Distinguishing Congregational Songs from Radio Hits

In Episode 5 of Season 6 of The GenSend Podcast, Shane Pruitt, Paul Worcester, and Lacey Villasenor sit down with worship pastor Ben Halsey to talk about the heart of worship in a culture shaped by influencers. What happens when the platforms and performance are stripped away and students encounter the presence of God through worship? Hear practical guidance for training young worship leaders to stay grounded in Scripture, walk closely with Jesus, and lead with humility. Discover the balance between excellence and authenticity in ministry, whether you’re developing a student worship team or discipling young believers. Lead your ministry to focus on what truly matters: worshiping Christ above all else.

Also in This Episode:

• Be reminded to teach young worship leaders to walk with Jesus daily before releasing them to step on stage.
• Learn strategies to train students to evaluate songs and lyrics through the filter of God’s Word.
• Consider how modeling humility teaches student worship leaders to value servanthood over stardom.
• Discover how to equip students to plan well but ultimately let God lead the moment, holding everything with open hands to give space for the Holy Spirit to move.
• Explore conversations with young leaders to keep motives pure, asking the “why” behind every element of setlists, technology, and production choices.

Helpful Resources:

The Reset: Returning to the Heart of Worship and a Life of Undivided Devotion by Jeremy Riddle

The Selfless Way of Christ: Downward Mobility and the Spiritual Life by Henri Nouwen

Why Revival Tarries by Leonard Ravenhill

The Pursuit of God: The Human Thirst for the Divine by A.W. Tozer

Growing Up: How to Be a Disciple Who Makes Disciples by Robby Gallaty

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Shareable Quotes:

“It all comes down to the leader. Are they putting truth in a song that helps mature this generation, or are they offering a shallow faith because they themselves have a shallow faith?” —Ben Halsey

“Some of the most powerful worship moments happen when the technology fails.” —Shane Pruitt 

“We value training people up more than we value perfection in every environment.” —Paul Worcester 
 

“How can we help students focus more on God’s glory than on style?” —Lacey Villasenor
 

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