The Ferment Podcast - Conversations About Worship And Transformation

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam talks with Paul Cullen about growing up in a small town, how he turned from an athlete into a musician, and when he started to know his marketing degree wasn't going to be utilized. Paul shares about discovering that he loved leading worship during a tumultuous time at his church, and how following the Lord's leading consisted of saying yes to the next thing offered to him. He talks about the people who believed in him from the beginning and the joy he now finds in pouring into students at his church, the ways he cares for himself as an introvert, and the refreshment he finds through leading a small group with his wife. Paul and his wife Leah live in Columbus, OH and serve as a part of Vineyard Columbus, where Paul is one of the worship pastors. Paul has been leading worship in Vineyard churches for nearly 15 years. Since joining the worship staff at Vineyard Columbus in 2015, Paul has primarily invested in training worship leaders, developing a culture of songwriting, and raising up the next generation of worshippers. In addition to leading worship at Vineyard Columbus, Paul has recently become involved with the growing community of songwriting and creativity in Vineyard Worship (USA), most recently as a songwriter and worship leader on the upcoming Vineyard Worship album "This Joy", releasing Summer 2023! Show Notes: Catch the latest single from Vineyard Worship: "If You Say Go (We Wait For You)"-Live From Urbana https://youtu.be/jejv_GAY2CI Alpha https://alphausa.org/

It's season FIVE of The Ferment Podcast, and our friend David Ruis is back to kick it off with a conversation about communal discernment of prophetic words! He and Adam talk about how and why the Lord speaks in a community, the process of discerning the timing and meaning of words, and some lessons they've learned the hard way. David and Anita Ruis have lead, encourage, and empowered the Vineyard in Canada as the National Directors since 2014. David is a well-respected worship leader and songwriter (You're Worthy Of My Praise, Every Move I Make) and has also authored two books: The Worship God Is Seeking and The Justice God Is Seeking. Most recently, he is a contributing songwriter on Vineyard Worship's highly anticipated album "This Joy", releasing summer 2023! As a team David and Anita are also known to be effective church planters and seasoned pastors, having established churches in Canada and the US. David has also been instrumental in seeing Vineyard communities established in Nepal and India. Much of the Ruises' focus has been in indigenous settings, working with people experiencing poverty and subsequent marginalization. They also have significant experience facilitating leadership development and on the creative side David is known for fostering originality in song-writing and the arts in various cultural settings. A burning passion for the Ruises is both practical and theological integration of creative worship in church community, and deep life engagement with issues of poverty and social injustice. The Ruises currently reside in Kelowna, BC. In their down time they love to be creative and hang with their grandkids. Show Notes: The Patient Ferment of The Early Church by Alan Kreider https://amzn.to/3Y8eNdZ Slow Kingdom Coming by JT Meyer, Dan Wilt and Michael Hansen (2017 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foedee85CDk

In this Advent-focused episode of The Ferment, Adam catches up with Mike and Susan O'Brien to chat about some themes to meditate on, the gifts that come through a season of waiting, and why Advent might feel like a heavy weight for some worship leaders. They talk through some practical ways to relieve the pressure of expectation, remove the tension and chaos of the season, and share an encouragement to prioritize the traditions that make Christmastime special and enjoyable for you and your family. Mike provides some thoughts about how to mix classic Christmas songs into a modern worship set, and ways we can take advantage of the liturgical gifts offered by our friends in different streams. Finally, Susan leads us in a spiritual direction exercise that allows us to connect with the Holy Spirit and prepare our hearts and minds for this coming Advent Season. Mike O'Brien has served as a worship pastor, speaker, record producer and songwriter for over 25 years. For 18 years he served one church (Vineyard Community Church of Marietta, GA) training hundreds of worship leaders and musicians and is currently serving the church at large in worship team training and worship leader mentoring as the director for the Vineyard School of Worship. Susan O'Brien is a spiritual director who works with people to become more aware of God's presence in their lives. She received her certification through the Institute of Christian Spirituality at Lipscomb University and also holds a Bachelor of Theology from Point University. She believes that God is working in every person that she encounters. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, Mike and their son, Ezekiel. Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship Vineyardworship.com

In this special repost of The Ferment, Eleanor shares her origin story and the power of a praying roommate. She also talks about her husband's first interactions with John Wimber and their earliest days with the Vineyard movement, the profound impact of worship in their life and ministry, and their life more recently as international coordinators within Vineyard Global. Eleanor speaks about unity, equipping international leaders to care for their people and communities, and shares an encouraging word about staying close to the Lord during this hard season. Eleanor Mumford and her husband John play a significant leadership role within the Vineyard family of churches, both in the UK and overseas. They worked for two years with John Wimber at the Anaheim Vineyard in California before starting the SW London Vineyard in 1987. They handed over the leadership of that church in 2008 and served as National Directors in the UK and Ireland until 2015. They now focus on the continued development and momentum of the international Vineyard family. Eleanor and John have two grown sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law and 4 grandchildren. Show notes: Vineyard Global: https://vineyard.org

In this episode of the Ferment, Adam and Steve Nicholson have a conversation about how to lead a Vineyard ministry time. Steve identifies the distinctives of Vineyard ministry, and they talk about what we can do when ministry time becomes formulaic, and how to recognize what the Lord is doing in people. Steve shares his thoughts on the role of a worship leader in ministry, and what to do when nothing seems to be happening. This is a back-to-basics conversation where Adam asks all the questions you've probably wondered at one time or another, and is an excellent training tool for both fresh and seasoned ministry leaders and prayer teams! Steve Nicholson began ministering as a college student through InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in the early 1970s. After graduation, he moved to the Chicago area where he and several other twenty-something leaders founded a church. That fellowship, begun in 1976 in Evanston, Illinois, placed a high priority on contemporary worship, biblical teaching, openness to the Holy Spirit, and committed relationships as a church family. In 1981, Steve and a team from the fellowship established a new church in Humboldt Park, a neighborhood in Chicago's inner city. Both churches joined Vineyard USA in August of 1985, and Steve transferred leadership of the Humboldt Park Vineyard to one of his team members in 1986. The Evanston Vineyard has since planted nine other congregations in the Chicago area, and another fifteen in other cities or countries. Steve led Vineyard USA's church planting task force for over twenty years. Steve has ministered to and trained church leaders in India, Australia, New Zealand, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Turkey, Lebanon, Brazil, Chile and several Central Asian countries as well as in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The Evanston Vineyard is a diverse congregation from over 50 nations of the world with no majority racial or cultural group. Since 1986 the ministry of the Holy Spirit has been a regular and ongoing strength and emphasis of the Evanston Vineyard. Steve and his wife, Cindy, live in Chicago. They have three adult children and eight grandchildren.

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam talks with Christina Lowery in a continuation of our short series on raising up leaders. Christina shares about her inclination towards ministry from an early age, and when that calling was named and fostered by her pastor. She talks about how being a life-long church attendee and student of church health eventually led to her role as the Associate National Director of Church Health and Development for Vineyard USA, the effects of COVID on the church she pastors, and what that time of disruption revealed about the discipleship in our congregations. Christina gives an encouragement to tell people what you see God doing in them, and talks about the gift of entrusting youth with Sunday service responsibilities, as well as the value in broadening our expectations of what it looks like to disciple people. Christina Lowery is the Associate National Director for Church Health and Development. Early in her ministry career, Christina served as the Events Director for a large student internship at Teen Mania Ministries (Acquire the Fire) in Tyler, TX. In 2001, she and her husband Joel joined a local Vineyard Church there, and served on the pastoral team for several years until they were called to move back to Virginia and plant Crossroads Church. Christina and Joel have co-pastored Crossroads Church in Fredericksburg, VA since 2008. As a Lead Pastor, Christina has been a big-picture thinker and creative visionary, responsible for communicating and driving the vision and mission of the church forward. She finds great joy in preaching and teaching, leadership development, and building systems that foster church health and growth. In addition to her local leadership at Crossroads Church, she has served in other leadership roles with the Vineyard, such as an Area Leader in Northern and Central Virginia for ten years (2009-2019) and on the Vineyard Women in Leadership Team for the past three years (2018-2021). Joel and Christina have been married for 23 years and have 3 amazing kids – Hannah (17), Caleb (15) and Zoe (8). The Lowery family loves to travel and so far, their favorite destination is Maui, with its warm sun and beautiful island beaches. Show notes: Malcolm Gladwell podcast - Revisionist History https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/revisionist-history

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam talks with returning guest Terry Butler. This is the first episode in a short new series on developing leaders. Terry shares about being raised in an environment where equipping leaders was a way of life, developing a mindset of mentoring, and the areas he looks for to cultivate and train in a potential worship leader. Terry and Adam also discuss the role of scripture in the life of a worship leader, and the biggest things Terry has learned in 45 years of worship leading and raising up leaders. Terry Butler is a veteran Vineyard songwriter and worship pastor, but he is first and foremost a worshipper. Drawn into the mystery and majesty of God through anointed hymns in his early childhood, Terry has written songs and pastored worship for over 42 years. Best known for the classic Vineyard songs "Cry Of My Heart," "At The Cross," "Psalm 19 (May The Words Of My Mouth)," and the 2019 Vineyard Worship single "All The Same," his pastoral work in raising up younger generations into ministry reflects his passion for true, heartfelt congregational worship. Show notes: Want to hear more from Terry? Listen to his episode from January 2020 here: https://bit.ly/3SoBsyR Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam talks with Kelly D'Auria about life at Cape Vineyard Community Church in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Kelly provides an on-the-ground update about the effects of the hurricane on her community and what the church is doing to meet the needs of their neighbors. She also talks about what it's like to be a worship leader after a community-wide crisis, the way devastating events shape the songs we write, and how songs birthed from tragedy serve a congregation. Kelly speaks a powerful word about how worship leaders are called to lead people through times of chaos and hardship, and shares some of the beautiful moments she's seen in the wake of Hurricane Ian, as well as the lasting work that will need to be done over the coming months and years. Kelly D'Auria is the worship leader at Cape Vineyard in Cape Coral, FL. Kelly, her husband, and their three boys are busy helping to care for their community in the wake of Hurricane Ian. Show Notes: Cape Vineyard needs about $1000 per day to feed their community. If you would like to contribute, please go to CapeVineyard.com

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam and Melisa share some updates about Vineyard Worship, including a recap of last week's Worship Leaders' Retreat, some upcoming events for worship leaders and sound techs (you're invited!!), and an exciting new project called Adoración Viña, which includes Spanish and bilingual songs, training videos and other resources for our Spanish-speaking friends. Show Notes: Convoy Of Hope https://convoyofhope.org Cape Coral Vineyard https://www.capevineyard.com/hurricane Thrive Worship Leader Training https://www.vineyardworship.com/vsow-thrive Sound Lab https://www.vineyardworship.com/soundlab Quiero Cantar https://www.vineyardworship.com/quiero-cantar Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

In this special repost episode of The Ferment, Sam shares his journey into worship leading and songwriting as the son of Vineyard UK pioneers Chris and Fliss Lane. From the depths of a life given to the worship of God and the service of His people, Sam brings a treasure of insights to sustain and inspire all of us who serve weekly in the trenches of local church worship ministry. Samuel Lane is a worship leader, songwriter, and recording artist. For over twenty years, he has worked to refine his songwriting, exploring musicality and faith, pouring his life into crafting songs that draw people closer to God. Lane has written and recorded 40 songs with Vineyard Worship, and his songs have been covered by various artists including Jesus Culture. In 2013, Samuel released his debut solo album, The Fire, which Christianity Magazine called "incredible - there hasn't been an album that has captured my attention in such a way for a long time." In 2018, Lane released The Difference. "Maybe it's the stripped-down urgency of Lane's voice, the album's eclectic sonic treasure-chest or simply the B3 humming throughout, but whatever it is, it's enough to make you rethink today's neat-and-tidy Christian music categories" (Pandora Blog, Curators'Choice).

In this intercontinental episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Bazi Baker in Christ Church, New Zealand about meeting Jesus at a youth camp, and the little seeds his dad planted throughout his life that guided him to where he is today. Bazi shares about becoming interested in music and falling in love with the guitar, as well as some of the key mentors in his younger years and the way they contributed to his formation. Adam and Bazi talk through what they're hoping to see in the future of songwriting in the church, and some disciplines that might help us get there. Bazi Baker is the worship pastor of Grace Vineyard Church in Christchurch, New Zealand. Second to being the husband of Rhoda Baker and the father of India Baker, most of his time is spent leading worship, leading teams of musical worshippers and writing songs for the local church. With a degree in jazz guitar, and a graduate diploma in theology, he has a heart for equipping worshippers musically, spiritually and theologically. He especially loves writing songs that empower the church to be Biblical, well rounded, creative and passionate. In his spare time he can be found chipping away in his home studio (more accurately a glorified garage), reading Biblical commentaries, or at a local park with his family. Show Notes: Thrive worship leader training Promo code: Ferment15 VSOW.Org

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Dan Wilt about growing up as a descendant of coal miners in a small town, the profound way in which hymns drew him as a child, and his experience of waking up to Holy moments and spaces. Dan talks about the moment he learned songs are a place of healing and ministry of the Lord, the spiritual grounding and transformation he experiences through practicing a Daily Examen, and how writing prayers recently brought him through a dark season. Finally, Dan leaves us with a powerful word about cultivating a secret life of worship to the Lord. Dan Wilt a long-time Vineyard worship leader, songwriter, teacher, and encourager of heartful worship, who believes that songs are a place we go to meet with God. He is the co-author of Sheltering Mercy: Prayers Inspired by the Psalms (Psalms 1-75) and Endless Grace: Prayers Inspired by the Psalms (Psalms 76-150) with Brazos Press. Dan is stirred by the sound of the saints worshipping—in circles and in cathedrals, in living rooms and in hospital rooms, in nature and in church halls—wherever hearts are opening to Jesus. Serving in Vineyard, Anglican, and Wesleyan streams, Dan has a heart to fan into flame the fires of worship, and the spiritual lives of creative leaders, in both contemporary and liturgical environments. He teaches in conferences, university settings, seminaries, and churches around the world on worship, theology and the arts, and spiritual formation. You can connect with Dan through his email list at DanWilt.com. He lives with his wife Anita outside of Nashville, TN, and they have three grown children. Show Notes: Thrive worship leader training Promo code: Ferment15 VSOW.Org Dan is the co-author of the new prayer books, Sheltering Mercy: Prayers Inspired by the Psalms (Ps. 1-75), and Endless Grace: Prayers Inspired by the Psalms (Ps. 76-150, Jan. 2023 release) with Ryan Whitaker Smith (Brazos Press). You can get the books for your own devotional experience or for your group at PrayWithThePsalms.com. I Will Lift My Hands by Dan Wilt https://bit.ly/3DKyVeX Youth With a Mission https://ywam.org St. Ignatius: Daily Examen https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Daniel and Nicole Hernández about the role music played in each of their introductions to the Vineyard, some of the challenges they have faced in cross-cultural ministry, and the small changes they have noticed make all the difference for first and second generation Latin Americans. Daniel and Nicole also share why they're hopeful about the addition of Vineyard Associations, some recommendations for how we can connect with Latin people in our communities, and some ways we can all act as cultural bridges. Daniel and Nicole Hernández have been involved in the Vineyard Movement, serving in a Viña church in Venezuela and in a Vineyard church in Southern California, and are currently involved in planting a Viña church campus for Vineyard Columbus. They are both songwriters with a passion for bringing Latin rhythms to modern worship. Best of all, they've been blessed to do this while enjoying family life with their two teens, Zoe and Jonah. Show Notes: Learn more about Vineyard Associations! https://vineyardusa.org/associations/

Aaaaand we're back! As we return from summer break, Adam talks with Scott Underwood: worship leader, song writer, math teacher and family man. In this episode of The Ferment, Scott shares about the way music captured him as a child, how his prayer life has evolved over the years, his motivation for becoming a teacher, and the origin story of his song "You Bless Me Lord". Scott has written and published over 60 songs with Vineyard Worship, including "Take My Life", "You Are God", "Greater Grace", and "You Are In Control" , having received Platinum Records for both "Take My Life" and "You Are God". He is currently in his 27th year of teaching in the public school system as a Math teacher and has recently begun driving a school bus as well! Scott, his wife of 37 years, and the youngest of their three grown children are currently residing in the great state of Tennessee, where Scott still writes love songs to Jesus and to his lovely wife Sissy. Show Notes: You Bless Me Lord by Scott Underwood https://bit.ly/3wXe2c1 Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

In this episode of The Ferment, Casey Corum and Melisa Keller meet up with Ed Piorek at his home in San Clemente, CA to talk about Ed's first encounter with the Lord after his mom's death, his introduction to a move of the Kingdom in his life, and what the Lord taught him about identity. Ed shares about the beautiful invitation the Lord offers to seek after what He is doing and join Him in the journey, and the way we are transformed by experiences of mercy and the Father's love. Finally, Ed leaves us with a wise word for worship communities. Ed Piorek, known as Eddie to his friends, is a Pastor Emeritus, Speaker and Author who helps people connect with the Father's Love. With 50+ years in ministry, Eddie has a deep connection to the Father's Love and the enormous impact it can have in people's lives, including his own. He and his wife Janet (who has been his partner in ministry for the past half century) embody and live out the message of the Father's Love in their lives. In the mid-80's, Eddie had a dramatic encounter with God as Father. After years of intense labor in planting the congregation which would become the Mission Viejo Vineyard, and speaking at the Signs and Wonders conferences with John Wimber , Eddie became increasingly aware of a deep-seated fear of failing to perform up to public expectation. In the midst of a palpable experience of that fear, God revealed himself to Eddie as a loving Father. That experience forever changed him, his life message, and ministry. In recent years, Eddie has discovered the treasures of monastic contemplation, which has shown him how to find rest in the Father's love amidst the ongoing rigors of kingdom ministry. His new book The Eclectic Contemplative (2020) shares his adventures on this ancient path. When he isn't preaching, speaking or writing, Eddie can be found surfing, gardening, reading, or spending time with his wife Janet in sunny San Clemente, California. Show Notes: Classic Vineyard by Ed Piorek https://amzn.to/3twcALV The Father Loves You by Ed Piorek https://amzn.to/3HhkJtf The Eclectic Contemplative by Ed Piorek https://amzn.to/3MJJGPo Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

In this VSOW takeover episode of The Ferment, Mike O'Brien and Joel Balin chat about serving as a "second chair leader": the heart behind it, the benefits and challenges, and the surrender required. Mixed in are stories about how Joel came to faith, his entrance to ministry and the Vineyard, and his experiences with his wife in the music industry. Joel Balin has been on staff at Cobb Vineyard since 2010. He oversees worship arts, graphics and video, and prayer along with leadership development. Along with writing the book The Spirit, Soul and Body of Worship and co-authoring the book War on Fear, Joel was founder and Senior Pastor of Cross Bridge Church in Marietta, GA and was the associate pastor of the Atlanta Vineyard Church. Prior to being a pastor, Joel worked in the entertainment department of Sea World, Orlando and was the musical conductor for international tours with his wife, Contemporary Christian Recording Artist, Trace Balin. When not causing groans with his dad jokes, Joel can be found walking the parks with his family and dog, Mozart, recording guitar, working out at Planet Fitness (especially the days they serve pizza and bagels), and searching for the most interesting Ted Talks. Show Notes: We Are Vineyard feat. Steve Nicholson https://vineyardusa.org/podcast/ A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson https://amzn.to/3aAs0rT The Spirit, Soul and Body of Worship by Joel Balin https://amzn.to/3Q2xAnd Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam and Mike O'Brien (Director of Vineyard School of Worship) talk through some practical tools for worship pastors that go beyond singing and playing music. Show Notes: // Sunday Morning Checklist // Top 10 Worship Leader Checklist // The things we do before (and after) the thing. BEFORE 1. Exhaustive Contact To Your Team 2. Individual Contact To Your Individual Team Members 3. Communicate Upward to Leaders 4. Set the Stage. 5. 7 Minute Worship Team Check In https://churchleaders.com/worship/worship-articles/310743-7-minute-worship-team-check-mike-obrien.html AFTER 6. Give Yourself Grace 7. Encouragement Bombardment 8. Difficult Conversations 9. Post Service checkin with pastor 10. Post Service checkin with your people

In this episode of The Ferment, Diane Thiel-Sharp shares about her early relationship with music, how she came to love the Lord, and early encounters with the Holy Spirit speaking through her in song. She then tells the story of the events that dramatically changed her life, how the Lord has repeatedly opened doors for her, and the story of her well-known song "If You Say Go." Diane Thiel-Sharp lives in Marietta, Georgia where she and her husband Rod serve at the New Hope Vineyard. Diane has led worship for over 30 years first in the Chicago area and then as Worship Pastor at the Marietta Vineyard until 2010. For many years Diane helped empower and train worship leaders through Worship Boot Camps, Call to Worship Tours, retreats and song writer gatherings, as well as serving for a season on the Vineyard Worship task force. During that time she had several songs recorded and released (If You Say Go, Come Lord Jesus and others). A Vocal Coach with Jan Smith Studios in Atlanta, Diane draws from her years of experience including early years of recording and touring with her late husband in the Contemporary Christian Music and Indie Rock scene in Chicago. She works with artists all over the U.S. and overseas, helping them discover and care for their voices. Married in 2011 , Diane and Rod have enjoyed partnering for the last 10 years with the Pastor Sabbath Retreats, ministering to Vineyard Pastors, spouses and leaders through worship and Inner Healing Prayer. They are currently part of Flourishing Leaders offering prayer through Zoom. Having both lost their first spouse, God has used their story of pain and loss to minister to others. The Sharps' life in Marietta is full with their growing family of four married children and five grandchildren. They love opening their home for church small groups, family gatherings and house shows which has become a fun way to connect with their neighbors. Show Notes: Vineyard Worship featuring Diane Thiel-Sharp https://spoti.fi/3MDM5fe The Ferment feat. "Mama Jan" Smith https://bit.ly/38BnVDu Looking for a vocal coach? https://jansmith.com Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

In this episode of The Ferment, guest hosts Melisa Keller and Casey Corum chat with Rian Emano about growing up in a pentecostal Filipino church, the rub he felt between entering ministry and living the life of a creative, his entry into becoming a filmmaker, and how he intentionally disciples other creatives. Rian Emano is the creative director at Vineyard of Hope Church in Walnut, California. Rian is a passionate creative ambassador and filmmaker committed to cultivating creative community and raising up storytellers. Before moving to LA, Rian served as communications director and video producer at Vineyard Community Church in Overland Park, KS while also documenting moments and producing videos for various ministries of Vineyard USA. As Rian continues to grow in his craft of storytelling it is his mission to give away all that he has learned to raise up a new generation of storytellers. Show Notes: Vineyard School of Worship- Summer Session Use code "Ferment15" for 15% off! http://vsow.org Project Timothy https://vineyardyouthusa.com/project-timothy/ Heroic Leadership Institute https://www.godogreatthings.com Vineyard of Hope https://www.vineyardofhope.org

Please enjoy this special repost of Jay Pathak's conversation with David Ruis on the We Are Vineyard podcast. David shares some things he's been learning about the story of God through his own story of adoption, the work of music in his life, and some stories of his early encounters with the Holy Spirit and his process of reconciling them with his Baptist upbringing. David also shares his heart in seeking the Lord to hear what He wants to do during any gathering or time of worship and his practice of coming with expectation that the Lord is with us. David and Anita Ruis have lead, encourage, and empowered the Vineyard in Canada as the National Directors since 2014. David is a well-respected worship leader and songwriter (You're Worthy Of My Praise, Every Move I Make, and much more). His most recent album, When Justice Shines, was released through ION Records. David has also authored two books: The Worship God Is Seeking and The Justice God Is Seeking. As a team David and Anita are also known to be effective church planters and seasoned pastors having established churches in Canada and the US. David has also been instrumental in seeing Vineyard communities established in Nepal and India. Much of the Ruises' focus has been in indigenous settings, working with people experiencing poverty and subsequent marginalization. They also have significant experience facilitating leadership development and on the creative side David is known for fostering originality in song-writing and the arts in various cultural settings. A burning passion for the Ruises is both practical and theological integration of creative worship in church community, and deep life engagement with issues of poverty and social injustice. The Ruises currently reside in Kelowna, BC. In their down time they love to be creative and hang with their grandkids. Show Notes: We Are Vineyard Podcast https://vineyardusa.org/podcast/ David's church- Kelowna Vineyard https://www.kelownavineyard.com/ The Worship God is Seeking by David Ruis https://amzn.to/3w1PDAT The Justice God is Seeking by David Ruis https://amzn.to/3y8uZSd Miracle Work by Jordan Seng Vineyard USA's recommended reading for May https://amzn.to/3y3mtE6

It's a VSOW takeover! In this episode of The Ferment, Mike O'Brien (Director of Vineyard School of Worship) and Melisa Keller (Director of Events & Project Management) reflect on the 2 years that have passed since the pandemic changed everything, including the losses and the changes that they're excited about. They also talk about Vineyard worship leader retreats, why they exist and who they're for (spoiler: YOU!), and how they've incorporated rest and retreat into their regular rhythms. As life is ramping back up into its pre-pandemic busyness, this episode is a grounding reminder of the need for balance and rest in our lives. Show Notes: Vineyard School of Worship- Summer Session Use code "Ferment15" for 15% off! http://vsow.org The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/rise-and-fall-of-mars-hill/ Contact Mike or Melisa! https://www.vineyardworship.com/team

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam and Tiadra Mickels finish out the "Leading Better Worship" series with a conversation about co-leading. Tiadra shares about her passion for seeing people find healing and wholeness through worship and the growth she has seen in herself since she began leading worship. They also talk through some common points of tension in co-leading and her approach to working through some of those issues while building trust and placing an emphasis on bringing the worship team to a relational level. Tiadra Mickels is currently on staff at Vineyard Church North Phoenix. Originally from Michigan, Tiadra moved to Arizona in 2007 and has been serving in worship at Vineyard North Phoenix since 2014. Tiadra was a featured voice on Vineyard Soul: We Are Ready, LoFi Vineyard 2 and 3, and will also appear as a vocalist on an album releasing this Fall through Vineyard Worship. Tiadra's prayer and passion is that, in leading worship, she can encourage others into richer, deeper, and more honest worship for God, and that this would carry on into their daily life. Show Notes: Vineyard School of Worship- Summer Session Use code "Ferment15" for 15% off! http://vsow.org Joe's Tacos https://www.joestacosaz.com Instagram: @Joestacosaz Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam and James Moscardini continue the "Leading Better Worship" series with a conversation about raising up leaders. James shares about the importance of knowing the people in the room you're leading and the songs they need to be singing each week, how to lead people who are more skilled or talented in certain areas than you, and the role of healthy competition in a worship community. James Moscardini is an Associate Pastor at Vineyard Church of North Phoenix. James was born in Reading, UK, and moved to Phoenix in 2010 to work as a part-time assistant at VCNP after an internship there in 2009. He is a worship leader, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. James is the producer for LoFi Vineyard and has appeared on many Vineyard Worship albums (Cultivation Generation: My Foundation, This is Your Kingdom Come Now, I Love Your Presence, etc.). He has a passion for helping people reach their full potential in the calling that God has placed on their lives. He currently holds the VCNP record for the number of pizza slices eaten in one sitting at Peter Piper Pizza. More than anything, he loves his wife, Samantha, their two kids, and Chelsea F.C.. Show Notes: Vineyard School of Worship- Summer Session Use code "Ferment15" for 15% off! http://vsow.org James' email [email protected] Vineyard LoFi https://www.vineyardworship.com/lofi boosts#toggleFormOnEscOrEnter" data-boosts-adding-class="boosts--adding" data-boosts-deleting-class="boost--deleting">

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam and Matt Farrand talk about the transition from being a utility player and worship leader to the person in charge of worship administration. That's right…scheduling, auditioning, and even a spreadsheet or two. After fleshing out how the function of a trellis relates to both grapes and worship ministry, they walk us through some tangible steps in creating and maintaining a catalogue of songs for your church, the process of onboarding new team members and how to co-create a set list. Administration may be your favorite thing, but we're guessing it's not. So Matt is here to talk you through it! Matt Farrand is a veteran worship pastor and church communications strategist with 20 years of ministry experience. As a pastor's son in a rural church, Matt grew up running sound, fixing gear, making the bulletin, helping lead worship… whatever was needed to make Sundays happen. He was called to ministry at an early age, and has been leading weekly services for more than 20 years. Matt studied worship arts and youth ministry at North Central University in Minneapolis, MN., served Vineyard Church in Maryville, TN for 11 years and is currently the worship pastor at Vineyard Church of the Rockies. He and his wife Teri live in Colorado with their daughter Tatum and son Mac. Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

In the first episode of our Leading Better Worship series, Anabeth Morgan shares about her practice of seeking the Lord for His invitation in day-to-day life, how to balance between leading songs and facilitating ministry moments, and tailoring a set list to meet the needs of the room you're in. Anabeth and Adam also talk about the importance of leaders sharing their humanity, and how to incorporate and work in tandem with our personality, temperament and insecurities in leadership. Anabeth Morgan is a worship leader, songwriter and one of the staff pastors at the Mile High Vineyard neighborhood churches since 2011. She has been an integral part of Vineyard Worship as a leader, artist and writer, serving at Vineyard churches in Houston, Columbus, and Kansas City. Anabeth is deeply passionate about God's presence and loves to lean into the Spirit of God in worship and prayer. Her ability to listen to the Holy Spirit, whether leading worship or groups of people, has given God the opportunity to do wonderful things in people's lives. She loves sharing her intimate faith in God with others, enjoys being hospitable, and is always sensitive to the people and environment around her. Anabeth has appeared on many Vineyard albums such as Cultivation Generation: Servant Wide Awake and My Foundation; Vineyard National Conference: I Love Your Presence and Wonderful. In December 2017 she finished writing and recording her first studio album A Place Your Glory Dwells. Recently, she has had songs You Meet Me Here and Heaven's Work released through Vineyard Worship and has published other worship songs in collaboration with other songwriters. She was married to Kyle in 2003 and they have two amazing children, Jovie and Miles. Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

In the fourth episode of the Pastoring Worship series, Adam talks with worship pastor and spiritual director Justin Law. Justin shares about surrendering music and worship before being called back into it, how his interest in spiritual direction developed, and some practical tools he employs in caring for his worship team and intentionally developing them both relationally and musically. Justin and Adam trade some personal stories relating to spiritual direction growth, and Justin lays out what one might expect when engaging in spiritual direction. Justin Law has a B.A. in Psychology from Hamline University and a Masters of Ministry from St. Stephen's University. He became worship pastor at River Heights Vineyard in Minnesota in 2001 and currently leads in the areas of worship arts, prayer, and spiritual formation/discipleship. He received his certification as a Spiritual Director in 2015. In addition to writing and recording worship music, he leads a music collective called The Law Collective and performs as a solo singer/songwriter and as a member of indie rock band The River High. Justin gets excited when people connect with the love and presence of God, when Minnesota sports teams win, and when there's great coffee. He's grateful to his parents for investing in his life, planting the first Vineyard in Minnesota, and allowing him to get that KISS album at the age of four. Show Notes: The Ferment 12/16/18 Justin Law - Singer-Songwriter, Pastor, Spiritual Director https://bit.ly/36zh7F4 Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

In the third episode of our "Pastoring Worship" series, Adam talks with Ted Kim about building a worship community that is fraternal rather than functional. They discuss logistics of creating culture and practicing mutual submission, and how to make the act of worship more humane by respecting people's humanity as we're calling them to serve. Ted also talks about laughter as a sign of health in a church community. This is an incredibly down-to-earth conversation that is full of profoundly practical ideas. Ted Kim is the senior pastor of the Evanston Vineyard, having taken over the leadership from Steve Nicholson in early 2020, six days after the church shut down its in-person services due to Covid. He is passionate about the beauty of Jesus, spiritual formation, and building a church for Generation Z. It is also his life mission to bend the heart of the city of Chicago to God through the multiplication and releasing of young leaders. Prior to arriving in Chicago, Ted was a worship pastor and songwriter. He spent the last decade at the Vineyard in Syracuse, NY. For some reason, God's intention is for Ted to be cold. Ted is the son of Korean immigrants. His mother is the daughter of a South Korean dignitary. His father escaped from North Korea during the war and would later go on to be an industrial engineer. They found each other on the other side of the world in bucolic Kentucky. Ted first attended and interned at the Evanston Vineyard in the 90s, while he was a student at the University of Chicago. Despite the occasional polar vortex, he is delighted (and humbled) to return to Chicago and serve the church that formed him more than any other community in his life. Ted is married to Brittany, an Old Testament scholar. Together they have three children. Show Notes: The Ferment February 17, 2019 "Ted Kim – Worship Leader, Songwriter and Pastor – We All Need To Be Seen" https://bit.ly/3qbt8aq The Ferment March 31, 2019 "5 Books Every Worship Leader Should Read in 2019 with Ted Kim" https://bit.ly/3tr4WTL The Ferment October 25, 2020 "Transcendence, Surprise and Creative Process – John Mark Mcmillan and Pastor Ted Kim" https://bit.ly/3waPjkY Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

In the second episode of our "Pastoring Worship" series, Adam talks with Tina Colón Williams about bi-vocational ministry. Tina shares what the Lord has been teaching her about integration, and how the pause provided by COVID allowed her to step back and reevaluate her priorities. Adam and Tina also talk about how church leadership can better include bi-vocational staff. This is an encouraging and practical episode for anyone who feels like they are pulled in multiple directions and are trying to do all of it well. Tina Colón Williams is an accomplished vocalist, immigration attorney, and worship pastor. Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Tina moved to New Haven, Connecticut in 2005 to attend Yale University, and she and her husband Josh lead the Elm City Vineyard church in New Haven. Tina's powerful vocals are featured on a number of Vineyard Worship releases, including Vineyard Soul: The Chicago Sessions, Roll Like A River, Heaven's Work and You Are God. Her favorite things include: singing, worship music, meeting new people, eating all kinds of food, and the pursuit of justice in the world. Tina and Josh have two young kids, ages 4 and 2. Show Notes: The Ferment with Tina Colón Williams, December 9, 2018 https://bit.ly/3MJGBzN Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer https://amzn.to/3CDjTot Elm City Vineyard http://elmcityvineyard.org

The Life of the Mind with Caleb Maskell is the first in our PASTORING WORSHIP series. In this episode of The Ferment, Caleb and Adam talk about the discovery process that the new national team is moving through and how it is shaping the future of Vineyard USA. Caleb also talks about the beauty of embracing reality as Bible people, how the life of the mind has been woven into the Vineyard since the beginning, and how it relates to rich encounters with the Holy Spirit. Caleb and Adam discuss expanding our understanding of what a theologian might look like and lastly, Caleb leaves us with a word for worship leaders. Caleb Maskell is the Associate National Director of Theology and Education for Vineyard USA. Born in London, he immigrated with his family to New Jersey in 1986, at the age of nine. Caleb has been involved in leadership in the Vineyard movement for twenty-five years. After spending a gap year at the Toronto Airport Vineyard School of Ministry in 1995, he went to the University of Chicago to study theology, philosophy, and literature in the interdisciplinary undergraduate Fundamentals program. While there, he joined the core planting team of the Hyde Park Vineyard Church, where he served as a worship leader, a small group leader, a setter-up of chairs, and whatever else Rand Tucker asked him to do. After college, full of questions that had emerged from the beautiful collision of serious academic study and the practical realities of church planting, Caleb enrolled in the M.Div. program at Yale Divinity School. For four years, he immersed himself in the study of theology, church history, and scripture, while also leading worship and working with middle school and high school youth groups. After graduating in 2004, he worked for three years as the Associate Director of the Jonathan Edwards Center at Yale University. In 2007, along with his wife Kathy and their friends Matt and Hannah Croasmun, Caleb planted Elm City Vineyard Church in New Haven, Connecticut. That year, he also began a Ph.D. program at Princeton University, focusing on the history of American religion, with an additional emphasis in African-American Studies. After moving to Manhattan for four years while Kathy went to seminary, the Maskells ended up in suburban Philadelphia, where Caleb completed his Ph.D, while teaching regularly at Princeton Theological Seminary, and serving as the Worship Pastor at Blue Route Vineyard Church. Since 2010, Caleb has led the Society of Vineyard Scholars, which exists to foster and sustain a community of theological discourse in and for the Vineyard movement. Caleb is passionate about developing leaders and institutions that will help to produce a healthy, courageous, and hospitable future for the church in the twenty-first century. Caleb and Kathy now live with their two kids, Josiah and Emmanuelle, in the heart of Denver, where Kathy pastors East Denver Vineyard Church. Show Notes: The Other Half of Church by Jim Wilder https://amzn.to/3sHmFpC John Wimber in Christianity Today, 1997, "God's Wonder Worker" https://bit.ly/3ChsCfK

We could not be more pleased to introduce you to "We Are Vineyard", a brand new podcast by Vineyard USA with conversations to help us grow in life with Jesus and each other, hosted by National Director Jay Pathak! Check out the first episode right here with special guest Phil Strout, the former National Director for Vineyard USA. You can catch new episodes every Wednesday and hear from leaders inside the Vineyard as well as authors and leaders outside the Vineyard! In this episode of We Are Vineyard, Jay and Phil discuss "Equipping the Saints"…where this principle comes from biblically, what it means, and how you do it. They also talk about the vital role of mentors in a leader's life, share personal stories of pursuing the mentors who have shaped them and cared for their souls, and subsequently how they have learned to recognize leadership on those coming up behind them. For several years, Phil served in the Vineyard on the board of directors for Vineyard USA, as a Regional Leader, and as the Senior Pastor of Pathway Vineyard Church, a multisite church based in Lewiston, Maine. He has also done extensive work in church planting around the world, especially in Latin America, and along with his wife, Jan, is bilingual (English/Spanish). Phil is the author of God's Relentless Pursuit: Discovering His Heart for Humanity and Thrive: How to Successfully Navigate the S-Turns of Leadership. He brings a non-hyped, down-to-earth, passionately authentic spirit and vision to leading the Vineyard Movement in its divine assignment. Phil and Jan have been married since they were teenagers and have two kids, 6 grandkids and 2 great-grandkids. Show Notes: We Are Vineyard Podcast with Jay Pathak https://vineyardusa.org/podcast/ Faithwalking https://faithwalking.us/ Reason for God by Tim Keller https://amzn.to/3GWztMQ Walter Ciszek http://www.ciszek.org/About_Ciszek.html

Jay Pathak is the Lead Pastor of the Mile High Vineyard and Danielle Pathak is the Spiritual Formation and Staff Pastor. Jay and Danielle planted Mile High Vineyard, a family of neighborhood churches in 2001. They grew up in Columbus, OH and started attending the Columbus Vineyard as teenagers, where they began leading in ministry very young. Jay has a BA in Philosophy from Ohio State University, is a graduate of Vineyard Leadership Institute and served on the Vineyard executive team for 5 years. He is also the co-author of The Art of Neighboring. Danielle has a BA in Human Development and Family Studies from Ohio State University, also attended Vineyard Leadership Institute and holds a certificate in Spiritual Direction from Sustainable Faith and one in Spiritual Formation and Leadership from the Transforming Center in Chicago. They are the incoming National Directors for Vineyard USA! Jay and Danielle have been married since 1998 and they have two beautiful daughters, Jasmine and Sofia. In this episode of The Ferment you'll meet Jay and Danielle up close and personal! They each share their stories of coming to faith and learning how to trust the Lord's leading regarding their future, both as a couple and as people in ministry. Danielle speaks about her process of sorting through deeply engrained hurts relating to women in ministry, and Jay tells some stories about being pastored well…and not so well. Next Jay and Danielle share what Carol Wimber taught them about God giving specific callings on your life, as well as their experience of how God interacts with us differently and how the questions he asks of us change depending on the season of life we are in. They also talk about the importance of learning to follow well if you want to lead well, and what they learned through the discernment process of whether or not to accept the position as National Directors. You won't want to miss this opportunity to get to know our new national leadership! Show notes: Mile High Vineyard https://www.milehighvineyard.org Vineyard USA https://VineyardUSA.org Socials Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

Paul Anleitner is the Worship Pastor at the First Evangelical Free Church in Minneapolis, MN and host of the Deep Talks podcast - Exploring Theology and Meaning-Making. Prior to joining the staff at First Free, he enjoyed 15 years of vocational ministry experience in a variety of roles and denominational settings. He has had the privilege over the years of being not only a Worship Pastor in the Assemblies of God, Evangelical Covenant Church, and now the Evangelical Free Church, but has also taught theology and biblical studies courses in Christian high schools, directed parachurch ministries, and recorded & released original music. Paul loves reading theology, exercising and watching or playing basketball. He is married to the girl of his dreams, Keri, and they have 3 kids. In this episode of The Ferment podcast, Paul and our host Adam Russell have an incredibly nuanced conversation about the way symbols and the meaning we ascribe to them create stories that shape our worldview. Coming on the tail of January 6th and the insurrection at the US Capitol Building, Paul and Adam discuss the mixed symbolism of nooses and Confederate flags displayed alongside "Jesus Saves" signs and the way that mirrors the present state of Christianity and politics in our nation. As the layers are peeled back, Paul and Adam dive into spheres of psychology and theology, examining the symbolism within our church buildings and worship songs, and the effect the convergence of culture and subcultures has on shaping the narrative of our nation, our worship experience, and our lives. Show notes Deep Talks Podcast https://deeptalkstheologypodcast.podbean.com The Ferment Podcast – Paul Anleitner 5.26.19 https://bit.ly/3980Pl6

Eddie Espinosa is a well-known Vineyard veteran and pioneer in the modern worship movement. Eddie was featured on numerous recordings through the years including groundbreaking original two vinyl records from Vineyard Ministries International - "All The Earth Shall Worship" and "He Is Worthy To Be Praised" both releasing in 1982. Eddie's song include "You Are The Mighty King", "Worthy Is The Lamb", and the global worship classic and era-defining "Change My Heart O God". Despite being known as a songwriter and worship pastor, Eddie spent most of his professional career in public education as a teacher, counselor and administrator. Eddie and his wife live in Southern California and have two children. In this episode of The Ferment, Eddie shares his story of being called into a life with Jesus and growing into a worshiper who is known as one who writes love songs to the Lord. He reflects on the early days at the Anaheim Vineyard and how they were marked by hunger and desperation for God, and shares the three things he believes bring the presence of God in worship. This is a very tender episode that overflows with a love for the Lord that is only cultivated in first-hand experience of His goodness and grace. Show notes: Change My Heart, O God by Eddie Espinosa https://youtu.be/DwudqCO7mSQ Eddie's interview with the Calvin Institute https://bit.ly/3dx2Zf5

Phil and Jan Strout are the National Directors for Vineyard USA. For several years, Phil served in the Vineyard on the board of directors for Vineyard USA, as a Regional Leader, and as the Senior Pastor of Pathway Vineyard Church, a multisite church based in Lewiston, Maine. He has also done extensive work in church planting around the world, especially in Latin America, and along with his wife, Jan, is bilingual (English/Spanish). Phil is the author of God's Relentless Pursuit: Discovering His Heart for Humanity and Thrive: How to Successfully Navigate the S-Turns of Leadership. He brings a non-hyped, down-to-earth, passionately authentic spirit and vision to leading the Vineyard Movement in its divine assignment. Jan is a passionate leader in the church today. As a gifted exhorter and teacher, she has earned the title, "The Queen of Encouragement." She has served nationally on the Vineyard Women's Task Force with the heart to empower women for leadership, ministry, and life. Jan is an effective communicator and has taught Spiritual Formation, Prayer, Evangelism, and Missions in Portland's E3 Leadership Institute. Phil and Jan have been married since they were teenagers and have two kids, 6 grandkids and 2 great-grandkids. In this episode of The Ferment, Adam joins Phil and Jan at their farm in Maine to hear their story of coming to faith as teenagers, marrying young and heading out to the international mission field. They also talk about the value of soul care and share three prophetic illustrations that have grounded them in the pursuit of a contemplative life. Finally, Phil and Jan share about transitioning the role of National Director and the word the Lord gave Phil about "intersections" that has been guiding the Vineyard through this recent season of change. This is a rich episode full of wisdom and inspiration for leading a life faithful to the Lord. Show notes: The Quest for the Radical Middle: A History of the Vineyard by Bill Jackson https://amzn.to/38l7NSz Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

Eleanor Mumford and her husband John play a significant leadership role within the Vineyard family of churches, both in the UK and overseas. They worked for two years with John Wimber at the Anaheim Vineyard in California before starting the SW London Vineyard in 1987. They handed over the leadership of that church in 2008 and served as National Directors in the UK and Ireland until 2015. They now focus on the continued development and momentum of the international Vineyard family. Eleanor and John have two grown sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law and 4 grandchildren. In this episode of The Ferment, Eleanor shares her origin story and the power of a praying roommate. She also talks about her husband's first interactions with John Wimber and their earliest days with the Vineyard movement, the profound impact of worship in their life and ministry, and their life more recently as international coordinators within Vineyard Global. Eleanor speaks about unity, equipping international leaders to care for their people and communities, and shares an encouraging word about staying close to the Lord during this hard season. Show notes: Vineyard Global: https://vineyard.org Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

Jan Smith, dubbed Mama Jan by Usher, is the world's premier vocal producer and instructor. She has over 30 years experience in the music industry as both an artist and a mentor. Mama Jan is a Grammy nominated producer and a Georgia Music Hall of Fame inductee. In addition to being a creative force for vocal excellence, Mama Jan is a visionary executive working across entertainment to reboot the music industry into an artist-driven business. As CEO of Mama J Music, she works tirelessly to fuse artist development, technology and music education into a successful career roadmap for all musicians. In this live recording of The Ferment, Adam and Mama Jan talk about the instrument of the human voice: what it is exactly and how to care for it well. Mama Jan shares practical tips for worship leaders, pastors and other vocalists who use their voices more than most including warm ups and warm downs and why every green room should have a steamer. Her holistic approach to honoring the body as a gift we've been entrusted with is an inspiration to every person regardless of vocation! Show notes: Jan Smith's Website https://jansmith.com Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

Ryan Albrecht is a psychotherapist, husband, father and musician from Long Beach, New York. He has been serving at the Experience Vineyard Church in Rockville Centre for nearly a decade where he volunteers as a worship leader with his wife and worship director Elisha. It is there where his life transformed and he continues to experience life giving community, family, and encounters with God. Professionally Ryan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker where he works with various mental, emotional, behavioral and spiritual health issues. Inspired by his own life experiences he is called to work with others to help heal from their trauma to realize lives that are full and unique to themselves. Ryan is also passionate about de-stigmatizing mental health in the church through sharing his story and professional insight to educate, equip, and train leadership. In this episode of The Ferment, Ryan shares his story of leading a life of youthful rebellion after a series of traumatic events changed his course, and the way those decisions escalated into addiction, multiple overdoses and criminal activity. He also shares about the steady pursuit of the Lord, being drawn into community at a church and slowly turning his life over to the service of people. Ryan and Adam then chat about the need to mature emotionally as we are growing spiritually, and tending to the inner life. This is a powerful testimony of redemption and the goodness of God. Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

Alan Franklin is a musician and music teacher, co-founder of MuzicNet School of Music in Park Forest and Chicago, IL, and the interim worship pastor at South Suburban Vineyard Church in Flossmoor, IL. He is a Chicago-native and one of twelve children. Alan and his siblings grew up singing and playing music in their parents' church, and he has continued to be involved in worship ministry ever since. Alan has been married to his wife Terrilyn for 32 years and they have 4 daughters and one grandchild. In this VSOW takeover episode of The Ferment, Mike O'Brien and Alan Franklin have a chat about musicianship, growing in music theory, and the value of taking music lessons even as a seasoned worship leader. Alan talks about learning to play music by ear in church and starting a music school in his brother's basement after recognizing a need in his community. He also explains the "number system" and gives some practical suggestions for how to implement it in your worship team. Alan and Mike then talk about generational succession in our life together as a church, the role of elders, and the need for making space and room for kids to join the worship team. Show Notes: MuzicNet School of Music https://www.muzicnet.net/about/ Vineyard School of Worship (VSOW) http://Vsow.org Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

Alexandria Faison is the worship pastor at the Vineyard Church of Davenport, Iowa. She was born into a musical family of faith, singing solos in the choir at her Baptist church at 8 years old and eventually leading worship at 16 years old when they started attending the Vineyard. Alex felt God's leadership call on her life while attending the University of Northern Iowa where she had a full-ride scholarship for music education, and she soon returned to her home church where she joined the staff as worship director in 2015. Alex has worked with Vineyard Worship for several years and was a featured voice on Vineyard Soul: Generous God. She will also appear as a vocalist on the much anticipated release Breathe In, Sing Out, releasing early 2022. Alex is passionate about leading people into the presence of God through worship. In this episode of The Ferment, Alex shares about her gospel roots, growing up in the black Baptist church and what it was like for her family to join a predominantly white congregation when they started attending the Vineyard. She also talks about becoming a worship pastor as a teenager and how she processed some of the reactions people had, the environment she's in that allows her to be brave and share her experiences as a young black woman, and how she has cultivated relationships in different seasons of life. Alex is an old and gentle soul and this episode is marked by her wisdom and joy. Show Notes: Alex's TikTok @alexandriafaison VSOW Sound Lab Discount Code: Ferment15 Vsow.org Vineyard Worship Together Daily- Alexandria and Kaleb Faison https://youtu.be/crkIq2UsG9E Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

Calvin Rodgers is a Chicago native and drummer who has been credited with revolutionizing the voice of gospel drumming. His parents realized at a very young age that Calvin shared their love for music and an even stronger love for the drums in particular. Both parents worked very hard to invest as much as they could into their son's promising future. Around the age of 9, Calvin began shadowing his father, a well-known gospel musician, and songwriter, as his personal drummer. This afforded Calvin the opportunity of learning from some of gospel music's most prolific songwriters, artists, and musicians. By the time he entered high school, he was traveling with GRAMMY-nominated choir master Ricky Dillard & New Generation. Around the same time, he became a part of the Ravinia Jazz Mentors program, spearheaded by jazz pianist, Ramsey Lewis. Upon graduating high school, Calvin began touring with Lewis and learning his way around the studio. While recording a radio commercial for Rice A Roni, Calvin met R&B crooner, R. Kelly. Kelly invited Calvin to join his band for his upcoming world tour, TP2. Upon completion of that tour, Calvin decided to place his focus on becoming a recording drummer. He also began finding his voice as an arranger and a producer. With over 200 live/studio albums listed to his credit, he has also recorded and toured with artists such as R.Kelly, Ramsey Lewis, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Dionne Warwick, Destiny's Child, Ronald Isley, Ernie Isley, Avant, Jonathan Butler, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Fred Hammond, Yolanda Adams, Israel Houghton, Donald Lawrence, John P. Kee, Tommy Simms, Tamela Mann, and many, many others. Though quite accomplished, Calvin continues to push himself in all areas while making sure to sow into the next generation through mentoring and private lessons. In this episode of The Ferment, Calvin and Adam talk about the church as a safe space to raise up musicians and the necessity of continuing to expose yourself to new styles and skillsets to become a well-rounded player. Calvin also gives some solid advice about bringing yourself humbly into unfamiliar gig environments so as to be in service to the songs and the intention of those who hired you while also offering what makes you unique. The conversation touches on investing in upcoming players, staying true to your roots, encouragement for the Vineyard Movement, and Calvin's personal fermentation process. You won't want to miss it! Show Notes: Vineyard Worship: Generous God https://youtu.be/X4reWPmCgLE Vineyard Soul: Chicago Sessions https://www.vineyardworship.com/chicago-sessions Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

Dee Wilson, born Terrell Demetrius Wilson, is a Grammy Award winning singer and songwriter, worship leader, husband and father. Dee is a member of Common Hymnal, a connecting point for believers whose voice are not being heard because they don't fit into the mainstream Christian culture. He and his wife Jennifer are also worship pastors at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, CO and have a daughter, Adelle. Dee believes deeply in worship with a social conscience, writing honest songs with both message and heart, and being a whole person deeply loved by the Father. In this episode of The Ferment, Dee and Adam meet up at the Vineyard National Conference for a chat about sports and songwriting. Dee talks about writing songs that resonate with the valleys of life and the importance of naming pain specifically so that God can heal it. He also talks about interacting with those who are provoked or challenged by the songs he writes, and he and Adam leave us reflecting on the question: what is a good life? This conversation is a treasure, and you won't want to miss it! Show Notes Rose Petals written by Dee Wilson https://commonhymnal.com/songs/rose-petals Common Hymnal https://commonhymnal.com Instagram @commonhymnal Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

Daniel Grothe is associate senior pastor at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, CO as well as a drummer, author, father and farmer. He received an undergraduate degree in theology from Oral Roberts University and a Masters in Theology through Fuller Theological Seminary. He is the author of Chasing Wisdom and The Power of Place. Daniel and his wife, Lisa, live on a small hobby farm outside of Colorado Springs with their three children: Lillian, Wilson, and Wakley. In this episode of The Ferment, Daniel talks about trading a theology of blessing and prosperity for a theology of suffering and how an incredibly traumatic experience reoriented his church's priorities and mission. He and Adam also discuss the value of micro-communities, intentionally investing in the community you live in, and using social media as a tool and not letting it replace the people around you. This is an incredibly rich episode packed full of encouragement and challenge for those looking to build a deeply fulfilling life. Show Notes: Daniel's website: https://danielgrothe.com The Power of Place: Choosing Stability in a Rootless Age by Daniel Grothe https://amzn.to/3b3adXx The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton https://amzn.to/3Cc5pL9 On the Road by Jack Kerouac https://amzn.to/3m7UzjI Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

Tim Brown has served as the Worship Pastor of Canyon View Vineyard Church in Grand Junction, Colorado since 2012 and he serves the larger Vineyard Movement as a songwriter, song artist, and educator in foundations of Vineyard Worship for aspiring worship leaders all across the United States. Tim was raised in southern New Mexico as a pastor's kid, is the oldest of four boys and has the voice of an angel. He has written on many well-known worship songs including "Have Your Way" and "What Can Separate". Tim and his wife, Dale, have two amazing kids: Evelyn (4 years old) and Otis (4 months old). On this episode of The Ferment, Tim gives us a crash course on life in New Mexico past what is represented in Breaking Bad and his thoughts on why tennis is a superior sport to baseball. He also shares what he's learned from CrossFit and his health journey about the physical-spiritual connection, and how he grew up in the church and still loves it. Tim and Adam also talk a lot about spiritual and mental health of worship leaders and commitment to the church. Show Notes: Canyon View Vineyard Church https://www.canyonviewchurch.com Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

Join us for part 2 of Adam's conversation with Jay and Danielle Pathak, incoming National Directors for Vineyard USA! On this episode of The Ferment, Jay and Danielle share what Carol Wimber taught them about God giving specific callings on your life, as well as their experience of how God interacts with us differently and how the questions he asks of us change depending on the season of life we are in. They also talk about the importance of learning to follow well if you want to lead well, and what they learned through the discernment process of whether or not to accept the position as National Directors. Finally, Jay shares a word about the upcoming Vineyard National Conference in Phoenix, AZ coming up this month. This episode is stuffed full of wisdom you won't want to miss out on! Show notes: Register for the Vineyard National Conference! https://conference.vineyardusa.org/register/ Socials Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

Jay Pathak is the Lead Pastor of the Mile High Vineyard and Danielle Pathak is the Spiritual Formation and Staff Pastor. Jay and Danielle planted Mile High Vineyard, a family of neighborhood churches in 2001. They grew up in Columbus, OH and started attending the Columbus Vineyard as teenagers, where they began leading in ministry very young. Jay has a BA in Philosophy from Ohio State University, is a graduate of Vineyard Leadership Institute, served on the Vineyard executive team for 5 years and is the national director elect for Vineyard USA. He is also the co-author of The Art of Neighboring. Danielle has a BA in Human Development and Family Studies from Ohio State University, also attended Vineyard Leadership Institute and holds a certificate in Spiritual Direction from Sustainable Faith and one in Spiritual Formation and Leadership from the Transforming Center in Chicago. Jay and Danielle have been married since 1998 and they have two beautiful daughters, Jasmine and Sofia. In the first of this two-part episode of The Ferment you'll meet Jay and Danielle up close and personal! They each share their stories of coming to faith and learning how to trust the Lord's leading regarding their future, both as a couple and as people in ministry. Danielle speaks about her process of sorting through deeply engrained hurts relating to women in ministry, and Jay tells some stories about being pastored well…and not so well. You won't want to miss this opportunity to get to know our new national leadership, and make sure you come back for part two next week! Show notes: Mile High Vineyard https://www.milehighvineyard.org Socials Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

Glen Yoder is a musician and songwriter, husband and father, and the worship pastor at Vineyard Campbellsville in Campbellsville, KY. Born in an Amish community that his family left during his childhood, Glen was raised in the hills of Kentucky and came of age on the streets of the world. His formative years were spent somewhere between his Amish roots, the folk music of his home in the hills and the indie-rock soundtrack of the streets of Lexington, KY. From Central America to South Africa, Glen traveled with his friends to far-flung corners, settling in the heart of Kentucky to write songs tinged with sadness and outlined with hope. In this episode of The Ferment, Glen and Adam talk about Glen's journey into music and skateboarding as a boy and how they served him as portals to a new world as his family was leaving the Amish community. They also continue the conversation of worship versus secular music and Glen shares about his process of songwriting with his writing partner and how you balance creating art with having a family and a full life. This conversation catches Glen right in the middle of the gestation of his new record, so stay tuned for more details on the future release from his band, Always Endless. Show Notes: Glen's Instagram @glenyoder Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

In the second episode of our Fall series on what Adam's learned after 20 years in ministry, he shares about the process of spiritual transformation and holding space for others who are in different stages than we are. Adam also speaks to the fact that it's Jesus who heals people, and what that means for our role in people's lives as pastors and leaders.

Adam's spiritual director took him through an exercise of reflecting on the last 20 years in ministry and sharing what he's learned with his younger self, and now he's also sharing it with us. In this round he'll reveal what he's learned about theology, and also whether mystical experiences or therapy are more important for the Christian life. Show notes: Send Adam an email! [email protected] Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

Since his early teenage years, it's been obvious to those around Kyle that he would be making a huge impact in the worship culture of his generation. He began leading worship in the youth ministry at Vineyard Church of Urbana at the young age of 14 and continues his leadership today as the lead Worship Pastor and Creative Director. In the last few years, he has been featured on multiple Vineyard Worship albums and is flourishing in his gift of songwriting. Kyle's deepest passion is to see people encounter the loving embrace of the Father and to walk in the fullness of who they were made to be as sons and daughters. Kyle is very recently married to a beautiful young woman named Shelby. They are loving life together and share a joint passion for good ice cream. In his free time, Kyle is an avid golfer, a pretty solid basketball player and a professional at buying tennis shoes. (No joke, always look at his shoes.) In this episode of The Ferment, Kyle and Adam talk about the growth that comes in new environments and the benefits of surrounding yourself with people who stretch you to a new level. Kyle also shares about developing a worship team into a healthy worship community and how having shared encounters with the Lord translates to the stage on Sunday morning. Plus, you'll hear about Kyle's formative musical influences and what the Lord is teaching him right now. Show Notes: Thrive Worship Leader Training – September 22 https://vineyardworship.com/school Vineyard Soul: The Chicago Sessions https://vineyardworship.com/chicago-sessions Worship Team https://try.worshipteam.com Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

Phil and Jan Strout are the National Directors for Vineyard USA. For several years, Phil served in the Vineyard on the board of directors for Vineyard USA, as a Regional Leader, and as the Senior Pastor of Pathway Vineyard Church, a multisite church based in Lewiston, Maine. He has also done extensive work in church planting around the world, especially in Latin America, and along with his wife, Jan, is bilingual (English/Spanish). Phil is the author of God's Relentless Pursuit: Discovering His Heart for Humanity and Thrive: How to Successfully Navigate the S-Turns of Leadership. He brings a non-hyped, down-to-earth, passionately authentic spirit and vision to leading the Vineyard Movement in its divine assignment. Jan is a passionate leader in the church today. As a gifted exhorter and teacher, she has earned the title, "The Queen of Encouragement." She has served nationally on the Vineyard Women's Task Force with the heart to empower women for leadership, ministry, and life. Jan is an effective communicator and has taught Spiritual Formation, Prayer, Evangelism, and Missions in Portland's E3 Leadership Institute. Phil and Jan have been married since they were teenagers and have two kids, 6 grandkids and 2 great-grandkids. In this episode of The Ferment, Adam joins Phil and Jan at their farm in Maine to hear their story of coming to faith as teenagers, marrying young and heading out to the international mission field. They also talk about the value of soul care and share three prophetic illustrations that have grounded them in the pursuit of a contemplative life. Finally, Phil and Jan share about transitioning the role of National Director and the word the Lord gave Phil about "intersections" that has been guiding the Vineyard through this recent season of change. This is a rich episode full of wisdom and inspiration for leading a life faithful to the Lord. Show notes: Thrive Worship Leader Training – September 22 https://vineyardworship.com/school Vineyard Soul: The Chicago Sessions https://vineyardworship.com/chicago-sessions The Quest for the Radical Middle: A History of the Vineyard by Bill Jackson https://amzn.to/38l7NSz Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship