Shows
South Bend City Church5.18 [TEACHING + REFLECTION] Hints of Hope (wk 4) - She Thought He Was the GardenerBecky Ykema - The resurrection stories in the New Testament offer a particular vision of hope, and they suggest some possibilities for how we may find our way to that same hope. For five weeks after Easter, we’re exploring those possibilities. This week, the experience of Mary Magdalene and the change that comes with resurrection.
What’s Happening
Save the date for our SBCC Spring Picnic happening on June 1 from 11a-1p at Leeper Park.
Register for the Art for Everybody Screening and Panel.
Join us on Discord and submit your question for Ask Me Anyth...2025-05-1952 min
Beyond Sunday Worship Leader Podcast#350: Deciphering, Unlearning, and Reframing Mega Church Worship Models with Becky Ykema
Topics Covered:
Unlearning and deciphering mega church worship models
Why it’s not our job to move the room
Trusting the Holy Spirit as a worship leader
How the Church Growth movement has effected the role of worship leaders
Why we have elevated young leaders too soon
An alternative to big, massive, mega church worship
Resources Mentioned:
Show Sponsor: Planning Center
Level Up Coaching for Female Creatives w/ Becky Ykema
Becky’s website
How Firm a Foundation by Hymns of the People
Pastors, Priests, & Guides – the retreat that Becky is a part of
Slingshot Group – Staffing & Coaching...2025-03-2653 min
Beyond Sunday Worship Leader PodcastDeciphering, Unlearning, and Reframing Mega Church Worship Models with Becky YkemaTopics Covered: Unlearning and deciphering mega church worship models Why it's not our job to move the room Trusting the Holy Spirit as a worship leader How the Church Growth movement has effected the role of worship leaders Why we have elevated young leaders too soon An alternative to big, massive, mega church worship Resources Mentioned: Show Sponsor: Planning Center Level Up Coaching for Female Creatives w/ Becky Ykema Becky's website How Firm a Foundation by Hymns of the People Pastors, Priests, & Guides - the retreat that Becky is a part of Slingshot Group - Staffing...2025-03-2653 minSouth Bend City Church3.23 [TEACHING + PRACTICE] Interrupting Our Inertia (wk 3)Jason Miller and Becky Ykema - Lent is a season that helps us wake up and shake off the inertia of our lives. But how do we do that? The prayer that Jesus gives us in Matthew 6 offers some possibilities. This week, we wrestle with what it means to ask God for daily bread, and to live the life imagined by this prayer.
What's Happening
Register for the Race and Film Weekend.
Register for Baptism, happening on Easter (April 20).
Find more information about our Lent, Holy Week, and Easter gatherings.
Support the ongoing work of SBCC by gi...2025-03-2455 min
Sunday’s Coming PodcastEpisode 27: Confessions of a Megachurch Worship Leader | Becky YkemaWelcome back to another episode of the Sunday's Coming Podcast!From leading worship at one of the biggest churches in the country to starting over in a Sam’s Club warehouse, Becky Ykema has seen it all. In this episode, she opens up about the realities of megachurch leadership, the pressure to perform, and why she ultimately walked away from full-time ministry.Becky shares what it’s like to go from a high-production worship environment to a small church plant, the hard lessons learned in leadership, and why she’s now coaching...2025-03-101h 02South Bend City Church[GATHERING] Practices of Advent (wk 2)Becky Ykema - The stories of the birth of Jesus in the Gospels are given to us for more than sentimental Christmas tales. They’re the narrative expression of the deep wisdom of our faith. The arrival of God in the life of Jesus can teach us how to look for and welcome of the arrival of God in our world right now. This year, we’re bringing that wisdom forward into our own lives by not just hearing the stories, but by embodying the practices inherent in the stories. This week, we’re exploring the word “adoration,” discovering where it i...2024-12-091h 01South Bend City Church10.27 [TEACHING + REFLECTION] Political Moment, Prophetic Wisdom (wk 3)Jason Miller and Becky Ykema - In this tense, difficult political moment, we’re drawing wisdom from the Hebrew prophets and the prophetic voice of Jesus. This week, we consider the paradox of prophetic hope.
This weekend we also had the chance to be led by our friend, Becky Ykema. Becky is a worship leader living in the Denver area that we have the joy of joining in community with several times as year. At the end of the teaching, we will have the chance to enter into some reflection through songs, readings, and the Eucharist.
...2024-10-281h 03
Sermon Library | Bridgeway Community ChurchStrengthJoin us for another amazing service as we learn about what it means to be B.O.L.D. and strong in the Lord. You will not want to miss this as Dr. David Anderson walks us through the story of Gideon and our guest worship leader Becky Ykema joins our multicultural team. Come worship with us as we praise and learn together!2024-03-1000 min
The Worship Circle PodcastFull Circle // Becky YkemaIn this podcast, former Worship Circle member Becky Ykema shares her journey from the stage of a megachurch to serving the local church as an all-hands-on-deck worship pastor in a context where responsibilities were added. We discuss the challenges and the rewards of leading a team, as well as the current state of worship ministry in the Church.
http://www.worshipcircle.com2024-03-0237 min
Chasing SundayBecky Ykema Addresses Challenges Faced by Worship LeadersIn this podcast episode, hosts Brian Davis and Paul Romig-Leavitt welcome worship leader and coach Becky Ykema. They discuss the challenges faced by worship leaders, particularly female ones and the importance of finding supportive communities. They also touch on the impact of the pandemic on church attendance and the shift towards gig-based worship leaders. Becky shares her experiences as a coach, emphasizing the importance of personal development and mentorship in the worship community. Becky Ykema is currently a worship leader at large, serving a number of congregations through worship leading and vocal coaching in the Denver area. S...2023-11-2956 min
Darling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 47: Talent Alone Doesn't Cut ItWelcome back to Season 3 of Darling! Thank you for joining us on this journey together. Today's episode is a discussion about generalists and specialists, and while both are needed, those of us who are specialists ought not to rely fully on talent alone. It takes more to cultivate and sustain a healthy ministry team than sheer talent. Join us for this conversation today!
www.darlingthepodcast.com
Have an idea for a future episode, or a story you want to share? I'd love to hear from you! Please write to us at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com.
Music by Hymns of the People...2023-08-1415 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 46: People Over PerformanceWelcome back to Season 3 of Darling! Thank you for joining us on this journey together. Today's episode is about the importance of always always always putting people over performance. This comes out of my own confessions and mistakes of which I share here. Join us for this conversation that ends with some helpful next steps for anyone with a tendency to focus on getting that perfect performance.
www.darlingthepodcast.com
Have an idea for a future episode, or a story you want to share? I'd love to hear from you! Please write...2023-07-3116 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 45: The Idea of YouWelcome back to Season 3 of Darling! Thank you for joining us on this journey together. Today's episode is about the outcomes that can occur when either WE fall in love with the idea of a church, person, job, fill-in-the-blank, or SOMEONE falls in love with the idea of you. But it's an idea, not the true you. We have enough data points about the person, place or job, and then negligently fill in the rest of the dots on our own. This can be really troublesome when hiring someone on your team, or saying yes to a relationship or...2023-07-1718 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 44: The Green Room CreepWelcome back to Season 3 of Darling! Thank you for joining us on this journey together. Today's episode is about this sneaky little tendency to hide out in the green room and not engage the rest of the service or congregation. We're calling this one, The Green Room Creep. Not a person, but an action.
www.darlingthepodcast.com
Have an idea for a future episode, or a story you want to share? I'd love to hear from you! Please write to us at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com.
Music by Hymns of the...2023-07-0312 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 43: Avoiding the Hard ConversationsWelcome back to Season 3 of Darling! Thank you for joining us on this journey together. Today's episode is about times when we avoid hard conversations, and how it better serves everyone to simply make it weird, lean into the tension and address the matter from the start.
www.darlingthepodcast.com
Have an idea for a future episode, or a story you want to share? I'd love to hear from you! Please write to us at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com.
Music by Hymns of the People can be found here at Spotify or...2023-06-1914 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 42: Church Stardom: When Normal People Become Church StarsWelcome back to Season 3 of Darling! Thank you for joining us on this journey together. Today's episode is an honest conversation about how we unintentionally can form a stardom culture in our churches and what we can do about it.
www.darlingthepodcast.com
Have an idea for a future episode, or a story you want to share? I'd love to hear from you! Please write to us at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com.
Music by Hymns of the People can be found here at Spotify or Apple Music
Hosted by Spo...2023-06-0519 minSouth Bend City Church3.19 [PRACTICE] Letting Go GatheringDuring Lent, we're reflecting on the ways that life often calls us to let go. Relationships. Visions of our future. Old ways of doing things that aren't fruitful anymore. In this weekend’s gatherings, our friend, Becky Ykema, led our community in some practices to reflect on and engage our own stories of letting go. Sometimes letting go of these things can feel a bit like dying, but that's why Lent is a good time for this reflection. And as we make our way to Good Friday and Easter, we remember Jesus' death and resurrection, knowing that he walks wi...2023-03-2051 min
Darling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 41: Paradigm Shifts and Thoughts to ConsiderWell friends, we've made it to the end of Season 2! Thank you for journeying with us on here. Please enjoy this episode where we summarize the previous episodes in our mini series on paradigm shifts in the church. We will be back with new episodes in a few months.
Have an idea for a future episode, or a story you want to share? I'd love to hear from you! Please write to us at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com.
Music by Hymns of the People can be found here at Spotify or Apple Music
Hosted by An...2023-02-2014 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 40: Losing the Right Things with Jenny Booth PotterIn our mini-series on the paradigm shifts we're seeing in the church these days, I couldn't believe more strongly that one of the things we NEED to shift away from is racism. Racism can show up in large, medium and incognito ways. It is pervasive and something we must be aware of if we are wanting to truly walk in the way of Jesus. Today's interview is with Creative Director and author, Jenny Booth Potter. In her book "Doing Nothing is No Longer an Option," Jenny gently guides the reader through her own 20-year journey of discovering and uncovering, repe...2023-02-1351 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 39: No More Toxic Leadership with Brenna and BillToday's conversation is CRUCIAL and NEEDED. Many of us have experienced toxic leadership in ministry, but we've never been told or shown other ways. I met these two, Brenna and Bill at an event last fall and their content blew my mind. As we walked through a matrix of leadership styles, they were putting language to all of my experiences that I hadn't been able to pinpoint.
Please listen to this episode and share with anyone who you think could use some encouragement that there is a healthy way to lead and function in a ministry culture. If...2023-02-0642 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 38: The Joy of Letting Go with Kevin SweeneyToday we continue our mini series on the paradigm shifts we're seeing in the church in having a conversation with author and pastor, Kevin Sweeney. Kevin and I deep dive into a conversation about the difficulty of // but the true joy in letting go of the things that we are clinging to. Having started and pastored a church in Honolulu for 10 years, and recently discerning it was time to close, Kevin talks honestly about the process of what letting go has looked like throughout the personal and ministry aspects of life.
Have an idea f...2023-01-3045 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 37: The Gift of Poetry as a Pastor and Prophet with Drew JacksonToday we continue our mini series on the paradigm shifts we're seeing in the church in having a conversation with pastor, poet, prophet Drew Jackson. Drew's works can be found at https://drewejackson.com/books and available wherever books are sold. Drew and I discuss church planting, ministering in an urban environment, and how poetry has become an incredible creative outlet to hold space for the questions.
Have an idea for a future episode, or a story you want to share? I'd love to hear from you! Please write to us at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com.
M...2023-01-1643 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 36: When the World Looks More Like Jesus with Kat HarrisWe are kicking off episode 2 of our mini-series on paradigm shifts in church culture by having a conversation with Kat Harris. Kat Harris is the host of The Refined Collective Podcast, author of Sexless in the City, and Founder of the online publication The Refined Woman. She has also been a full-time photographer for over a decade with her work featured in: The New York Times, WWD, Vanity Fair, GQ, Forbes, People, Who What Wear, US Weekly, Glamour UK and more.
In everything she does, her goal is to create a safe space to have honest and...2023-01-0950 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 35: Paradigm Shifts in the ChurchHey Friends! Becky here today as we begin a mini series on the paradigm shifts I am seeing take place in North American churches. My work has continually gifted me a birds-eye view into what is happening in and through different church spaces, and is broadening my perspective in what conversations are being had (or not had). While this isn't an exhaustive list, we will touch on a number of shifts we're seeing throughout the next 5-6 episodes as we wrap up Season 2.
Most notably, shifts in:
Faith, Cultural Awareness, Word Definitions, and Church Community2023-01-0216 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 34: Mini Series Wrap Up on Soul Care and Recovery from BurnoutHey Friends! Becky here today as we wrap up our mini series on soul care and how to recover from burnout. I summarize each of the episodes in our soul care series and leave you with some key takeaways. Be sure and listen through to the end. In a couple weeks, we will begin a mini series on the paradigm shifts we're seeing in church culture these days.
Have an idea for a future episode, or a story you want to share? I'd love to hear from you! Please write to us at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com.
...2022-12-1924 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 33: Life After Burnout with Josh CollesanoWelcome back to another mini-series within Season 2! We are diving into the topics of Soul Care and How to Recover After Burnout.
Today we get to hear from Josh Collesano. At one point, Josh Collesano was the youngest worship/creative director of a multi-site megachurch in the US. Today, Josh is the creative director of Seek Well (seekwell.org), a ministry that helps men and women follow Jesus in an increasingly busy world by creating experiences to help them slow down, learn to listen to His voice, and seek Him well. Josh lives in Metro Detroit with...2022-12-1241 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 32: The Necessary Work of Soul Care with Mindy CaliguireWelcome back to another mini-series within Season 2! We are diving into the topics of Soul Care and How to Recover After Burnout.
Today we get to sit at the feet of author, mentor, spiritual guide, Mindy Caliguire. Mindy is the co-founder and president of Soul Care (www.soulcare.com), a spiritual formation ministry that exists to increase “soul health” in the Body of Christ. She serves in senior leadership for Cherith Analytics, and in the past has served in executive leadership at Gloo (www.gloo.us), and at the Willow Creek Association (WCA). She speaks and advises organ...2022-12-0545 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 31: The Girl of a Million MeltdownsWelcome back to another mini-series within Season 2! For the next four episodes, we'll be diving into the topics of Soul Care and How to Recover After Burnout.
Today we kick off this mini-series with my story, my true confession of what cultivated a life of a million meltdowns. In our wrap-up episode at the end of this mini-series, we will discuss tips and tools on how to do soul care well and recover from burnout. I will share more about my deep dive into recovering from meltdowns over a lifetime and what has served me well in...2022-11-2819 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 30: Mini Series Wrap Up - What Culture Are You Building?Hey Friends! Just Becky here today as we wrap up our mini series on why culture development matters. I summarize each of the four episodes in our culture development series and leave you with some key takeaways. Be sure and listen through to the end. Next week we start a mini series on soul care and tending well to ourselves after burnout.
Have an idea for a future episode, or a story you want to share? I'd love to hear from you! Please write to us at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com.
Music by Hymns of the Pe...2022-11-2127 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 29: Know Your Culture, Build Your Brand with Mark MillerWelcome back to another mini-series within Season 2! We are diving into why culture development matters. What are you helping to build? Are your efforts intentional or unintentional? Any blind spots?
Today we talk with an expert on the topic of knowing one's culture, and then building one's brand from that knowledge. Mark Miller is co-author of Culture Built My Brand and president and managing partner at Historic Agency, a brand strategy and innovation partner scaling the reach of the gospel through Kingdom work. Historic has served influential ministries such as Barna Group, Frontiers USA, Rooted Network, Purpose D...2022-11-1436 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 28: Replacing Ourselves with Kayla MaxeyWelcome back to another mini-series within Season 2! For the next little bit, we'll be diving into why culture development matters. What are you helping to build? Are your efforts intentional or unintentional? Any blind spots?
Today we talk about the important value of multiplying our talents by investing in others. Essentially, how do we replace ourselves?
www.darlingthepodcast.com
Have an idea for a future episode, or a story you want to share? I'd love to hear from you! Please write to us at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com.
Music by Hymns of t...2022-10-3139 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 27: Feed My Sheep with Dan OpdeVeighWelcome back to another mini-series within Season 2! For the next little bit, we'll be diving into why culture development matters. What are you helping to build? Are your efforts intentional or unintentional? Any blind spots?
Today we talk about the shepherd role of a ministry leader. How are you feeding your sheep?
www.darlingthepodcast.com
Have an idea for a future episode, or a story you want to share? I'd love to hear from you! Please write to us at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com.
Music by Hymns of the People can be f...2022-10-2441 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 26: Next Sunday with Nancy Beach and Samantha Beach KileyWelcome back to another mini-series within Season 2! For the next little bit, we'll be diving into why culture development matters. What are you helping to build? Are your efforts intentional or unintentional? Any blindspots?
Today we kick off this mini-series with two beautiful humans who wrote one incredible book that gives some killer food for thought as we consider how to create healthy churches for the future generations.
Daughter and Mom duo, Samantha Beach Kiley and Nancy Beach join forces to share their experiences in suburban megachurch spaces to working and ministering in urban environments, bo...2022-10-1741 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 25: Finding Your Voice - Listener ResponsesWe are wrapping up our mini-series on Finding Your Voice with a culmination of wisdom from previous episodes and listener responses!
After this episode, we pivot to a mini-series on the value of developing your work/ministry culture. We would love to hear your advice and experience with cultivating culture!
www.darlingthepodcast.com
Have an idea for a future episode, or a story you want to share? I'd love to hear from you! Please write to us at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com.
Music by Hymns of the People can be found here at...2022-10-0429 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 24: Finding Your Coaching Voice with Karen BreidertWelcome back friend to Season 2 of Darling, Confessions of a Former Megachurch Singer! Today we are joined by an award winning vocalist and coach, Karen Breidert. Regardless of the stream you find yourself in, there are gems in this episode that translate to anyone who is interested in honing their coaching voice.
www.darlingthepodcast.com
Have an idea for a future episode, or a story you want to share? I'd love to hear from you! Please write to us at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com.
Music by Hymns of the People can be found here at...2022-09-2624 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 23: Losing Your Voice Only To Find It - Nathan's StoryWelcome back friend to season 2 of Darling, Confessions of a Former Megachurch Singer! Today we are joined by the Creative Arts and Teaching Pastor of The Crossing Church in Westminster, CO, Nathan Sutliff. There's a ton of gold in this episode and I have no doubt you'll walk away from this episode with a few tools and encouragements to take with on your journey.
www.darlingthepodcast.com
Have an idea for a future episode, or a story you want to share? I'd love to hear from you! Please write to us at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com....2022-09-1938 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 22: Finding Your Voice - Becky's StoryWelcome back friend to season 2 of Darling, Confessions of a Former Megachurch Singer!
www.darlingthepodcast.com
Have an idea for a future episode, or a story you want to share? I'd love to hear from you! Please write to us at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com.
Music by Hymns of the People can be found here at Spotify or Apple Music
Hosted by Anchor: It’s everything you need to make a podcast all in one place for free! Download the free Anchor app or go to Anchor.fm to get started.
You can...2022-09-1226 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerSeason 2 and You!Welcome back friend to season 2 of Darling, Confessions of a Former MegaChurch Singer!
www.darlingthepodcast.com
Have an idea for a future episode, or a story you want to share? I'd love to hear from you! Please write to us at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com.
Music by Hymns of the People can be found here at Spotify or Apple Music
Hosted by Anchor: It’s everything you need to make a podcast all in one place for free! Download the free Anchor app or go to Anchor.fm to get started.
You can...2022-09-0504 min
Darling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 20: Season 1 Wrap Up and a BlessingThis episode wraps Season 1 of Darling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch Singer. It has been a journey and I am so grateful you've been on the ride here! In the next few months, I will be recording, interviewing and setting up for new episodes to launch Season 2. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to share episodes with those who you think will benefit from them. I leave you today with a wrap up and a blessing. Be well!
www.darlingthepodcast.com
Have an idea for a future episode, or a story you want to share? I'd...2022-05-0908 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 19: What We Are Seeing In Worship with Jen SmaleIn this episode, we discuss trends we are seeing these days in contemporary worship culture. Join us for a thoughtful conversation on what we are both encouraged by and what might cause us to raise a caution flag. My guest today is Jen Smale, cohost of the Worship Leader Probs podcast and Worship Pastor at 2911 Church in Arizona. Please join me in welcoming Jen!
www.darlingthepodcast.com
Have an idea for a future episode, or a story you want to share? I'd love to hear from you! Please write to us at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com.2022-05-0230 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 18: Rethinking Communication with Phil BowdleWhat really is a Communications Ministry and what's the role of a Communications Director? How do ministries best utilize and truly, come alongside our communications leaders to make things better in our contexts? These are some of the topics I tackle today with me guest, Phil Bowdle.
Phil Bowdle is the author of Rethinking Communication: A Playbook to Clarify and Communicate Everything in Your Church, a phenomenal book that serves as a foundation for bettering our communication in ministry. Phil is also a fellow Associate and Coach with Slingshot Group where we serve together. Please see the li...2022-04-2541 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 17: On ResurrectionToday friends, I bring you a brief reflection, On Resurrection.
May it connect us to the larger story, and help give you peace if you find yourself still in a Friday or a Saturday chapter of life. Be well!
www.darlingthepodcast.com
Have an idea for a future episode, or a story you want to share? I'd love to hear from you! Please write to us at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com.
Music by Hymns of the People can be found here at Spotify or Apple Music
Hosted by Anchor: It’s every...2022-04-1709 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 16: Dear Interim LeaderThis abbreviated episode is my letter to anyone who finds themself in an interim role, helping to bridge the gap and keep the ship moving steady in a forward direction. May it bless you or someone you know.
Be well.
www.darlingthepodcast.com
Have an idea for a future episode, or a story you want to share? I'd love to hear from you! Please write to us at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com.
Music by Hymns of the People can be found here at Spotify or Apple Music
Hosted by Anchor: It’s ever...2022-04-1109 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 15: False Narratives That Define Us with Sarah BoonstraThis episode is a bit of a pivot from our normal stream of content, but oh so worth it. I believe it is essential to name and address the false narratives we let define and dictate our lives. In today's episode, I share a conversation with my friend Sarah Boonstra about the labels and messages that we have allowed to tack onto us, and have marked our stories. I believe there is freedom when we can name something out in the open, and invite God to tell us who we are and whose we are. Can you relate? If s...2022-04-0433 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 14: Church as Gymnasium with Aaron NiequistHow can we infuse our worship services with some holy creativity? What if church was more like a gymnasium than a museum, concert hall, or classroom? Thanks for listening!
Aaron Niequist is a liturgist, writer, and pastor living in NYC. After leading worship at Mars Hill Church (Grand Rapids, MI) and Willow Creek Church (Barrington, IL), he created A New Liturgy and is passionate about the holy possibilities at the intersection of modern and ancient forms of worship and spiritual practices.
Aaron’s book, The Eternal Current: How a Practice-Based Faith Can Save Us from Dro...2022-03-2855 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 13: Why the Collective Matters with Darrick TamWhether or not we want to admit it, community matters so much! If we go it alone, what do we do in the moments when we just don't know what to do in a situation? Or what about the times when we need a little encouragement and uplifting from others? Fostering friendships with those who know a bit about the complexities of what you face will go a LONG way in sustaining you and your work. Today I sit down Canadian worship leader and founder of The Worship Project, Darrick Tam. We talk about why the collective matters and why i...2022-03-2145 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 12: Let's Talk Tracks and Autotune!It's just me today! I am diving into a topic (or two) that can be fairly polarizing. How do we use certain technologies well in our church contexts?
Because we can use something, does it mean we should? Maybe! Maybe not.
I bring to you my own stories and confessions in working with and alongside these technologies. I offer you and your team a few thoughtful questions to noodle on as you discuss the type of worship culture you are prayerfully hoping to cultivate.
Thanks for listening!
www.darlingthepodcast.com
H...2022-03-1435 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 11: How to Create Vision with Jacque KreutzerTeams function well when there is an aligned vision for them to fix their eyes on. After passion wanes, a strong vision can keep us moving forward in unity. Today my fellow worship leader friend, Jacque Kreutzer and I sit down and share about our own learnings in the benefits of getting quiet with God, listening (actually listening), and bringing forth a vision statement for a team. You will glean practical tools you can take-away and get working on right away. We'd love to hear your stories if you put this exercise to practice!
PS...2022-03-0739 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 10: Cultivating Intentional Multicultural Community with Ronald Greene IIIJoin my friend, Ronald Greene III and me as we sit down and discuss what it means to intentionally cultivate a multicultural community. Ronald is the real deal and you are in for a treat! Here are a few resources we discuss in the episode:
Multicultural Ministry Books
1. Gracism - Dr. David Anderson
2. Multicultural Ministry Handbook - Dr. David Anderson
Worship Books:
1. God Chasers - Tommy Tenny
2. It’s Happening - William McDowell
Did you know you can hire Ronald to coach and consult with you...2022-02-2843 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 9: Keep Calm and Produce On with Stuart AtkinsWhat do we do in those stressful moments when the soundboard isn't talking to the stagebox? How do we respond when the Pro Presenter computer freezes in the middle of service and the pastor is waiting for you to advance her slides? These are the moments when we discover what we're made of and how resilient a team can be!
Join me and Stuart Atkins an Executive Producer and videographer, as we discuss some "make your blood pressure rise" moments we lived through together in ministry and how to set up our teams to win TOGETHER.
2022-02-2143 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 8: "Why I Left" with Autumn HymesAfter Autumn and I recorded our first episode (E7), it was quickly apparent that there was more to dig into and discuss. Episode 8 picks up on the discussion from Episode 7: People As Props and peels back the layers a bit more. As is true of this whole project, we honor the anonymity of people involved, place and time, but we do take a bit more of a microscope into some of the stories we lived through.
**We do make mention of the human body and a way it was objectified by a verbal comment. Please take note a...2022-02-141h 15Darling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 7: People As Props with Autumn HymesThanks so much for joining today's conversation! Hopefully, fingers crossed and prayer-pose, you have never felt like a prop, a tool, a doll, a robot. Hopefully you've never felt less than human. But if you have, or if you have accidentally made another person feel this way, today's conversation is for you. We're going to talk about what can unintentionally happen to those on stage, when the curating of their clothes, stage presence, vocals, placement needs some adjusting. There are healthy ways to have these sensitive conversations and not so healthy ways. Thanks for listening! If you'd like to add t...2022-02-0753 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 6: A Lead Pastor's Perspective with Matt HesselToday we sit down with a Lead Pastor, Matt Hessel from LifeBridge Christian Church in Longmont, CO. Matt and I share about all things worship culture but from a Lead Pastor's perspective. I LOVED having this conversation and gleaning from it myself. Join us for this conversation of laughs, ah-ha moments and more!
www.darlingthepodcast.com
Have an idea for a future episode, or a story you want to share? I'd love to hear from you! Please write to us at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com.
Music by Hymns of the People can be found h...2022-01-3147 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 5: Moving the Room with Tracy StingleyWhen is a moment truly God-breathed and Holy Spirit-led?
When is it emotional manipulation?
How does music factor into it all?
How do we best prepare to lead with excellence AND anticipation?
We press into this topic today with our guest, Music Director and Lead Pastor, Tracy Stingley. Thanks for listening!
www.darlingthepodcast.com
More info on Tracy's ministry can be found at: https://www.bethebridge.online/
Have an idea for a future episode, or a story you want to share? I'd love to hear from...2022-01-241h 05
FILOEpisode 074: Becky YkemaTodd has a conversation with Worship Leader and Coach, Becky Ykema. They talk about their time together working at Willow Creek and how technical artists and their counterparts can work more effectively together.
Show Notes:
FILO Coaching Cohorts: We recently launched a new Cohort and have 2 new Cohorts launching soon! To learn more and register, head at filo.org/coaching.
Becky Ykema’s Podcast: Becky is the creator and host of a new podcast: Confessions of a Former Megachurch Singer. Learn more and take a listen here: beckyykema.com/darling
FILO 2022 Chi...2022-01-171h 05FILO PodcastEpisode 074: Becky YkemaTodd has a conversation with Worship Leader and Coach, Becky Ykema. They talk about their time together working at Willow Creek and how technical artists and their counterparts can work more effectively together.
Show Notes:
FILO Coaching Cohorts: We recently launched a new Cohort and have 2 new Cohorts launching soon! To learn more and register, head at filo.org/coaching.
Becky Ykema's Podcast: Becky is the creator and host of a new podcast: Confessions of a Former Megachurch Singer. Learn more and take a listen here: beckyykema.com/darling
FILO 2022 Chicago Conference: Tickets are the cheapest they’ll ever be rig...2022-01-171h 05Darling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 4: Cultivating Creativity with Nicole LucasYou're here, yes! Today I am joined by a new friend, Nicole (Nikki) Lucas. Nikki has years of experience in creative producing, music, and making things happen. She is also the host of Coffee & Creative Leadership Podcast, a weekly podcast providing 5-10 minutes of weekly leadership content to spur you on in your endeavors. We talk about multi-sites, creative team structures, artist egos and more. Thanks for listening!
www.darlingthepodcast.com
Have an idea for a future episode, or a story you want to share? I'd love to hear from you! Please write to us at...2022-01-1748 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 3: Pastors vs. Music vs. Production... Why Can't We Be Friends? with Todd ElliottPastors, musicians, and production teams work together week after week to pull off a worship service. Sunday comes every 7 days, and for some, it's Sat/Sun and that timeframe shortens even more. And some of y'all have a Wednesday night service too!
We need each other, but sometimes it's hard to get along and understand one another well.
It is my JOY to share with you a conversation with Todd Elliott, founder of FILO (First In, Last Out) and author of I Love Jesus But Hate Christmas. Join us for some real conversation, laughs and ye...2022-01-1050 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerEpisode 2: Leading Through Change Well with Nic CarverLeadership is tough and worthy work. Leading your team through change requires a great deal of self awareness, culture awareness, risk assessment and PRAYER. My fellow worship leader friend, Nic Carver and I sit down and share about our own learnings along the way in how to navigate through change well. Join us for this topic-based conversation and real stories. Thanks for listening!
www.darlingthepodcast.com
Have an idea for a future episode, or a story you want to share? I'd love to hear from you! Please write to us at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com.
2022-01-0245 minDarling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerIntroductions!Darling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch Singer is a podcast hosted by Becky Ykema, filled with confessions and conversations around all things church culture, specifically megachurch culture. Having spent 3 decades serving in a variety of worship services of all styles and sizes, this podcast is dedicated to honest conversations calling darkness into light and church cultures to love and lead in healthier ways. Join us for topic-based conversations and real stories. This first episode is a bit of the Why behind Darling and what it will be. Thanks for listening!
www.darlingthepodcast.com
Music by H...2021-12-3010 min