Holy Joys Podcast

David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss engaging the whole person in worship (e.g., through postures, lighting, color, decorations, art, symbolism, and intentional use of the human voice). Support the show

Travis Johnson joins Johnathan Arnold to discuss key lessons that he has learned from 30 years of pastoral ministry. Topics include: Preaching Character and integrity Family as a priority Rest, Sabbath, and Sabbaticals Being a lifelong learner and student of serious theology God's faithfulness Support the show

David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss patriotism in Christian worship and the church's identity as a holy nation. Support the show

Johnathan Arnold and David Fry discuss the terms "high church" and "low church," their historical origins, and how they are used today. Support the show

David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss how the Church Calendar provides gospel-centered direction and rhythm for Christian worship. Support the show

Johnathan Arnold talks through his article " Does Baptism Save? " explaining four key points: Baptism saves. Baptism does not save automatically. Baptism does not guarantee final salvation. Baptism is not the only thing that saves. Support the show

David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss music in Christian worship. Support the show

Joey Ratcliff joins Johnathan Arnold to discuss church mission statements. Support the show

Johnathan Arnold teaches through Chapter 1 of The Whole Counsel of God catechism. Support the show

David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss the Sunday Service, continuing with the Service of the Lord's Supper. This episode focuses on the concluding rites: the Doxology, Benediction, and Sending, as well as announcements (when necessary). Support the show

David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss the Sunday Service, continuing with the Service of the Lord's Supper. This episode focuses on the Ministration (distribution of communion) and the Prayer After Communion. Topics include who should serve, why the Ministers receive first, why the people come forward to receive, the use of communion chants or distribution songs, postures of receiving, recep...

David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss the Sunday Service, continuing with the Service of the Lord's Supper. This episode focuses on the parts of the service after the Prayer of Consecration, leading into the ministration (distribution of communion): the Lord's Prayer, the Prayer of Humble Access, the Agnus Dei, the words often associated with the fraction ("Christ our Passover&quot...

This mini-episode is a short excerpt from " The Sunday Service, Part 9: The Prayer of Consecration ." Support the show

David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss the Sunday Service, continuing with the Service of the Lord's Supper. This episode focuses on the Prayer of Consecration, which includes an anamnesis (remembrance), an epiclesis (calling down), the institution narrative/words of institution, and the mystery of faith/memorial acclamation. Support the show

David Fry, David Hartkopf, and Johnathan Arnold discuss the Sunday Service, continuing with the Service of the Lord's Supper. This episode focuses on the Comforting Words and Peace (after the Confession of Sin), the Offertory, and the Sursum Corda and Sanctus. Support the show

David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss the Sunday Service, continuing with the Service of the Lord's Supper. This episode focuses on the General Confession and Absolution (the prayer of confession of sin and the prayer for forgiveness). Support the show

David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss the Sunday Service, continuing with the Service of the Lord's Supper. This episode focuses on the Invitation to the Lord's Supper, how to transition from the Service of the Word to the Service of the Lord's Supper, and how communion relates to baptism. Support the show

Dr. James R. Hart, former President of the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies, joins David Fry, David Hartkopf, and Johnathan Arnold to discuss Lent and its core spiritual disciplines. Support the show

David Fry and Johnathan Arnold discuss Thomas Oden's Classic Christianity , Book Two, Chapter 11: "In Our Place," pages 401–405. Topics include the meaning of atonement, the key theme of reconciliation, the centrality of the cross in Christian faith and worship, and the way that the atonement reflects God's holy and loving nature. Support the show

Dan Sharp, Professor at The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies, joins David Fry, David Hartkopf, and Johnathan Arnold to discuss the Christian year (the liturgical calendar) and how it can deepen our worship of God. Dr. Sharp is the author of Advent to Ashes: Scripture, Commentary, Music, and Prayer Devotional For Each Day of the Christian Year (Covenant Books, 2025).  Support the show

David Fry and Johnathan Arnold continue discussing Thomas Oden's Classic Christianity , Book Two, Chapter 10: "The Death of Christ." The second half of this chapter focuses on the crucifixion, death, and burial of Christ. Support the show

This episode of the Holy Joys Podcast provides an example of how to use the simplified Daily Office that is included in the Holy Joys catechism book, The Whole Counsel of God.  Follow along on page 238 (Confession of Sin) and page 242 (Daily Morning Prayer) of the book. Scripture readings are taken from the Bible reading plan on page 278. Support the show

David Fry and Johnathan Arnold begin discussing Thomas Oden's Classic Christianity , Book Two, Chapter 10: "The Death of Christ." The first half of this chapter focuses on the suffering of Christ which led up to his death. Support the show

David Fry, David Hartkopf, and Johnathan Arnold discuss the Sunday Service, beginning with the Service of the Word. This episode focuses on the Prayers of the People, also called "Congregational Prayer," the "Universal Prayer," and the "Prayer of the Faithful." Support the show

David Fry, David Hartkopf, and Johnathan Arnold discuss the Sunday Service, beginning with the Service of the Word. This episode focuses on the weekly confession of the Creed (Nicene, Apostles', or Athanasian). Support the show