Worship Afterisms

In this episode of the Worship Afterisms Podcast, host Chris August sits down with Pastor Keith Newton for a deeply insightful conversation on the power of music, spiritual alignment, and authentic worship.Pastor Keith shares his personal journey into music and church musicianship, reflecting on how music continues to serve as an anchor for his peace and alignment with God. Together, Chris and Pastor Keith explore the profound concept that our creative gifts act as our own healing platform—a continuous, sacred thread keeping us close to God! In this episode, we dive into:* The War of Surrender: What God is currently teaching Pastor Keith about surrender, and how our human nature often clashes with our desire to fully yield to Him.* The Truth About Success in Music: What real impact looks like beyond the stage and what truly defines an impactful musician and worshiper.* Heart Posture: The critical importance of carrying the correct heart and posture when operating in our God-given gifts.* The Musician Shed Movement: Pastor Keith’s vision and passion behind his initiative, The Musician Shed, and the imperative of using our gifts strictly for their divine purpose.* Personal Worship Afterism: Pastor Keith leaves us with a powerful, personal "Worship Afterism" that will challenge and inspire your daily walk.Listen now on your favorite platform or watch the full conversation on YouTube!Connect with Worship Afterisms:Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if this episode encouraged you!🎧 Listen on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🎧 Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/38tzUWa...Make sure to Follow Us Instagram: @worshipafterisms TikTok: @worship.afterisms YouTube: Worship Afterisms Follow Our Guest @keithnewton1 Sponsors and Partners Recognition:Outsiders Social ClubPartner Recognition:Defy-n-ytionHere are ways to Donate:Merch shophttps://www.bonfire.com/store/worship...Cup of Love Donations https://buymeacoffee.com/worshipafter...Amazon Wish List https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...

In this episode of the Worship Afterisms Podcast, host Chris August sits down with worship leader and artist Asa Barnes for an open, honest, and powerful conversation on the realities of ministry, identity, and leadership.Asa shares his early beginnings in worship and music, exploring how musical expression articulates deep spiritual truths well beyond words. Together, Chris and Asa dissect the fine line between true worship leadership and simply crafting an emotional experience. Asa also opens up about his journey on American Idol and the crucial lessons he took away from the spotlight.We further cover how we easily confuse what we do with who we are, and navigating our true identity outside of a ministry title. We then have a candid conversation About navigating spiritual dryness, recognizing the specific weapons used against leaders, and overcoming battles in the mind. Asa then gets honest about the real price of leadership and discusses with us the responsibility that leader have to deeply know and stand on Scripture.However, we don’t stay completely serious, Asa takes on our signature lyric memory game, Good Save. Can he make the save? Last but not least we take a look at what’s on the horizon for Asa and he concludes with his personal Worship Afterism.Listen now on your favorite platform or watch the full conversation on YouTube!Connect with Worship Afterisms:Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if this episode encouraged you!🎧 Listen on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🎧 Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/38tzUWa...Make sure to Follow Us Instagram: @worshipafterisms TikTok: @worship.afterisms YouTube: Worship Afterisms Follow Our Guest @asa_barnes_music Sponsors and Partners Recognition:Outsiders Social Club Partner Recognition:Defy-n-ytionHere are ways to Donate:Merch shophttps://www.bonfire.com/store/worship...Cup of Love Donations https://buymeacoffee.com/worshipafter...Amazon Wish List https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...

In this raw and refreshing episode of the Worship Afterisms Podcast, host Chris August sits down with rising gospel artist Doris Donley for an unfiltered look into her life, faith, and artistry. Doris traces her journey back to her earliest days singing as a young girl, sharing the pivotal moment in college at age 18 when her entire perspective on worship shifted. She opens up about what God is teaching her in this season, detailing how daily prayer and unwavering consistency form the core foundation of her leadership.Doris also steps into a deeply intimate, vulnerable moment to share her story of reaching a breaking point—confronting a mental breakdown, grappling with anger toward God, and almost stepping away from worship altogether. Through that trial, she discovered how our deepest struggles can transform into powerful testimonies designed to serve and heal others.The conversation tackles the raw realities of ministry, exploring what no one teaches you about being a worship leader, recounting a few hilarious worship fails, and dissecting the subtle dangers leaders face in today’s culture. Doris also reflects on maintaining balance while navigating her rise in the gospel industry and uncovers who she is becoming outside of the worship stage.It’s not all heavy, though! Chris puts Doris to the test in our signature game, Good Save, challenging her to remember the song lyrics worship leaders forget most. Finally, Doris reveals her personal Worship Afterism and gives us an exclusive preview of what’s coming next in her journey.Listen now on your favorite platform or watch the full conversation on YouTube!Connect with Worship Afterisms:Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if this episode encouraged you!🎧 Listen on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🎧 Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/38tzUWa...Make sure to Follow Us Instagram: @worshipafterisms TikTok: @worship.afterisms YouTube: Worship Afterisms Follow Our Guest @dorisdonleySponsors and Partners Recognition:Outsider Social Club KC Partner Recognition:Defy-n-ytionHere are ways to Donate:Merch shophttps://www.bonfire.com/store/worship...Cup of Love Donations https://buymeacoffee.com/worshipafter...Amazon Wish List https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...

What happens when a martial artist and cheerleader with no visible musical talent gets tapped by a youth pastor to lead worship? You get the wild, unexpected, and deeply inspiring story of Jordan Marcotte.In this episode, host Chris August sits down with Jordan—a former worship leader turned entrepreneur—to trace his untraditional path into ministry and his powerful transition out of it. Together, they unpack the hard reality of facing burnout, the struggle of discovering your identity outside of a stage title, and the deep emotional weight of wrestling to let go of ministerial leadership.Chris and Jordan get honest about the hidden wounds leaders carry into ministry, how to navigate team dynamics while honoring your own humanity, and the critical disconnects (and conflict management gaps) happening between worship leaders and pastors today.It’s not all heavy, though! The two share a few laughs over Jordan’s funniest on-platform worship mishaps, then dive into a candid discussion on the current state of worship and the church. After they face off in the famous game of One Has to Go.Finally, Jordan reveals his personal "Worship Afterism" and gives us a sneak peek at what he’s un to next. Listen now on your favorite platform or watch the full conversation on YouTube!Connect with Worship Afterisms:Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if this episode encouraged you!🎧 Listen on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🎧 Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/38tzUWa...Make sure to Follow Us Instagram: @worshipafterisms TikTok: @worship.afterisms YouTube: Worship Afterisms Follow Our Guest: @jordanamarcotteSponsors and Partners Recognition:Outsiders Social Club Partner Recognition:Defy-n-ytionHere are ways to Donate:Merch shophttps://www.bonfire.com/store/worship...Cup of Love Donations https://buymeacoffee.com/worshipafter...Amazon Wish Listhttps://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...

In this powerful episode of the Worship Afterisms Podcast, host Chris August sits down with Marlin Hatcher Jr., a local worship leader at City of Truth Church right here in Kansas City.Marlin opens up about his foundational roots in worship and what it truly means to step back, re-center, and refocus on the core purpose of leading God’s people. Together, Chris and Marlin explore what God has been placing on Marlin’s heart recently, including his personal journey navigating social anxiety while serving in such a visible ministry role.Marlin also candidly shares the unique challenge of coming from a well-known Kansas City family and the process of carving out his own identity and path in the music scene. The two dive deep into the creative's dilemma—navigating the delicate tension of choosing between worlds as an artist in the church—before lightening the mood with some hilarious, real-life moments on stage and an insightful conversation about what it actually takes to shift the atmosphere during congregational worship.Plus, stick around to watch Marlin take on our signature game, "Good Save," where we put him to the test on the exact lyrics worship leaders always seem to forget on Sunday mornings!Finally, Marlin shares a deeply vulnerable account of his 2015 suicide attempt and the breathtaking way God transformed his darkest moment into a story of hope and redemption. He closes out the episode by dropping his personal "Afterism" and giving us a sneak peek at what’s next for him.Listen now on your favorite platform or watch the full conversation on YouTube!Connect with Worship Afterisms:Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if this episode encouraged you!🎧 Listen on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🎧 Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/38tzUWa...Make sure to Follow Us Instagram: @worshipafterisms TikTok: @worship.afterisms YouTube: Worship Afterisms  Follow Our Guest @the_singermarlincortezSponsors and Partners Recognition:Outsiders Social Club Partner Recognition:Defy-n-ytionHere are ways to Donate:Merch shophttps://www.bonfire.com/store/worship...Cup of Love Donations https://buymeacoffee.com/worshipafter...Amazon Wish List https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...

In this episode of the Worship Afterisms Podcast, host Chris August sits down with local pastor and worship leader Pastor Lamar Cherry for a candid, insightful conversation anchored in Lamar’s roots in worship ministry.Inside the episode Pastor Cherry shares his personal journey into worship leadership and offers practical, heart-centered advice on navigating and healing from church hurt. He and the host will move on to a thoughtful discussion on how the sonic landscape of modern worship has shifted over the years and what it means for today's church. While including the conversation of building intentional room for God during pre-service planning while remaining sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s movement live on stage. Later in the conversation Lamar opens up about some of his absolute funniest moment while leading worship over the years.Plus, stick around as Chris puts Lamar in the hot seat for a round of "One Has to Go," forcing him to make tough (and hilarious) calls on iconic church culture traditions. To wrap it all up, Lamar shares his personal "Worship Afterism"—that core piece of wisdom left behind after the music stops—and gives an exclusive sneak peek at what’s next for his ministry.Listen now on your favorite platform or watch the full conversation on YouTube!Connect with Worship Afterisms:Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if this episode encouraged you!🎧 Listen on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🎧 Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/38tzUWa...Make sure to Follow Us Instagram: @worshipafterisms TikTok: @worship.afterisms YouTube: Worship Afterisms Follow Our Guest @lamarcherry Sponsors and Partners Recognition:Outsiders Social Club Partner Recognition:Xavier Gayden Defy-n-ytionHere are ways to Donate:Merch shophttps://www.bonfire.com/store/worship...Cup of Love Donations https://buymeacoffee.com/worshipafter...Amazon Wish List https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...

In this episode of the Worship Afterisms Podcast, host Chris August sits down with worship leader Kami Woodard to unpack her personal worship story, starting from her earliest memories with music to the lessons that define her ministry today.Kami opens up about the essential role of community, the subtle battle worship leaders face to remain genuinely personable, and why learning the power of "NO" is a crucial line of defense for your calling. She candidly shares a personal turning point that taught her how to discern God's voice before walking away from a season prematurely, while issuing a powerful challenge against the "Green Room mentality" in favor of true, present community involvement. Together, Chris and Kami dive deep into what she sees as the single biggest enemy facing the Church and worship leaders today.However, It’s not all heavy reflection, though! Kami shares some of her most hilarious on-stage moments and reminds us all why it’s vital not to take ourselves too seriously. Plus, stay tuned to see how she fares under pressure in our signature segment, "Good Save"—where we put her memory to the test on those tricky, easy-to-forget Sunday morning lyrics. Will she find the bridge, or will she need a "Good Save" of her own?To close out the conversation, Kami shares her official Worship Afterisms wisdom that you won't want to miss.Listen now on your favorite platform or watch the full conversation on YouTube!Would you like me to draft some YouTube title options or a set of SEO-friendly hashtags for this specific episode?Connect with Worship Afterisms:Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if this episode encouraged you!🎧 Listen on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worship-afterisms/id1812537843🎧 Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/38tzUWawQZWMRgiQGLBstr?si=_AhWa0Q1Rn-2B7O9LmPiMQMake sure to Follow Us Instagram: @worshipafterisms TikTok: @worship.afterisms YouTube: Worship Afterisms Follow Our Guest @Kami.WoodardSponsors and Partners Recognition:Outsider Social Club Partner Recognition:Defy-n-ytionXavier Gayden @ Boxhead ArtsHere are ways to Donate:Merch shophttps://www.bonfire.com/store/worship-afterisms--merch-shop/Cup of Love Donations https://buymeacoffee.com/worshipafterisms?fbclid=PAdGRleANiFDNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp38RRuUPx2ATgyFuf1Y1MxTbkd6PWP6qMBIbYL7xnLb3k7vaN9DpRQh6fe0P_aem_oFlw-K5OSD6ve0qI8eD3MwAmazon Wish List https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2CWHN166JH2S5?ref_=wl_share

In this episode of the Worship Afterisms Podcast, host Chris August sits down with the incredibly talented, rising gospel group Soul Therapy. Four years into their journey, the group opens up about their early beginnings in ministry and music, sharing the beautiful, providential way their independent paths ultimately led them to each other.Chris and Soul Therapy dive deep into the raw, unvarnished reality of gospel music and modern worship ministry, discussing: The Fight Against Perfectionism and how they broke free from the trap of performance and embraced authentic ministry. The group also reflects on the challenges they’ve conquered over the last four years and reveal the true anchor that keeps them together. Also they look back at the moments that didn't go as planned, and the invaluable lessons they learned along the way. Deeper in the conversation each of them get vulnerable about their own personal seasons that tempted them to give up, and how those exact moments bonded them tighter as a collective. They also give us a behind-the-scenes reflection on the highs and lows of their first Stellar Awards appearance, and how it shaped the way they want the world to view their heart and artistry.The conversation doesn't stop there. Stick around for our famous game, Good Save! We flex a little vocal muscle and challenge Soul Therapy to remember the infamous lyrics that worship leaders always seem to forget on Sunday mornings. Finally, the group shares their official Worship Afterism and gives us an exclusive, inside look at what’s coming next on their horizon.Listen now on your favorite platform or watch the full conversation on YouTube!Connect with Worship Afterisms:Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if this episode encouraged you!🎧 Listen on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🎧 Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/38tzUWa...Make sure to Follow Us Instagram: @worshipafterisms TikTok: @worship.afterisms YouTube: Worship Afterisms Follow Our Guest @soultherapy.st3@just_jeremyj@ranlives_music@thekeyoftSponsors and Partners Recognition:Hat House Kansas City LLC Partner Recognition:Warren Harvey Art Defy-n-ytionCrissi B. Rice

In this episode of the Worship Afterisms Podcast, host Chris August sits down with local worship leader and songwriter Naunie Harris for a beautifully raw conversation about the unexpected ways God shapes a leader's heart.Naunie opens up about the profound kindness of God in her journey, sharing how He slowly and intentionally positioned her for leadership. But true preparation often happens in the dark. In a deeply personal, raw moment, Naunie shares her battle with a chronic illness—a painful season that God used to reveal hidden heart issues and catalyze a deeper, radical level of faith. Chris and Naunie dive into how she was truly built in the suffering, and how that fiery trial completely reshaped her faith walk today.But wait … we don’t stay serious the whole time!Things get loud, competitive, and highly entertaining when Chris challenges Naunie to our signature game, "Good Save!" Watch as they do a little singing and test her memory on the exact lyrics worship leaders are notorious for forgetting on Sunday mornings. Can she pull off the ultimate recovery?To wrap it all up, Naunie shares her personal "Worship Afterism"—the hard-earned wisdom left over after the music fades—and gives us a quick sneak peek into what’s next for her ministry and music.Listen now on your favorite platform or watch the full conversation on YouTube!Connect with Worship Afterisms:Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if this episode encouraged you!🎧 Listen on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🎧 Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/38tzUWa...Make sure to Follow Us Instagram: @worshipafterisms TikTok: @worship.afterisms YouTube: Worship Afterisms  Follow Our Guest @_NaunieSponsors and Partners Recognition:Outsiders Social Club Partner Recognition: Defy-n-ytionHere are ways to Donate:Merch shophttps://www.bonfire.com/store/worship...Support the Podcasthttps://buymeacoffee.com/worshipafter...Amazon Wish List https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...

In this profoundly moving episode of Worship Afterisms, host Chris August sits down with local worship leader Geohn Huggins for an intimate conversation about the reality of faith when life hits hardest. Geohn shares his journey from his early beginnings in ministry to stepping into his now role at Church of the Harvest setting the stage for a beautifully transparent look at what it truly means to lead others when your own heart is breaking.The core of this episode dives into a space of immense vulnerability as Geohn opens up about the devastating loss of his son to bone cancer. He shares with absolute honesty how this ultimate trial impacted his heart, challenged his faith, and reshaped his entire perspective on what it means to choose worship after loss.Chris and Geohn with explore how your relationship with Christ changes when tragedy strikes, and how to find an authentic song in the midst of deep personal pain. They also discuss the inspiration behind Geohn's movement, Act 2, and how it serves as a beacon to help other find a space of authentic worship. Geohn’s heart for gathering people and his creative involvement is also shown through his involvement in Sunday S’mores Co. at the end Geohn delivers his definitive "Worship Afterism"—the core truth he has carried away from his years in ministry and life's hardest seasons.While the conversation goes deep, the joy of the platform is never far behind. The energy shifts as Geohn and Chris dive into the show's signature game, "Good Save." We put Geohn to the test with a little singing, challenging him to rescue those elusive, crucial lyrics that worship leaders famously forget on Sunday mornings.We close out the episode with a celebratory look at what is on the horizon for Geohn and where his ministry is heading next.Listen now on your favorite platform or watch the full conversation on YouTube!Connect with Worship Afterisms:Be sure to subscribe and leave a review if this episode encouraged you!🎧 Listen on Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🎧 Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/38tzUWa...Make sure to Follow Us Instagram: @worshipafterisms TikTok: @worship.afterisms YouTube: Worship Afterisms  Follow Our Guest @geohnsworldSponsors and Partners Recognition:Outsiders Social Club Partner Recognition: Defy-n-ytionHere are ways to Donate:Merch shophttps://www.bonfire.com/store/worship...Cup of Love Donations https://buymeacoffee.com/worshipafter...Amazon Wish List https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...