Ep 30: Understanding the Gift of Creativity with Tauren Wells & Aaron McManus

How often do we look for the purpose inside our painful situations? In this episode on The High Note, Tauren is sitting down with author, podcaster and Pastor of Fresh Life Church, Levi Lusko! This is a powerful conversation where they discuss building legacy, reaching the next generation, the process of grief and how to look for the power inside your pain. You’ll be comforted to see you're not alone in your pain, and how your story isn’t over until it’s good. In this episode they discuss:10:01 – What is the genesis of movement and what has stood out for Levi this year?21:45 – Was there a moment where Levi had to overcome nerves before speaking or did he always feel made for his calling to preach?29:33 – What was Levi’s mindset going into writing his book on grief? How did he go into a creative outlet after experiencing so much trauma?35:36 – What would Levi say to someone walking through grief right now?37:23 – Levi prays for those walking through grief right now39:42: What is Levi excited about that is coming up for him? Follow Tauren Wells on Instagram @TaurenWells Follow Levi Lusko on Instagram @levilusko Be sure to subscribe now on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode!

What does spiritual discipline have to do with the development of our giftings? In this episode of The High Note, Tauren is talking with six-time Grammy Award-winning producer, songwriter and pastor, Aaron Lindsey. Together, they discuss the relationship between spiritual discipline and gift development. Get ready to be inspired to follow God’s timing and trust in His process. 1:37 – Has Aaron always had a dedicated space for creating?5:18 – The relationship between spiritual disciplines and gift development8:29 – How did Aaron go from practicing in his basement to producing albums and songs that have been listened to all around the world?13:50 – Tauren’s first encounter with Aaron when he was in the band Royal Tailor17:34 – What motivated Aaron to father new artists in the early stages of their career?20:24 – Tauren and Aaron’s shared belief in providing an entry way for Christians in the church to have developmental experiences in their callings, and how Aaron is implementing that belief in his church that he pastors, Believe LA26:50 – Has Aaron’s new role as a pastor felt more like a transition or an expansion?31:03 – Was there a point in time where Aaron got impatient throughout his career, knowing he had a pastoral calling on his life, but not feeling like it was the right time yet?36:22 – How did Aaron and his wife get on the same page with their callings?41:41 – What about Believe LA is making Aaron excited and proud right now?51:00 – Where can people follow Aaron at? Follow Tauren Wells on Instagram @TaurenWells Follow Aaron Lindsey on Instagram @aaronwlindsey Be sure to subscribe now on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode!

Ever wondered how stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to embracing your true calling? In this episode of The High Note, Tauren is sitting down with Creative and Worship Pastor for NextGen at Elevation Church, Davide Mutendji. This is a powerful conversation about the power of stepping out of your comfort zone, and stepping into the call of God on your life. You’ll be challenged to evaluate the discomfort that comes with calling - and learn how you can faithfully move forward. 1:21 – Where was David born, what city in South Arica did he live in, and how did he get over to the US?3:26 – Safari life near Johannesburg6:04 – What were the circumstances that led David to the US?9:56 – The discomfort that comes with calling15:51 – How David got from a place of apprenticeship to leadership/pastor at Elevation Church23:19 – David’s transition from Elevation’s campus in Roanoke, Virgina to the Matthews and Ballantyne campuses in North Carolina27:17 – Heart posture in the different seasons we face31:57 – David’s journey in going from the worship leading space to the preaching space35:12 – The importance of staying committed to developing who you are38:50 – Where David’s excellent spirit in encouraging others comes from Follow Tauren Wells on Instagram @TaurenWells Follow Davide Mutendji on Instagram @Iam_davide Be sure to subscribe now on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode!

What does it really look like to answer and respond to the call of God on your life? In this week’s episode of The High Note, Tauren is joined by the lead pastor of Lakewood Church, Pastor Joel Osteen. These two have a powerful conversation that explores how Pastor Joel stepped into his calling and how he’s seen God move in the church. You’ll be inspired to see how God uses every piece of our story for His glory. In this episode they cover:1:26 – What was Pastor Joel’s initial hesitation in becoming a pastor?3:55 – Who encouraged Pastor Joel along the way and affirmed him in his ability to preach?6:13 – How did the Osteen family handle Pastor Joel taking over his dad’s previous role as head pastor?9:53 – The importance of honoring others well11:24 – What was Pastor Joel’s first weekend as head pastor like? How’d the first sermon go?14:22 – Pastor Joel’s journey in overcoming fear and insecurity16:39 – When the church grew exponentially, what was that experience like?19:21 – How the enemy likes to plant seeds of negativity in the exact area where our potential lies23:55 – Pastor Joel does an excellent job at calling out the good in other people. Where did he learn that?26:15 – Pastor Joel’s principles he lives by as he prioritizes his family29:10 – The power of knowing what you’re called to and saying “no” when new opportunities come Follow Tauren Wells on Instagram @TaurenWells Be sure to subscribe now on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode!

What does it mean to pursue the dreams that God places on your heart? In this week’s episode of The High Note, Tauren is talking with his friend, worship pastor and author, Wade Joye! In this conversation they share tools to help you discover what God has placed on your heart, and how to accomplish those dreams in HIS strength. Get ready to examine the posture of your life and how it relates to seeing what only He can do in your life. In this episode they cover:2:06 – What is Tauren dreaming about right now and how is he putting action to it in this current season?6:24 – Tauren talks about his experience planting a local church and processes the imperfections and offenses that come with being involved in church12:09 – What’s stopped Tauren from leaving the church after all he’s walked through?18:19 – What Tauren has learned through other people’s critiques of him23:03 – How to determine if your striving is coming from your own strength or Godly ambition28:47 - The importance of determining what success means to you31:33 - What Tauren’s waiting season was like before he was able to step into the dreams God called him to37:51 - Wade’s fulfilling journey in building trust with God44:04 – There’s a you that you haven’t met yet. What does that mean? Follow Tauren Wells on Instagram @TaurenWells Be sure to subscribe now on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode!

How often do we ignore our ability to create something new? In the week’s episode of The High Note, Tauren sits down with entrepreneur, creative, designer and thought leader Aaron McManus. Get ready to hear an incredible conversation that is for creatives, and will help you discover your own talent and gifts. You’ll also hear how you can help put context around your faith in everything you create. In this episode they cover:1:20 – Tauren and Aaron share jet lag experiences4:45 – What makes a person creative?6:50 – Determining our creative motivators9:27 – How Aaron walks his team through identifying their external motivators, so they can achieve goals and visions effectively12:29 – Aaron’s faith journey and how he was brought up20:55 – What it was like for Aaron to integrate back into church culture in LA after living in NYC24:49 – Tauren and Aaron’s perspective on the chase for fame in LA29:33 – How Aaron handled the pressure of “becoming something” while growing up in LA31:46 – Aaron shares about his new brand he is launching – Ghost Artifacts32:31 – Aaron shares about the podcast he hosts with his dad, Erwin McManus – Mind Shift Follow Tauren Wells on Instagram @TaurenWells Connect with Aaron here https://www.aaronmcmanus.com/ Be sure to subscribe now on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Do It Anyway is available wherever you buy books.

What does it actually mean to “Live the Dream?”  In this week’s episode of The High Note, Tauren is talking to Associate Pastor of Lakewood Church and Author of “You Can Live the Dream,” Nick Nilson! These two have an honest and wisdom filled conversation about what it means to have big dreams, and how to walk it out in God’s timing. If you’re looking to learn how to change your perspective to see God in a new way in your everyday life, get ready because this episode is for you!  In this episode they cover: 2:34 – How Nick is feeling on book launch day5:18 – Nick’s process in writing his book and what that journey looked like8:56 – How Nick has continued to honor God over time as he gets to what God’s prepared for him14:38 – Nick’s experience as a teenager, college football player, and his faith testimony through a major injury19:09 – How God allows things to happen so that He can bring the best out of you22:40 – Nick’s favorite chapter in his new book and some of Tauren’s favorite parts as well26:38 – Nick’s journey in losing his brother this last year and how everyone has the ability to experience a life of peace and purpose through Jesus Christ Follow Tauren Wells on Instagram @TaurenWellsConnect with Nick Nilson here nicknilson.com Be sure to subscribe now on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode!  Do It Anyway is available wherever you buy books.

In this week's episode of The High Note, Tauren is talking to Level One PGA Golf Instructor and #1 one armed golfer in the US, Alex Fourie! This conversation gives background to Alex's incredible life and testimony, how he stays motivated, and how he relentlessly pursues his purpose. This interview will inspire you to find purpose in the setbacks that come your way! Let's get into it! 2:02 – Alex’s backstory: how he got started in life, where he grew up, and what brought him here 7:51 – How Alex stays positive and motivated while moving towards his purpose 10:05 – When the game of golf came into Alex’s life 13:03 – How Alex’s mom became aware of adaptive sports 14:27 – How Alex learned how to change people’s lives through his talents 20:28 – What advice Alex would you give to a student struggling in school right now 22:43 – The difference between being talent oriented vs. work ethic oriented 26:27 – How Alex navigates setbacks that come his way Follow Tauren Wells on Instagram @TaurenWells Be sure to subscribe now on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Do It Anyway is available wherever you buy books.

How can you recognize the potential in others, and help pour into that?  In this week's episode of The High Note, Tauren is joined by Youth Pastor at Elevation Church in North Carolina. Tauren and Tim have an honest conversation about pursuing the purpose of your life, what it looks like to serve the next generation, and the power of always staying in a listening posture with the Lord. Get ready to be inspired and challenged to not only hear the voice of God but also to act on it.  In this episode, they cover: 3:42 Tim’s journey in ministry and serving the next generation 9:09 How Tim has learned to listen to God and how it’s led him to where he is today 12:33 What it is about the next generation that has captivated Tim’s heart18:31 A few ways Tim is platforming the next generation26:17 What goes through Tim’s head as he preps content to be delivered to the next generation30:23 What can parents practically do to impact their kid’s faith? Follow Tauren Wells on Instagram @TaurenWells Be sure to subscribe now on AccessMore or wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss an episode!  Do It Anyway is available wherever you buy books.

How often do you let the vision God places in your heart mature before taking it into your own hands? In this week’s episode of The High Note, Tauren is joined by best-selling author and Senior Pastor of Celebration Church, Pastor Tim Timberlake. This conversation brings the HEAT as they give such rich spiritual insight to things like stewarding vision, the difference between being “called” and “anointed” and so much more. Get ready to take some notes and let us know what you’re taking away from this episode! In this episode, they cover: The spiritual temperature of being a leader of people (5:10) How do we understand what our senior leaders are carrying? (7:29) What it means to let your vision ferment (11:11) How to have the patience required to allow the process to unfold (14:08) How Pastor Tim became a Senior Pastor at the age of 20 (17:58) 3 things every leader should do while raising up leaders (20:48) The space between being “called” and being “anointed” (23:28) Why Pastor Tim wrote about the Art of Overcoming (29:52) What to do when God doesn’t live up to your expectations (35:10)   Follow Tauren Wells on Instagram @TaurenWells Do It Anyway is available wherever you buy books.