Sounding Board

We took Sounding Board on the road to Beer & Hymns at the PAM Worship & Music Conference! Sarah and Jeremy talk with attendees about their conference experience and excitement for the evening, then welcome special guest Mark Miller for a conversation about music, faith, and community.

What does a  healthy, life-giving  relationship between a director and organist actually look like? In this episode of  Sounding Board , we sit down with  Karrie Rushing and Brad Collier —a duo who truly embody what strong, collaborative ministry can be. Through their conversation, they offer an honest, encouraging look at how trust, communication, and mutual respect shape their work together. Fro...

On this episode of Sounding Board, we're turning our attention to the numbers-and the stories behind them. We're joined by Sean Payne, statistician for the PC(USA), to help us understand the latest Salary Survey Results and what they reveal about the current state of music ministry in the church. Sean brings clarity, context, and insight to data that affects real people and real congregations. Thi...

This episode of  Sounding Board , we’re honored to welcome  David Gambrell —a theologian, liturgical leader, and one of the most influential voices in Reformed worship today. David has been a huge part of  Worship & Music  year after year, helping shape not just the conference, but the way many of us think about worship itself. His partnership with PAM has been a gift, and his voice is one we’...

Welcome to  Sounding Board , where we listen closely to the voices shaping worship, preaching, and the life of the church. Today we’re thrilled to be joined by the Rev. Dr.  Margaret Aymer —an extraordinary preacher, teacher, and scholar. If you were at  Worship & Music 2025 , you already know how powerfully her preaching rings with truth, imagination, and pastoral depth. Margaret is one of th...

Today’s episode invites us to think more deeply about the power of music. We’re joined by Maren Haynes Marchesini for a conversation that weaves together ethnomusicology, social justice, and faith, exploring how music carries stories, identities, and hope across communities. It’s a rich and meaningful conversation—we’re glad you’re here.

In this episode, we sit down with Ron Byars for a wide‑ranging conversation about faith, worship, and the life of the church. Drawing on years of experience and thoughtful reflection, Ron shares insights that invite listeners to pause, listen, and engage more deeply with the work of ministry and the movement of the Spirit.

In this episode of  Sounding Board , PAM’s podcast for worship leaders, musicians, pastors, and creatives, we sit down with the incomparable  Tom Trenney  for a conversation that will stay with you long after the episode ends. Tom brings wisdom shaped by years of ministry, artistry, and deep listening to the Spirit. In this rich and thoughtful interview, he reflects on the power of sacred music, t...

In this episode of Sounding Board , artist and storyteller Joel Schoon‑Tanis shares the heart behind his work, the inspiration he’s borrowed from his children (now professionals themselves!), and the creative vision that has shaped his art around the world. From painting pictures to large-scale community projects, Joel’s art invites people of all ages into joy, imagination, and deeper reflection....

In Episode 2 of Sounding Board , hosts Sarah Abushakra and Jeremy Roberts sit down with visionary musician, educator, and justice advocate Arreon Harley‑Emerson for a rich, inspiring conversation about what it means to build communities where every voice is valued. Arreon shares how his passion for choral music intersects with his commitment to equity and belonging, offering practical wisdom for w...

Jeremy Roberts and Sarah Abushakra welcome Rev. CeCe Armstrong to Sounding Board for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, call, and serving the church today. CeCe serves as Associate Pastor at St. James Presbyterian Church (USA) in Charleston, South Carolina , and is Co‑Moderator of the 226th General Assembly (2024) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) . Join us for an episode full of insigh...

What the Podcast Is About- The core message of  Sounding Board  is simple: Faith expressed, Music Explored and Stories Shared. Good worship leadership grows through honest conversation, shared wisdom, and the willingness to listen deeply. Each episode aims to: Explore real issues facing worship leaders today - Highlight creativity and best practices in church music - Tell stories from practitioner...