Worship Theology

Join this very special episode exploring the worship theology of Dr. Robert (Bob) E. Webber, who urged evangelicals toward theological substance and historical rootedness in worship.  Dr. Jeremy Perigo hosts leading Webber scholar Dr. Jonathan Powers (Asbury Theological Seminary) to discuss Webber’s quest to bring worship renewal to evangelicals through his writings, teachings, and the establishment of the Institute for Worship Studies. Webber was a monumental voice and pioneer in evangelical worship studies. His insights have shaped modern evangelical worship practice and scholarship. Hear Perigo and Powers discuss Webber’s practical theology of worship, which emphasizes Scripture, historical context, congregational participation, and the overall narrative of worship. Many of Webber’s critiques and constructions remain relevant to worship today. Additionally, join Perigo and Powers as they share reflections from their own time at the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies and their thoughts on the future of worship education.

Join this compelling conversation with Dr. Léon Van Ommen, a theologian and author specializing in autism and worship. This podcast discussion sheds light on the importance of embracing all individuals, regardless of their neurodiversity, within the context of corporate worship. By acknowledging the uniqueness of each person's experience, leaders can help their church communities foster a more inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong. The episode encourages moving away from programmatic solutions towards creating a culture of belonging. In this discussion, van Ommen encourages churches to embody Christ's mindset, rooted in humility and a desire to include everyone. Dr. Armand Léon van Ommen is Senior Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen, Co-Director of the Centre for Autism and Theology, and author of Autism and Worship: A Liturgical Theology. This season, titled Kids in the Mix, is produced by the Dordt Children's Worship Initiative. 

Discover the importance of engaging kids in worship through music. Learn insights from Dr. Luke Gambill, a leader at the intersection of the Christian music industry, church worship, and worship music education. Luke is a Dove-award winner and has worked and partnered with individuals such as Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Selah, Don Moen, Wes King, Paul Baloche, Travis Cottrell, Laura Story, Brian Doerksen, Laura Story, Bill & Gloria Gaither, Michael Neale, Geron Davis, and even The Robertson Family (Duck Dynasty). He currently serves as Assistant Professor of Music and Coordinator of Music Business and Music Technology at Lee University. His recent Kids Sing Praise projects feature popular modern worship songs for kids, featuring young voices. In the realm of worship, one question keeps surfacing: How can we effectively engage children? In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Perigo and Dr. Luke Gambill explore the significance of intergenerational worship music and its impact on the faith journeys of our young worshippers. Discover Luke’s approaches in arranging and producing children’s worship albums and hear practical ways to help kids sing praise. This entire podcast season, titled Kids in the Mix, is produced by the Dordt Children's Worship Initiative. 

In this episode of the Worship/Theology Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Perigo explores John Calvin’s contributions to children’s ministry and intergenerational worship with Dr. Randall Zachman, Professor Emeritus of Theology at Notre Dame, and Dr. Kyle Dielman, Associate Professor of Theology and History at Dordt. Drawing on Zachman’s influential book, John Calvin as Teacher, Pastor, and Theologian, the conversation emphasizes Calvin’s critical yet underemphasized roles as pastor and teacher. They discuss Zachman’s view that "Calvin labors as a teacher of pious doctrine to children." The discussion highlights the importance of catechism, intergenerational worship, the role of music in worship, and Calvin's focus on formation and meaningful engagement with children.  This season, titled Kids in the Mix, is produced by the Dordt Children's Worship Initiative. 

In this episode of the Worship/Theology Podcast, we continue our season called "Kids in the Mix." Dr. Jeremy Perigo engages with Sara and Sam Hargreaves of Engage Worship to explore theological postures and practical expressions of worship for the whole church. They discuss the importance of creating inclusive worship experiences that engage all ages and the vital approaches churches can embrace to foster a culture of welcome and belonging in corporate worship. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding congregants' diverse needs. Drawing from their new resource, Whole Church Worship, the Hargreaves share practical insights and creative ideas for fostering intergenerational worship, emphasizing that it is essential for the health and growth of all church communities. This season is produced by the Dordt Children's Worship Initiative. 

In this episode of our Kids in the Mix series, Dr. Jeremy Perigo chats with Dr. Smily Snider Andrews on her research into the worship song preferences of children and teens. Dr. Snider Andrews is the Executive Director of the Center for Worship and the Arts and Assistant Professor of Music and Worship at Sanford University.  Dr. Snider Andrews shares insights from her emerging research on young worshipers, discussing their "heart songs," including the influence of age and denominational backgrounds of these worship songs and hymns. Together, they discuss the importance of amplifying young voices in worship and in research. The discussion highlights the need for intergenerational worship practices and encourages church leaders to recognize and develop the gifts of young people in their local churches. This season is produced by the Dordt Children's Worship Initiative. 

In this conversation, Dr. Jeremy Perigo and Phil Sokell-Miles of 24-7 Prayer & Prayer Spaces in Schools explore the exciting and organic emergence of prayer spaces in schools across the globe. Drawing on Phil’s new book, Sticky Note Prayers, they discuss the importance of relational spirituality and how children's personal experiences of worship shape faith formation. This episode emphasizes the need for safe, inviting environments for prayer that can foster genuine encounters with God, and the critical role of prayer in addressing the emotional and spiritual needs of children and young people today. This podcast season, called “Kids in the Mix,” is produced by the Dordt Children's Worship Initiative. 

In this third episode of our Kids in the Mix series, Dr. Laura Benjamins (Assistant Professor of Music, Redeemer University) and our host, Dr. Jeremy Perigo, explore the intricate relationship between worship and music education. At the core of the discussion are the possibilities and challenges of training children to play contemporary worship music. This episode draws on numerous scholarly articles by Benjamins and focuses on topics such as the transition from classical to contemporary worship, the role of communities in musical formation, and the possibility of mentorships in developing worship musicians. They discuss the significance of including children in worship and the challenges of balancing musical excellence with participation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of returning to the basics of worship and fostering a culture of musical development for all ages within local churches. This season is produced by the Dordt Children's Worship Initiative.   

In this second episode of our Kids in the Mix season, Dr. Jeremy Perigo connects with Dr. Nick and Becky Drake, founders of Worship for Everyone, to explore the significance of intergenerational worship. Rather than writing worship songs for adults and then other songs for children, the Drakes intentionally write worship songs for everyone. In this episode, hear about the challenges and joys of writing songs that resonate with all ages, and the theological foundations that support intergenerational worship. This unique conversation explores the importance of creating inclusive worship environments, the role of emotion and embodiment in worship, and the need for more diverse and accessible worship songs. Nick and Becky also share practical insights for aspiring worship songwriters and encourage listeners to embrace the call to write for the whole church. This season is produced by the Dordt Children's Worship Initiative. 

In our first episode of this new season of the Worship/Theology podcast, called Kids in the Mix, Dr. Jeremy Perigo dialogues with Rev. Dr. Nelson Cowan on key ideas from his new book, Let the Children Lead. Cowan is the Director of the Center for Worship and the Arts at Samford University. Together, they dive into a deep discussion about the importance of integrating children into corporate worship, exploring formative experiences in worship, and the need to unlearn transactional models of ministry. In this episode, Cowan emphasizes the role of children as leaders in worship, the significance of agency, and the biblical foundations for including children in worship. Their conversation also addresses the needed balance between excellence and participation in worship. Finally, they encourage worship leaders to start small and frame initiatives as experiments to foster engagement. This season is produced by the Dordt Children's Worship Initiative.