We need the whole body of Christ to properly form the body of Christ. This much I’m sure of: Orthodox mystery, Catholic beauty, Anglican liturgy, Protestant audacity, Evangelical energy, Charismatic reality—I need it all!” – Brian Zahnd
One of my favorite books of 2016 is Water to Wine by Pastor Brian Zahnd. It’s a well-written, fascinating, honest story of his theological journey. It will challenge you, make you uncomfortable, and delight you all at once.
In this exclusive conversation Brian and I talk about the book, music, the writing process, theology, church, worship, communion, and much more.
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[bctt tweet=”Contemporary worship has the capacity to engage the mildly interested.” username=”brianzahnd”]
In this Episode You’ll Hear More About:
- Brian’s passion for music and some of his favorite records
- Mountain climbing & hiking
- Brian’s upcoming 500 mile walk sabbatical
- Brian’s writing habits & tips
- How Brian balances writing books with pastoring a large church
- Brian’s favorite writers.
- Brian’s journey from cotton candy Christianity to contemplative Christianity.
- Why Brian went on a 22 day water only fast.
- How Brian led his American mega church through a theological transition.
- Why Brian views worship teams as a “rock band” and his critique and defense of it.
- Brian’s relationship with his Worship Pastor, Eric.
- The difference between an emotional experience and formation.
- Why worship leading is much more about leadership than music ability.
- The weekly service times of Word of Life Church and how they are structured.
- Why Word of Life serves communion 3 times a week and how they do it.
- Brian’s most prized possessions.
We’re constantly tempted towards the sentimental. Let’s recapture some more robust theology.” – Brian Zahnd
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
- Website: Brian Zahnd
- Book: Water to Wine: Some of My Story by Brian Zahnd
- Music: Blonde on Blonde by Bob Dylan
- Music: All Things Must Pass by George Harrison
- Music: Exile on Main Street by Rolling Stones
- Music: Joshua Tree by U2
- Book: Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport
- Book: A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- Book: The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
- Book: Surprised by Hope by NT Wright
- Book: The Prophetic Imagination by Walter Brueggemann
- Book: I See Satan Fall Like Lightning by Rene Girard
- Book: The Bible Made Impossible by Christian Smith
- Book: Resident Aliens by Stanley Hauerwas
- Book: The Brothers Karamazov by Theodore Dostoevsky
- Film: The Tree of Life by Terrance Malik
- Film: Armor of Light (PBS)
[bctt tweet=”We’re not trying to produce an emotional experience. We’re interested in formation.” username=”brianzahnd”]
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If you have an idea for a podcast you would like to see, a special guest you’d like to hear from, or a question for an upcoming episode, please email me. If you enjoyed the show, I would be so appreciative if you would rate it on iTunes and write a brief review. That helps me so much! Thanks.
And thanks to Brian for sharing with us!
Question: What’s your biggest takeaway from this interview with Brian? Always love to hear from you! You can leave a comment by clicking here.
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Greg Long says
An amazing talk with Brian. Have recently reconnected with your podcasts and they are educational, inspirational and continue to improve me as a worship leader and in my daily walk. Just want to encourage you to keep this going. I feel very blessed by your ministry. Greg
David Santistevan says
Thanks Greg! Means a lot.