Cliff Lambert

Theology of Music

Religion EN ↓ 131 episodes

As an associate professor of music and worship and part-time worship pastor, Cliff has spent years thinking deeply about the songs that we sing together as a church during our corporate worship services. Yet, instead of being another deconstructing voice, Cliff seeks to foster thought-provoking and edifying conversations with folks who create and lead the songs we sing in corporate worship. 

Author

Cliff Lambert

Category

Religion

Podcast website

youtube.com

Latest episode

Jun 15, 2026

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Episodes

Liturgy that Spans the Year, Fostering Meaningful Community in Music Ministries, and Overplaying feat. Ryan Foglesong 14.04.2022

In this episode, Joel sits down with the musical genius that is Ryan Foglesong. Ryan is the Pastor of Corporate Worship at Grace Church in CA, an Adjunct Professor at Master's Seminary, an arranger and writer for Sovereign Grace Music, and one of the best bassists currently playing in Christian music. 

Why Hymnology, Being a Balanced Pastor While Podcasting, & The Wrestle of Worship-Leading in a Divided Culture feat. Sawyer Whittaker of Hymnology 07.04.2022

In this episode, Joel sits down with fellow podcaster and host of the Hymnology podcast, Sawyer Whittaker. Technical difficulties kept some of the conversations from making it to the finished file, but the conversation still covered wonderful topics like current worship culture, balancing the grind of podcasting and pastoring, and songwriting. 

How Music Embodies Theology & What The "Reformed Church" Gets Wrong About It feat. Scott Aniol 31.03.2022

In this episode, Joel sits down with the EVP of G3 Ministries, Scott Aniol, to discuss his viral article "Stop Singing Hillsong, Bethel, Jesus Culture, Elevation", about how music embodies theology, and how many reformed churches think they have the high-ground in this area but are falling in line with the same churches that they decry as heretical and unhelpful theologically.  Scott Ani...

Post-Pandemic Artistry, The Wood Drake Sessions, & Being "Woke" feat. Kirk Sauers 24.03.2022

In this episode, Kirk Sauers makes his triumphant return after starting Wood Drake Sessions and releases multiple singles. Joel and Kirk talk about the stories behind some of the singles like "Oh How Good To Be Together", why Jesus as King is so important for us to sing about, and being an artist in a post-pandemic age.

"Take My Life And Let It Be" & Is There Hope For The American Church? Pt.1 18.03.2022

In this part 1 of 2, Joel uses the old hymn by  Frances R. Havergal (1874) , "Take My Life And Let It Be" as a jumping-off point for discussing why he believes there is not much hope for the American Church as it stands today. Joel discusses things like Senior Pastor culture and the saturation of "one foot in, one-foot out-ism" within the church.  Support below and follow on In...

Understanding Deconstruction, Life After Mars Hill, and Jesus Over Everything feat. Zach Bolen of Citizens 10.03.2022

In this episode, Joel has the Joy of Being able to sit down with Zach Bolen from Citizens.  In Tenderness,  Zach talks about life before and after Mars Hill and how it has helped him Hail the King, Jesus! Sadly, technical difficulties cause Joel and Zach to cry "Oh God", "we are Living in a Land of Death!" Yet, through all the Madness of internet issues that all the Kids face D...

A Mission's Trip That Changed His Life, The Story Behind "Even Here Love Comes", & the Often Felt Emptiness of American Christianity feat. Todd McVicker 08.03.2022

In this episode, Joel is joined by indie artist, worship leader, and incredibly humble man of God, Todd McVicker, to talk about his new song "Even Here Love Comes", the story behind it, how often we can pastor/lead on autopilot, and why you should go on a missions trip.

The Delicate Balance of Being Winsome and Truthful, How The Church Has Fallen, and Mean Reviews feat. Jason Stinson 24.02.2022

In this episode, Joel sits down with the Worship Pastor of Redeemer Bible Church in AZ, Jason Stinson. They talk about being balanced in our approach towards others, why it feels like so many people just want to divide within the church, and facing critics. Check out the full episode by becoming a member at the link below. 

Podcasting In a Pandemic and The Beauty of Hymns feat. the ladies of Hymnpartial 17.02.2022

In this episode, Joel sits down with some sisters in Christ across the pond and talks about why they started their podcast, their favorite hymns, and what their goals for the future are. Check out the ladies of Hymnpartial via their website hymnpartial.com 

"How Deep The Father's Love", Did God Really Forsake Jesus On The Cross, and Why Reformed People Get Squeamish Talking About Love 10.02.2022

In this episode, Joel examines, the already timeless, hymn by Stuart Townend called "How Deep The Father's Love," and what it shows us about God's love displayed through Christ, whether God actually forsook Jesus on the cross, and the problem with us "reformed" people. 

Growing Up In A Racist Church & Modern Worship's Neglect of Biblical Justice and God's Heart for the Oppressed feat. Dr. Michael Rhodes 03.02.2022

In this episode, Joel sits down with Dr. Michael Rhodes, an Old Testament Professor at Carey Baptist College who has numerous published works and recently went viral when he tweeted about how he researched the top 25 worship songs and found a shocking discovery. Learn more about what he discovered and how God intends His people to care about justice differently than the world shows today. 

"Shout To The Lord", How it's Great/What it Lacks, and Shouting for Joy and not Fear in a Fearful World 27.01.2022

In this episode, Joel takes a look at the world-renowned worship song, "Shout To The Lord", released in 1993 and written by Darlene Zscheche.  This song has been sung by millions and millions over all the years and still today. This song was even sung on American Idol at the height of its popularity! Take a listen and support the podcast through the links below.  Instagram: https://www.i...

Breaking Free From Self-Importance, the Difficulty in New Seasons, and Surrendering to God feat. (the ever youthful) Meredith Andrews 20.01.2022

In this episode, Joel sits down with Dove Award-Winning and incredibly humble Christian artist, Meredith Andrews. Meredith and Joel discuss breaking free from the lie of self-importance that plagues many artists, the hardship of new seasons, the ache for rival in our nation, and surrendering to God. (This is only half of the whole episode, to access the full episode and other great content, become...

"How He Loves", Why Our Lives Lack Meaning, and Uncomfortable Lyrics 13.01.2022

In this episode, Joel examines the 2010 hit worship song, "How He Loves" released by original author John Mark McMillan in 2005 and unpacks why our lives lack meaning and power, uncomfortable lyrics, and gives shout-outs to the members who financially support the pod.  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theologyofmusic/   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu9Yg11BfPKTODM98Hi6Tf...

"Great I Am", Rethinking Ministry and Calling, & The Wonder of the Human Voice feat. Jared Anderson 06.01.2022

In this episode, Joel gets to sit down with critically acclaimed songwriter, Jared Anderson, who wrote hit worship songs like "Great I Am" and "Rescue", which have been covered by many worship artists still today. Jared and Joel discuss rethinking what ministry looks like as life seasons change, the story behind "Great I Am", and how incredible the human voice is. Ins...

"All Glory Be To Christ", Recapping the Year, & Rejoicing and Removing 30.12.2021

In this episode, Joel takes a look back at this year and what happened in his own life, the life of this podcast, and our lives as a society. Along with the 2012 song by Dustin Kensrue called "All Glory Be To Christ", Joel also discusses what to do when we look back at a year and look forward to a new year.  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theologyofmusic/   Youtube: https://www.you...

"Mary Did You Know", Did She Know?, and The Best Way To Spread Good Cheer 24.12.2021

In this episode, Joel takes a look at the controversial Christmas Song "Mary Did You Know?" by Mark Lowry.  This 1991 song has been a part of controversy every holiday season around churches because of the nature of the song and whether Mary did indeed, know. What do you think? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theologyofmusic/   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu9Yg11BfPKTO...

"Prince of Heaven" & The Doctrine of the God-Man 16.12.2021

In this episode, Joel unpacks the 2017 Christmas song by Hillsong worship called "Prince of Heaven",  what is does well when talking about the realities of Christ's Incarnation, a brief overview of Kenotic Christianity, and what we should "lead" with when interaction with the world this Christmas season.  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theologyofmusic/   Youtube: htt...

"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" & Timeless Songs vs. Timely Songs 09.12.2021

In this episode, Joel takes a look at one of the greatest Christmas Hymns of all time in the 1739  song by Charles Wesley, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and the balance between writing timeless songs and timely songs.  IG: https://www.instagram.com/theologyofmusic/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu9Yg11BfPKTODM98Hi6TfA 

Seeing God Move Through Suffering & Leading Worship With a Right Heart feat. Justin Kintzel 02.12.2021

In this episode, Joel sits down with Justin Kintzel, the worship pastor at Grace Church in MI, to talk about how God uses suffering to refocus us on what's important, how to lead worship with a right heart posture, and navigating different seasons in life. Support: buymeacoffee.com/theologyofmusic IG: @TheologyofMusic Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu9Yg11BfPKTODM98Hi6TfA 

"Blessed Be Your Name", True Thankfulness, & Evangelizing During the Holidays 25.11.2021

This week,  Joel discusses the 2005 Dove winner for Song of The Year, "Blessed Be Your Name", written by Matt Redman, where true thankfulness comes from, and how we can better evangelize during these holidays.  Support: buymeacoffee.com/theologyofmusic IG: https://www.instagram.com/theologyofmusic/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu9Yg11BfPKTODM98Hi6TfA

Godly Priorities as a Christian first and Christian Artist Second feat. Mike Donehey 18.11.2021

In this episode, Joel sits down (via zoom) with the ever pastoral and insane hilarious Mike Donehey (formerly of Tenth Ave North) to talk about life as a solo artist, what it really means to be a Christian in the music industry, and how fight for presence over perception.  Support: buymeacoffee.com/theologyofmusic IG: @Theology of Music Youtube: Theology of Music

"Reckless Love" & the Toxicity of the Senior-Celebrity Pastor 11.11.2021

In this episode, Joel draws a line from the 2018 Dove Award-Winning song, "Reckless Love", by Corey Asbury, and the toxic culture created by senior and celebrity pastors. You won't want to miss this one! Support: buymeacoffee.com/theologyofmusic IG: @theologyofmusic YT: Theology of Music

Talking Worship Music feat. Dead Men Walking Podcast 04.11.2021

In this episode, Joel joins forces with Greg Moore Jr and Jason Hamlin, the guys at Dead Men Walking Podcast, and they discuss things like current worship culture, musicianship, etc. If you want to access the full version of this episode go to buymeacoffee.com/theologyofmusic.com and sign up for any level of membership in order to access this and other full-length episodes in the future.  IG: @the...

"This I Believe" & Whether Hillsong Backs That Up 28.10.2021

In this episode, Joel examines Hillsong's version of the Apostle's Creed put to song in order to see whether they hold to those beliefs. This song was released in 2014 and written by both Matt Crockers and Ben Feildings.  Support financially: buymeacoffee.com/theologyofmusic IG: @theologyofmusic

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