the transformational power of praise. After years of leading worship around the world, Alexander opens up about the tension between confidence and humility, conviction and shame, and why praise is more than fast songs and high energy—it’s a spiritual posture that changes us from the inside out. He also shares the heart behind his new EP Sunday, the stories that shaped songs like It Is So Sweet, and why worship gatherings should equip believers for the other six days of the week. This conversation will challenge the way you think about worship—and remind you why praise still matters. Guest Bio Alexander Pappas is a world-renowned worship leader, songwriter, and founding member of the twice GRAMMY-nominated band Hillsong Young & Free. He is best known for writing songs including Alive, Wake, Real Love, Echo (Elevation Worship), and A Great Awakening. Alexander currently lives in Los Angeles and also serves as a contributor with Lakewood Music. His latest EP, Sunday, explores worship not just as a church experience, but as a lifestyle lived throughout the week. Episode Highlights Why praise is more than emotional hypeAlexander explains how praise shifts our hearts into agreement with God’s truth The difference between conviction and shameHow grace changes the way believers process failure and growth Why worship should prepare you for Monday—not just SundayThe deeper heart behind his new EP Sunday The danger of treating praise like a warm-upWhy fast songs still matter in modern worship culture How songs shape spiritual formation“Music connects our emotions to our intellect.” Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software to help your church schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Try it today at https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=wlm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thewalk Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Ep 171: Cliff Preston: The Church Didn’t Hurt You—People Did
4w ago00:41:49Tap to summarizeChurch hurt is real.But what if we’ve misunderstood where the hurt actually comes from? In this episode of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, Cliff Preston shares one of the most honest conversations we’ve had about pain, ministry, mental health, and why community still matters even after disappointment. Growing up as the son of a pastor in broken church environments, Cliff experienced firsthand the tension, division, and emotional fallout that ministry can bring. But instead of walking away from the Church, he chose to stay—and help people heal. From leading worship and touring with The Band Table to launching Christ-centered counseling clinics across the country, Cliff opens up about why people need both truth and compassion, why mental health matters in the Church, and how God can resurrect things you thought were over. This episode is raw, hopeful, and deeply needed for anyone carrying disappointment, burnout, or questions about faith and community. Guest Bio Cliff Preston is a pastor, worship leader, songwriter, and entrepreneur from Smackover, Arkansas. For more than 20 years, he has traveled the country leading worship, writing songs, and speaking about faith and mental health. Cliff has written songs recorded by artists including Newsong, JJ Weeks, and Carrollton, and has shared stages with MercyMe, Jeremy Camp, and Natalie Grant. He is also the founder of Christ-centered counseling clinics inspired by the legacy of his late father, professional counselor and pastor Dr. David Preston. Cliff currently partners with People & Songs and serves with The Band Table. Episode Highlights “The church didn’t hurt you—people did”Cliff shares a perspective on church hurt shaped by personal pain and redemption Why mental health and faith belong togetherHow Cliff’s counseling clinics are helping churches care for hurting people The songwriting retreat that changed everythingHow a call from Jenny Riddle resurrected a season Cliff thought was over What real ministry looks like“Anybody can play a guitar and sing a song—ministry happens face to face.” Why community is essential for pastors and leadersThe role friendship and vulnerability play in lasting ministry Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software to help your church schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Try it free today at https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=wlm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thewalk Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Ep 170: Meeks Carter: What If God Is Calling You to More?
May 1300:44:58Tap to summarizeWhat do you do when God keeps stirring something in your heart—but none of it makes logical sense? In this episode of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, rising Christian pop artist Meeks Carter shares the incredible story behind his journey from pest control and finance… to signing with Red Street Records and stepping into a calling he couldn’t ignore. But this conversation isn’t really about a record deal. It’s about obedience. It’s about trusting God before you have guarantees.Following Him before you see the outcome.And learning how to steward the gifts He’s placed inside you—even when no one else sees them yet. From building a makeshift studio in his garage after long workdays to moving his family to Nashville with no promises on the table, Meeks opens up about faith, purpose, comparison, creativity, and what it means to simply keep saying “yes” to God. If you’ve ever felt stuck between responsibility and calling, this episode will remind you that God often reveals the next step before He reveals the whole plan. Guest Bio Meeks Carter is a Christian pop artist signed to Red Street Records. Originally from Yakima, Washington, Meeks grew up as a pastor’s kid before attending Highlands College in Birmingham, Alabama. After years working outside of ministry in pest control and finance, Meeks and his family followed God’s leading to Nashville, Tennessee—where he signed with Red Street Records exactly 90 days after relocating. His debut single, “Wonder,” introduces listeners to his fresh pop sound and heart for helping people encounter Jesus through honest, hope-filled music. Episode Highlights What happens when God calls you before the plan makes senseMeeks shares the faith journey that led his family to Nashville with no guarantees Why your calling isn’t your job titleUnderstanding purpose beyond platforms, careers, or recognition Stewarding the gift before the opportunity comesBuilding songs in a garage studio while working long days in pest control How comparison kills callingWhy your assignment from God doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s Why Meeks writes music for the spiritually curiousReaching people who are asking questions about God but don’t know where to start Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software to help your church schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Try it today at https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=wlm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thewalk Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Ep 169: Kevin Young: The Truth About Sin No One Talks About
May 600:49:20Tap to summarizeSome pain doesn’t just go away.It follows you. It waits. It whispers. And if you’re not careful—it starts to feel like it owns you. In this episode of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, Kevin Young of the band Disciple shares an unfiltered conversation about sin, freedom, and the battle every believer faces behind the scenes. After more than 30 years in Christian music, Kevin opens up about the reality that following Jesus doesn’t mean you stop struggling—it means you learn how to fight differently. From the story behind “Dear X (You Don’t Own Me)” to the hard lessons of confession, accountability, and healing, this episode is a reminder that the things chasing you don’t get the final word. Guest Bio Kevin Young is the lead vocalist of the Christian rock band Disciple, a group that has spent over 30 years blending hard rock with a bold message of faith. With 13 studio albums, multiple Dove Awards, and songs featured across major platforms like ESPN, WWE, and CBS, Disciple has impacted listeners around the world. Kevin is passionate about evangelism, authenticity, and helping people find freedom through Jesus. Episode Highlights Why sin doesn’t just disappear—it chases youThe powerful metaphor behind “Dear X (You Don’t Own Me)” The danger of “small” compromisesHow sin starts subtle—but spreads like cancer if left unchecked Why confession leads to healingThe difference between hiding struggles and bringing them into the light How music breaks through where words can’tWhy God uses music to reach places nothing else can What it really means to follow JesusNot perfection—but learning, failing, and being formed over time Pull Quote “SIN DOESN’T JUST LEAVE—IT WAITS. BUT THROUGH JESUS, IT DOESN’T OWN YOU ANYMORE.” Helpful Links Disciple Band: https://disciplerocks.com Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software to help your church schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Try it free today at https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=wlm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thewalk Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Ep 168: Mark E. Moore: Savior or King? What Most Christians Get Wrong
Apr 2900:57:36Tap to summarizeMost Christians would say they know Jesus. But what if we’ve misunderstood who He really is? In this episode of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, Mark E. Moore—teaching pastor at Christ’s Church of the Valley and bestselling author of Core 52—challenges one of the most foundational assumptions in modern faith: not whether we believe in Jesus, but whether we actually understand Him. From his years as a New Testament professor to leading at one of the largest churches in the country, Mark brings clarity to a question that reshapes everything: Have we reduced Jesus to something smaller than who He really is? This conversation explores the tension between seeing Jesus as Savior versus recognizing Him as Messiah and King—and why that distinction changes how we live, lead, and follow Him today. Guest Bio Mark E. Moore is the teaching pastor at Christ’s Church of the Valley in Peoria, Arizona—one of the fastest-growing churches in the United States. He previously spent over 20 years as a New Testament professor at Ozark Christian College and is the bestselling author of Core 52. Mark is passionate about making Scripture accessible, clear, and transformative for everyday life. He and his wife, Barbara, live in Phoenix. Episode Highlights Are we missing the real Jesus?How modern Christianity can unintentionally reshape Jesus into our own image Savior vs. King: why it mattersWhat happens when we embrace Jesus as Savior but ignore His authority as Messiah Why “personal faith” might be incompleteRecovering the power of a shared, lived-out faith in community The danger of a customized JesusHow culture influences the way we interpret Scripture and identity What it actually means to follow Jesus todayMoving from comfort to surrender—and from belief to embodied faith Pull Quote “IF YOU SEE JESUS ONLY AS SAVIOR, YOU’LL WAIT FOR HEAVEN SOMEDAY—INSTEAD OF LIVING ETERNAL LIFE RIGHT NOW.” Helpful Links Mark E. Moore Books: https://www.markmoore.org/ Christ’s Church of the Valley: https://ccv.church Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software to help your church schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Try it today at https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=wlm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thewalk Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Ep 167: Cade Thompson: Why We Forget What the Cross Really Means
Apr 2200:34:30Tap to summarizeThe cross is central to everything we believe.So why does it sometimes feel… familiar? In this episode of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, Cade Thompson opens up about a tension many Christians quietly carry—what happens when the message of the cross stops feeling powerful and starts feeling routine. Growing up in church and now touring as a Christian artist, Cade shares how easy it is to lose the wonder of what Jesus has done—and how to find it again. From a life-changing moment at summer camp to a simple conversation in an airport that sparked his song “That’s What the Cross Is For,” this episode is a reminder that the gospel was never meant to become background noise—it was meant to transform everything. Guest Bio Cade Thompson is a Christian artist and songwriter based in Franklin, Tennessee. Originally from South Dakota, Cade has over 121 million lifetime streams and has toured with artists like Chris Tomlin, TobyMac, Newsboys, and Michael W. Smith. He is signed to Red Street Records and leads worship weekly at his local church, writing songs that reflect his passion for Jesus and the power of the gospel. Episode Highlights Why the message of the cross can lose its meaningAnd how to rediscover the wonder of what Jesus has done The story behind “That’s What the Cross Is For”How a simple airport conversation became a defining song How to stay spiritually fresh in worship and everyday lifeWhy your private time with God matters more than the platform Fighting comparison as a Christian creativeChoosing kingdom perspective over personal success What Gen Z is really looking for in worshipA shift toward authenticity, simplicity, and real encounters with God Pull Quote “WHEN YOU’VE BEEN WITH GOD IN PRIVATE, YOU DON’T HAVE TO TURN IT ON IN PUBLIC—IT JUST OVERFLOWS.” Helpful Links Instagram: https://instagram.com/cadethompson Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software to help your church schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Try it today at https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=wlm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thewalk Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Ep 166: Dan Rivera: The Worship Leader Trap No One Talks About
Apr 1500:50:37Tap to summarizeThis episode gets honest about something many worship leaders feel—but rarely say out loud. Dan Rivera has led on big stages, written songs heard around the world, and helped shape worship culture in the Church. But in this conversation, he pulls things back to what actually sustains a life in ministry: humility, real relationships, and a faith that doesn’t depend on the platform. Because the truth is—what people see on stage is only a window… not the whole life. Guest Bio Dan Rivera lives just outside New Orleans, Louisiana, where he serves as Worship Pastor at Church of the King. A songwriter, leader, and pastor, Dan is passionate about building healthy worship cultures that reach people and reflect the heart of the local church. He and his wife have been married for over 12 years and have three kids. Episode Highlights “Worship leading is a window—not the whole house”Why what people see on stage doesn’t define your spiritual health The hidden loneliness many worship leaders faceAnd how real relationships—not platforms—keep you grounded Why your closest friends shouldn’t all be worship leadersBreaking out of the “echo chamber” of ministry culture The most important trait for anyone on a worship team(Hint: it’s not talent) How to lead with faith in an uncertain worldA simple but powerful framework: Is God real? Then His promises are too. Pull Quote “Worship leading is a window into your life—it’s not the whole picture.” Helpful Links Church of the King: https://churchoftheking.com Listen to For The One album (search “Church of the King Worship”) Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software to help your church schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Try it free today at https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=wlm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thewalk Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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Ep 165: Clayton Brooks: The Danger of Leading Worship for People
Apr 800:51:38Tap to summarizeThis episode is about the quiet tension every worship leader feels—but doesn’t always say out loud. Clayton Brooks has spent over 20 years in worship ministry, and in this conversation, he pulls back the curtain on what it really looks like to lead when no one’s responding, when insecurity creeps in, and when the line between worship and performance starts to blur. From leading in highly produced environments to moments where everything stripped away, Clayton shares why the greatest danger in worship isn’t getting it wrong—it’s slowly shifting who you’re doing it for. Guest Bio Clayton Brooks lives in Stokesdale, North Carolina, where he serves as Worship Pastor at Calvary Church of Greensboro. He’s a songwriter, producer, and pastor with over two decades of experience in worship ministry. Clayton is passionate about helping the Church—especially worship leaders—live what they sing. He’s married to Aunie, and they have three sons: Connor, Cayden, and Asher. Episode Highlights “Who are you leading for?”The subtle shift from leading people to God… to leading for people’s approval Why crowd response can quietly shape your leadershipAnd how to stay grounded when the room feels disengaged The tension between production and presenceAre we creating moments—or making space for God to move? What worship really is (and what it’s not)A needed reset for leaders navigating modern church culture The power of simple, unfiltered worshipWhy some of the most impactful moments happen when everything else falls away Pull Quote “Don’t let the room determine your leadership—lead from what God is doing in you.” Helpful Links Instagram: https://instagram.com/claytonbrooks Calvary Church Greensboro: https://calvarychurch.com Sponsor This episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software to help your church schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Try it free today at https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=wlm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thewalk Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
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