Losing My Voice Led Me to One of the Greatest Moments of My Life | Sadie, Christian, Phil Wickham & Kristian Stanfill

Summary

Episode Summary: "Losing My Voice Led Me to One of the Greatest Moments of My Life"

Podcast: WHOA That's Good Podcast
Host: Sadie Robertson Huff
Guests: Phil Wickham, Christian Stanfill, Cody Carnes, Jeremy Riddle
Release Date: February 12, 2025

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1. Grounding in Fame and Family Support

The episode opens with Sadie Robertson Huff welcoming renowned worship leaders Phil Wickham, Christian Stanfill, and Cody Carnes, along with Jeremy Riddle. The conversation swiftly delves into their shared experiences of gaining fame through platforms like "Duck Dynasty" and their subsequent musical careers.

Christian Stanfill highlights the unique advantage they had—remaining in their hometown of Monroe, surrounded by an extended family network. This environment provided a stabilizing force amidst the whirlwind of newfound fame.

Christian Stanfill [03:16]: "We were with our entire family, like, not just mom and dad, like, aunts, uncles, grandparents, like, all of us together."

This familial support system contrasted sharply with many who achieve fame in isolation, allowing them to stay grounded and maintain a balanced life.

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2. The Best Advice They've Ever Received

A pivotal segment of the episode revolves around the central theme of the podcast: identifying the best advice they've ever been given.

Phil Wickham’s Inspirational Guidance

Phil Wickham shares a profound piece of advice from his youth pastor during high school, rooted in scripture.

Phil Wickham [06:46]: "The eyes of the Lord, they range throughout the earth, looking for those whose hearts are fully committed to him so he can strengthen those people." (2 Chronicles 16:9)

This verse became a cornerstone for Phil, reinforcing his commitment to serving God's kingdom rather than seeking personal acclaim.

Cody Carnes on Commitment and Trust

Cody Carnes recounts a transformative conversation with his late pastor, Jeff, which reshaped his understanding of love and commitment, particularly in relationships.

Cody Carnes [09:18]: "Do you trust her to raise your kids? I was like, oh, I'd be devastated."

Inspired by this guidance, Cody embraced lifelong commitment, leading to his 17-year marriage, which he celebrates as a life-changing decision.

Cody Carnes [09:24]: "I went and got a ring the next day. And that's obviously changed my life."

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3. Navigating Identity and Self-Worth

The discussion shifts to the challenges of maintaining self-identity amidst external validations such as fame and accolades.

Christian Stanfill opens up about the struggle of placing identity in roles and expectations rather than in Christ.

Christian Stanfill [10:11]: "God is leading you. His word is a lamp unto your feet and a light into your path."

This perspective encourages listeners to root their self-worth in divine truth rather than fleeting external accomplishments.

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4. Moments of Songwriting and Divine Inspiration

A heartfelt exchange about the creation of worship songs reveals the intimate connection between faith and creativity.

Phil Wickham’s "Heart Abandoned"

Phil Wickham describes the spontaneous and holy creation of his song "Heart Abandoned," emphasizing the profound worship experience shared with co-writer Sean Curran.

Phil Wickham [33:15]: "We just lingered in the song for a long time and just worshiped. And both of us just weeping together, worshiping God together."

Cody Carnes’ "This is Amazing Grace"

Cody Carnes shares the serendipitous journey of his song "This is Amazing Grace," highlighting its widespread impact and translation into 16 languages without prior expectation of its success.

Cody Carnes [38:16]: "I got a demo from Jeremy Riddle, and then all of a sudden, it was like, oh, it's translated into 16 languages."

These stories underscore the belief that divine inspiration often leads to unexpected and far-reaching influences through music.

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5. Leading Worship Amidst Personal Struggles

The guests discuss the complexities of leading worship while grappling with personal challenges, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and accountability.

Cody Carnes shares a deeply personal story about losing his voice during a tour, leading to a moment of profound introspection and spiritual revelation.

Cody Carnes [12:05]: "I was sitting in my bedroom for hours, just learning songs and singing to Him."

During this crisis, Cody experienced a life-altering revelation about his identity in Christ, moving beyond seeking validation through his talents.

Phil Wickham and Cody Carnes advocate for open confession and accountability as essential practices for overcoming internal struggles.

Cody Carnes [48:51]: "Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed."

Phil Wickham [50:27]: "It's wild. Just quickly confess and seek prayer support."

These insights provide valuable guidance for listeners facing similar dilemmas, promoting a supportive and faith-driven approach to personal challenges.

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6. The Sing Along Tour: Collaboration and Community

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the Sing Along Tour—a collaborative effort by the guests aimed at fostering a communal worship experience.

Cody Carnes explains the tour's philosophy of simplicity and vulnerability, stripping away elaborate setups to focus on genuine worship and community connection.

Cody Carnes [55:08]: "It's about us all in it together. Leading each other's songs creates a sense of community that is unlike any other tours that I do."

The tour emphasizes shared leadership and mutual support, reflecting the biblical principle of the body of Christ working in unison.

Phil Wickham [58:09]: "It's just so different. Like Phil, Cody, myself, Donnie, we're all just so uniquely gifted and express the beauty of God in different ways."

This collaborative spirit not only enriches the worship experience but also strengthens the bonds among the participants and the audience.

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7. Building Accountability and Personal Growth

The conversation touches upon the transformative power of accountability within personal and professional realms.

Christian Stanfill shares the implementation of "Confession Hour," a weekly practice among his group to foster openness and mutual support.

Christian Stanfill [53:59]: "Our little confession hour is the best thing that happened to us all."

This practice mirrors the discussions on accountability in worship leading, reinforcing the importance of community in personal development.

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8. Host’s Reflections and Encouragement

Throughout the episode, Sadie Robertson Huff intersperses advertisements for partners like Hungryroot, Covenant Eyes, and Audible, seamlessly integrating them into the conversation. She also reflects on the inspiring stories shared by her guests, emphasizing the blend of personal growth, faith, and communal support.

Sadie Robertson [05:43]: "How crazy that was. It's so cool to see people that you admire and look up to but then really hear their heart."

Her reflections highlight the episode's overarching themes of faith, community, and personal transformation.

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Conclusion

The episode concludes with heartfelt blessings and affirmations among the guests, reinforcing the shared commitment to faith and community.

Cody Carnes [59:47]: "Praying blessings over you guys as you continue to minister and so many eyes are on you and just that God would give you just sense the grace and peace of God like never before."

Phil Wickham [51:56]: "He wants to participate with him. He wants to get in the game, get off the sideline and get in the game. He wants to put us in the game."

These closing remarks encapsulate the episode's essence: a celebration of faith-driven collaboration, personal resilience, and the enduring impact of divine guidance.

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Notable Quotes:

• Phil Wickham [06:46]: "The eyes of the Lord, they range throughout the earth, looking for those whose hearts are fully committed to him so he can strengthen those people." (2 Chronicles 16:9)

• Cody Carnes [09:24]: "I went and got a ring the next day. And that's obviously changed my life."

• Christian Stanfill [10:11]: "God is leading you. His word is a lamp unto your feet and a light into your path."

• Cody Carnes [48:51]: "Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed."

• Phil Wickham [58:09]: "It's just so different. Like Phil, Cody, myself, Donnie, we're all just so uniquely gifted and express the beauty of God in different ways."

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This episode of the WHOA That's Good Podcast masterfully intertwines personal narratives with profound spiritual insights, offering listeners both inspiration and practical guidance for navigating their faith journeys amidst life's challenges.

Transcript

[Sadie Robertson]

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[Phil Wickham]

Hey, find a keto friendly restaurant nearby.

[Christian Stanfill]

And text it to Beth and Steve.

[Cody Carnes]

And it does without me lifting a finger so I can get in more.

[Christian Stanfill]

Squats anywhere I can.

[Phil Wickham]

1, 23 Will that be cash or credit?

[Cody Carnes]

Credit 4 Galaxy S25 Ultra the AI.

[Jeremy Riddle]

Companion that does the heavy lifting so you can do you get [e-mail] compatible with select apps.

[Cody Carnes]

Requires Google Gemini Count.

[Jeremy Riddle]

Results may vary based on input.

[Cody Carnes]

Check responses for accuracy.

[Christian Stanfill]

What's up? Everybody happy? Well that's good. Wednesday I hope you're having a great week but per usual friends it is about to get so much better because Today we have such a special. Two special guests. And they're actually here today because they are on the sing along tour. We have Phil Wickham and Christian Stanfield, two legends in the worship world. And I also have my hubby here.

[Jeremy Riddle]

Two Christians here.

[Christian Stanfill]

Christian.

[Cody Carnes]

Yeah, two Christians.

[Phil Wickham]

Four Christians.

[Cody Carnes]

One's a K, though.

[Jeremy Riddle]

Two names.

[Cody Carnes]

He spells it with a K. K, C, H. You're more traditional.

[Christian Stanfill]

We have a K and a C. Christian in the house and grateful for that. So, guys, y'all just started the sing along tour?

[Cody Carnes]

Yes, just started. We hit Texas cities. We're Houston.

[Phil Wickham]

Yep.

[Cody Carnes]

Where else were we? Tyler, Texas. And now we're here in your neck of the woods.

[Christian Stanfill]

Let's go.

[Cody Carnes]

So good to hang out with you guys.

[Christian Stanfill]

This is like the best. People have been coming to Monroe lately, and it's the best thing ever because, one, it's like a lot of our friends that we get to see. Then two, they get stopped by my podcast. I'm like, thank you, North Monroe, for hosting all these incredible people.

[Phil Wickham]

So it's so cool to be here.

[Cody Carnes]

Yeah, it's awesome.

[Phil Wickham]

Really, really cool. I haven't. I've never. Yeah, I've never been here.

[Cody Carnes]

I don't know if I've ever been to Monroe either.

[Phil Wickham]

No. Well, we've been to Monroe, but never been here.

[Cody Carnes]

Not the Commander of Ducks.

[Christian Stanfill]

Yeah, you're at the Commander of Ducks right now.

[Cody Carnes]

It's actually wild pulling up. Cause, you know, the show is a part of our culture. Several years. When did it stop?

[Christian Stanfill]

It stopped. Okay. It's crazy how long ago it stopped. It was like 10 years ago.

[Cody Carnes]

Okay. That's what I was gonna say about a decade ago.

[Jeremy Riddle]

Like 2017.

[Cody Carnes]

Pulling up and seeing the buildings.

[Christian Stanfill]

Yeah, maybe like eight years ago or so. I was a senior in high school when we stopped recording, so that feels like a long time ago.

[Phil Wickham]

Whoa.

[Christian Stanfill]

I was in eighth grade when we started filming and a senior when we stopped. So my whole high school was. Yeah, that. Which is so nuts.

[Cody Carnes]

Being in. Sorry, I'm not gonna be.

[Christian Stanfill]

This is a reverse podcast. Yeah.

[Cody Carnes]

Well, I just have one question.

[Phil Wickham]

I think I have the same question.

[Cody Carnes]

Okay. So growing up, being on TV is one thing, but did. Was it kind of grounding? First of all, it was all with your family. And also it was in your hometown of Monroe. It's not like you guys were going to LA to film or anything, so were you even kind? You were aware, but not aware 100%.

[Christian Stanfill]

It was so. I mean, I'm so thankful for that. Always say that when people say to Us, like, oh, how did none of y'all lose your mind, like, being young and, you know, getting fame? And I say, well, a lot of famous people who, you know, get famous when they're young. They're by themselves. Like, the spotlight is literally on them. And I can see how that would be so hard, because it was hard for us in a lot of ways.

[Sadie Robertson]

In different ways.

[Christian Stanfill]

But we were with our entire family, like, not just mom and dad, like, aunts, uncles, grandparents, like, all of us together. And, yes, in our hometown. I think, actually, for the first couple years, I didn't realize, like, how big it was until we did start traveling for the show, like, speaking and stuff. And we're like, whoa, this is crazy. You know, then people started showing up here to. You know, they'd come to Monroe and we didn't have anything, and they'd be like, where are the dynasty people? They'd come try to find us, and we'd be like, oh, this is weird. You know, like, we had thousands of people come here to the. Just to watch the family walk into work. I mean, it was so crazy. So it started getting like, okay, wow, this is. This is wild. And then when I was on Dancing with the Star was when I went to la, and that was like, my. Oh, this is wild. Yeah, this is a whole nother world. But the grounding with my family being here was such a gift. I mean, I can't even imagine going through that without everyone. It was. It was so special.

[Sadie Robertson]

So crazy.

[Cody Carnes]

Thanks for having us. Thanks for.

[Christian Stanfill]

Thanks for asking me a question on the podcast.

[Cody Carnes]

Yeah, you're welcome.

[Christian Stanfill]

I know. I love it. Okay, wait. Actually, I am going to ask y'all the question I ask everybody on the will. It's good podcast, and this is totally to come out of left field.

[Jeremy Riddle]

Yeah.

[Christian Stanfill]

If you are not prepared for this, and I feel like y'all are not, but I ask everybody what the best piece of advice you've ever been given is, and I feel like y'all are two people you gotta ask that question to. So go back in your memory files. What is some of the most solid advice you got that had, like, a really pivotal impact on your life?

[Cody Carnes]

Goodness gracious, Christian, does something on your mind?

[Phil Wickham]

Well, the first thing that comes to my mind, I had a youth pastor in high school who had such an influence on my life and saw leadership in me when I was, like, a knucklehead middle schooler and walked me through high school. And when I graduated, he wrote me this note. And in the Note, he put second Chronicles 16. Nine, I think it is. Maybe we should check that.

[Christian Stanfill]

Fact check.

[Phil Wickham]

Yeah, fact check. But it says that the eyes of the Lord, they range throughout the earth, looking for those whose hearts are fully committed to him so he can strengthen those people. And that verse just, like, got in my heart and has stuck with me for so many years. And just wherever we've gone, like in our family or in ministry, just remembering that the Lord's eye, he's looking for people who are just like, I'm here and I'm ready, Lord, whatever you want to do. And he wants to strengthen those people. He wants to put wind behind not. Not for my name, but for his name.

[Christian Stanfill]

Yeah.

[Phil Wickham]

And to be a part of his story and his kingdom in that way is so beautiful.

[Christian Stanfill]

That's so cool.

[Phil Wickham]

So that's just always, always stuck with me.

[Christian Stanfill]

And how old were you?

[Phil Wickham]

Oh, my gosh. I mean, 18 years old.

[Christian Stanfill]

Wow, that's cool.

[Phil Wickham]

Yeah. And I mean, even in the last couple years, we've. All that God's doing through passion and passion, city church and our family, I still, like. I still reach for that. Just remember that verse. Like, Lord, this is what it's. It's been. It's in your. It's been in your words, you know, from the beginning. But this is the promise you gave to us all these years ago, and here you are still doing it.

[Christian Stanfill]

So, so cool. Anyway, I love that. That's so cool. That's awesome.

[Cody Carnes]

I think for me, I realized as I was dating my now wife, but I realized as I was. I dated her for about three years, kind of first boyfriend, first girlfriend thing from when I was like, 21 to 24. And about three years in, I was like, okay. I realized I was scared of commitment. Like, I was one of those guys. It's like, okay, yeah, I know. I love this girl, and I can't imagine my life without her. But, like, how do you know? Maybe I grew up in some situations where, like, I remember I would keep coming back to, like, summer camps where, like, pastors would talk at these youth retreats and be like, yeah, I walked into a room, I saw a woman. And the Lord said, that's your wife. We're married two weeks later, you know, And I'd be like, okay, so God just tells you that's how it works.

[Phil Wickham]

Gotcha.

[Cody Carnes]

And it's just a big thing. Thing. And. And then this, my past, a pastor friend of mine, his name was Jeff, who's that actually passed away. Now. He's like, phil, it's not that complicated. He's like, do you. Do you. Does she love Jesus? It's like, yeah, she really does. Does she make you love Jesus more? I was like, yeah. He's like, do you think she's pretty? I'm like, I think she's really pretty, you know? And it's like, do you want to hang out with her every day? I was like, yeah, more than anybody else. He's like, what would happen if you didn't know what she did today? I was like, oh, I'd be devastated. He's like. He's like, do you trust her to raise your kids? I was like, of course. Yeah. She's awesome. She's really great with kids.

[Phil Wickham]

And he's just like, this is like, come on.

[Cody Carnes]

I was supposed to marry her. And I went and got a ring the next day.

[Phil Wickham]

Wow.

[Cody Carnes]

And that's obviously changed my life. And we're celebrating 17 years this year.

[Christian Stanfill]

Wow.

[Phil Wickham]

That's amazing.

[Christian Stanfill]

That is so cool, because we always do, like, Q&As, you know, asking people on Instagram, what kind of conversations do you want us to have on the podcast? What are you struggling with? And one of the biggest things we get asked is, how do you know if the person's the one that you're supposed to be with? And it's kind of sad because a lot of. There's, like, so much anxiety around it. It's, like, so much confusion. Like, how am I supposed to know? And it's. It's kind of been shocking to us how many times people ask that. So we did a whole podcast dedicated to that question. And so I love that you bring that up, too, because it does sometimes it does feel super complicated and overwhelming, and then you hear other people's stories, and it feels like, really? That's how you knew? That's crazy. God told you. Like, why God? Tell me, like, send an angel.

[Cody Carnes]

I was waiting for, like, a verse to, like, highlight itself in the scriptures or A cloud in the sky.

[Phil Wickham]

Yeah.

[Cody Carnes]

And then. And everybody has a different story, but, like, it was just so obvious.

[Christian Stanfill]

Yeah.

[Cody Carnes]

And I was. I was letting, like, my own fear and my own. If I just. That that conversation helped me step back and just see the blessing of the Lord so clearly. Of, like, okay, we've been best friends for three years. I. I want to be with her every day. Like, I want to grow old. Like, all the things were there. I just. I was just too afraid, not asking myself the right questions.

[Christian Stanfill]

Yeah.

[Cody Carnes]

It's like, where's the cloud in the sky? Was my question.

[Phil Wickham]

Yeah.

[Cody Carnes]

When it's like, oh, I see the blessing of the Lord right in front of me. And I was so thankful for my pastor.

[Christian Stanfill]

That goes into so many conversations, too. Not just like, who's the one you're gonna marry? But just little decisions in life. Every decision in life, I think so often, like, we're looking for the cloud, looking for the sign. And you don't have to over complicate it or even over spiritualize it like that. Like, God is lead leading you. His word is a lamp unto your feet and a light into your path. And I love that you mentioned that, because I feel like that's just gonna let people listening right now. Take a deep breath. Yeah, take a deep breath. Ask yourself the right questions. Walk with him. Yes. It's so cool that y'all both brought up, like the early times in your worship leading and like, whenever people saw something on your life. Because Christian, I were both, like, really interested in that, in your stories, because y'all are two. When I say, like legends in the church and in worship leading, like, the church is currently singing the song songs that you guys have written that you guys are leading. Like, our church on Sunday. We're probably gonna sing one of y'all songs. Like, that's crazy. You know, crazy honor start like that. I know. I want to get to that and how crazy that is. But, like, way before that, like, did you always have that desire in your heart? Was it something that people started calling out on you? Were you just, you know, had a good voice? Like, take us back to when you started realizing there was something special.

[Jeremy Riddle]

Take us back to the moment.

[Sadie Robertson]

Well, friends, I am officially inviting you to join the scripture translation movement with the Illuminations 12 verse challenge. There are over a billion people in the world that don't have access to scripture in their own heart language. Plus, there are more than 1,000 people groups that don't have access to any scripture at all. My Bible is one of the most important things that I own, and I truly cannot imagine not being able to read it. So we've been partnering with Illuminations, an alliance of 11 leading Bible translation agencies who work together to eliminate Bible poverty in our generation. Original estimate said that it would take over 150 years, but now it's projected to be finished around the year 2033, which is so amazing. So here's how you can be a part of it. Whenever you take the 12 verse challenge. For just $35 a month, you can help fund 12 Verses of Scripture per year for people who have little to no Access of scripture. Together we've already funded the equivalent of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the four gospels for a people group that doesn't have the word in their heart language. So let's keep going. I know my amazing. Well, that's good, fam. Will step up to the challenge. We would absolutely love for you to help out. Whenever I got to go to Guatemala last year, I just got to see it firsthand and see the power of what it really looks like whenever people who didn't have access to scripture in their heart language get it. And it is absolutely incredible. And we get to be a part of that. So how do you join the movement? Well, pull out your phone right now, click the link in the show notes or go to 12vc.com sister and commit to the 12 verse challenge. That's the number one, the number two VC.com sister. And we are in this, guys, until everyone everywhere has access to God's word. Visit the number 12 VC.com sister to join the movement today.

[Phil Wickham]

I did not have a good voice. I think my parents were impossible.

[Cody Carnes]

No, you got such a great voice.

[Phil Wickham]

Oh my gosh.

[Christian Stanfill]

It's interesting though how people started because like, people ask me that like, oh, you were always good at speaking. Like, no, literally, it was terrible the first time I spoke. I'm not kidding. The event asked for their money back.

[Cody Carnes]

Yeah.

[Christian Stanfill]

Because it was so bad.

[Cody Carnes]

I just still trying to figure out.

[Christian Stanfill]

Talking honestly because I was on Doug Dynasty, not because I was good at it. Okay. So like some people, it's just naturally you're just like that, but you didn't.

[Jeremy Riddle]

Have a good voice.

[Christian Stanfill]

It's encouraging to hear that, you know.

[Jeremy Riddle]

Mean by that hope for me.

[Phil Wickham]

Well, I think how.

[Cody Carnes]

What are you talking about? Are you talking about like 13 year old Christian?

[Phil Wickham]

Yeah, like I was 12 years old. 13 years old.

[Jeremy Riddle]

Yes.

[Phil Wickham]

I loved music, you know, and I found a guitar in my dad's closet and just tried to figure it out. And you've never done it before. And I think for a few years my parents were like, I hope he picks something different. This is crazy. You know, that's so funny.

[Christian Stanfill]

Like that kind of. I love stories like this. Someone out there is listening, like, okay.

[Phil Wickham]

But it was a really sweet time because it was. I had this guitar, I had this like this growing faith and relationship in Jesus, with Jesus. And I would just sit in my bedroom for like, for hours and just learn songs and just sing to him. And I didn't know it then, but that kind of that, that's like the fuel for the fire, you know, that's. That's still like that. Just being with him, walking with him, talking with him, finding those quiet spaces with him, That's. That's the fuel, you know, just.

[Cody Carnes]

That's so good.

[Phil Wickham]

So. But, yeah, that's where it all started. And then my youth. My youth group, like, my. On Wednesday nights, they were like, hey, we don't have a worship leader. And we heard that you have a guitar and you're trying to figure this out, so now you're our worship leader.

[Cody Carnes]

You know, I can relate to that.

[Phil Wickham]

And I was like, what's a worship leader? Like, I didn't know. But it turns out it's just what I'd been doing in my bedroom, you know, just so then just trying to figure out how to let the overflow of what God was doing in my life, like, privately, like, the overflow of that just happened on Wednesday nights with my youth group, you know, and turns out that's just how it still is, you know? So, yeah, that's how it kind of all got started for me. Really grateful for that youth, that youth.

[Cody Carnes]

Leader who was like, when I would have First. When would we have kind of first been aware of? There's a guy named Christian Stanfill. Sorry, I'm podcasting again.

[Christian Stanfill]

He podcasting.

[Cody Carnes]

I'm just curious, like, when I first heard of your name, because I feel like I've known of it a long time. Then we got to be friends later. What we. What ministry was that? That was like, the catapult was that.

[Phil Wickham]

I don't know what that would have been. Was that, like, maybe North Point?

[Cody Carnes]

Yeah, The. The Louis study.

[Phil Wickham]

722.

[Cody Carnes]

Yeah, 722. Do you guys remember hearing about. There was probably. They're a generation.

[Phil Wickham]

7:22 was. It was a singles Bible study in Atlanta that Louie would teach, and there was this awesome worship band and. But then, like, high school kids started coming college because, like, God was just doing amazing stuff through it. So we would show up every Tuesday night. It was awesome. But then I got to lead there. That was the first time I let Jesus Paid. It all was at 7:22.

[Cody Carnes]

So good.

[Phil Wickham]

So I think maybe around then.

[Christian Stanfill]

What was the first song you wrote that the church started singing? Like, the global church.

[Phil Wickham]

There was a song called Beautiful Jesus that was on a Passion record like, like years ago.08 or something like that. But that was the first time I started hearing, like, people would say, hey, we were singing Beautiful Jesus in church this Sunday. And I was just like, wow, it's still crazy.

[Christian Stanfill]

That's crazy. I can't. That is so cool. Yeah, it's so cool. I love that you talk about how, like, you weren't the best singer, but you love music. And there's this book, it's called you are what you love. And there is this concept in it that I thought was so cool. And it talks about, like, if you want to teach someone to build a boat, don't just give them, you know, the materials to do it, but teach them to desire the sea. And I was like, that is such a good concept and such a good quote. And I think about that with, like, the things in my life too, like speaking or whatever. I was not good at it, naturally. I was super shy. That was not, like, something that I necessarily was, like, confident in. But whenever I just started to love the Lord and be just completely obsessed with who God is and start studying the Word, and I fell in love with Jesus. It was like I couldn't not talk about him. And then anytime there was an opportunity or a platform, it was overflow, you know? And so it's not like, oh, I'm trying to build this. I'm trying to do this. It's just, man, I love God, I love Jesus. So it flows out of you. And so it's really cool. Like, when you love the Lord, it makes up for your lack, you know, your lack of whatever you feel your lack is like, oh, I'm not the best singer. You don't have to be the best singer. It's not about being the best to be a worship leader, you know, it's not about being the best to be.

[Cody Carnes]

Whatever every Bible story shows us. It's not about being the best. It's almost like you should be the worst. I could be horrified in it.

[Phil Wickham]

You know, it is almost a gift to feel that way, truly, to be so desperate, like, man, if something supernatural and miraculous is going to happen, you have to do it. Like, I don't feel confident. You know what I mean? Like, I don't feel confident in my own strength to do that. That's such a beautiful place to be. Demonstration of the spirit's power, you know.

[Cody Carnes]

I feel that I'm there. You know, I'm there. But I think it's been a long journey for me to shed. Shed the idea of, like, I gotta try harder. I gotta. I gotta sing louder. I gotta work more on writing because it's not gonna happen unless I work really, really hard. And I remember there's a turning point. I mean, if you want to hear the beginning I could do that, too. The turning point in my heart that I didn't even realize those. Those that was exist, existing was in 2013. I had to cancel. Like, I was out on a tour, and my voice was just dying. I could literally get through two songs, and then I. It just was like, as if I had laryngitis. And the promoter, who's, you know, he's helping people get to the shows, he's selling tickets. They. They don't want to cancel shows. It's like, their job to keep the shows going. He. We had, like, six, seven more to do, and he's like, we were canceling. Like, this is embarrassing, and you got something up. Like, you got to go get checked out. And so.

[Phil Wickham]

Man.

[Cody Carnes]

And that was in Maine and little tangent. So I was super depressed. And then we had to drive, like, four hours through the night to get to the closest airport and almost had a moose and almost died. And I was like, lord, what are you doing in my life? I remember it jumped out in front of the car, and those cars, like, slid on the ice. And. What is a moose cry? It was crazy. Okay, that was a little tangent.

[Christian Stanfill]

Well, sometimes it has to be dramatic.

[Jeremy Riddle]

I know.

[Cody Carnes]

It felt like I was in a movie. It was like, what's happening in my life? Anyways? I got. I'm not gonna do all the details, but had a polyp on my vocal cords. Something that happens to singers. Had to be silent for a month to see if it go away. It didn't go away. It was actually bleeding. Then had surgery, and the doctors are like, hey, like, just get ready for your life to be different. I know you're a singer, but it's just. We think you'll get some sort of singing back 100%. We. It's probably not gonna come back. You might not be able to get through a full set. Like, you might have trouble singing. Like, just be ready. And I was like, okay. And try to be, like, manly in the hospital room, you know, but, like, went home. Like. Like, what value? I really felt depressed and as I was searching my heart and had to be silent again after that surgery for six weeks and just, like, just feeling so, like, my value went away as a human, you know? Yeah. Like, that was the way I provided for my family. But that'll work. I could always get job at Starbucks or something, you know, but. All right. There's other things, too. But really, I realized I. I loved. There's so much a part of it I loved. It was this sense of, like, people told me they liked it.

[Christian Stanfill]

Yeah.

[Cody Carnes]

And so that. This is my value. This is the way I. Yeah. This is my approval, you know? And I realized that was what I was grieving of. Like, what if that goes away? And. And then I remember in the silence of that moment, there's a. A pastor's conference called Catalyst. You guys familiar with Catalyst?

[Phil Wickham]

There was.

[Cody Carnes]

Catalyst west was going to this.

[Phil Wickham]

Phil.

[Cody Carnes]

Yeah. Yeah. Were you there?

[Phil Wickham]

I was there.

[Cody Carnes]

Oh, Catalyst West.

[Phil Wickham]

Yes. Oh, no, no, no, no, not West. Sorry. But I remember when this happened. Sorry.

[Cody Carnes]

Yeah. And. And I was supposed. I was supposed to be leading worship there and I couldn't. And so, like, hey, can you. Can you write just something? So we want to pray for you up from stage. Like, we know you're going through it. It's like, oh, that's sweet. You know, and so I was doing like the. Hey, guys, like, this verse is what I'm clinging on to. And like. Like, it's totally. You know, it's just. It could be way worse than a pollen. My vocal cord can't wait to get back next year. Like, positive, faithful. And then he. They texted me. Oh. The conference theme is identity. And right in that moment, like, I. I remember being in this little back room in my house. I just started like, weeping and I didn't know why. And I. In my. In my. In my inner voice because I wasn't supposed to talk, just like crying out to the Lord, like, what's going on in my heart right now? And one of the. I would say three times that it was like an undeniable sense of, like, I'm in the presence of God and I can't. Like, it's moments like that for me, like, I'll never not believe in the existence of God. There's many rational reasons. There's many beautiful reasons. There's many life changing reasons in my life and other life. But I feel like I've been with him in such a near way in these moments, and this was one of them that I. I'll never not want to chase it. And. And I remember just a question, like, in my soul, like. Like, who am I? And. And the answer came to me, like, you're my father. It's like, what does that make you? You know? And like, I'm your son. And like. And then, like, I just started. It was such a heaven moment. I just remember thinking of all these pivotal points in my life were, like, coming to my mind.

[Christian Stanfill]

Wow.

[Cody Carnes]

And. And it's like I was there.

[Phil Wickham]

I was there. I was there. I was there.

[Cody Carnes]

I was doing this. I was doing this. And this is me and this is. It's because I love you and not because of what you've done. Not because of the checklist. It's like, I love you and I want you because I made you and you're mine, you know? And what that means is like the Father or the Creator of the universe wants me to call Him Father. And so like, I can trust in his love. I can trust in his plan. I don't have to like lean on people's expectations of me. Yeah. It was just such a life changing moment. It was almost like coming to Jesus for the second time, which I was already saved, obviously, and came to Jesus. But it's like really believing that I didn't have to checklist to be in his good graces.

[Christian Stanfill]

Yeah.

[Cody Carnes]

And checklist to be have value. It's just like I could just be a child.

[Christian Stanfill]

Yeah.

[Cody Carnes]

And. And really just receiving that.

[Christian Stanfill]

Yeah.

[Cody Carnes]

And it changed the course of my, my inner life. I don't remember why I went into that originally. Yeah, that was, that was a turning point for me from like really trying to think, oh yeah, I was like, I needed to. I needed to work harder and write more and be better, to be what I was supposed to be and to live up to any expectations and to like really just sitting in the presence of God and being with him was the beautiful thing. And letting that, letting everything else flow out. And so after that was. People were already singing songs, but after that was a different thing.

[Christian Stanfill]

You started church singing?

[Cody Carnes]

Yeah, I just started my. My love for serving the church with songs instead of serving my artistic expression of what I wanted to say to God first. It just shifted.

[Christian Stanfill]

Yeah.

[Cody Carnes]

And I just saw so many things that like, wow, this came out of insecurity, this came out of fear. And now that doesn't exist anymore. Yeah. And I realized what, what. Not just what I'm supposed to do, but what I love to do, which is like, I love serving the church with new songs. And then songs like Living Hope and Great Things and this Amazing Grace and Hymn of Heaven and Battle Belongs. That's all kind of came out of it.

[Phil Wickham]

The list is wild.

[Cody Carnes]

A lot of people might not know those, but these are songs that I sing. And it seems like people know when I go out, a lot of people are like, I've never heard any of those.

[Phil Wickham]

People know them.

[Christian Stanfill]

We sing Living Hope like every single Sunday in our church.

[Cody Carnes]

So sweet.

[Christian Stanfill]

And it's so good. It's always good. It's. It's every time. It doesn't get old. I mean, it's so good. It's. That's so cool to hear.

[Sadie Robertson]

Let's talk about marriage for a minute. It can be such a blast. But let's be real. It comes with a lot of challenges, too. Christian and I have definitely gone through a few, but being married is such a gift, and I wouldn't have it any other way. And that's why I want to share with you an amazing tool from our friends at Covenant Eyes. Victory by Covenant Eyes is a software that helps couples protect their marriage, build trust, and provide accountability in the digital world. We all know that pornography and inappropriate content are a huge issue in our world today, and it creeps into marriages in ways that, you know, you might not have expected. But Covenant Eyes doesn't want you to face that battle alone. Their software monitors screen activity and sends reports to a chosen accountability partner. So maybe that's your spouse or maybe that's a trusted friend. But whoever you choose, Covenant Eyes can help you create an environment of openness and trust in your relationship. I've seen myself how good communication and accountability can do wonders for strengthening a marriage, and tools like Covenant Eyes can.

[Christian Stanfill]

Make that easier for yourself.

[Sadie Robertson]

The best part is that it's not about shame or guilt. It's about growth, healing, and protecting what matters the most, each other and your relationship with Jesus. God made marriage to be a reflection of his love, pure and full of grace, and Covenant Eyes will help you do that. Accountability is huge, friends. I think that so many people fear accountability and letting someone else in, but that's where freedom really comes. And I think that you guys would benefit so much from taking this next step. If it's something you or someone you know or love struggles with. If you're married, engaged, or even just dreaming about the future, I cannot recommend Covenant Eyes Enough. Go to Covenant Eyes.com Sadie to learn more and start your journey together towards healing and a healthier, strong marriage today. That's Covenant Eyes.com Sadie.

[Christian Stanfill]

I love that both of y'all had the point of it. It had to become overflow. And it's cool because I actually tell people with social media that's like, when people ask me social media advice, I always say, like, let it be from the overflow. Like, because so many people go at it, like, striving, trying to gain a platform, trying to prove something, trying to. And I remember when the shift happened for me where I would, like, look back, kind of like you said, at different moments, and I'd be like, man, that came out of insecurity. That post was out of striving.

[Phil Wickham]

That was for sure.

[Christian Stanfill]

That was for comments, whatever it was. And then there's, like, a shift when it's like, oh, this is just the overflow of my life. Like, this is just, like, the love I have for the Lord, love I have for my family. I don't. It truly is not about what I get from social media. It's what I get to give to people who follow me and hopefully lead people. And so, like, it's so cool. What y'all are saying is for yalls unique experience and, like, the worship that you lead, but that's, like, in every area of your life. Like, if you get to the place of knowing who you are in Christ and letting your life live from the overflow of that, like, it changes everything. It changes how you love people, see people show up to places. Like, it's amazing. We've been talking a lot about identity on the podcast, too, and that seems to be a big topic. And it's crazy how you can wrap your identity in, like, the things that are good, things that you don't realize it. And, like, Levi's message and passion.

[Phil Wickham]

Oh, my word.

[Christian Stanfill]

Oh, my gosh. Everyone listening to this, if you have not listened to Levi Alaska's message, go hear Levi's talk.

[Cody Carnes]

Talk.

[Christian Stanfill]

Go hear Levi's talk. I think they're out now.

[Phil Wickham]

And go hear Sadie's talk.

[Christian Stanfill]

Oh, yeah, that one, too.

[Phil Wickham]

Amazing.

[Christian Stanfill]

Levi's is, like, one I'm gonna go back to in life.

[Cody Carnes]

What were the bullet points on? Because I was in there.

[Sadie Robertson]

Okay.

[Christian Stanfill]

It was actually pretty much a talk of bullet points kind of. It was, like, through the different seasons of your life, his advice to you in that moment. So he talks about, like, his own life crisises. And one of the things he said, and I went to him after, I was like, thank you so much for saying this, because I didn't realize how my identity began to be shaped by that until, like, until recently. And then when he said it, it made me feel like, oh, I'm not alone in that. But he talked about how he, like, didn't realize how much of his identity was wrapped up being, like, the young pastor and how, like. Like, he's so young, and people are like, oh, you're so young. You're so wise, and this and that and the other. And I feel like whenever I started doing stuff, I was, like, really young. I know I'm so young, but I was, like, 19. So that was, like, always a comment like, oh, you're so young. And you said this or you're so young and you're wise or whatever it was. And like, I didn't realize it was like pu up this like, identity of being young and having like, I don't know, the opportunity or the knowledge or whatever it was until then. Like when we got married and had kids and I was like, oh, I don't feel like the young person anymore. And it's like, is what I have to bring still good or was it only impressive because I was young doing it? You know, like, is it still good now and who I am? And like, then it like you get in your head about like, what do I really bring? Do people, you know, want me to come because I am just relevant or because I'm actually bringing a word from the Lord and like, I just got so in my head, like had like an identity crisis. I didn't even realize. I struggle with that. And like, you don't realize it until it's starting to get taken away, you know, like, you don't realize it till like the age changes or until you get the sickness or until the platform you thought was good, like TikTok being banned, that's hurting a lot of people's identity, you know, like, you don't realize it till it's taken away. Yeah, it's like such a g. It is taken away because then you have to work through it and you realize like, this is not something to root myself in.

[Cody Carnes]

You know, if you work through it believing what the Bible says, like believing what the Bible says about God and what the Bible says about us, then it's such a freeing thing because you realize you've been holding on to something that was so valuable. Right to you thought. And then you can, you're like, all of a sudden everything's open handed. So like I remember even being like, oh, I don't morning. I literally, I mean, I cared, but I was so overwhelmed with the love of God in that moment of like realizing, oh, like I'm in the hands of the Creator and he says he loves me beyond the heavens. Like, so now it goes from like, wow, he's got me and I'll probably get healed. Which thankfully I got my voice back, which is cool. And it was actually a miraculous really fast. I always forget to say that part. But I got the surgery, I got checked on three weeks later and it was supposed to be like a, a six month process. And three weeks later I got checked and the doctors called the other doctors in and said, we don't see Any signs of a surgery, Phil, you can go back singing again, which is. I always forget to say that part, but there's. I literally had a miracle happen, which is crazy. But at the end, you go from a place of literally being able to count it all. Joy.

[Christian Stanfill]

Yeah.

[Cody Carnes]

Because it's like, oh, I'm in the hands of the Father. This. Yeah. A little bit of grief and sadness and toughness is we still. You know, Jesus said, you'll experience tribulations, but he's overcome the world. And you go from the place of, like, looking at the tribulation to like, oh, I'm. I'm sitting with the overcomer. And so, like, I can. If I never sing again, if I'm mute, like, that's God's plan for me. And then. And there's going to be joy in that, and there's going to be satisfaction, blessing, like, if. If I have to go on to something else. I can't wait to see what he has for me rather than, like, give that back to me.

[Christian Stanfill]

Yeah.

[Cody Carnes]

It's a real freeing, cool thing.

[Christian Stanfill]

So true. So true. I love how you talked about, like, that moment where it was the most overwhelming, like, heavenly moment. What was the most. I guess, like, have you all had those moments? I'm sure you have it. What's one that you can remember in a songwriting session where it was just, like, the words just came, like, it felt like heaven was near?

[Phil Wickham]

Wow.

[Cody Carnes]

Anything come to mind for you?

[Phil Wickham]

Yes. It may not be a song that people have heard a lot, but a song called Heart Abandoned, that was on a Passion record. Dude, I love that song, man. Sean Curran and I wrote that in 2016, and it was one of those moments. We spent the first couple hours just talking, just brothers, friends, and talking about what's going on, their families. And then we started working on this song, and before we knew it, the song came really quickly, but we just. Just lingered in the song for a long time and just worshiped. And both of us ended up. It was. It was a very holy moment, and both of us just weeping together, worshiping God together. I think it. That song. You know it. The song originally was called Heart Like David. That felt a little. A little interesting. And I'd say, God, give me a heart like David, you know, in a. Which is really beautiful. But we changed it to Heart Abandon. But that was the prayer, you know, where God said, he's a man after my own heart. He will do everything that I ask him to do. He'll do everything I want him to do. And we Just wanted to be men like that, you know, husbands, fathers, yes. Worship leaders, all those things. We just wanted God to look at our life and say, yes.

[Christian Stanfill]

That's so cool.

[Phil Wickham]

And so anyway, it just. It was a very desperate life, like, day. It was very, very cool.

[Christian Stanfill]

It was so cool. Listened to it after this.

[Cody Carnes]

It's great. Several. Lots of moments pop in my mind. And one special one that again, is not one that it wouldn't be like the highest stream song of mine or whatever it's called. His name is Jesus. And it came out a couple records ago, but it started. We were singing. I was on a tour with some of my Bethel friends. Like, we're on Bethel tour. And we're singing the Darkest night. You can light it up. You can light it up. Oh, God. My voice is gone right now. God of revival. No, another Paula. Just kidding.

[Christian Stanfill]

No, no, no, no, no.

[Cody Carnes]

I've just been singing the last four nights and we sing God a revival. And it's just a moment. Like, it felt like the whole room was just praying it together. And. And then we went into like a John 3:16 thing of, like, for God, so love the world. We were like, everybody would, like, different people on the stage were like, continuing to carry the verse but singing around. And it was just a beautiful moment. And like. And then someone else was saying, like, it was like this whole. There was five leaders and everybody was throwing in things and like. And we know the name of the one who brings salvation. And someone else is like, we know the name of the. It was like this. This crazy, beautiful moment. And like. And then someone's like, what's his name?

[Jeremy Riddle]

What's his name? What's his name?

[Cody Carnes]

And I started. His name is Jesus. And it was like, yeah, like, it was just one of those moments. It's like, did you plan this? But we totally didn't. And so we. It was actually Cali who started singing. His name is Jesus. And a lot of the world. There's freedom in his name, you know, it was just a beautiful moment. And then someone went into a verse. Like, the song was written on stage. Like, half of it. Wow. And then.

[Phil Wickham]

That's so cool.

[Cody Carnes]

Then the MC came out and was like, who's doing, like, our. He was the sponsor or the sponsor reps who's gonna talk about what our initiative was for the night? And he's like, the king is in the room. The king is in the room. It's like, yeah. And then me and Brian Johnson. Like, that's the verse.

[Phil Wickham]

Yeah.

[Cody Carnes]

And then right then side Stage like, the king is in the room. Come see the scars of love upon his hands the king is. And then the verse in the song was, like, written so cool.

[Phil Wickham]

That's crazy.

[Cody Carnes]

It was so cool.

[Christian Stanfill]

That's so bad.

[Jeremy Riddle]

Does Jeremy Riddle sing that his name is Jesus? Is that a different song?

[Cody Carnes]

I think that's a song that's been written since then. That's a new his name is Jesus.

[Jeremy Riddle]

Similar.

[Cody Carnes]

We know all that his name is Jesus we can get.

[Christian Stanfill]

That's so cool. Do y'all feel like. So we started Ella Worship a few years ago, so I've gotten to write with them, and it's been, like, just such an amazing process and so cool. And I feel like there are some moments where you're, like, writing and you just feel like, wow. Like, it feels like words are coming and spirits moving, flowing. And then other moments, it feels a little bit harder to find the words and stuff, but I feel like. And maybe this is just me, but, like, the ones that have, you know, people have loved and people have really taken to heart, like, I didn't feel like that was going to be the one. But then it was like, do y'all feel like when you've written songs, have you known, like, this is going to be something that the church holds on to, or has it been more of a surprise to you? The ones that God just kind of breathes on.

[Cody Carnes]

For me, the first song that kind of was. Felt like it. It went across kind of international borders and was translated was actually back in 2013. It was, like, really connecting. When I was silent, which was wild, was a song called this is Amazing Grace.

[Christian Stanfill]

Wow.

[Cody Carnes]

Which it was just. It was a song that.

[Christian Stanfill]

That's so cool.

[Cody Carnes]

Like, me and a buddy started, like, years earlier, and we wrote the chorus and I forgot about it. And two years later, I got a demo from Jeremy Riddle, saying, hey, I got this demo. I think it's you singing. We really like the chorus. And I added these verses. And we're leading. We're. We're recording a Bethel Worship record tomorrow. Can we put it on? I was like, dude, I don't remember this song, but, like, go for it. And then they put. Recorded the song called this Amazing Grace. I'm like, oh, yeah. I remember this vert. This chorus and bridge. And then I loved it. And so I tried to do it like, Jeremy did it. And I just didn't have of the Jeremy Riddle thing because he's like. He goes from low to high. And I was like, let's just make it fun. And Upbeat. And so I can have, like, an upbeat song to play live. And then all of a sudden, it was like, oh, it's translated into 16 languages.

[Phil Wickham]

This is crazy.

[Cody Carnes]

And so that was a. For sure. I had no idea. And. But then also, like, there's other songs where I just. It's burning in my heart. Like, I cannot wait. I know this is going to work at my. I know there's going to be. I can't wait to sing this with my church. I can't wait to sing this on the road. And that was like. Like living hope for me.

[Christian Stanfill]

Yeah.

[Cody Carnes]

And I had no idea. I don't know if it's going to be widespread, but there is a sense of, like, a few of these songs. That's like, if it's. If it's burning in my heart to sing it. And then I do. And then I didn't even have to teach people. It just became a thing in the room. It's like, oh, cool. Thank you, Lord, for this. This is going to be a gift. I don't. Again, you never. You don't know about, you know, how widespread, but it felt like it was. Went up really fast to him, you know, from the church.

[Christian Stanfill]

That's so cool.

[Phil Wickham]

I agree with that. A lot of times it's a surprise, but I do feel like. Like you're saying, like, almost like sometimes a song comes and you feel like anointed to carry this, like, this song, you know, like God is giving the song for.

[Cody Carnes]

Yeah, those songs, like, I forget I even wrote them. I feel like I just get to.

[Christian Stanfill]

I heard someone else say that before, too.

[Phil Wickham]

Like an open channel. Yeah. He who is to come was that way. You know, when Cody and Sean, we were working on that song, we just had a real sense that, like, God was speaking to his church, I was speaking to his people and reminding us of what's real, you know, and the hope we have in a. In a coming king and a coming kingdom, you know, so. Yes, it's. But a lot of times it's a surprise, you know, And a lot of times you think, oh, that's man, that's.

[Cody Carnes]

The one that happens more often.

[Phil Wickham]

That happens more often.

[Cody Carnes]

This is the one. And then no one even cares about it.

[Phil Wickham]

Turns out. No, it's not.

[Christian Stanfill]

You know, that's crazy. That's cool, though.

[Phil Wickham]

But the process is so beautiful. All of it is so good.

[Sadie Robertson]

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[Christian Stanfill]

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[Sadie Robertson]

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[Christian Stanfill]

Even if you travel a lot like.

[Sadie Robertson]

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[Christian Stanfill]

I have to ask about the passion moment last year whenever we went into Agnes. Say thank you in that moment. Like. Like when you were leading. I can't even remember. Did you plan to sing that? Like what? What was the shift? How did that even happen? And like what was going on in your own heart and head in that moment? Because it is so cool to watch. We've watched that so many times in our houses. The girls, you know, when I'M putting them down, or in the morning, I'll just turn on worship. Just watching it is so amazing to see the evolution of, like, how the Lord just began to touch each of your hearts on stage. And, like, y'all weren't even looking at each other. And then, you know, you're down and Brett's down and Chittima. I mean, it was, like, the most. It's amazing. It's so amazing to watch. But what was that like, to lead a moment like that?

[Phil Wickham]

It wasn't planned at all. We. We had not planned to lead that song at all. And conf. During the conference, and we hadn't talked about it. I think that song is in all of our consciousness, you know, so it's Heaven's song, you know, and it's been sung for 30 years. That. That song. Michael W. Released it about 30 years ago, but we didn't plan on doing it. And I just think the thing for us that year, specifically in 24 and this year as well, we just kept saying, just be ready. Just be ready. Let's be prepared for whatever he wants to do. So that when he says move or when he leads in a direction, we're pitched forward, ready to move with him. And we don't know. None of us know what that's going to look like or when it's going to be or how it's going to work. But I just know that if I'm looking at him and I know his voice, I know how he's. Then I can move with him. And that was just how our team. That was the posture of our team. And I'm not trying to be like, oh, but that's just what it was.

[Christian Stanfill]

So cool.

[Phil Wickham]

Let's just go with God.

[Christian Stanfill]

Well, that's cool about your story, too. When it's like, five leaders who have the same. Same moment, and, like, they're like, you're locked into the spirit in the same way. So you're hearing the same thing. You're singing it, like, and it's not planned. It's the same thing where it was like, y'all all. I mean, not even just y'all lead on stage. Like, people who were playing in the back, like, that was the craziest thing. The guitar player. I mean, it was like crazy synergy.

[Phil Wickham]

And there's a lot of history, a lot of friendship. There's a lot of trust there, you know? And that's really cool how God put that group of people.

[Christian Stanfill]

Yeah.

[Phil Wickham]

Together. But it was just a really beautiful moment. I think in some Ways we knew we were headed towards just the whole year. And I think probably you guys felt this, too. We just felt like God was tilling the ground and preparing us for something. He was like, just be ready. And so it was funny. Before that session, Louis kind of pulled me aside right before we all prayed, and he had the, like, the run sheet. He said, this is all great. This is all fantastic. He's like, if you do it this way, it'll be awesome. He's like, but lead. Lead the room.

[Christian Stanfill]

Wow.

[Phil Wickham]

He's like, whatever's not on here, he's like, go with God.

[Christian Stanfill]

Wow.

[Phil Wickham]

And so walking out there felt like, from my pastor and from my friend, I had this, like, just confidence. Just so much confidence and trust.

[Christian Stanfill]

That's so beautiful.

[Phil Wickham]

So, yeah, it was such a beautiful moment. We go to it often, too, you.

[Christian Stanfill]

Know, it's so cool. I think about that all the time. It was so funny. Christian was supposed to go up right after that because it was like, this. Christian Huff.

[Phil Wickham]

That's right.

[Christian Stanfill]

And he's looking up Brad, like, no, no, I can't go up there.

[Jeremy Riddle]

Not going up there.

[Christian Stanfill]

I was feeling so bad for Christian because I was like, oh, my gosh. Not the best moment to follow such a holy moment. It's so hard to break those moments. Like, how do you. Like, what do you even do?

[Jeremy Riddle]

He goes from glory to glorious, and I'm like, what's in store for me?

[Christian Stanfill]

Yeah, there you go. Christian, I want as, like, a personal question. Okay, go ahead. Go ahead.

[Jeremy Riddle]

Trying to. I've been trying to figure out for, like, the last 15 minutes on how to articulate this kind of the way I wanted to come across. But how do you feel like, in your life, leading worship? Like, you've. You've wrestled with moments of, like, hypocrite. Like, feeling hypocritical, of like, I'm wrestling with this. I'm struggling with this.

[Christian Stanfill]

It's literally about to ask.

[Jeremy Riddle]

I'm about to go lead.

[Christian Stanfill]

How do you manage being here?

[Jeremy Riddle]

Because I'm like, for me, I'm like. Like, if I'm wrestling with something, I'm like, it's hard enough for me to sing, worship in a crowd, let alone lead a con, you know, lead people in it. If, like, yeah, you know, I had a jealous thought or lustful or whatever it might be, how do you kind of get past that moment of, like, feeling like you're shameful, inadequate, but you also know what God's kind of leading you to step into?

[Phil Wickham]

It's such a great question.

[Jeremy Riddle]

I'm thinking for someone listening, that's like, I want to do this. But yes, I'm struggling with X, Y and Z. I can, I can't, you know, go leave my youth group.

[Cody Carnes]

I have a quick answer that's been incredibly effective, is just believing the verse or says confess. I might be saying it slightly, correct me if it's not perfect, but confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed and the power of going to someone you trust and you respect, which I've got many. I got Christian and I got many guys on my team. It's like, hey, I'm struggling with this, or I fell short in this, or this has been on my mind, or I feel like I'm. My ego is, you know, just being honest with myself and not just with the Lord, but speaking it. And it's this humbling thing. And it's like every time you're like, something's fighting you from doing it, but you're like, I know if I just speak this out loud to my brother and say, I want this out of my life and I want to do what Jesus talks about, like, I want to repent. I want to change my mind of what's good from doing that, because that's a fleeting thing or that's stealing my joy or whatever it is, I'm going to repent of that, turn away and go into heaven, go into the kingdom of God. And so when I speak out the stuff that I'm struggling with and say, can we pray together? I want this out of my life. It's like immediate.

[Phil Wickham]

It's wild.

[Cody Carnes]

It's wild and it's like, cool. And like, we pray, Lord, I receive your grace. You love me. You don't love me less because of what I've just said with my mouth. You actually, you love me the same. But now I've opened up, up back a tunnel or a conduit or whatever that I've closed with my own. That's right, self shame. I've opened it back up to receive your love again. You know, so that's a. That's a huge. It's like, hey, it's done. Jesus has paid for it. I have openly said to my brother, I'm done with this, or I've been struggling with this, or I'm. I'm going through this, or I'm doubting or whatever it is, like, can you pray for me? And it's like, the scriptures are true. Thank you, Lord. Let's go for it.

[Phil Wickham]

That's Right. You know, that is exactly how I would answer that question. It's a quick, quick repentance. Just that rhythm of texting, guys, calling guys, confessing to the Lord just quickly. And also I just say, like, I think the Lord is honored by the struggle of it all. Like, the fight of it. I think the fight is like proof of life. You know, the spirit and the flesh, they want different things, so we will experience that in this life. Like, the spirit of God want holiness, righteousness, walk with Jesus. And the flesh wants what the flesh wants. I think we walk through life. If we pretend like that's not happening, we're fooling ourselves and we're not living in reality. But I think living in that and like, knowing, being so attuned to it and go, that. That thought or that whatever, that's not from God.

[Christian Stanfill]

Yeah.

[Phil Wickham]

And I just want to bring that to you right now. That happens when I'm on. When we're leading sometimes, you know, and I just step back and go, lord, I just need to bring that to you right now. That thought that's like, that. That is not from you. And it's pulling me out of what you're doing in this moment. So I just bring it to you right now. And I don't think he goes, I can't believe you had that thought. I think he's like, that's my son. That's my guy. Like, yes, that's how you walk. That's how you walk with him, you know, just step by step. I think he's honored by the fight in it. Like, the struggle of it.

[Christian Stanfill]

It's so encouraging.

[Phil Wickham]

But just quickly. Just do it quickly.

[Cody Carnes]

And then you're in a place of, like, hallelujah, God. Thank you for the cross and the grave. I can't wait to just go out and sing and praise.

[Phil Wickham]

Exactly right.

[Cody Carnes]

We have victory at our fingertips, you know.

[Phil Wickham]

Yes.

[Cody Carnes]

And sometimes we take so long to grab hold of it, and it's a sad thing. All we're doing is stealing joy from ourselves, and we're stealing the reality of what's actually happened, which is Jesus has already won, and he's welcoming us into that victory as well.

[Phil Wickham]

And we're missing it. We're missing the unfolding story and kingdom. He wants us to participate with him. He wants us to get in the game, get off the sideline and get in the game. He wants to put us in the game. And if we're not doing what we're talking about, we get back on the sidelines and we miss it. And it's so exhilarating being in his story and part of what he's doing on the earth. I don't want to miss it.

[Christian Stanfill]

It's so good.

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[Christian Stanfill]

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[Christian Stanfill]

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[Christian Stanfill]

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[Christian Stanfill]

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[Christian Stanfill]

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[Christian Stanfill]

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[Christian Stanfill]

For a free 30 day trial. Audible.com Whoa. That's audible a u d I b l e dot com Whoa. I love that. That's so good. That's one thing like I was, I've been inspired by, by Christian is like, him and his guy friends have just such a tight knit of like confession and repent. All of the guys like their wives, all of us, we're all best friends too, but we were not like that. And we were like very inspired by them, but we just hadn't like broken that ice yet. And finally one day we were like, okay, our husbands are like way better at this than us. And we were like. So we started something called confession hour. And it was like once a week lunchtime with the girls. And like, we just got so good at confessing and repenting and like, it just, it changed all of us. We were like amazed at just the power and the freedom we felt because it was just, you know, we had built it up, taken too long. Like, we had built up this idea. Like, oh, if you say that then so much shame. Or what are people gonna think?

[Phil Wickham]

Exactly. Right.

[Christian Stanfill]

As soon as you do it, you're like, oh my gosh. Like, you're met with so much love and grace and then, yes, it fires you up for the gospel. Even More because you're like, I'm experiencing that victory, experiencing this charism, experiencing what this is all about. And so it was just really cool to see y'all set that example and us step into that. And now we're like, our little confession hour is the best thing that happened to us all.

[Jeremy Riddle]

Super solid.

[Sadie Robertson]

Sweet.

[Cody Carnes]

It just makes me think of, like, how it was intention. It was so intentional. Jesus set up. He set up his church to be in communion and work together a body whole. You know what I mean? Like, we're no. If we're in alone in anything, then we're not living in the fullness of what he set up.

[Phil Wickham]

That's exactly.

[Christian Stanfill]

So I know we're starting to run out of time, but I love that y'all are on tour together like you and Cody. I wish Cody was here. I know, but he's doing what he needs to be doing, hanging out with his guy friends and bros and mentors. So that's what we're talking about. He's living out the example right now. But what is that like? Like, I know you could. Any of y'all could do your tour by yourself, but why do you choose to do it together?

[Cody Carnes]

Everything's better when we're with buddies that you respect. I mean, I, I, I love collaboration.

[Phil Wickham]

Yeah.

[Cody Carnes]

Like, if I had to be out here by myself every night, I'd just be like. I mean, I'd still do it if that's what the Lord has called me into. Villa. Yeah. Specifically this tour.

[Phil Wickham]

Yeah.

[Cody Carnes]

Because we really lean on each other because, you know, you do. You guys have church and conferences and you do tours with the big band. I'll have my band, you know, summer worship nights with Brandon Lakes. A big thing. Those are all awesome and fun. I love them. But about every two years, I've been doing. Maybe for the last 14 years, I've been doing this tour called the Sing Along Tour. And. And it's all about stripping away as much as possible to get to a place of, like, how can we just be a couple guys on stage, maybe a piano, a couple Kooza guitars, and a room full of people that wanted to chase after the presence of God with us and just get back to, like, heart of worship. Get back to, like, the people of God being the loudest thing in the room. Not because we've been doing it wrong anywhere else, not because this is, like, the best way to do it, but because there's something so beautiful. I think the whole room feels our vulnerability and our rawness and the fact, like, that if they don't come ready to join us, then, like, this is kind of like.

[Phil Wickham]

Yeah, like, this is.

[Cody Carnes]

It's about us all in it together. And we say at the beginning of the night, like, hey, thanks for coming. Like, if this is new to you, if you're trying to figure out, Lord, awesome. Like, welcome. We pray. He blesses you. But for anybody who believes these things, like, this is a place for us to sing together because it says the word this and this and this. And this is what we're taking advantage of today. And, like, so let's do it. You guys are. We're all kind of in it together, you know, it creates this sense of vulnerability and rawness, but also beauty and, like, something about every. Like, the church preaching to itself feels so. All right. Teaching. I can't remember the beginning of the verse, but teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs so you can make your melody. Singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord. That's like the one verse in the New Testament that we have, like, a real call, a missional call of what does it mean for people to sing together? And it doesn't say, go and follow the two guys on stage, and then it's gonna. And let them pastor unit. It's almost like the room's supposed to preach to each other as the faith rises up and unified, like, this side to this side. And that's what I feel like Sing along does in a really special way. And also the fact that we're all on stage together, like, leading each other's songs.

[Phil Wickham]

Yes.

[Cody Carnes]

Getting each other's back. You stop playing and pick up the mic, and I start playing guitar behind you. There's just a real sense of community that is unlike any other tours that I do.

[Phil Wickham]

So true.

[Christian Stanfill]

It's kind of like camp. Like, it brings you back the heart of camp. Yeah.

[Phil Wickham]

I love that it does feel that way. I also love about it, especially with this. This tour. Like, just the representation of the body, you know, it's just so different. Like, Phil, Cody, myself, Donnie, we're all just so uniquely gifted and express the beauty of God in different ways, you know? And it's cool to see how, like, the configuration, how it all comes together, the display of his glory in the room. It's. It's fresh, it's unique, it's different, it's beautiful. And it is so much better to do it with your friends.

[Cody Carnes]

Oh, it's the best.

[Phil Wickham]

It's just the best.

[Christian Stanfill]

I think that's so cool. In worship like in the worship world it seems like there's so many collabs and like I think that's beautiful because yeah, it's not about one person, it's. It's the church and coming together and I love that so much. So how long are you guys on tour?

[Cody Carnes]

For those listening, we started another cool thing about sing along tours because it's so light, you know, we're not bringing a PA, big huge PAs or lights. We can kind of, we can fly in, do some dates and fly out. And so we're doing like a week in January, which we're almost done with and then we're out doing our things for a couple weeks and we get together again a week in February and then we're out doing our things and then two weeks in March and then a week in April and it's done. So it's 20 dates total, but over four months.

[Christian Stanfill]

So it's awesome.

[Cody Carnes]

Really sustainable on the family side and to be able to still serve at church and that's awesome. So yeah, so it'll be 20 dates by the time we hit April.

[Christian Stanfill]

That's so cool. So for you guys listening, you can go check it out, go see them in person. I know it's going to be absolutely amazing. I'm so thankful for this conversation. This was so good. It's so cool to see people that you admire and look up to but then really hear their heart and it's just as pure as you would hope for. You know, just you guys love the Lord and it's so cool to see the overflow that that has led you guys to in leading worship the way you do. But, but just the lives you live, the husbands you are, the fathers you are, the friends you are. We are both so inspired by that. So thanks for stopping by and beyond.

[Cody Carnes]

So thankful for you, you guys, your family. Thanks for being a huge voice of truth and life into this world and praying blessing over you guys as you continue to minister and so many eyes are on you and just that God would you just sense the grace and peace of God like never before.

[Christian Stanfill]

Thank you so much. We see that. Thank you.