Darling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch Singer
By Becky Ykema
Darling: Confessions of a Former Megachurch SingerAug 14, 2023
Episode 47: Talent Alone Doesn't Cut 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 Spotify for Podcasters.
Episode 46: People Over Performance
Welcome 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.
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 Spotify for Podcasters.
Episode 45: The Idea of You
Welcome 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 position!
We're calling this one, The Idea of You.
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 Spotify for Podcasters.
Episode 44: The Green Room Creep
Welcome 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.
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 Spotify for Podcasters.
Episode 43: Avoiding the Hard Conversations
Welcome 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.
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 Spotify for Podcasters.
Episode 42: Church Stardom: When Normal People Become Church Stars
Welcome 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.
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 Spotify for Podcasters.
Episode 41: Paradigm Shifts and Thoughts to Consider
Well 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 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.
Episode 40: Losing the Right Things with Jenny Booth Potter
In 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, repenting and now activating in ways that are intentionally antiracist.
On a personal note, we worked together for years in megachurch world and share stories of confession from our time together.
For more information on Jenny and her work, please visit https://www.jennyboothpotter.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.
Episode 39: No More Toxic Leadership with Brenna and Bill
Today'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 anyone you know is ready to deep dive into this topic and could benefit from being in a coaching cohort or 1:1 connects, you can reach out to Brenna or Bill at https://smallchurchbigtable.com/contact/
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.
Episode 38: The Joy of Letting Go with Kevin Sweeney
Today 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 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.
Episode 37: The Gift of Poetry as a Pastor and Prophet with Drew Jackson
Today 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.
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.
Episode 36: When the World Looks More Like Jesus with Kat Harris
We 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 layered conversations around faith, sexuality, relationships, culture, identity, and everything in-between.
Kat doesn’t pretend to be an expert, or to have all the answers. Far from it. And though it may feel more convenient to have easy black-and-white answers, she invites you to discover God in the grey and unexpected spaces. Her hope is to look doubt in the face, be curious, seek God, and ask meaningful questions to address any ‘elephant in the room’ with openness, nuance and grace.
To learn more about Kat and her work, you can visit www.therefinedwoman.com and research her book at sexlessinthecitybook.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.
Episode 35: Paradigm Shifts in the Church
Hey 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 Community
What are you seeing in your context? What are you seeing and hearing on social media? Write in and let us know. We'll anonymously include your feedback in the final wrap up episode of this mini series. 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.
LASTLY, YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
We want to hear your story and your tips and tools that can be shared here. You can email me at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com or you can DM me on Instagram. A third way we’ve opened up communication is through leaving a voice message at 720-432-8306. Don’t worry, you won’t accidentally get a person picking up the phone. You’ll be able to leave your message at the number and I will review the content for our upcoming episodes.
Episode 34: Mini Series Wrap Up on Soul Care and Recovery from Burnout
Hey 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.
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.
LASTLY, YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
We want to hear your story and your tips and tools that can be shared here. You can email me at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com or you can DM me on Instagram. A third way we’ve opened up communication is through leaving a voice message at 720-432-8306. Don’t worry, you won’t accidentally get a person picking up the phone. You’ll be able to leave your message at the number and I will review the content for our upcoming episodes.
Episode 33: Life After Burnout with Josh Collesano
Welcome 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 his wife Rachel and their three kids and believes deeply in the adventure that Jesus invites all of us into. Josh walks beside men in the trenches of life. He wants you to know that the life that Jesus offers ("life to the full") is possible for anyone who is willing to learn to move at the rhythms and pace of Jesus.
FINALLY, YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
We want to hear your story and your tips and tools that can be shared here. You can email me at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com or you can DM me on Instagram. A third way we’ve opened up communication is through leaving a voice message at 720-432-8306. Don’t worry, you won’t accidentally get a person picking up the phone. You’ll be able to leave your message at the number and I will review the content for our upcoming episodes.
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.
Episode 32: The Necessary Work of Soul Care with Mindy Caliguire
Welcome 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 organizations including Stadia Church Planting, various churches and ministries across the US and beyond. The Soul Care team serves organizations including Christ Church of the Valley, Dallas Theological Seminary, Plum Creek Church, and more. Mindy’s books include Discovering Soul Care and Spiritual Friendship, from InterVarsity Press and STIR from Zondervan/HCC.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
We want to hear your story and your tips and tools that can be shared here. You can email me at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com or you can DM me on Instagram. A third way we’ve opened up communication is through leaving a voice message at 720-432-8306. Don’t worry, you won’t accidentally get a person picking up the phone. You’ll be able to leave your message at the number and I will review the content for our upcoming episodes.
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.
Episode 31: The Girl of a Million Meltdowns
Welcome 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 changing those well-worn patterns.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
We want to hear your story and your tips and tools that can be shared here. You can email me at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com or you can DM me on Instagram. A third way we’ve opened up communication is through leaving a voice message at 720-432-8306. Don’t worry, you won’t accidentally get a person picking up the phone. You’ll be able to leave your message at the number and I will review the content for our upcoming episodes.
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.
Episode 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 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.
LASTLY, YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
We want to hear your story and your tips and tools that can be shared here. You can email me at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com or you can DM me on Instagram. A third way we’ve opened up communication is through leaving a voice message at 720-432-8306. Don’t worry, you won’t accidentally get a person picking up the phone. You’ll be able to leave your message at the number and I will review the content for our upcoming episodes.
Episode 29: Know Your Culture, Build Your Brand with Mark Miller
Welcome 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 Driven Church, and many others. With more than 18 years of marketing and communications experience, Mark’s heart for ministry is founded in his passion for growing the Kingdom through the local church, missions organizations, and nonprofits.
I learned a ton from this book and I guarantee you'll walk away from listening to this conversation with a few tools and aha's. Enjoy!
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.
LASTLY, YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
We want to hear your story and your tips and tools that can be shared here. You can email me at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com or you can DM me on Instagram. A third way we’ve opened up communication is through leaving a voice message at 720-432-8306. Don’t worry, you won’t accidentally get a person picking up the phone. You’ll be able to leave your message at the number and I will review the content for our upcoming episodes.
Episode 28: Replacing Ourselves with Kayla Maxey
Welcome 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?
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.
LASTLY, YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
We want to hear your story and your tips and tools that can be shared here. You can email me at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com or you can DM me on Instagram. A third way we’ve opened up communication is through leaving a voice message at 720-432-8306. Don’t worry, you won’t accidentally get a person picking up the phone. You’ll be able to leave your message at the number and I will review the content for our upcoming episodes.
Episode 27: Feed My Sheep with Dan OpdeVeigh
Welcome 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?
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.
LASTLY, YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
We want to hear your story and your tips and tools that can be shared here. You can email me at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com or you can DM me on Instagram. A third way we’ve opened up communication is through leaving a voice message at 720-432-8306. Don’t worry, you won’t accidentally get a person picking up the phone. You’ll be able to leave your message at the number and I will review the content for our upcoming episodes.
Episode 26: Next Sunday with Nancy Beach and Samantha Beach Kiley
Welcome 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, both with a huge passion for the arts and the flourishing of Jesus' good news.
Find out more at:
Next Sunday: An Honest Dialogue About the Future of the Church
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.
LASTLY, YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
We want to hear your story and your tips and tools that can be shared here. You can email me at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com or you can DM me on Instagram. A third way we’ve opened up communication is through leaving a voice message at 720-432-8306. Don’t worry, you won’t accidentally get a person picking up the phone. You’ll be able to leave your message at the number and I will review the content for our upcoming episodes.
Episode 25: Finding Your Voice - Listener Responses
We 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 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.
LASTLY, YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
We want to hear your story and your tips and tools that can be shared here. You can email me at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com or you can DM me on Instagram. A third way we’ve opened up communication is through leaving a voice message at 720-432-8306. Don’t worry, you won’t accidentally get a person picking up the phone. You’ll be able to leave your message at the number and I will review the content for our upcoming episodes.
Episode 24: Finding Your Coaching Voice with Karen Breidert
Welcome 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 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.
LASTLY, YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
We want to hear your story and your tips and tools that can be shared here. You can email me at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com or you can DM me on Instagram. A third way we’ve opened up communication is through leaving a voice message at 720-432-8306. Don’t worry, you won’t accidentally get a person picking up the phone. You’ll be able to leave your message at the number and I will review the content for our upcoming episodes.
Episode 23: Losing Your Voice Only To Find It - Nathan's Story
Welcome 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.
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.
LASTLY, YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
We want to hear your story and your tips and tools that can be shared here. You can email me at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com or you can DM me on Instagram. A third way we’ve opened up communication is through leaving a voice message at 720-432-8306. Don’t worry, you won’t accidentally get a person picking up the phone. You’ll be able to leave your message at the number and I will review the content for our upcoming episodes.
Episode 22: Finding Your Voice - Becky's Story
Welcome back friend to season 2 of Darling, Confessions of a Former Megachurch Singer!
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 email me at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com or you can DM me on Instagram.
A third way we’ve opened up communication is through leaving a voice message at 720-432-8306. Don’t worry, you won’t accidentally get a person picking up the phone. You’ll be able to leave your message at the number and I will review the content for our upcoming episodes.
That’s all for now. Thanks so much for being here and adding to the conversation!
Season 2 and You!
Welcome back friend to season 2 of Darling, Confessions of a Former MegaChurch Singer!
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 email me at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com or you can DM me on Instagram.
A third way we’ve opened up communication is through leaving a voice message at 720-432-8306. Don’t worry, you won’t accidentally get a person picking up the phone. You’ll be able to leave your message at the number and I will review the content for our upcoming episodes.
That’s all for now. Next week we’ll jump in with the official start of Season 2. Thanks so much for being here and adding to the conversation!
Episode 20: Season 1 Wrap Up and a Blessing
This 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!
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.
Episode 19: What We Are Seeing In Worship with Jen Smale
In 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!
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.
Episode 18: Rethinking Communication with Phil Bowdle
What 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 links below for more information to reach out to Phil!
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
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Episode 17: On Resurrection
Today 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!
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
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Episode 16: Dear Interim Leader
This 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.
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
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Episode 15: False Narratives That Define Us with Sarah Boonstra
This 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 so, reach out and let us know your own story. We'd love to hear.
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
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Episode 14: Church as Gymnasium with Aaron Niequist
How 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 Drowning, is an invitation into deeper waters of spiritual formation. This is a killer read! I (Becky) highly recommend it.
Aaron also hosts some powerful conversations that can be found at the Eternal Current Podcast, available on all platforms podcasts are found.
Pastors, Priests and Guides Retreat
May 23-25, NYC
General Seminary
For more info: https://www.pastorspriestsandguides.com/retreat-schedule
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.
Episode 13: Why the Collective Matters with Darrick Tam
Whether 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 it matters now more than ever. Join us for this topic-based conversation and real stories. Thanks for listening!
https://www.instagram.com/worshiprojectontario/
In the Name of Jesus - Henri Nouwen
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.
Episode 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!
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.
Episode 11: How to Create Vision with Jacque Kreutzer
Teams 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. At the beginning of our conversation, we mention a cohort Jacque recently participated in. Here's the link if you'd like more info! https://wlc.verticalofficial.com/ Thanks for listening.
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.
Episode 10: Cultivating Intentional Multicultural Community with Ronald Greene III
Join 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 your team? He's great! You can reach Ronald at rgreene@slingshotgroup.org
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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.
Episode 9: Keep Calm and Produce On with Stuart Atkins
What 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.
Thanks for listening!
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.
Want to get to know Stuart? You can find him at https://www.instagram.com/stuartatkins/
Music by Hymns of the People can be found here at Spotify or Apple Music
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Episode 8: "Why I Left" with Autumn Hymes
After 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 and use discretion for yourself and/or any little ears around you that may have questions afterward!**
Thank you so much for listening and honoring the brave and vulnerable people who share week after week. If you have a story you would like to share, or an idea for a future episode, I'd love to hear from you. Complete anonymity will be used unless you desire otherwise. Please write to us at darlingthepodcast@gmail.com.
Music by Hymns of the People can be found here at Spotify or Apple Music
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Episode 7: People As Props with Autumn Hymes
Thanks 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 to this conversation, please don't hesitate to reach out. This is better, together.
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.
Episode 6: A Lead Pastor's Perspective with Matt Hessel
Today 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!
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.
Episode 5: Moving the Room with Tracy Stingley
When 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!
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 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.
Episode 4: Cultivating Creativity with Nicole Lucas
You'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!
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.
Episode 3: Pastors vs. Music vs. Production... Why Can't We Be Friends? with Todd Elliott
Pastors, 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 yes, some confessions too. Thanks for listening!
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.
Episode 2: Leading Through Change Well with Nic Carver
Leadership 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!
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.
Introductions!
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 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.