In this intercontinental episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Bazi Baker in Christ Church, New Zealand about meeting Jesus at a youth camp, and the little seeds his dad planted throughout his life that guided him to where he is today. Bazi shares about becoming interested in music and falling in love with the guitar, as well as some of the key mentors in his younger years and the way they contributed to his formation. Adam and Bazi talk through what they’re hoping to see in the future of songwriting in the church, and some disciplines that might help us get there. Bazi Baker is the worship pastor of Grace Vineyard Church in Christchurch, New Zealand. Second to being the husband of Rhoda Baker and the father of India Baker, most of his time is spent leading worship, leading teams of musical worshippers and writing songs for the local church. With a degree in jazz guitar, and a graduate diploma in theology, he has a heart for equipping worshippers musically, spiritually and theologically. He especially loves writing songs that empower the church to be Biblical, well rounded, creative and passionate. In his spare time he can be found chipping away in his home studio (more accurately a glorified garage), reading Biblical commentaries, or at a local park with his family. Show Notes:  Thrive worship leader training  Promo code: Ferment15 VSOW.Org  

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Dan Wilt about growing up as a descendant of coal miners in a small town, the profound way in which hymns drew him as a child, and his experience of waking up to Holy moments and spaces. Dan talks about the moment he learned songs are a place of healing and ministry of the Lord, the spiritual grounding and transformation he experiences through practicing a Daily Examen, and how writing prayers recently brought him through a dark season. Finally, Dan leaves us with a powerful word about cultivating a secret life of worship to the Lord. Dan Wilt a long-time Vineyard worship leader, songwriter, teacher, and encourager of heartful worship, who believes that songs are a place we go to meet with God. He is the co-author of Sheltering Mercy: Prayers Inspired by the Psalms (Psalms 1-75) and Endless Grace: Prayers Inspired by the Psalms (Psalms 76-150) with Brazos Press. Dan is stirred by the sound of the saints worshipping—in circles and in cathedrals, in living rooms and in hospital rooms, in nature and in church halls—wherever hearts are opening to Jesus. Serving in Vineyard, Anglican, and Wesleyan streams, Dan has a heart to fan into flame the fires of worship, and the spiritual lives of creative leaders, in both contemporary and liturgical environments. He teaches in conferences, university settings, seminaries, and churches around the world on worship, theology and the arts, and spiritual formation. You can connect with Dan through his email list at DanWilt.com. He lives with his wife Anita outside of Nashville, TN, and they have three grown children.   Show Notes:  Thrive worship leader training  Promo code: Ferment15 VSOW.Org   Dan is the co-author of the new prayer books, Sheltering Mercy: Prayers Inspired by the Psalms (Ps. 1-75), and Endless Grace: Prayers Inspired by the Psalms (Ps. 76-150, Jan. 2023 release) with Ryan Whitaker Smith (Brazos Press). You can get the books for your own devotional experience or for your group at PrayWithThePsalms.com.   I Will Lift My Hands by Dan Wilt https://bit.ly/3DKyVeX   Youth With a Mission https://ywam.org   St. Ignatius: Daily Examen https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/  

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Daniel and Nicole Hernández about the role music played in each of their introductions to the Vineyard, some of the challenges they have faced in cross-cultural ministry, and the small changes they have noticed make all the difference for first and second generation Latin Americans. Daniel and Nicole also share why they’re hopeful about the addition of Vineyard Associations, some recommendations for how we can connect with Latin people in our communities, and some ways we can all act as cultural bridges.    Daniel and Nicole Hernández have been involved in the Vineyard Movement, serving in a Viña church in Venezuela and in a Vineyard church in Southern California, and are currently involved in planting a Viña church campus for Vineyard Columbus. They are both songwriters with a passion for bringing Latin rhythms to modern worship.  Best of all, they’ve been blessed to do this while enjoying family life with their two teens, Zoe and Jonah.      Show Notes:  Learn more about Vineyard Associations! https://vineyardusa.org/associations/

Aaaaand we’re back! As we return from summer break, Adam talks with Scott Underwood:  worship leader, song writer, math teacher and family man. In this episode of The Ferment, Scott shares about the way music captured him as a child, how his prayer life has evolved over the years, his motivation for becoming a teacher, and the origin story of his song “You Bless Me Lord”.   Scott has written and published over 60 songs with Vineyard Worship, including “Take My Life”, “You Are God”, “Greater Grace”, and ”You Are In Control” , having received Platinum Records for both “Take My Life” and “You Are God”. He is currently in his 27th year of teaching in the public school system as a Math teacher and has recently begun driving a school bus as well! Scott, his wife of 37 years, and the youngest of their three grown children are currently residing in the great state of Tennessee, where Scott still writes love songs to Jesus and to his lovely wife Sissy.   Show Notes:  You Bless Me Lord by Scott Underwood https://bit.ly/3wXe2c1     Socials:  Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship    

In this episode of The Ferment, Casey Corum and Melisa Keller meet up with Ed Piorek at his home in San Clemente, CA to talk about Ed’s first encounter with the Lord after his mom’s death, his introduction to a move of the Kingdom in his life, and what the Lord taught him about identity. Ed shares about the beautiful invitation the Lord offers to seek after what He is doing and join Him in the journey, and the way we are transformed by experiences of mercy and the Father’s love. Finally, Ed leaves us with a wise word for worship communities.    Ed Piorek, known as Eddie to his friends, is a Pastor Emeritus, Speaker and Author who helps people connect with the Father’s Love.  With 50+ years in ministry, Eddie has a deep connection to the Father’s Love and the enormous impact it can have in people’s lives, including his own. He and his wife Janet (who has been his partner in ministry for the past half century) embody and live out the message of the Father’s Love in their lives. In the mid-80’s, Eddie had a dramatic encounter with God as Father. After years of intense labor in planting the congregation which would become the Mission Viejo Vineyard, and speaking at the Signs and Wonders conferences with John Wimber , Eddie became increasingly aware of a deep-seated fear of failing to perform up to public expectation.  In the midst of a palpable experience of that fear, God revealed himself to Eddie as a loving Father. That experience forever changed him, his life message, and ministry.   In recent years, Eddie has discovered the treasures of monastic contemplation, which has shown him how to find rest in the Father’s love amidst the ongoing rigors of kingdom ministry. His new book The Eclectic Contemplative (2020) shares his adventures on this ancient path.  When he isn’t preaching, speaking or writing, Eddie can be found surfing, gardening, reading, or spending time with his wife Janet in sunny San Clemente, California.      Show Notes:  Classic Vineyard by Ed Piorek   https://amzn.to/3twcALV   The Father Loves You by Ed Piorek https://amzn.to/3HhkJtf   The Eclectic Contemplative by Ed Piorek https://amzn.to/3MJJGPo     Socials:  Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

In this VSOW takeover episode of The Ferment, Mike O’Brien and Joel Balin chat about serving as a “second chair leader”: the heart behind it, the benefits and challenges, and the surrender required. Mixed in are stories about how Joel came to faith, his entrance to ministry and the Vineyard, and his experiences with his wife in the music industry.   Joel Balin has been on staff at Cobb Vineyard since 2010. He oversees worship arts, graphics and video, and prayer along with leadership development. Along with writing the book The Spirit, Soul and Body of Worship and co-authoring the book War on Fear, Joel was founder and Senior Pastor of Cross Bridge Church in Marietta, GA and was the associate pastor of the Atlanta Vineyard Church. Prior to being a pastor, Joel worked in the entertainment department of Sea World, Orlando and was the musical conductor for international tours with his wife, Contemporary Christian Recording Artist, Trace Balin. When not causing groans with his dad jokes, Joel can be found walking the parks with his family and dog, Mozart, recording guitar, working out at Planet Fitness (especially the days they serve pizza and bagels), and searching for the most interesting Ted Talks.   Show Notes:  We Are Vineyard feat. Steve Nicholson https://vineyardusa.org/podcast/   A Long Obedience in the Same Direction by Eugene Peterson https://amzn.to/3aAs0rT   The Spirit, Soul and Body of Worship by Joel Balin https://amzn.to/3Q2xAnd   Socials: Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam and Mike O’Brien (Director of Vineyard School of Worship) talk through some practical tools for worship pastors that go beyond singing and playing music. Show Notes:  // Sunday Morning Checklist //  Top 10 Worship Leader Checklist // The things we do before (and after) the thing.    BEFORE  1. Exhaustive Contact To Your Team  2. Individual Contact To Your Individual Team Members 3. Communicate Upward to Leaders  4. Set the Stage.  5. 7 Minute Worship Team Check In https://churchleaders.com/worship/worship-articles/310743-7-minute-worship-team-check-mike-obrien.html   AFTER  6. Give Yourself Grace 7. Encouragement Bombardment 8. Difficult Conversations 9. Post Service checkin with pastor 10. Post Service checkin with your people

In this episode of The Ferment, Diane Thiel-Sharp shares about her early relationship with music, how she came to love the Lord, and early encounters with the Holy Spirit speaking through her in song. She then tells the story of the events that dramatically changed her life, how the Lord has repeatedly opened doors for her, and the story of her well-known song "If You Say Go."   Diane Thiel-Sharp lives in Marietta, Georgia where she and her husband Rod serve at the New Hope Vineyard. Diane has led worship for over 30 years first in the Chicago area and then as Worship Pastor at the Marietta Vineyard until 2010. For many years Diane helped empower and train worship leaders through Worship Boot Camps, Call to Worship Tours, retreats and song writer gatherings,  as well as serving for a season on the Vineyard Worship task force. During that time she had several songs recorded and released (If You Say Go, Come Lord Jesus and others). A Vocal Coach with Jan Smith Studios in Atlanta, Diane draws from her years of experience including early years of recording and touring with her late husband in the Contemporary Christian Music and Indie Rock scene in Chicago. She works with artists all over the U.S. and overseas, helping them discover and care for their voices. Married in 2011 , Diane and Rod have enjoyed partnering  for the last 10 years with the Pastor Sabbath Retreats, ministering to Vineyard Pastors, spouses and leaders through worship and Inner Healing Prayer. They are currently part of Flourishing Leaders offering prayer through Zoom. Having both lost their first spouse, God has used their story of pain and loss to minister to others. The Sharps’ life in Marietta is full with their growing family of four married children and five grandchildren. They love opening their home for church small groups, family gatherings and house shows which has become a fun way to connect with their neighbors.   Show Notes:  Vineyard Worship featuring Diane Thiel-Sharp https://spoti.fi/3MDM5fe   The Ferment feat. “Mama Jan” Smith  https://bit.ly/38BnVDu Looking for a vocal coach?  https://jansmith.com   Socials:  Instagram @thefermentpodcast Twitter @fermentcast TikTok @vineyardworship

In this episode of The Ferment, guest hosts Melisa Keller and Casey Corum chat with Rian Emano about growing up in a pentecostal Filipino church, the rub he felt between entering ministry and living the life of a creative, his entry into becoming a filmmaker, and how he intentionally disciples other creatives.    Rian Emano is the creative director at Vineyard of Hope Church in Walnut, California. Rian is a passionate creative ambassador and filmmaker committed to cultivating creative community and raising up storytellers. Before moving to LA, Rian served as communications director and video producer at Vineyard Community Church in Overland Park, KS while also documenting moments and producing videos for various ministries of Vineyard USA. As Rian continues to grow in his craft of storytelling it is his mission to give away all that he has learned to raise up a new generation of storytellers.     Show Notes:  Vineyard School of Worship- Summer Session Use code “Ferment15” for 15% off! http://vsow.org   Project Timothy https://vineyardyouthusa.com/project-timothy/ Heroic Leadership Institute https://www.godogreatthings.com   Vineyard of Hope https://www.vineyardofhope.org

Please enjoy this special repost of Jay Pathak's conversation with David Ruis on the We Are Vineyard podcast. David shares some things he’s been learning about the story of God through his own story of adoption, the work of music in his life, and some stories of his early encounters with the Holy Spirit and his process of reconciling them with his Baptist upbringing. David also shares his heart in seeking the Lord to hear what He wants to do during any gathering or time of worship and his practice of coming with expectation that the Lord is with us.  David and Anita Ruis have lead, encourage, and empowered the Vineyard in Canada as the National Directors since 2014. David is a well-respected worship leader and songwriter (You're Worthy Of My Praise, Every Move I Make, and much more). His most recent album, When Justice Shines, was released through ION Records. David has also authored two books: The Worship God Is Seeking and The Justice God Is Seeking. As a team David and Anita are also known to be effective church planters and seasoned pastors having established churches in Canada and the US. David has also been instrumental in seeing Vineyard communities established in Nepal and India. Much of the Ruises' focus has been in indigenous settings, working with people experiencing poverty and subsequent marginalization. They also have significant experience facilitating leadership development and on the creative side David is known for fostering originality in song-writing and the arts in various cultural settings. A burning passion for the Ruises is both practical and theological integration of creative worship in church community, and deep life engagement with issues of poverty and social injustice. The Ruises currently reside in Kelowna, BC. In their down time they love to be creative and hang with their grandkids. Show Notes: We Are Vineyard Podcast https://vineyardusa.org/podcast/ David’s church- Kelowna Vineyard https://www.kelownavineyard.com/ The Worship God is Seeking by David Ruis https://amzn.to/3w1PDAT The Justice God is Seeking by David Ruis https://amzn.to/3y8uZSd Miracle Work by Jordan Seng Vineyard USA’s recommended reading for May https://amzn.to/3y3mtE6