The Ferment Podcast - Conversations About Worship And Transformation
The Ferment Podcast features host Adam Russell in wide-ranging conversations about worship and spiritual transformation. He speaks with thought leaders, creatives, entrepreneurs, and other innovators about their personal stories of faith and change. Guests have included John Mark McMillan, Daniel Grothe, vocal coach Mama Jan Smith, James Duke, and Carol Wimber-Wong. The show explores how worship and transformation intersect in everyday life and ministry.
Episodes
Remembering Brian Doerksen, Part One: His Story
This is one of two episodes we're releasing today to celebrate the life of our friend Brian Doerksen, who passed away peacefully at his home this week, surrounded by his family. In this conversation, Brian shares his story in his own words: growing up in a Mennonite home in Abbotsford, British Columbia, finding his spiritual family in the Vineyard, and the night a shy bass player was called up to
Remembering Brian Doerksen, Part Two: The Songs and the Story of the Vineyard
This is one of two episodes we're releasing today to celebrate the life of our friend Brian Doerksen, who passed away peacefully at his home this week, surrounded by his family. Recorded around the Vineyard's 50th anniversary as part of our "A History of the Vineyard in Song" conference session, this conversation is Brian's chapter of that story: the 40-hour drive to a John Wimber conference in Ka
Royal Son with Anthony Peebles
In this episode of The Ferment, Mike O'Brien talks with Anthony Peebles and Susan O'Brien about some exciting new Advent materials, namely a new worship single Anthony wrote titled "Royal Son" (performed by Tim Brown and Hannah DeSpain) and a corresponding devotional Susan created. Anthony also shares about some of his life in the Florida panhandle and his family's new adventure with Canyonview Vi
Jimmy Cooke - Loving The Music First
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Jimmy Cooke about getting pulled into the music scene, touring in a rock band, and the ways that being involved in the church prepared him for that life. Adam and Jimmy also discuss the relationship between Vineyard Worship and Vineyard Worship UK & Ireland. Jimmy Cooke's association with the Vineyard dates back to his teens - he met his wife, Kat
Nick Sherrod - Leading Worship As Your Authentic Self
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Nick Sherrod about being raised by a single mom, when music entered his life, and his entrance into the music industry. Nick shares how he came to the Vineyard, processed not being in a Black church, and finally settled into himself as a worshipper. Nick Sherrod is an artist, writer, and worship leader currently serving at Vineyard Columbus. Even t
A Week In The Life - Jonathan Cool
In this episode of The Ferment, Director of the Vineyard School of Worship Mike O'Brien chats with Jonathan Cool as we continue our series: "A Week In The Life", looking at the weekly rhythms of worship leaders from around the country in various-sized congregations. Jonathan shares about their church staff's focus on celebration, the worship team's rhythms of practice and gathering, and Jonathan's
A Week In The Life - Kat Michael
In this episode of The Ferment, Director of the Vineyard School of Worship Mike O'Brien chats with Kat Michael, Worship Pastor at Franklin Vineyard Church in Tennessee as we continue our series: "A Week In The Life", looking at the weekly rhythms of worship leaders from around the country in various-sized congregations. Kat shares about the season of transition their church is navigating, her fav
A Week In The Life - Nicole Hernandez
This week we kick off a new series looking at a week in the life of worship leaders from around the country in various size congregations. Director of the Vineyard School of Worship Mike O'Brien sits down with Nicole Hernandez from Vineyard Columbus in Westerville, Ohio. Nicole, a 4th generation Mexican-American from Southern California, has been part of the Vineyard movement from a young age and
A Story Of The Vineyard In Song - Anabeth Morgan
In this episode of The Ferment, we complete our mini-series on the Vineyard USA National Conference session: A Story Of The Vineyard in Song. This week, Adam and Nicole Dill talk with Anabeth Morgan. Anabeth expands on the story she shared during the session via video about being invited to a Vineyard church, feeling like she found a sense of home, and what that experience meant to her. She also t
A Story Of The Vineyard In Song - Ed Piorek
In this episode of The Ferment, we continue our mini-series on the Vineyard USA National Conference session: A Story Of The Vineyard in Song. This week, Adam and Nicole Dill talk with Ed Piorek about the childhood experiences that provoked him to seek the Lord. They also discuss how the Father's love shaped his life, leadership and church, as well as his own parenting. Finally, Ed talks about pion
A Story Of The Vineyard In Song - Cindy Rethmeier
In this episode of The Ferment, we continue our mini-series on the Vineyard USA National Conference session: A Story Of The Vineyard in Song. This week, Adam and Nicole Dill talk with Cindy Rethmeier about the early days of the Vineyard, how new songs were introduced, and some of the stories behind the original Vineyard songs. Cindy shares about how relationships influence songwriting, and navigat
A Story Of The Vineyard In Song - Brian Doerksen
In this episode of The Ferment, we continue our mini-series on the Vineyard USA National Conference session: A Story Of The Vineyard in Song. This week, Adam and Nicole Dill talk with Brian Doerksen about his first encounter with the Vineyard and the doors it opened for him to pursue the faith his heart longed for. Brian shares the history behind the album "Changed By Your Glory" and the stories o
A Story Of The Vineyard In Song - The Making Of
Welcome back to The Ferment Podcast! On today's episode, we are kicking off a mini-series about a very special session of this summer's National Conference called "A Story of the Vineyard in Song." In this episode, you will hear from the planning team (Adam Russell, Casey Corum, Melisa Keller, Caleb Maskell, and Nicole Dill) about why they decided to create this session and some behind-the-scenes
Preaching In The Vineyard - Finding Your Voice with Ted Kim
Today's episode of The Ferment is a special re-post from the We Are Vineyard podcast! That's right, Adam has been cohosting a special mini-series on preaching with Ted Kim (Lead Pastor of Evanston Vineyard in IL), and if you're a pastor in the Vineyard this series is GOLD. In this introductory episode, Adam and Ted each share their early journey as a pastor, how they realized they were called to p
Vineyard Worship Essentials Cohort Leaders with Mike O'Brien
In this episode of The Ferment, Mike O'Brien interviews several Vineyard Worship Essentials cohort leaders! They talk about the value of continuing education for worship leaders, why it's worth adding another thing into an already busy season, and the role coaches play in the cohort dynamic. Registration is open for the 2024 summer cohort which begins June 2, so sign up now! Show notes: Vineyard
Vineyard Worship Essentials Teaser - "Home" with Melisa Keller
Today on the Ferment, we wanted to give you a taste of Vineyard Worship Essentials with a mini-session by Melisa Keller on "Home"- serving in your local church. Registration for the 2024 Summer Cohorts is open until May 20, and the session runs from June 2 - July 27. Go to www.vineyardworship.com/essentials to learn more about Vineyard Worship Essentials, check out the amazing lineup of instructor
Pentecost with Adam and Mike
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam and Mike O'Brien continue our series on inhabiting the Christian year by tackling Pentecost! Adam and Mike discuss how Pentecost is the most explicitly Biblical date of the church calendar, but maybe the one we observe least, and they talk about how Pentecost is a story of celebration and fire, but also the reversal of fragmentation in our families and society.
Embrace the Summer Rhythms with Adam Russell
In this episode of The Ferment, we share a keynote message that Adam gave at a Vineyard Worship weekend event at the Evanston Vineyard. Adam shares about the new rhythms that come with summer, and challenges us to take advantage of the different pace to try some beneficial practices such as working on emotional intelligence and self-awareness, taking musical risks, having fun with our team, rememb
The Role of Emotional Health in Leadership with Kurt Attaway
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam talks with Kurt Attaway about growing up in the Vineyard, meeting his wife at 4years old, and how his involvement with Fellowship of Christian Athletes evolved into a pastoral role at a local church. Kurt also shares about his career as a Marriage and Family Therapist, the role of humility and emotional health in healthy leadership, and the role of a leader in
Profound Means Simple And True with Tyler Jarvis
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Tyler Jarvis about growing up as an athlete who was interested in music, and some reflections on his young adult years. Tyler shares about the growing pains of becoming a leader and learning to pastor the room, how he was tricked into returning to Vineyard Cincinati, and the blessings and pain of working at a large church. Tyler is an artist, songwr
Holy Week With Adam and Mike
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam and Mike O'Brien continue in our church calendar series with a discussion about Holy Week. They talk about what Holy Week means, ways to celebrate each day within Holy Week, and some of the different kinds of services that are traditional held for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Show Notes: This is Love by Terry Butler Songs for Easter and Lent playlist by
Get To Know Vineyard Worship's Digital Marketing Coordinator - Nicole Topete
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Vineyard Worship's newest hire, Digital Marketing Coordinator Nicole Topete. Nicole shares about growing up in Arizona after her grandparents immigrated from Mexico, when the Lord awakened her heart to justice and compassion as a young adult, and the major shifts that happened in her life during Covid. Nicole talks about the role worship plays in her
John Mark McMillan - Deep Magic part 2
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam continues his conversation with John Mark McMillan. John Mark shares some wisdom with young creators about playing the long game, making a heart connection with the listeners, vulnerability and building a team. They also talk about the role of ritual in surpassing the surface magic to cultivate moments of deep magic. John Mark McMillan is an artist and Platinu
John Mark McMillan - Deep Magic part 1
Welcome back to Season 6 of The Ferment Podcast! In this episode, Adam and John Mark McMillan chat about John Mark's experiences during his recent tour in Japan, and his newest album Deep Magic. John Mark also talks about how his songwriting has changed over time. Part 2 of this conversation will release March 11! John Mark McMillan is an artist and Platinum-selling songwriter. Show Notes: John
Lent: The Season Of Bright Sadness
Welcome to The Ferment Podcast! In this episode, Adam and Mike O'Brien continue on with the Church Calendar series by talking about Ash Wednesday and Lent! Mike shares about how the season aligns with Vineyard values and provides a moment of pause that helps to reframe the resurrection story, and Adam shares about the beauty to be found in bringing our informal selves formally before God. They dis
Advent Week 4: LOVE with Geno Olison
As we engage the season of Advent, we invite you to join us for a special four-week series that will be featured on both the We Are Vineyard and the Ferment Podcasts. This special feature will showcase weekly devotionals from Vineyard USA Association Leaders and songs from Vineyard Worship. In this episode, Geno Olison, leader of the Vineyard USA Black Pastors and Leaders Association, shares a de
Advent Week 3: JOY with Kirk Yamaguchi
As we engage the season of Advent, we invite you to join us for a special four-week series that will be featured on both the We Are Vineyard and the Ferment Podcasts. This special feature will showcase weekly devotionals from Vineyard USA Association Leaders and songs from Vineyard Worship. In this episode, Kirk Yamaguchi, leader of the Vineyard USA Asian American Pacific Islander Association, sh
Advent Week 2: PEACE with Rubén Quintero
As we enter the season of Advent, we invite you to join us for a special four-week series that will be featured on both the We Are Vineyard and the Ferment Podcasts. This special feature will showcase weekly devotionals from Vineyard USA Association Leaders and songs from Vineyard Worship. In this episode, Rubén Quintero, leader of the Vineyard USA Hispanic Association, will be sharing a devotion
Advent Week 1: HOPE with Melanie Forsythe-Lee
As we enter the season of Advent, we invite you to join us for a special four-week series that will be featured on both the We Are Vineyard and the Ferment Podcasts. This special feature will showcase weekly devotionals from Vineyard USA Association Leaders and songs from Vineyard Worship. In this episode, Melanie Forsythe-Lee, leader of the Vineyard USA Women's Association, shares a devotion she
Advent: Ancient Frameworks In A Modern Context
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam and Mike O'Brien begin a series of conversations based around the church calendar, starting with a reflection on the season of Advent. They talk about some ways to incorporate the richness of Advent tradition into a modern worship service that allows us to join the global and historical church in the practice of waiting and longing while keeping the flavor of y
Lessons Learned
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam and Mike O'Brien chat about the things they've been observing in both Vineyard and non-Vineyard churches around the country during their travels over the last year, relating to things like song choice and administration, and relational connectedness. They also share some predictions about the direction of the Church in the near future, and the gifts we'll find
Treat Them Well: Your Tech Team and Your Room with Bobby Spangler
In this episode of The Ferment, Mike O'Brien chats with Bobby Spangler about growing up in a recording family and having access to sound equipment, and how the Lord called him to the Campbellsville Vineyard in central Kentucky. Bobby shares some reasons why it might actually be cost-effective for a church to hire a media consultant and the issues he commonly sees in churches where he provides cons
Vineyard Worship Nordic Update with Maria Lundbak Hinge
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Maria Hinge about some updates in the world of Vineyard Worship Nordic (Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway). Maria talks about some cultural differences in Denmark including considerations when most people are only familiar with the state church, how COVID affected the Copenhagen Vineyard, and the generational shift in leadership. Maria Lundbak Hinge
The Electric Guitar Is A Space Expander with Colt Westbrook
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Colt Westbrook about growing up as the son of a Baptist preacher who believed in the gifts, some spiritual experiences he had as a teen seeking after the Lord, and being pulled into a musical world. Colt talks about the role of the electric guitar in a worship band, playing prophetically, and some advice for newer guitar players. Colt also shares som
All About That Bass with Dale Dimapindan
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Dale Dimapindan about his immigration experience, getting connected to the Vineyard through musical friends, and how he got into playing bass. Dale shares some lessons he learned about how to serve a song as a bass player, how sharing a common goal unites a band, and the different things you can learn as a musician playing with worship bands and bar
It's More Than Just A Keyboard with Jon Meek
In this episode of The Ferment, Mike O'Brien chats with Jon Meek about all things keyboard, including why piano players are afraid to leave space while playing and some pro tips on exploring what your keyboard is capable of. Jon shares about building a life of trust and faithful service where he feels fulfilled and has margins to serve generously, some thoughts on how a worship pastor might approa
An Inheritance Of Rhythm with Calum Rees
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam talks with Calum Rees about being born into a family of rhythm and spending his earliest years touring with his dad's band. Calum shares about finding his way into a musical life, the people who invested in his musicianship and engineering skills as a young man, and the way faith entwined itself throughout. Calum recounts stories where the power of music connec
Adoración Viña with Daniel and Nicole Hernández
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with return guests Nicole and Daniel Hernández about some practical tips for those who are interested in incorporating another language into their worship set, and how to ensure that the translations you find are quality. Nicole and Daniel share about hosting bilingual church services directed at Spanish speakers while working towards being hospitable to
Meet Vineyard UK's Olu Meduoye
Welcome back to The Ferment Podcast! In this episode, Adam chats with Olu Meduoye about growing up in London in a Christian Nigerian family. They talk about balancing life between leading worship, a career, and family, and Olu shares about his songwriting journey and some of what the Lord is doing in his life right now. Olu Meduoye is a singer, songwriter, musician and worship leader from East L
Flowing With Summertime Rhythms
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam and Mike O'Brien (Director of Vineyard School of Worship) talk about the challenges and opportunities that accompany the beautiful season of summer! They discuss the value in flowing with the natural rhythms of your church, ideas about some investments you can make in your church and individuals, and some practical tips for planning your vacation time. Show
God Loves All That You Are with Jimmy John Morris
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Jimmy John Morris about living a double life as a senior pastor and drummer. Jimmy John describes how music is woven through his story of faith, and shares some words of wisdom for both worship leaders and senior pastors. And much to Jimmy John's delight, you'll hear the story of "The Hit." Jimmy John Morris has been serving in the Vineyard for 30 y
Leading Worship In A Large Church with Kyle Howard
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam talks with Kyle Howard about the joys and challenges of leading worship in a large church. Kyle shares about some practical and emotional considerations of leading worship for a diverse congregation, and ways that he works to create opportunities for people at different stages of faith to engage. They also talk through some details relating to administration, w
Leading Worship In A Midsized Church with Megan Zeilinger
This week we continue our a three-part series on leading worship in different-sized churches. In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Megan Zeilinger about leading worship in a midsized church, some practical steps for building a relational team, and how she dealt with a season of carrying a desire for church growth that she wasn't seeing. Megan also shares about the songs that are curren
Joys And Challenges Of Leading Worship In A Smaller Church with Derek McTavish
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Derek McTavish about his experiences leading worship in a small college town church for the last 20 years, including some of the unique joys and challenges, and the creativity and flexibility required. Derek also shares an encouragement for other worship leaders at smaller churches. Derek McTavish lives in Athens, GA, with his wife and 5 kids. He
"The Fragrance Of Worship Is Justice" with Keva Green
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam talks with Keva Green about accepting Jesus as a child and growing up in a musical home. Keva shares about her work with Restorative Justice ministries, keeping her heart buoyant while staying proximate to the people in her community, and creating a worship space that is both encompassing of the diversity of her church and also stretching. Finally, Keva shares
Leading Worship Within The Reality Of Your Life with Leah Morrison
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Leah Morrison about being a worship leader and a mother of 3 kids, including how she learned to work within the confines of her real life and some practical tips for pastors working with moms of young children. Leah also shares how motherhood has changed her worship leading. Leah Morrison joined the staff of Vineyard North in Grand Rapids, MI in 201
Thinking Bigger Than Sunday
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with us about the relentless nature of Sundays that just.keep.coming and shares some suggestions about how to think bigger than the weekly rhythm.
Introducing Vineyard Worship Essentials
Adam gathers with the Vineyard Worship crew to talk about Vineyard Worship Essentials, an online training opportunity! You can join a cohort or audit the program with your worship community or by yourself. Take a listen and share this episode with all the worship leaders in your life! Sign up now at: Vineyardworship.com/essentials
Asbury In Context - A Brief History Of Revival with Thomas Lyons
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Thomas Lyons about the difference between a revival and revivalism, how revival has shaped American identity, and what the hope of the church is during ordinary seasons of life. Thomas shares an academic perspective on historical outpourings, common precursors to revivals, and some Biblical study on the presence of God. Adam and Thomas also share so
The Songs We Write Contain Us - Liz Hix
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Liz Hix about growing up in the Vineyard, the moment when she first felt the Holy Spirit, and her process of becoming a worship leader. Liz shares about her Pacific Northwest songwriter's melancholy, her dreams for future songs, and some tips for those who want to try songwriting. Born in Yakima, Washington to Vineyard pastors John and Judith Hix,
Asbury Reflections With Dan Wilt
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam talks with Dan Wilt about what he has seen and felt during the Asbury Outpouring, the beautiful humility he has observed, and the emphasis on Gen Z. Dan also shares six takeaways to consider as a worship leader. Dan Wilt is a husband, father, author, speaker, and worship leader from Nashville, TN. He part of the Vineyard and Anglican families, and is co-aut
A Report From Inside The Asbury Outpouring
In this episode of The Ferment, Adam talks with Ranjo Clements about what's happening at Asbury College and Seminary. As a resident of Wilmore, KY and a pastor of a local Vineyard, Ranjo shares about the history of revivals at Asbury, and his experience of the current outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He and Adam discuss their observations about the generational diversity in the room, describe the rh
Paul Cullen - Giving Away What's Been Given To You
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 of
David Ruis: Communal Discernment Of The Prophetic
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 Vineya
Advent with Mike and Susan O'Brien
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 encourageme
FROM THE ARCHIVES - Eleanor Mumford - For The King And The Kingdom
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,
How To Lead A Vineyard Ministry Time - Steve Nicholson
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 not
Cultivating A Mindset Of Mentoring - Terry Butler
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 s
Ministering On The Other Side of Hurricane Ian with Kelly D'Auria
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 d
Vineyard Worship Update With Melisa and Adam
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
FROM THE ARCHIVES - Samuel Lane - Chasing God For Ourselves And Others
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
Songwriting In Submission with Bazi Baker
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 contr
Dan Wilt - Songs Are A Place We Go
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 practi
Cultural Bridge-Building in Worship with Daniel and Nicole Hernández
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
Scott Underwood: Learning to Get Out of the Way - Becoming Invisible Worship Leaders
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 p
Living In The Father's Love with Ed Piorek
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 jou
A Long Obedience in the Same Direction with Joel Balin
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 si
Everything But The Singing - Sunday Morning Checklist for Worship Leaders
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 Indi
If You Say Go - Diane Thiel-Sharp's Incredible Journey
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
Discipling Creatives with Rian Emano
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.
David Ruis - We Need A Faith That Works
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
The Value Of Rest And Retreat with Mike O'Brien and Melisa Keller
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 f
Co-Leading in Worship with Tiadra Mickels - LEADING BETTER WORSHIP SERIES
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 workin
Raising Up Leaders with James Moscardini - LEADING BETTER WORSHIP SERIES
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
Administration is the Trellis Where the Fruit of Worship Grows with Matt Farrand - LEADING BETTER WORSHIP SERIES
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 ma
Leading the Room Well with Anabeth Morgan - LEADING BETTER WORSHIP SERIES
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 incorpora
Making Worship More Humane with Ted Kim - PASTORING WORSHIP SERIES
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
The Blessings and Challenges of Bi-Vocational Ministry with Tina Colón Williams - PASTORING WORSHIP SERIES
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
The Life of the Mind with Caleb Maskell - PASTORING WORSHIP SERIES
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
Introducing: We Are Vineyard!
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 ins
