An Introduction to Lament

What does it mean to lament and how can we learn to lament well? In this episode, we begin the conversation about how our meetings can help people process sin and suffering in a way that is good for them and brings glory to God. Referenced in this episode: Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy – Mark […]

Spirit-Filled Worship Leading

What does it mean for congregational worship to be Spirit-filled? We received this question from a leader wanting to better understand why some members of his church left because they said his leading wasn’t Spirit-filled enough. We talk about the importance of planning, the purpose of spiritual gifts, how a leader can grow in spontaneity, […]

On Songwriting with Matthew Boswell

In this episode of Sound + Doctrine, we’re thrilled to have our friend Matthew Boswell join us for a fascinating conversation on pastoring, leading, songwriting, and co-writing. Matt has written and co-written many songs God is using to serve the church today, including, “Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery,” “His Mercy is More,” and many others. […]

What Kind of Songs Should the Church Sing?

What are some guidelines for choosing songs that will serve your church? And what should a church member do when their leader is choosing songs they don’t think are that helpful? We’ll talk about these questions and more in this episode, What Kind of Songs Should the Church Sing? Referenced in this episode: “What Kind […]

When Your Musicians Could Be Better [Part 1]

What if you or your musicians aren’t that talented musically? How do you encourage your musicians in what they’re good at and help them grow at the same time? How do you create a culture where feedback is expected and received? How do you graciously let a musician know they’re not skilled enough to be […]

On Songwriting with Nathan Stiff

In this episode Bob and David are joined by Nathan Stiff, who has written and co-written many Sovereign Grace songs including “O Lord, My Rock and My Redeemer” and “Turn Your Eyes.” Nate tells us how he got involved with Sovereign Grace Music and shares some of the things he’s learned through the years as […]

The Pastor-Worship Leader Relationship [Part 2]

In this episode, part 2 of 2, Bob and David are joined again by CJ Mahaney to continue the conversation about the relationship between a pastor and their music leader. Bob and CJ have a history of serving together for over 30 years, 23 of them in the same church. We think you’ll love sitting […]

The Pastor-Worship Leader Relationship [Part 1]

In this episode, part 1 of 2, Bob and David are joined by CJ Mahaney, senior pastor of Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville, to talk about the relationship between a pastor and their music leader. Bob and CJ have a history of serving together for over 30 years, 23 of them in the same church. […]

The Role of Instrumentalists on Sundays

If you’re a musician in your church, how should you think about your role? What’s your purpose? How is playing on Sundays different from playing as an artist or for a concert? In this episode of Sound + Doctrine, Bob & David talk about these and other topics crucial for anyone who plays in a […]

Writing Songs for Kids

What’s it like to write songs for a kids’ album? What are your goals? How do you even go about it? Jon Althoff is one of the primary writers for Sovereign grace Music Kids’ albums, and on this this episode of Sound + Doctrine, he joins Bob and David to talk about how he thinks […]

On Songwriting and Co-writing with Jon Althoff

In this episode of Sound + Doctrine, David and Bob are joined by Jon Althoff, one of the songwriters on Sovereign Grace albums and kids’ projects. He shares how he became involved in Sovereign Grace Music as well as helpful thoughts on writing and co-writing. Have a question about this episode? Shoot us an email […]

God Encounters: How Should We Think About Experiencing God?

What does it mean to pursue a “worship experience?” How do we balance the tension between being biblically faithful and expecting God to meet with us in power? In this episode David and Bob seek to provide a biblical framework for how we’re to think about experiences with God as the church gathers on Sundays. […]

Planning Sundays

We’re jumping right into the new year and Season 2 as David asks Bob how he thinks about planning Sundays in his local church, Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville. If you are involved in planning the liturgy for your church every week, or just want to know better how to serve your church in your […]

End of the Year Planning

How should we think about planning and leading songs during the Advent/Christmas season and into the new year? What opportunities can we take advantage of as unbelievers visit our meetings? How can we help Christians understand that the Incarnation of Christ is greater than any songs we will ever sing about it? How do we […]

Shepherding Souls Through Song [Part 5]

This is part 5 of 5 in the series, “Shepherding Souls Through Song.” In this episode David, Bob, and Bob’s son Devon explore how leading songs are an opportunity to protect the church and be an example to them. They also share where you might start practically if shepherding souls through song is a new […]

Shepherding Souls Through Song [Part 4]

This is part 4 of 5 in the series, “Shepherding Souls Through Song.” David, Bob, and Bob’s son Devon dig deep into the heart of counseling and caring for God’s people through singing. They talk about the importance of applying the gospel when we sing, giving people both comfort and faith during times of suffering, […]

Shepherding Souls Through Song [Part 3]

This is part 3 of 5 in the series, “Shepherding Souls Through Song.” David, Bob, and Bob’s son Devon explore how singing provides an opportunity to faithfully lead a congregation both before and during the meeting. They discuss different styles of leadership and what to say when you’re not singing. As a bonus, Bob and […]

Shepherding Souls Through Song [Part 2]

This is part 2 of 5 in the series “Shepherding Souls Through Song.” David, Bob, and Bob’s son Devon explore the way leading songs can be a means of feeding the church though doctrinally rich, gospel-driven, emotionally engaging songs. Referenced in this podcast: “The duty of singing praises to God, seems to be appointed wholly […]

Shepherding Souls Through Song [Part 1]

In this part 1 of 5 of “Shepherding Souls Through Song,” David, Bob, and Bob’s son Devon discuss the often neglected perspective of leading songs as a means of pastoral care. They cover ways we typically think about leading music in the church, and the specific functions God assigns to pastors. Referenced in this podcast: […]

Heaven Has Come

Sovereign Grace Music has a new Christmas album, Heaven Has Come. In this episode, Jon Althoff joins David and Bob to share stories behind the album and specific songs. They also spend some time discussing ways to think about and introduce songs during the Advent & Christmas season. Listen to Heaven Has Come More info […]

Passing the Baton

In this episode, Bob’s son Devon joins us to talk about how the truths we sing about on Sundays are meant to affect and reflect our daily lives, especially when it comes to the home. In this transparent and hope-filled session, both father and son reflect on how the gospel has made all the difference […]