“I have always believed that the music of the church has the power to shape the message of the church.” Robby Valderrama Church attendance is down. Awareness of racial inequality is up. Many families are struggling to make ends meet, all while the music of the church is slowly but surely learning to embrace diverse voices. Three years after the sta…

“People sometimes have strong criticisms of contemporary worship without actually knowing it.” - Glenn Packiam Glenn Packiam is a songwriter, a theologian, and an Anglican priest pastoring at New Life Church in Colorado Springs. His recent books Worship And The World To Come and The Resilient Pastor are helpful and hopeful guides for Christian lead…

“We are not establishing some new morality that is an over-realized understanding of heaven on earth. Reparations are love of neighbor.” - Duke Kwon Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair is a brand new book from Pastor Duke Kwon and cultural educator Gregory Thompson that’s sending shockwaves through the American church. On this t…

“The perception that Christianity is a ‘White man’s religion’ is the single greatest obstacle to the Gospel in the world.” -Vince Bantu Vince Bantu is an assistant professor of Church History and Black Church Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary and a director of the Meachum School of Haymanot, a seminary that offers education from Afrocentric an…

“There is a mysticism to life with God. If we believe that God is present with us, how can there not be?” Rich Villodas Some of the most ancient practices of the church, like contemplation and silence, still have much to teach us in our always-on, always-connected world. In his book, The Deeply Formed Life, pastor and author Rich Villodas shares pe…

“The beauty of God is not limited to our culture. Are we willing to create space?” - Jaewoo Kim Josh Davis and Jaewoo Kim from Proskuneo Ministries and their families moved to Clarkston, Georgia, one of the most diverse square miles in the entire United States. On their street, they live, work, homeschool their kids together, and co-lead a vibrant …

In honor of our 50th Episode, Robby chatted with past guests on a fun and laid-back Praise Hands Podcast 50th Episode Zoom Party, including a quick appearance from Robby’s wife. Watch the Zoom on YouTube, or hear audio-only on your podcast app of choice. 0:00:33 Patrick Chappell 0:30:30 Lex The Advocate 0:52:00 Barna Group’s Brooke Hempell 0:57:50 …

“The culture of social media has made us bold in the wrong ways.” Wendy Cunningham On January 5th, 2021, third-party voter Wendy Cunningham was a highly successful entrepreneur who was loved and respected by her business partners across the country. Two days later, after peacefully attending the January 6th rally in Washington DC, she was cut out o…

“I think we trust politicians’ words more than God’s Word when it comes to immigration.” Moving from a Trump to a Biden presidency, The Immigration Coalition founder Rondell Trevino shares his family’s immigration journey, along with how the church in America can have its priorities right on this urgent and complicated issue. On this episode of the…

“You don’t have to be perfect to make a difference.” Danielle Coke At the beginning of 2020, Danielle Coke (@ohhappydani) had 700 Instagram followers and an iPad. A few months later, her racial justice-themed artwork went viral, causing her to gain 300,000 Instagram followers in one week, and leading her work to be featured on the Today Show, Buzzf…

“The church must shift from a mindset of being reformed to being reformers.” As an innovation strategist, Doug Paul has advised Christian leaders across the US, and his book Ready or Not: Kingdom Innovation for a Brave New World provides a roadmap for church leaders who are eager to shift their ministry during a COVID-19 and post-COVID culture. On …

“In the American church, we conflate worship and music… *everything* that we do should bring glory to God as our living worship.” Dr. Emmett Price Dr. Emmett Price III is a leading expert on African American Music, Christian Worship and the Black Christian Experience, and leads the Institute for the Study of the Black Christian Experience at Gordon…

“What would it look like for love, not fear, to shape our policies?” Shane Claiborne As an activist, author, and speaker, Shane Claiborne has shaped a generation’s view of Jesus and social change. His radical activism has led him to Iraq and Afghanistan (for anti-war efforts), jail (for homeless advocacy), Calcutta (for work with Mother Teresa), an…

“We have to get back to families supporting each other and not depending on government agencies.” As a retired CPA, certified fraud examiner, and IRS agent who specialized in auditing pastors, Sherry Peel Jackson now helps churches and families achieve financial sustainability while preventing government overreach. Tune in to hear Sherry discuss: S…

“Whether it’s material, spiritual, or emotional, everyone has experienced poverty.” Amidst national conversations about eviction moratoriums, Matt Pritchard’s nonprofit HomeStart has saved 2,500 Boston-area households from eviction, with 95% of these households maintaining their housing long-term. Lean in as Matt shares: What he learned by choosing…

“What’s happened in 2020 can’t unresurrect Jesus.” Dr. Esau McCaulley Dr. Esau McCaulley is an author, priest, and New Testament scholar whose work has been featured in outlets such the New York Times, Christianity Today, and the Washington Post. He completed his doctoral studies under the direction of N.T. Wright, and recently released his book “R…

“The Christian faith is a narrative. Which narrative is shaping what I do every day?” Dr. Rob Hewell Dr. Rob Hewell is the Professor of Worship and Director of Online Learning Initiatives for Ouachita Baptist University, and the author of the provocative and timely book “Worship Beyond Nationalism”. In this opening episode of Praise Hands Podcast S…

“We must work to view the world through our neighbor’s eyes.” Derek Ham Would you be willing to walk a mile in the shoes of a Black man in the South at the height of the Civil Rights Movement? Or respond to a life-threatening dispatch call in the place of a modern-day police officer? Through virtual reality simulations, storyteller Derek Ham helps …

“It’s in the broken pieces that we find the church being reshaped to fit the mission of God in new places, new people and new contexts.” - Brian Sanders The Underground Network is a diverse movement of microchurches living out the mission of God at the edges of society. In this episode, hear founder Brian Sanders share how their model of ministry a…

“Poverty as an economic condition only misses both the problem and the cure.” - Jason Janz Non-profit thought leader Jason Janz is the CEO of CrossPurpose, a Denver-based nonprofit committed to abolishing economic, relational, and spiritual poverty in its neighborhood. In addition to talking through his booklet “Black Swan Leadership: Ten Recommend…

“We’re still learning how to live a message of the Gospel that doesn’t favor any one color over another.” - Dr. Amos Yong Dr. Amos Yong is a theologian and professor currently serving as the Dean of the School of Theology and the School of Intercultural Studies at Fuller Seminary. He is also the author of numerous books on Pentecostal theology, rac…

“We’ve moved compassion further and further down the list of priorities and moved safety, protection, and money up. I’m hoping we can use this crisis to re-evaluate this.” Ben Walker From shortages of necessary equipment to inadequate staffing levels, COVID-19 is exposing the cracks in a healthcare system that many of us take for granted. In Part 2…

“In a time of crisis, we start weighing the good of society versus the good of the person.” Ben Walker In light of Covid-19, an important question is emerging: “what roles should individuals, businesses, and governments play in finding solutions for a global health crisis, and who should decide?” To help answer this question, Robby invited his old …

“You can’t take a wait and see attitude with your church finances. The time to pivot is now.” Mark DeYmaz Mark DeYmaz and Luke Dooley are the creators of the Church Economics Accelerator, which helps ministry leaders leverage church assets to bless their communities and generate sustainable income. They’ve been helping churches prepare for a scenar…

“Are you going to chase the dollar, or are you going to help preserve a community?” - Derek Minor Nashville-based Derek Minor is a rapper, producer, and entrepreneur whose initiative “Ownership is the New Black” works to develop the next generation of Black owners. In light of the recent Nashville tornado, Derek and Robby talk about how racially-di…

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“Believing that the way that I know God is the way that everybody should know God is called religiously-powered ethnocentrism.” Angie Kay Hong Angie Kay Hong is a convener, a sought-after voice on issues of church and culture, and a worship leader with experience on staff everywhere from church plants to megachurch Willow Creek Community Church. Fr…

“The church was here before Kanye West, and the church will be here after Kanye West.” KJ Scriven As well as being the Creative Arts Pastor at Charlotte-area’s Transformation Church, KJ Scriven collaborates as a songwriter and artist with diverse voices outside the local church. Hear KJ’s thoughts on Kanye West, Kirk Franklin at the Dove Awards, an…

“Proximity breeds relationship, relationship breeds understanding, and understanding breeds compassion.” KJ Scriven Multiethnic worship pastor and songwriter KJ Scriven has a passion to see the church become the diverse family Jesus envisioned. Dive right in to hear KJ and Robby discuss: How Slavery Shaped The African-American Worship Experience Ro…

“The American church is beginning to listen to the Spirit of God working through the global church.” DJ Chuang As the author of the books “MultiAsian.Church” and “Erasing Shame”, DJ Chuang is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the Asian-American church, mental health, and radical generosity. Hear DJ and Robby discuss the following: • The Asian-…

As co-directors of Atlanta’s OneRace Movement, Josh Clemons and Hazen Stevens have seen firsthand how prayer and repentance can redeem even their city’s deepest wounds. Hear them share on the following: Overturning Atlanta’s History Of Church Segregation Why The Gospel Demands Racial Justice The Power Of Multigenerational, Multicultural Friendships…

"Jesus didn’t have a healing ministry. He had a reconciliation ministry.... and one of the ways that manifests is physical healing." Joshua Silverberg What if miracles are waiting for us on the other side of our comfort zones? Joshua Silverberg never thought he’d write worship songs with artists like Jesus Culture, Kari Jobe, and Matt Redman. He al…

People should look at Christian art and ask, “What must I do to be saved?” Dwan Hill As a musician, arranger, and Grammy-Award Winning songwriter, Dwan Hill has long been a secret weapon for legendary artists including Lauren Daigle, CeCe Winans, Josh Groban, and others. But recently, local church relationships and a deeper exploration of the Gospe…

“The multi-ethnic church movement is nothing new... this is what was going on in the first century.” Mark DeYmaz As the founder of Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas and Mosaix Global Network, Mark Deymaz has pioneered a multiethnic, socially responsible, and financially sustainable church model that’s built to last. Hear Mark speak on the following…

"The caliber of your future will be determined by the choices you make today.” Anthony O’Neal Best-selling author, speaker, and Ramsey Personality Anthony O'Neal grew up in a highly spiritual church and family environment. Yet a lack of financial education and bad mistakes as a college student left him homeless and hitting rock bottom at 19 years o…

“We should be in the places where people are suffering and we should be innovatively creating communities of solidarity amidst that suffering.” Michael Rhodes In a city known for segregated churches, racist politics, and intergenerational poverty, Sarah Lockridge-Steckel and Michael Rhodes are changing the conversation and creating a new Memphis. S…

"Every community can’t be a diverse community, but every Christian community ought to be a reconciling community.” David Bailey One person, song, and conversation at a time, David Bailey and friends are changing the narrative of Richmond, Virginia from the "capital of the Confederacy" to the "capital of reconciliation". Hear David share on the foll…

“An orphan doesn’t just feel like an orphan at 10 o’clock on Sunday.” Robbie Reider With around 20 congregations throughout Ohio and Kentucky, Crossroads Church is a Jesus-following, people-loving, and city-changing machine. In this episode, hear Chuck Mingo and Robbie Reider share unbelievable moments of racial reconciliation and community transfo…

"We believe God exists in many dimensions: the physical, the spiritual, the digital, and we’ve experienced Him in the virtual." DJ Soto *This episode is also available via video on YouTube. Become a monthly donor and receive exclusive access to bonus content from this episode and others at http://praisehands.com/donate.* Across the world, Virtual R…

“If you borrow, you become a slave to the lender. And this applies whether you’re a family or a government.” Andres Gutierrez The Mexican-American border has been called an economic, political, and humanitarian disaster. People who support border enforcement are labeled inhumane, and those who oppose it are deemed unamerican. In the midst of this s…

“Our brotherhood trumps my blackness. Our brotherhood trumps his whiteness.” Bernard Emerson “There has got to be a sustained, communal response from the church that's more than a tweet or a Facebook post.” Kyle Brooks Amidst daily headlines of racism and polarization, Pastors Kyle Brooks and Bernard Emerson of Tapestry Church in Oakland, Californi…

"We have a strong historic tradition. But there are also beautiful things happening now.” Caleb Deas Black Christian Influencers Tiffany Hines, Caleb Deas, and Kelli Marie are creating spaces for expression and encounter outside Sunday morning, and are impacting their respective communities in profound ways. During this episode, learn how these thr…

"Christ didn’t come to create a Christian-brand. He came to manifest God on earth.” Lawrence Souffrant On any given day, you might find JR Rivera, Lawrence Souffrant, and Sharona Drake pastoring their communities, teaching young adults, or inspiring thousands of followers through a thought-provoking Instagram post. On April 5, 2019, these three pow…

"We’ve had a huge pulling away within the Black church. They’re not pulling away from the faith, but from the church. And I believe that the church is needed in this next phase.” Chicago-native Jackie The Educator has a two-part vision: first, to see Christian influencers affirmed in their respective cultural identities. And second, to see these va…

"The majority of the top worship songs have been written by middle-class, Caucasian, males… there’s something missing in Christian music.” As a Korean-American in the Christian music industry, marketer Wisdom Moon has worked with countless artists including Lauren Daigle, Israel Houghton, and Darlene Zschech. During this episode, Wisdom shares abou…