Sound Plus Doctrine

We gather each Sunday as the church to hear from God and worship him as he has revealed himself to us in Jesus Christ. But we can subtly shift our worship to secondary matters like music, liturgy, or skill and end up engaging in idolatry. This is the first of two episodes where David and […]

One Sound + Doctrine listener wrote in to ask, “How much musical or theological training do I need to be effective in leading congregational worship?” While there are a number of factors to consider, Bob and David devote this episode to taking a stab at answering that question.   References and resources Systematic Theology by […]

What does planning a Sunday meeting actually look like? In this episode we take you behind the scenes with a zoom recording of planning a Sunday morning at Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville. David and Bob are joined by Fabrizio Rodulfo and Reuben Foster, members of the church. References: For The Cause by Keith Getty, […]

More than a few women have asked us how we should view a woman’s role in leading music on Sundays in light of Scriptures like 1 Corinthians 11:33-35 and 1 Timothy 2:11-15. We invited Jeff Purswell, dean of the Sovereign Grace Pastors College, to join us for a conversation on how we can think about […]

Sovereign Grace Music records songs that are meant to be sung in local churches, not just listened to. In this episode, Bob and David talk about how they have utilized the songs from Unchanging God, Vol. 1 in their Sunday meetings at Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville. References: Unchanging God: Songs From the Book of […]

People sometimes view the music and the preaching on Sunday morning as unrelated. But God intended Scripture to govern, guide, fill, and fuel our times together. What does that mean for how we structure and lead our gatherings? That’s the topic David and Bob discuss with Jeff Purswell, dean of the Sovereign Grace Pastor’s College, […]

Band rehearsals for Sunday morning can sometimes reveal differing thoughts on how songs should be sung, played, and interpreted. How do we share those thoughts humbly, while continuing to pursue musical excellence? That’s the topic David and Bob dig into on this episode of Sound + Doctrine. References: Proverbs 12:15 Proverbs 21:2 Romans 12:16 Colossians […]

For about 15 years now, churches have had the option of using instrumental and vocal tracks to supplement or replace live musicians on Sunday mornings. In this episode, Bob and David ask what the benefits and drawbacks of adopting backing tracks might be and consider what the Bible has to say to help us. Have […]

In part 3 of an interview with singer/songwriter Caroline Cobb, Bob & David talk with her about the effect the gospel has had in her parenting as well as the story she seeks to tell through her songs. References: Psalms: The Poetry of Prayer: https://slinky.to/PsalmsThePoetryofPrayer Have a question about this episode? Send us an email […]

How should we think about singing songs by artists or ministries that we have theological concerns about? Are there any biblical principles to guide us? That’s the conversation Bob Kauflin, David Zimmer, and Devon Kauflin engage in on this episode of Sound Plus Doctrine. Have a question about this episode? Send us an email at […]

In part 2 of an interview with singer/songwriter Caroline Cobb, Bob & David talk with her about the challenging task of pursuing a career as an artist while maintaining priorities as a wife and mom, and doing both for the glory of Christ. References: Psalms: The Poetry of Prayer: https://slinky.to/PsalmsThePoetryofPrayer Have a question about this […]

God makes it clear in Deuteronomy 6, Ephesians 6, and other Scriptures that parents are responsible to raise their children to trust in Christ and walk in obedience to God’s commands. But for many parents, the topic of family worship brings up feelings of discouragement, failure, or striving. In this episode, Bob and David talk […]

In part 1 of an interview with singer/songwriter Caroline Cobb, Bob & David talk with her about how she got into writing songs that tell the story of the Bible and how as a songwriter she navigates the tension between being a creative and pursuing biblical faithfulness. References: “A Word on Poetry from A Godward […]

To kick off season 6 of Sound Plus Doctrine, Bob Kauflin, David Zimmer, and Devon Kauflin dive into what the Bible has to say about lighting in our Sunday gatherings. Does it matter? Is it just a matter of preference? What does the lighting on Sunday mornings say to your church? Enjoy the conversation! Have […]

A podcast listener sent in this question, asking what to do when the songs your church is singing are problematic, either for musical or theological reasons. It’s a question we’ve received more than once, and in this episode David and Bob seek to provide biblical and practical answers. Have a question about this episode? Send […]

In a world that breathlessly awaits hearing how the latest technology is going to make our lives better, eaiser, and more fruitful, how should the church respond? In what ways do musical, audio, and visual technologies change us as we use them? Does God’s Word have anything to say to us about technologies that didn’t […]

It’s not uncommon for a senior pastor to focus on preaching and give little to no attention to other aspects of the Sunday gathering. In this episode, David Zimmer and Bob Kauflin are joined by Jared Mellinger, senior pastor of Covenant Life Fellowship in Glen Mills, PA, to talk about the important role a senior […]

Few things can be as disheartening as trying to lead a group of unresponsive teens in congregational worship. A faithful listener sent in an email asking what to do in that situation, and how to effectively encourage your musicians. Bob, David, and Devon tackle that question and seek to steer us away from thinking music […]

In this episode, Bob and David are joined by Dave Fournier and Ryan Foglesong, writers of the new hymn, All of Our Tomorrows. It’s a fascinating conversation that touches on the songwriting process, the benefit of relationships, and the importance of singing songs that remind us this world is not our home. Watch the live […]

So you’re becoming more convinced that God has given us bodies to naturally respond to him in ways that point to his glory and our satisfaction in him. Even on Sunday mornings. But what if your church isn’t in the same place? How do you help you church grow in a natural, biblical expressiveness that […]

The way we think about physical expression in our Sunday gatherings is often shaped more by culture, tradition, preference, or temperament than the Word of God. In this episode, part 2 of 3, Bob and David look at what the Bible says about physical expressiveness in congregational worship and respond to each of the concerns […]

What kinds of physical expressiveness are appropriate and God-honoring when the church gathers? How should we think through the issues of distraction, potential hypocrisy, tradition, and emotionalism? Does this issue even matter? In this episode of Sound Plus Doctrine, part 1 of 3, David and Bob talk about ten reasons people give for avoiding or […]

Every year as Christmas rolls around, leaders face the challenge of determining what songs to sing. Do we stick with traditional carols? How do we introduce new songs? When should we start? Can we sing Christmas songs at other times? In this episode, David and Bob seek to provide some helpful answers to these questions […]

It’s common for members of a congregation, as well as those who lead from the front, to think that the best way to worship God in song is with your eyes closed. Is that a good idea? Does it really matter? In this episode, co-hosts Bob Kauflin and David Zimmer, joined by Bob’s son, Devon, […]

In this episode, part 2 of 2, David and Bob dig deeper with Ben Shive via zoom into the topic of arranging your band on Sundays. He covers common mistakes bands often make, and offers wise counsel for specific instruments. This is a great episode to listen to with your team! Have a question about […]

Ben Shive is gifted and widely loved producer, arranger, and songwriter. HIs musical credits are long and include Andrew Peterson, Keith and Kristyn Getty, Melanie Penn, and JJ Heller. We’ve had the opportunity to work with Ben on our Unchanging God, Vol. 1 & 2 albums, as well as 4 singles yet to be released. […]

If you lead the singing in your church, you know the challenges. But some of the biggest challenges are those we create ourselves. In this episode, part 2 of 2, David, Bob, and Devon explore four more common mistakes to avoid, and God-honoring priorites to pursue. Scriptures referenced in this episode: “Keep your heart with […]

In the first episode of Season 5, co-hosts David Zimmer and Bob Kauflin are joined by Bob’s son, Devon, to talk about seven mistakes congregational worship leaders often make. While these aren’t the ONLY mistakes you can make, they certainly rank among the most common. The conversation was so enjoyable that they only got to […]

What do you do when half the people in your town speak another language? What steps can you take to develop a Sunday service that serves your members as well as the non-English speakers in your community? Bob Kauflin and David Zimmer seek to give biblical and practical answers to those questions in this final […]

What can you do when you have violinist, cellist, or trumpet player in your church who wants to play in your band? Is their only option to look for a church that uses an orchestra? Not at all. In this episode of Sound Plus Doctrine, David Zimmer and Bob Kauflin talk about ways orchestral instruments […]

Few things are more deflating for a leader of congregational worship than looking out Sunday after Sunday on people who are distracted, emotionless, or not singing at all. But often the problem lies not in what people are doing, but in what we do as leaders. In this practical episode of Sound Plus Doctrine, David […]

It’s too easy to approach corporate worship with the idea that God needs our skills, talents, and gifts to be glorified. That perspective can result in anxiety over whether or not our worship will be “good enough.” In this episode of Sound Plus Doctrine David and Bob use Psalm 50 as a guide for discovering […]

Father’s Day Edition: In this episode, part 2 of 2 on the Worship Leader and His Family, David talks with Bob (father of 6, grandfather of 21) about the challenges and joys of raising a family. They cover the early years up through parenting teens, and speak to the importance of your kids never feeling […]

A number of people have sent us questions about how to approach the issue of aging on a music team. Some are asking if they’ve aged out of leading. Others have wondered how to approach this topic with members of their band. In this episode of Sound Plus Doctrine, David Zimmer and Bob Kauflin explore […]

For centuries, the church has been conflicted over whether congregations should sing in unison or harmony. Everyone singing melody together is powerful, but harmony can add beauty and interest. In this episode of Sound Plus Doctrine, David Zimmer and Bob Kauflin explore some of the principles that can help vocalists and leaders determine how to […]

Being a vocalist or instrumentalist in the church is a joyful privilege. But it’s easy to forget that. We can slip into laziness, comparison, and other attitudes that disrupt team unity, don’t serve the leader, and ultimately dishonor the Lord. In this episode of Sound Plus Doctrine, David Zimmer and Bob Kauflin talk about ways […]

More than the worship we offer God when we’re in front of people on Sunday mornings, God cares about the worship of our lives. Especially as it’s revealed in our family relationships. In this episode, part 1 of 2, David interviews Bob about his relationship with his wife of 45 years, Julie, and how he […]

We love to get questions from our listeners/viewers! In this episode, Bob, David, and Devon Kauflin answer three questions related to liturgical categories for songs, when to retire a song, and how to maximize rehearsals. Have a question about this episode? Shoot us an email at [email protected] Follow us Website: https://sovereigngracemusic.com​​​​​​ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SovereignGraceMusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sovgracemusic […]

While singing a song after the Sunday message is a common practice today, the chosen song doesn’t always deepen the impact of the Word. At other times, leaders forego a song due to running out of time. In this episode, Bob and David discuss how to think more clearly about what kinds of songs we […]

Since 2004, Sovereign Grace Music has been seeking to serve churches through the WorshipGod conference, held every other year and hosted by Bob Kauflin. This year, it will take place July 27-30 in Louisville, KY. What makes this worship conference worth attending? Who is it for? What’s the origin of the name? And why should […]

Week after week, month after month, year after year, leaders spend countless hours with their musicians preparing for Sunday. They want to serve their congregations skillfully and well. But how do you know if you’re practicing enough? And is it possible to practice too much? In this episode, Bob, David, and Devon Kauflin seek to […]

In this first episode of Season 4, Bob and David discuss the significance of the name, Sound Plus Doctrine, explain why it’s the name of our podcast and how it communicates the mission of Sovereign Grace Music. Have a question about this episode? Shoot us an email at [email protected] Follow us Website: https://sovereigngracemusic.com​​​​​​ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SovereignGraceMusic […]

In this last episode of Season 3 of Sound + Doctrine, Lacy Hudson joins David and Bob to talk about her role as a vocalist and songwriter on the Christmas album, Heaven Has Come. Have a question about this episode? Shoot us an email at [email protected] Follow us Website: https://sovereigngracemusic.com​​​​​​ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SovereignGraceMusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sovgracemusic Twitter: […]

In this episode, part 2 of 2, David and Bob talk with Bob’s wife, Julie, about her creative pursuits in the church that include being a sound engineer, singing, designing sets, and showing hospitality. They also talk candidly about how Bob and Julie are handling Julie’s reoccurrence of breast cancer. Mentioned in this episode O […]

In this episode, part 1 of 2, David and Bob talk with Bob’s wife, Julie, about the joys and challenges of being a worship pastor’s wife for over 35 years and raising six kids in the process. Have a question about this episode? Shoot us an email at [email protected] Follow us Website: https://sovereigngracemusic.com​​​​​​ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SovereignGraceMusic […]

In the past few years Lacy Hudson has contributed to Sovereign Grace Music as a vocal arranger, vocalist, and songwriter. In this episode of Sound + Doctrine, Bob and David talk to Lacy about her history, writing practices, and involvement with her local church, Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville. Have a question about this episode? […]

In this episode of Sound + Doctrine, David and Bob continue the conversation about the drummer’s role in the band on Sunday mornings. They get practical and suggest numerous resources for improving your skills to serve the congregation and working together with other musicians. Resources referenced: Stick Control – George Lawrence Stone Around the Drums […]

Over the last 50 years the role of the drummer on Sunday mornings has evolved from almost non-existent to ubiquitous. For many churches it’s hard to imagine a Sunday gathering without them. How should drummers think about their role and how can they best work together with the individual leading the band? In this episode […]

In this episode of Sound Plus Doctrine, David and Bob continue the conversation about what to do when you’re doing too much. It’s a common question but one that God has provide clear answers for. This episode focuses on some of the practical steps we can take when we find our lives spinning out of […]

What do you do when you’re doing too much? It’s a common question but one that God has provide clear answers for. In this episode of Sound Plus Doctrine, Bob and David begin a conversation on that topic and focus in on heart questions we need to ask. Have a question about this episode? Shoot […]