Taproot Sessions

Rooted Worship
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

The place to come to talk about what matters most, when when God's people gather to worship

  1. 4d ago

    Session 13 | Beyond the Good Show: Redefining the “scorecard” for worship

    We say it all the time: "Worship was really good today." But what do we actually mean when we say that? In Session 13 of Taproot Sessions, Dave and Corrina tackle the hard question of how we measure the effectiveness of our worship gatherings. Are we confusing evidence of engagement (like raised hands and smooth transitions) with evidence of true worship? This episode dives into a biblical framework for evaluating worship, exploring the metaphor of the Thanksgiving table for communal participation, and unpacking the powerful progression of revelation, repentance, redemption, and commissioning found in Isaiah 6. Finally, the hosts discuss the critical distinction between the modern "worship leader" identity and the biblical mandate of the "Chief Musician," demonstrating how to balance spirit, truth, and musical production without compromising the gospel. Download the free Top 10 Fruit Inspector List mentioned in this episode: rooted-worship.com/top10. Show Notes 00:00 Intro: The "Good Show" Compliment & Defining Good Worship 02:35 Welcome to Taproot Sessions: Finding a Biblical Scorecard 1 0:31 Evidence of Engagement vs. Evidence of True Worship 13:18 The Thanksgiving Table Metaphor for Communal Gathering 21:23 The Isaiah 6 Framework: A Complete Picture of Heavenly Worship 30:20 Making Space for Confession and Repentance in Services 35:15 Turning the "Lazy Susan": Redemption and Reconciliation 40:27 The Ultimate Act of Worship: Consecration and Being Sent Out 46:34 Cross-References: Romans 12, John 4, and the Lifestyle of Worship 51:36 The False Choice: Balancing Spirit, Truth, and Excellence 55:34 The Modern Worship Leader vs. The Biblical Chief Musician 01:04:12 Why Production and Pastoral Execution Still Matter 01:08:04 Wrap-up and Free "Top 10" Worship Evaluation Resource --- Links & Resources - Official Website: https://rooted-worship.com - Connect with Us: Email / Info@rooted-worship.com FB / https://www.facebook.com/rootedworshipcom Insta / https://www.instagram.com/rooted_worship_com/ X / https://x.com/rooted_worship - Ways to watch Taproots Sessions Patreon / https://www.patreon.com/collection/2134773 YouTube / https://www.youtube.com/@rooted-worship-com Apple Podcasts / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taproot-sessions/id1895782275 Spotify / https://open.spotify.com/episode/2xrPGNob5pbjzMmPC3IaGJ?si=VV5q_xUeQKKuo0zTOZNQlQ - Get the Rooted Worship Framework: https://patreon.com/rootedworship - Scripture Reference: [Psalm 71:17-18] – "Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation." --- Hashtags #TaprootSessions #RootedWorship #WorshipLeadership #ChurchMinistry #SpiritualFormation #WorshipPastor #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalWorship #Mentorship #NextGenWorship #WorshipPhilosophy Episode Links Patreon https://www.patreon.com/posts/taproot-sessions-157004059?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_fan&utm_content=web_share YouTube https://youtu.be/1G59qOM608U Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taproot-sessions-session-1/id1895782275?i=1000765652584 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7k8KQ2bQRCUhmWtRwzKnOc?si=hXo_V9DXQWCuGoW6foz0xA

    Session 13 | Beyond the Good Show: Redefining the “scorecard” for worship

  2. Oct 6

    Session 12 | Having the hard talks: dealing with conflict in Church leadership

    In Session 12 of Taproot Sessions, Dave Hook and Corrina tackle one of the most challenging aspects of church leadership and worship ministry: navigating relational conflict. With recent Barna research indicating that 40% of pastors feel completely unprepared to handle conflict, this conversation cuts straight to the root of how God's people are called to relate to one another. Moving past quick-fix self-help tips, Dave and Corrina examine the biblical "Ministry of Reconciliation" found in 2 Corinthians 5. They unpack the critical differences between genuine unity and rigid uniformity, challenge the often-lazy default of "peacekeeping", and outline a rigorous internal inventory every leader should take before initiating a difficult conversation. 00:00 Welcome to Taproot Sessions: Dealing with Relational Tension 01:03 Sponsor Shoutout: Northwest Christian School 03:00 The Toothpaste Illustration & The Power of Our Words 07:24 Barna Statistics: Pastors and the Crisis of Conflict Management 14:06 2 Corinthians 5: Reading and Applying the Ministry of Reconciliation 21:14 The Etymology of "Relationship" 26:58 Unity vs. Uniformity: The Danger of Weaponizing Ministry Covenants 45:18 Peacemaking vs. Peacekeeping: Why Avoiding Conflict is Unhealthy 48:29 The Internal Inventory: Questions to Ask Before Confrontation 58:03 Why You Should Never Text Through a Conflict 01:02:03 Practical Steps for Meaningful Face-to-Face Meetings 01:13:07 The Rubric for a Truly Reconciled Heart Episode Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to Taproot Sessions: Dealing with Relational Tension 01:03 Sponsor Shoutout: Northwest Christian School 03:00 The Toothpaste Illustration & The Power of Our Words 07:24 Barna Statistics: Pastors and the Crisis of Conflict Management 14:06 2 Corinthians 5: Reading and Applying the Ministry of Reconciliation 21:14 The Etymology of "Relationship" 26:58 Unity vs. Uniformity: The Danger of Weaponizing Ministry Covenants 45:18 Peacemaking vs. Peacekeeping: Why Avoiding Conflict is Unhealthy 48:29 The Internal Inventory: Questions to Ask Before Confrontation 58:03 Why You Should Never Text Through a Conflict 01:02:03 Practical Steps for Meaningful Face-to-Face Meetings 01:13:07 The Rubric for a Truly Reconciled Heart

    Session 12 | Having the hard talks: dealing with conflict in Church leadership

  3. Sep 22

    Session 11 | The Secret to Ministry Longevity: Calling, Community & Craft | With Tommy Walker

    In this episode of Taproot Sessions, we sit down with legendary worship pastor and songwriter Tommy Walker to discuss the secret to ministry longevity: calling, community, and craft. With 37 years on staff at the same local church in Los Angeles, Tommy shares how he balances simple, daily devotion with a relentless pursuit of musical excellence. We explore the hidden dangers of relying too heavily on technology, and why the local church is the true frontline of ministry, and the inspiration behind his latest projects, including the live album Reawaken and the historic hymn series If These Walls Could Sing. Whether you are a creative trying to navigate the overwhelming Spotify era or a musician looking to reharmonize your craft, this conversation offers a masterclass in staying teachable, authentic, and passionate about building beautiful "musical cathedrals" for the Lord. 00:00 - Welcome & Introduction 01:39 - The Impact of Tommy’s Songs on Local Churches 03:08 - The Secret to 37 Years in One Local Church 07:18 - Billy Graham & Why Local Ministries Matter Most 09:20 - Discovering a Songwriting Calling at 11 Years Old 13:22 - Making Worship Music Fun & Interesting for the Band 16:03 - Fighting Discouragement in the Spotify Era 19:03 - Returning to the Childlike Wonder of Worship 21:34 - "If These Walls Could Sing" Historic Hymn Project 24:22 - "Reawaken" Live Album & Giving Resources Away for Free 27:04 - The Danger of AI, Tracks, and Losing Your Musical Craft 30:46 - Balancing Simple Devotion with Musical Excellence 34:11 - Why Beauty Matters: Building Musical Cathedrals 37:28 - Mentorship and How to Keep Growing as a Musician 41:46 - Rapid Fire Q&A: Songwriting Myths, A.W. Tozer, & Coffee 43:16 - Vintage Amps, Treepole, & Final Thoughts --- Resources Mentioned: - Tommy Walker Ministries (Free charts & resources): https://www.tommywalkerministries.org/ - Reawaken Live Album: https://www.tommywalkerministries.org/music-reawaken - If These Walls Could Sing (Fanny Crosby - Blessed Assurance): https://www.tommywalkerministries.org/news/ifthesewallscouldsing] - The Knowledge of the Holy / The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer: https://www.amazon.com/Pursuit-God-Human-Thirst-Divine/dp/1600660037 https://www.amazon.com/Knowledge-Holy-Understanding-Attributes-Nature/dp/B0DQDCM9GL/ Links & Resources - Official Website: https://rooted-worship.com - Connect with Us: Email / Info@rooted-worship.com FB / https://www.facebook.com/rootedworshipcom Insta / https://www.instagram.com/rooted_worship_com/ X / https://x.com/rooted_worship - Ways to watch Taproots Sessions Patreon / https://www.patreon.com/collection/2134773 YouTube / https://www.youtube.com/@rooted-worship-com Apple Podcasts / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taproot-sessions/id1895782275 Spotify / https://open.spotify.com/episode/2xrPGNob5pbjzMmPC3IaGJ?si=VV5q_xUeQKKuo0zTOZNQlQ - Get the Rooted Worship Framework: https://patreon.com/rootedworship - Scripture Reference: [Psalm 71:17-18] – "Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation." --- Hashtags #TaprootSessions #RootedWorship #WorshipLeadership #ChurchMinistry #SpiritualFormation #WorshipPastor #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalWorship #Mentorship #NextGenWorship #WorshipPhilosophy

    Session 11 | The Secret to Ministry Longevity: Calling, Community & Craft | With Tommy Walker

  4. Sep 8

    Session 10 | Saved FOR Something: The "Eden to Eden" Narrative You've Been Missing | Matt Mouzakis

    Welcome to the first episode of our Portraits series on the Taproot Sessions! Today, Corrina and Dave sit down with Matt Mouzakis—worship leader, songwriter, author, and self-proclaimed theology nerd.  Matt shares his incredible journey from barely graduating high school and working at Walgreens to earning a Doctorate in Theology and pastoring a local church. We dive deep into the messy, beautiful process of "unraveling" your faith, why the church needs to focus on what we are saved for instead of just what we are saved from, and how the "Eden to Eden" narrative changes everything about how we lead worship.  Whether you are a worship leader, a songwriter, or simply someone trying to build a theology worthy of Jesus, this conversation will challenge and encourage you. Thank you for supporting us and making these conversations possible! ⏱️ Chapters  00:00:00 - Intro: Welcome to Taproot Portraits 00:06:20 - Matt’s origin story, meeting Audrey, & early ministry 00:10:49 - The Walgreens Years: Waiting on God's calling 00:16:39 - Taking the leap into full-time church leadership 00:31:33 - The pursuit of a Theology Doctorate 00:42:14 - "Unraveling" vs. Deconstruction: Examining the character of God 00:43:44 - The Mansion Analogy: Rebuilding a faith worthy of Jesus 00:59:49 - The Unvarnished Painting: Embracing the mystery of Christ 01:12:06 - Saved FROM vs. Saved FOR (The Eden to Eden narrative) 01:19:16 - Redefining Worship: Equipping the saints for the work of the people 01:31:53 - The Pearl of Great Price: A profound communion liturgy 📖 Mentioned in this Session • Principalities, Powers, and Allegiances by Matt Mouzakis: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPXY3VMV • Expedition 44 Podcast: https://expedition44.com/ 🔗 Links & Resources • Official Website: https://rooted-worship.com  • Get the Rooted Worship Framework: https://patreon.com/rootedworship • Scripture Reference: [Psalm 71:17-18] – "Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation."  📱 Connect with Us • Email: Info@rooted-worship.com • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rootedworshipcom • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rooted_worship_com/  • X (Twitter): https://x.com/rooted_worship 🎧 Other Ways to Watch & Listen • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rooted-worship-com • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taproot-sessions/id1895782275  • Spotify:

    Session 10 | Saved FOR Something: The "Eden to Eden" Narrative You've Been Missing | Matt Mouzakis

  5. Aug 25

    Session 9 | Next Gen leadership: are we cloning or investing? | Dave Miller

    Welcome to Taproot Session 9! In this session, hosts Dave Hook and Corrina Jennings sit down with Dave Miller, co-founder of Leadership Pathway. Together, they dive deep into the systemic challenges facing local church leadership pipelines, the critical shift from transactional internships to transformational residencies, and why soft-skill development matters more than ever. They also address how to mentor Gen Z authentically without falling into the trap of "leadership cloning." Learn more about Leadership Pathway: https://leadershippathway.org Dave Miller's Book, "Who's the Next You?" https://a.co/d/02VnZMGi CHAPTER TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction & Next-Gen Leadership Crisis 03:43 - Dave Miller's Vocation Story & The Origin of Leadership Pathway 10:22 - Current Staffing Realities Across the Local Church 14:16 - Why Standard Leadership Pathways Often Fail 19:15 - The 3 Core Ingredients: Education, Spiritual Formation, & Soft Skills 23:04 - Jesus' Relational Approach vs. Modern Programs 24:36 - Internship vs. Residency: What’s the Real Difference? 28:24 - Navigating Generational Gaps & Middle Management Burnout 31:21 - Placing Ownership Back on the Developer 34:26 - "Who's the Next You?" — Planning for Succession 37:29 - Mentorship is Leaving Fingerprints 41:01 - How Leadership Pathway Partners with Local Churches 48:45 - Reaching & Mentoring Gen Z Leaders Authentically 53:16 - Defining and Testing for Coachability 57:30 - Investing in Unique Giftings vs. Leadership Cloning 01:06:05 - Practical Advice for Rising Ministry Leaders

    Session 9 | Next Gen leadership: are we cloning or investing? | Dave Miller

  6. Aug 11

    Session 8 | The Secret Behind the Leaders You Listen to: Who Is Forming Them?

    Who or what has contributed to your personal growth in a life-changing way? In this episode of Taproot Sessions, Dave Hook and Corrina Jennings dive into the "lightning rods" in their lives—the impactful teachers, mentors, and leaders who saw their potential, pushed them past their comfort zones, and sparked their passion for music and ministry. From sixth-grade choir discoveries to life-changing mentors and online community builders, we reflect on how these key figures shaped who we are today. We then turn the lens back toward our churches to ask a vital question: Who is forming the worship leaders we listen to today? Join the conversation as we pull back the lens on what it takes to form, nurture, and lead as a worship leader. Show Notes 00:00 Intro & Setting the Table 00:43 The Power of Being Seen: Personal Lightning Rods 06:15 Early Mentors & Camps: Discipling Through Relationship 12:15 The Main Question: How Are Worship Leaders Formed? 13:54 Pouring Into Leaders Organic Mentorship in the Local Church 20:12 Worship in Spirit and Truth: Biblical Foundations 27:39 Modern Pathways: The Yoda & Luke Mentorship Model 33:41 The Cohort Approach: Walking Together in Community 38:19 The Trade School Approach: Specialized Training 40:33 Mega-Church Colleges vs. The Danger of Inbreeding 45:51 University & Music Theory: Becoming a Multilinguist 52:29 Building the Kingdom vs. Building Your Castle 54:15 Identifying, Affirming, and Pointing: What's Your Next Yes? --- Links & Resources - Official Website: https://rooted-worship.com - Connect with Us: Email / Info@rooted-worship.com FB / https://www.facebook.com/rootedworshipcom Insta / https://www.instagram.com/rooted_worship_com/ X / https://x.com/rooted_worship - Get the Rooted Worship Framework: https://patreon.com/rootedworship - Scripture Reference: [Psalm 71:17-18] – "Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation." --- Hashtags #TaprootSessions #RootedWorship #WorshipLeadership #ChurchMinistry #SpiritualFormation #WorshipPastor #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalWorship #Mentorship #NextGenWorship #WorshipPhilosophy

    Session 8 | The Secret Behind the Leaders You Listen to: Who Is Forming Them?

  7. Jul 28

    Session 7 | Moving Beyond "Nominal Christianity" Through Corporate Spirituality | Rory Noland

    What if the way we plan worship services is forming people—just not the way we think? In this episode of Taproot Sessions, co-hosts Dave Hook (founder of Rooted Worship Ministries) and Corrina Jennings sit down with Rory Noland—pastor, songwriter, and author of Transforming Worship: Planning and Leading Sunday Services as if Spiritual Formation Mattered. With over 40 years of ministry experience (including his time as Music Director at Willow Creek Community Church) and a doctorate from the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies, Rory brings deep theological insight and practical pastoral wisdom to our conversation. Chapter Markers 00:00 – Introduction & Guest Welcome: Rory Noland 02:16 – Willow Creek Nostalgia & Character vs. Talent in Artists 05:49 – The Genesis of Transforming Worship & Defining Spiritual Formation 10:29 – Moving Beyond Formulaic Discipleship 13:50 – Private Disciplines vs. Corporate Worship Formation 18:34 – The Early Church, Lectionaries, & The Narrative of Scripture 23:20 – Is Worship Just a "Warm-Up Act" for the Sermon? 26:12 – Embodied Worship & Shaping Desires (James K.A. Smith) 32:31 – Exclusivity vs. Inclusivity in Corporate Gathering History 37:39 – Re-examining Seeker-Sensitive Worship (1 Corinthians 14) 44:09 – What Young Generations Are Truly Searching For 45:15 – Practical Steps: Rethinking Engagement & Prioritizing Corporate Prayer 51:51 – Rory's Book: Fighting on Our Knees (Praying the Psalms) 54:15 – Closing Thoughts & Wrap-Up Rory's Books: The Heart of the Artist: https://a.co/d/05K6Cgfx Transforming Worship: https://a.co/d/09kYDJKt Fighting on Our Knees: https://a.co/d/08xc3JpG

    Session 7 | Moving Beyond "Nominal Christianity" Through Corporate Spirituality | Rory Noland

  8. Jul 14

    Session 6 | The 5 Rhythms to Recover From Burnout | Mitch Harrison

    Welcome back to Taproot Sessions! In Session 6, hosts Corrina Jennings and Dave Hook continue their deep-dive conversation with Mitch Harrison, founder of Refill Coaching and author of Running On Full. When ministry stress hits a wall, standard prescriptive advice ("just read more scripture" or "say no more often") usually isn't enough. Mitch introduces a life-changing framework designed to move leaders from a state of internal fatigue and erased filters back into their "True North." Discover the 5 critical rhythms—Rest, Release, Receive, Recreation, and Relationships—and learn how to match the inevitable drains of life with intentional, life-giving replenishment. Connect with Mitch Harrison Website: Refill Coaching Book: Running On Full: Replenishing the Inner Life Through Intentional Rhythms Show Notes 00:00 – Introduction: Reintroducing Mitch Harrison and Refill Coaching 01:31 – Childhood Memories: Swimming, Weightlifting, and Barry Manilow 04:06 – Moving Beyond Prescriptive Burnout Advice: The "I Just Can't" Moment 05:50 – Embracing Our God-Designed Limitations & The Necessity of Sleep 07:02 – Identifying Your "True North" and Early Warning Signs 11:16 – Internal Fatigue: How Depletion Erases Our Emotional Filters 13:50 – Deciphering Body Signals: Encroachment, Anger, and Capacity 14:49 – The Enemy’s Tactic: Inducing Fatigue and Stalking Church Leaders 16:37 – Organizational Capacity vs. Redemptive Capacity in the Church 17:17 – The Toxic Cycle of Event-to-Event Programming 19:04 – Redefining Work-Life Balance: Balancing Stress vs. Replenishment 20:19 – The Gatorade Bottle Metaphor: Managing the Unplugged Drain 22:40 – Good Stress vs. Bad Stress: The Need for Meaningful Work 24:20 – Visualizing Your Stress: From Heavy Backpacks to Air Traffic Control 26:04 – The Freight Train Analogy: Why Rest Can Feel Uncomfortable 28:55 – Introduction to the 5 Rhythms for Holistic Replenishment 30:11 – Rhythm 1: Rest – Setting Boundaries and Honoring the Sabbath Principle 34:50 – Rhythm 2: Release – Unpacking Heavy Emotional Weight and Burdens 36:35 – Exposing the Yoke We Put on Ourselves vs. The Light Burden of Jesus 41:10 – Rhythm 3: Receive – Continually Reaffirming Your Divine Calling 49:43 – Rhythms 4 & 5: Recreation & Relationships – Finding Fun and People That Are Good 52:41 – Meeting Jesus Beyond the Bible: Cultivating Character Over Talent 57:49 – Outro and Where to Find Rooted Worship Links & Resources - Official Website: https://rooted-worship.com - Connect with Us: Email / Info@rooted-worship.com FB / https://www.facebook.com/rootedworshipcom Insta / https://www.instagram.com/rooted_worship_com/ X / https://x.com/rooted_worship - Ways to watch Taproots Sessions Patreon / https://www.patreon.com/collection/2134773 YouTube / https://www.youtube.com/@rooted-worship-com Apple Podcasts / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taproot-sessions/id1895782275 Spotify / https://open.spotify.com/episode/2xrPGNob5pbjzMmPC3IaGJ?si=VV5q_xUeQKKuo0zTOZNQlQ - Get the Rooted Worship Framework: https://patreon.com/rootedworship - Scripture Reference: [Psalm 71:17-18] – "Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation." --- Hashtags #TaprootSessions #RootedWorship #WorshipLeadership #ChurchMinistry #SpiritualFormation #WorshipPastor #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalWorship #Mentorship #NextGenWorship #WorshipPhilosophy

    Session 6 | The 5 Rhythms to Recover From Burnout | Mitch Harrison
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About

The place to come to talk about what matters most, when when God's people gather to worship

Information

  • Creator
    Rooted Worship
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Taproot Sessions