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Thanks For Having MeAuthor: Jesse Phillips
Jesse Phillips (me) talks to his really cool friends (probably you) and shares insight & stories from life on the road as a professional musician. Language: en Genres: Music, Music Interviews Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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The Gap Between Worship Leaders and the Worship Industry
Tuesday, 24 March, 2026
In this conversation, I sit down with Dr. Ryan Loche, who holds a PhD in Christian Worship from Liberty University, to talk through a tension a lot of worship leaders feel but rarely name: the space between worship ministry and the worship music industry, and how that gap has shaped the way churches lead worship today.What we cover:* Why worship and the music industry are more connected than ever* How radio, streaming, and CCLI changed songwriting and church culture* The rise of using tracks and growing production expectations* Why comparison is driving decisions in local churches* What “God-adjacent” worship looks like in real life* How burnout shows up for worship leaders* Whether worship songs are written for churches or for streaming* What church leaders wish the industry understoodResources mentioned:* Formation to Transformation Podcast* The Pastor by Eugene Peterson* A Long Obedience in the Same Direction* Lean Learning by Pat Flynn* SM7b Microphone DupeTimestamps:00:00 Intro02:00 Ministry vs industry06:00 Production and multitracks12:00 Songwriting and motivation20:00 Comparison and pressure26:00 God-adjacent worship32:00 Burnout in ministry39:00 Industry impact on the church47:00 Habits for worship leaders This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thejessephillips.substack.com/subscribe











