Chasing Sunday: Recent Episodes
Torn Curtain Arts
Veteran worship Leader Brian Davis interviews worship leaders and ministry thought leaders about their time in the trenches at their church chasing Sunday week after week while trying to keep their creative soul alive.
In this episode, hosts Brian and Paul interview guest Josh Packard, author of "Church Refugees." They discuss the impact of Josh's book on their own work in worship leadership and the need for research to be accessible and applicable to everyday life. They delve into topics such as the decline of the church, the erosion of institutional trust, and the need for the church to adapt to societal changes. They also explore innovative approaches to worship and the importance of building trust and connecting with individuals.
In this episode of the Chasing Sunday podcast, hosts Brian and Paul discuss the fourth pillar of their coaching platform, the Green Room, which focuses on strength. They emphasize the importance of starting with a strong foundation of identity and acceptance before diving into practical strategies and methods. They caution against prioritizing success and achievement over deeper spiritual growth. They also discuss the power and responsibility of amplifying messages through social media, the importance of grounding leadership in acceptance and unconditional love of God, and the need for balance and involving others in leadership. They reflect on the cyclical nature of maturity and encourage listeners to embrace it.
In this episode of the "Chasing Sunday" podcast, hosts Brian Davis and Paul Romig-Leavitt discuss the Mind pillar, one of the core tenets of their coaching and spiritual formation platform called "The Green Room." They emphasize the integration of the mind, soul, heart, and strength in ministry, highlighting the need for a strong foundation in soul and heart before implementing plans and strategies. They also discuss the importance of embracing intuition and mystery in ministry, the challenges of emulating successful churches, and the significance of understanding and embracing one's own cultural context. They stress the importance of building relationships and engaging the mind in worship.
The concept of the heart can be confusing; Jeremiah said it is "deceptive above all things," but we're told in Sunday school to "invite Jesus into our heart." In this episode we dive in to what it looks like to trust the Spirit with our heart and learn to discern where we're being led and where to lead others.
Are you feeling stuck in your calling as a spiritual leader? In this episode of the Chasing Sunday podcast, Dr. Todd Ferguson, a sociologist of religion, shares his insights on the challenges faced by pastors in their calling, congregation, and career. Dr. Ferguson discusses the three major factors that shape religion today, the level of secularization in society, and the shifts happening in the transition from the industrial age to the participation age. He also talks about the concept of traditional innovation and the struggle of authenticity in the church. Tune in to learn how to navigate ministry without losing yourself, and discover some valuable resources for worship leaders who may be struggling in their ministry.
Dr. Ferguson emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and grounding of one's spiritual tradition while also being open to new ideas and approaches. He suggests a balanced approach of tradition and innovation, where institutions are valued for their long-term survivability, but also open to change and adaptation. Dr. Ferguson believes that people are still called to be spiritual leaders, and that the church will continue to exist in some form, even if it looks and feels different.
The concept of the heart can be confusing; Jeremiah said it is "deceptive above all things," but we're told in Sunday school to "invite Jesus into our heart." In this episode we dive in to what it looks like to trust the Spirit with our heart and learn to discern where we're being led and where to lead others.
Thom is the author of five books and numerous articles on leadership, team building and mentoring and has over 40 years experience in leadership, consulting and organizational development across several industries including church planting, business development, training and corporate development. Now Thom is Chief Transformation Officer for 3to5 Clubs and he sells homes to raise money to underwrite sustainable water projects in 3rd world Villages. Thom is married to the love of his life, Sandra. They have successfully raised four girls and have 4 incredible grand-children. He's an avid motorcyclist, horseman, reader and of jazz and blues enthusiast.
Sandy Corrigan is an author, coach, speaker, podcast host, writer, singer Sandy was a co-owner of a company that implemented mentoring solutions for large distributed Fortune 500 Companies. She and her team spearheaded a complete turn around for a large real estate franchise and a assisted the product launch of several major cosmetic brands as a Nationaql Training Director. She has coached over 100 CEO’s and Leaders of Business Teams with Revenues of 100 million plus. Sandy, with her husband, Thom are the Founders of Transformation Companies, LLC, providing real estate and coaching services. She is Passionate about animals, especially for horses and dogs, Sandy has expanded her coaching practice as an Equine Inspired Coach and is in the process to become the first Qualified Practitioner of the Trust Technique for Colorado, “Helping humans and animals to build Trust and Confidence”. She and her husband Thom are also licensed to deliver Virtual Training with Teaching Horse, Helping Leaders Navigate Uncertainty. Sandy is currently Chief Conation Officer, with Crankset Group, has her focus on engaging small business owners and coaches to bring 3to5 Clubs to their cities across the globe.
Dave King is a lifelong musician, currently working as the senior AV manager at the Denver Art Museum, Denver, CO. Dave also has experience in the church and nonprofit world, serving as Director of Worship Arts for two churches and as Executive Director for a nonprofit. Dave's interest in music and technical audio started at a young age. With severe hearing loss from birth, he's always been fascinated learning the science behind sound and the way that these waves interact with ears and brains, work together to create music, and impact emotional responses. His passion is building relationships with others and being in a support role, ensuring that all the technical aspects and musical aspects of an event, service, or live experience match up to create a consistent, high-quality end product.
Josh Gaffga has spent his professional career navigating between the worlds of worship ministry, theater and film performance and directing, and K-12 education. His experience in these three worlds has allowed him to create bridges between church, theater, and educational institutions and to borrow best practices from each realm. Currently, Josh is a Middle School Performing Arts teacher at Dawson School in Lafayette, Colorado. In addition, he has a private vocal and acting coaching business and also serves as part of Invia Collective's worship leading team.
Josh is also internet-famous for having a photo of him and his brothers go viral on the website Awkwardfamilyphotos.com You can see him in all his glory in the photo humbly titled “The King” right here:
Managing stress and anxiety can be the hardest job for any ministry leader in church. Jimmy Carnes joins the show to talk about the anxiety of leadership and shares some tools that he's learned along the way that have been helpful for him in his ministry.
Jimmy Carnes is the Director of Operations at Discovery Christian Church in Broomfield CO. A decade ago, he joined the church as the director of Worship Arts, and between then and now have worn several hats within the organization. Discovery is also the place that he encountered family systems theory from Steve Cuss, began facilitating leadership community groups where they taught this material to our staff and key leaders, and am now a systems theory and Enneagram coach on Capable life.
Spiritual Directors Ally Ley and Debbie Swanson join the pod to talk about caring for one's soul and being in relationship with a relational God who is for us and with us, living in partnership with God rather than feeling the need to perform for God. More, they invite leaders into a new way of living and serving, one in which they are filled up and give of the over flow, rather than constantly pouring themselves out for others.
Ally Ley is a trained Christian spiritual director dedicated to creating space for individuals and groups to encounter God in transformative ways. She leads retreats, teaches, and preaches as well as has her own spiritual direction practice companioning women on the journey of wholeness, particularly female faith leaders and mothers. A graduate of the Christian Spiritual Formation and Soul Care Master’s Program at Denver Seminary, Ally delights in walking with women as they examine everything from perfectionism to shame to patriarchy to their leadership to integrating the various parts of one’s self and story as they are unleashed more fully into the freedom of their identity as God’s beloved daughters. She lives in Parker, Colorado with her husband and two young children. Learn more at www.allyley.com.
Debbie Swanson is passionate about accompanying people as they seek to know God more intimately. She is a trained Ignatian spiritual director and supervisor, holding a certificate from the Lanteri Center for Ignatian Spirituality in Denver, Colorado and additional training to direct retreatants through The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. She offers spiritual direction and the use of retreat space through her formation ministry, Vacare Deo. In addition, she teaches Christian Formation and Soul Care at Denver Seminary. She also serves the Denver Seminary Soul Care Initiative in the praxis ministry. which offers a safe space for Christian leaders to nurture their own personal
The Chasing Sunday Podcast is a production of Torn Curtain Arts and Resonate Media.
Tommy Staudt joins the podcast and talks about breaking the mold, moving from volunteer to paid positions in worship ministry, and why relational equity is the most valuable tool in your tool box.
Tommy Staudt is a worship pastor from Westminster, Colorado who currently leads the worship ministry at Kindred Church in Broomfield. His music and ministry experience spans over 20 years and includes being the worship pastor of Flatirons Church in Lafayette, Colorado, as well as leading at dozens of other churches around the country. He will be marrying his fiancé, Lauren in September 2022 and would love to talk to you about golf, bourbon and/or Avalanche hockey.
The Chasing Sunday Podcast is a production of Torn Curtain Arts and Resonate Media.
Paul Romig-Leavitt interviews Church planter and fellow podcaster Loren Richmond Jr. about the passion and disappointments in planting a church.
Worship leaders and organizational coaches Marcel and Cindy Arocha with InVia Collective talk about the challenges and joys of the intersection of marriage and ministry along with the racial reckoning the church faces in 2021. Guest Hosted by Paul Romig-Leavitt.
Veteran songwriter and worship leader Danny Oertli shares his story, chats about songwriting, receiving criticism in ministry, and shares his thoughts on his hope for the future of worship in the local church.
Brian sits down for a conversation with worship leader Luke Burgett and talks about calling and what to do with difficult conversations about performance.
Justin Adams is one of Brian's bestest friends, and they sit down in this episode to talk about Justin's journey through ministry, navigating conflict with senior leadership, and stepping up into one's calling to lead. Justin is one of the worship pastors at Mission Hills Church in Littleton, CO, has served as a worship leader and part of the steering team for the Experience Conference, and has recorded live and studio albums. His latest album, "Unsearchable God" is available wherever you download or stream music. You can find out more about Justin at his website, justincurtisadams.com.
Brian and Mark take some time to chat about Mark's journey in ministry, the things he's learned and is learning, and how genuinely relate to and care for your worship team. Mark is a veteran worship leader who currently serves as Worship Pastor at Journey Church in Castle Rock, CO (journeycolorado.com), and he and his team are currently working on a worship album to inspire and encourage their community.
Thank you to everyone who has listened this year! We'll be back in 2021 with more episodes designed to help worship leaders get off the Sunday to Sunday treadmill and find joy and fulfillment in ministry. If you would like to find out how you can partner with TCA to keep this podcast rolling, as well as several other initiatives to help strengthen the creative soul of the local church, visit torncurtainarts.org/outside-the-camp. Have a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year!
Danny Byram is an author, speaker, musician, singer/songwriter, worship leader, and event producer. He has spent three decades producing some of the largest Christian events in recent history (Promise Keepers, FamilyLife Arena Events) and ministering to our US military communities at home and overseas since 1987. In this episode Danny and Brian talk about Danny's book Wallpaper Worship and why a lot of churches look and sound better than ever while fewer people are engaging in worship. You can find out more about Danny's ministry and his book at www.dannybyram.com.
This episode’s guest is Anne Griffin. Anne is a worship leader in the Denver area, a gifted pianist, a devoted wife and mother, and an all around great human. Anne and Brian discuss processing pain and loss as a part of the ministry journey, the reluctance of reentering ministry after being wounded, “doing church differently”, and dealing with burnout.
Brian has a conversation with Dave Powers. Dave is a world-renowned worship leader, speaker, and songwriter. He and his wife, Tara, release beautifully creative and stylistically diverse songs as Mountain City, and are the founders of Worship & The Word Movement, a collective of worshipers, speakers, songwriters, collaborators, spiritual mentors, community organizers, event producers, and dream champions who love Jesus and people deeply. Check them out on Spotify or at worshipandtheword.com & mountaincitymusic.com.
Brian sits down to talk with his good friend Paul Romig-Leavitt about his ministry journey, holding on to our true self, finding moments of creativity, technological and philosophical shifts, and just a dash of gibberish! Paul has been a worship leader in the Denver area for 20+ years and is the founder and president of Torn Curtain Arts. For more information about TCA go to www.torncurtainarts.org.
Brian shares his heart behind starting the Chasing Sunday podcast and talks a bit about Torn Curtain Arts, a ministry that exists to strengthen the creative souls of Denver worship leaders. For more information about TCA go to www.torncurtainarts.org. Thanks for listening!