The Spiritual Role of Music in Worship and Contemplation

In this episode, Ruth and special guest Reverend Dr. Prince Rivers discuss the second chapter of Selina Stone’s book, Tarry Awhile. Prince shares personal stories from his life and ministry. He explores his experience of “two-ness” as a child, straddling two different worlds and identities. Prince also sheds light on the profound impact of communal worship, the importance of acknowledging embodied experiences in faith, and how these practices serve as a source of dignity and healing for marginalized communities. The conversation highlights the synergy between pastor, musicians, and congregation in creating transformative worship experiences, emphasizing the importance of being attuned to the Spirit as a part of the practice of tarrying. 

We are journeying through Lent with a podcast season entitled “Tarry with Me Awhile: Learnings from the Black Church.” We will use Dr. Selina Stone’s book, Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black Spirituality for People of Faith, as a guide. Black spirituality has much to offer us in understanding the practice of tarrying as a Lenten practice. Together we will seek a deeper understanding of waiting on God in the liminal space—where the resurrection feels far off, and our deaths and suffering are present. 

Reverend Prince Raney Rivers (TC8) is the Senior Pastor of Union Baptist Church in Durham, NC. Prior to this appointment, he served for twelve years as Senior Pastor of United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem. Rev. Rivers received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Morehouse College and a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University Divinity School. He has earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies from North Carolina A&T University. He also completed the Harvard Divinity School Summer Leadership Institute and was a fellow of the Pastor-Theologian Program at Princeton Theological Seminary. Rev. Rivers and his wife, Dr. Monica Corbitt Rivers, have two wonderful children.

Music this season is provided by Julian Davis Reed. Julian Davis Reid (TC20) is an artist-theologian from Chicago who uses sound and word to offer hope to the searching, presence to the sorrowful, and rest to the weary. A pianist, composer, and producer, his projects featured on this podcast are the two solo piano records Rest Assured (2021) and Beside Still Waters (2024) and his single Moan (Matthew 2:18) featuring Tramaine Parker, released on Inauguration Day 2025 on the project When Souls Cry Out. Julian steadily releases music under his own name and with his group, The JuJu Exchange. You can learn more about his work at juliandavisreid.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black Spirituality for People of Faith by Dr. Selina Stone

Music Credit:

Kingdom Come by Aaron Niequist

I Fear No Evil by Julian Davis Reid

Are you interested in learning more about Haven, our newest community offering from the Transforming Center? Haven is a community that meets alternately online and in person to create space for leaders to forge a stronger connection between their souls and their leadership. Each gathering (online and in-person) offers spiritual practices that increasingly open us to God over time. This new 18-month community experience will provide more intentional opportunities to engage with a diverse community of believers who are united around Christ. Learn more about dates and how to apply!

Alumni: the Alumni Membership Community is here! For Transforming Community Alumni who are still cultivating rhythms that allow them to flourish in their life and leadership, you have the opportunity to stay on the journey with TC alums through a membership community! This exclusive membership is a safe place to be honest about the challenges of spiritual leadership, to remember the teachings and practices that open us up to God, and to be supported by an ongoing community that sustains us in the hope and the mystery of God's transforming work in the world — starting with us! Membership window is open March 12-28, 2025. Join today!

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