Searching for the "Good Song" (Tönsing)

2026 Songwriting Retreat

In this episode, Kip and Steve discuss the annual songwriter retreat hosted by the Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University Irvine. With participants from more than 20 states, the retreat brings songwriters together for collaboration, encouragement, and shared purpose. Together, they reflect on how the songwriting process fosters unity, forms meaningful partnerships, and supports the church with songs written for congregational worship.

Doctrine & Practice

In this episode, Kip and Steve explore the relationship between theology and practice in Lutheran worship. The conversation examines how worship both expresses and shapes belief, considering themes such as theology in liturgy, theology through liturgy, and the ways liturgical practices form Christians for everyday life. Together, they reflect on how the church’s worship is not merely a reflection of theology, but also a powerful means through which theology is learned, embodied, and lived.

Searching for the "Good Song" (Tönsing)

In this episode, Kip and Steve explore different approaches used to select songs for worship through the work of Gertrud Tönsing. They consider common approaches to song selection—including emotional, evangelistic, aesthetic, theological, and personal meaning—and then turn toward a more integrated approach. Together, they reflect on how text, tune, theology, emotion, and congregational formation belong together as the church considers not only what makes a song effective, but what makes it faithful and durable.

Luther's Theology of Music: Part 5 (Luther)

In this episode, Kip and Steve continue drawing from Kip’s Master’s thesis to explore the theological and practical implications of music in Lutheran worship. They consider tradition and innovation, emotion and expression, instrumentation and musical diversity, showing how Luther’s theology of music makes room for creativity in the church’s song.

Luther's Theology of Music: Part 4 (Luther)

In this episode, Kip and Steve continue their exploration of Luther’s theology of music through themes drawn from Kip’s Master’s thesis. The conversation examines Luther’s understanding of music as both gift and proclamation, reflecting on his musical background, his love for music, and the role of song in the life of the church. Together, they also explore themes of textual freedom, sacred and secular borrowing, and the diversity of musical expression within Luther’s theological framework.