Sound Plus Doctrine

There are various reasons why musicians who play and sing for their church on Sunday mornings might choose to use their musical gifts in contexts outside the church. Is it always wrong? It is always right? What kinds of questions can we ask about our hearts to help us make wise decisions? Bob, David, and Devon explore those questions and more on this episode of Sound Plus Doctrine. Have a question about this episode? Send us an email at soundplusdoctrine@sovereigngrace.com

Some worship songs move us emotionally but contain little that actually feeds our minds, while others feel like systematic theology set to music. In this episode, Bob, David, and Devon respond to a question from a listener who wonders if we need more theologically driven songs that contain simpler lyrics. We had a great time exploring the topic and hope you enjoy listening! Have a question about this episode? Send us an email at soundplusdoctrine@sovereigngrace.com

Are you afraid you’ll be too emotional when you lead? What if you don’t feel anything? What is the place of emotions when leading congregational worship? A listener wrote in to ask about how much self-control leaders should exercise when it comes to expressing their emotions while leading. How do we avoid being manipulative? How do we make sure we’re affected by the right thigns? We attempt to answer these questions and more in this episode of Sound Plus Doctrine.   Have a question about this episode? Send us an email at soundplusdoctrine@sovereigngrace.com

Those who know Sovereign Grace Music, recognize the voice, if not the face, of McKenzie Fuller, Bob’s youngest daughter. In this episode, Bob & David talk with McKenzie about a dark season in her life characterized by depression, eating disorders, and self-destructive behavior, and how the Lord has redeemed it for her good and his glory. If you or someone you know struggles with depression, eating disorders, or self-destructive behavior, we encourage you to talk to your parents, pastor, or a trusted friend. We’ve listed other helpful resources below. Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop Depression: Looking Up from a Stubborn Darkness by Ed Welch Resources on Eating Disorders Resources on Self-Harm Have a question about this episode? Send us an email at soundplusdoctrine@sovereigngrace.com

More than a few churches have different people leading the singing on different Sundays. If not handled wisely, that can make it difficult for a congregation to learn songs or grow in a unified voice. In this episode, Bob and David talk about specific ways those situations can be avoided and multiple leaders can be used to strengthen the church. Have a question about this episode? Send us an email at soundplusdoctrine@sovereigngrace.com

One Sound Plus Doctrine listener wrote in to ask how we handle adding new members to the music team. In this episode, David and Bob talk about how we interview potential musicians at Sovereign Grace Church of Louisville and highlight principles you can put into practice in your church. Have a question about this episode? Send us an email at soundplusdoctrine@sovereigngrace.com

It’s been ten years since the release of our Christmas album, Prepare Him Room. In this episode, Bob and David take time to look at the history of the album and the story behind some of the songs, including He Who is Mighty and Who Would Have Dreamed. We also talk about why we changed the lyrics on some of the Christmas “classics.” But most of all, we recorded this episode hoping it would help you freshly appreciate the amazing good news we celebrate at Christmas, that the Son of God took on our flesh to redeem us from our sins and reconcile us to the Father. Have a question about this episode? Send us an email at soundplusdoctrine@sovereigngrace.com

Musicians often grapple with stereotypes that reveal underlying truths about their behaviors. Excuses can cloak deeper temptations, complicating their artistic identity. The importance of priorities highlights how to manage time and maintain meaningful connections. Insecurity and the need for validation can hinder creativity, while procrastination poses risks to preparation. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the privilege of service in the church and the call for musicians to align with biblical principles for personal and communal growth.

Through the years we’ve had quite a few people ask how you go about getting your church to sing songs that are more biblically faithful and theologically rich. Of course, a lot depends on what kind of role you play in your congregation. In this episode of Sound Plus Doctrine we explore some of the options. Music Through the Eyes of Faith – Harold Best Have a question about this episode? Send us an email at soundplusdoctrine@sovereigngrace.com

We tend to associate worship with our church singing together on Sunday mornings. But what if we viewed it from a bigger, more biblical perspective as seeking to live our lives in a way that drew attention to the worth, authority, and beauty of God’s glory in Christ? How might that affect the way we think about worship in our homes, workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods? That’s the topic David, Bob, and Devon Kauflin tackle on this episode of Sound Plus Doctrine. Let the Nations Be Glad – John Piper Unceasing Worship – Harold Best Have a question about this episode? Send us an email at soundplusdoctrine@sovereigngrace.com