Praise Hands Podcast
Each week on the Praise Hands Podcast, join host Robby Valderrama and learn from creative, cross-cultural solutionists at the American intersection of church, race, music, and economics. Learn more about Praise Hands at PraiseHands.com.
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The State of Church, Race, Music & Economics w/ Robby Valderrama
03/21/2022
The State of Church, Race, Music & Economics w/ Robby Valderrama
“I have always believed that the music of the church has the power to shape the message of the church.” Robby Valderrama Church attendance is down. Awareness of racial inequality is up. Many families are struggling to make ends meet, all while the music of the church is slowly but surely learning to embrace diverse voices. Three years after the start of the Praise Hands Podcast, hear our host Robby Valderrama share brand-new data along with his one-of-a-kind insight on where the American church is, and where it might be headed. On this episode, hear Robby discuss: How economic policies are affecting the local church, and what to do about it Exclusive data and inside analysis on today’s worship music industry The future of the Praise Hands Podcast Each episode on the Praise Hands Podcast, join Robby Valderrama and learn from creative, cross-cultural solutionists at the American intersection of church, race, music, and economics. Support the show at .
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Bridging The Academic, Musical, and Pastoral w/ Glenn Packiam
10/28/2021
Bridging The Academic, Musical, and Pastoral w/ Glenn Packiam
Glenn Packiam is a songwriter, a theologian, and an Anglican priest pastoring at New Life Church in Colorado Springs.
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Reparations: A Christian Call For Repentance And Repair w/ Duke Kwon & Gregory Thompson
04/28/2021
Reparations: A Christian Call For Repentance And Repair w/ Duke Kwon & Gregory Thompson
“We are not establishing some new morality that is an over-realized understanding of heaven on earth. Reparations are love of neighbor.” - Duke Kwon
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Is Christianity a 'White Man's Religion'? w/ Vince Bantu
04/15/2021
Is Christianity a 'White Man's Religion'? w/ Vince Bantu
“The perception that Christianity is a ‘White man’s religion’ is the single greatest obstacle to the Gospel in the world.” -Vince Bantu
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The Deeply Formed Life w/ Rich Villodas
04/01/2021
The Deeply Formed Life w/ Rich Villodas
“There is a mysticism to life with God. If we believe that God is present with us, how can there not be?” Rich Villodas
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Building A Community of Multicultural Worship w/ Josh Davis and Jaewoo Kim
03/18/2021
Building A Community of Multicultural Worship w/ Josh Davis and Jaewoo Kim
“The beauty of God is not limited to our culture. Are we willing to create space?” - Jaewoo Kim
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50th Episode Party w/ Jackie The Educator, Barna Group's Brooke Hempell, and more!
03/11/2021
50th Episode Party w/ Jackie The Educator, Barna Group's Brooke Hempell, and more!
In honor of our 50th Episode, Robby chatted with past guests on a fun and laid-back Praise Hands Podcast 50th Episode Zoom Party, including a quick appearance from Robby’s wife Bria Jean Valderrama. Watch the Zoom on YouTube, or hear audio-only on your podcast app of choice.
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Cancel Culture and the Search for Truth w/ Wendy Cunningham
03/04/2021
Cancel Culture and the Search for Truth w/ Wendy Cunningham
“The culture of social media has made us bold in the wrong ways.” Wendy Cunningham
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Loving Our Unborn And Undocumented Neighbors w/ Rondell Trevino
02/18/2021
Loving Our Unborn And Undocumented Neighbors w/ Rondell Trevino
“I think we trust politicians’ words more than God’s Word when it comes to immigration.”
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How Your Creativity Can Change The World w/ Danielle Coke
02/04/2021
How Your Creativity Can Change The World w/ Danielle Coke
“You don’t have to be perfect to make a difference.” Danielle Coke
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Kingdom Innovation For A Brave New World w/ Doug Paul
12/03/2020
Kingdom Innovation For A Brave New World w/ Doug Paul
“The church must shift from a mindset of being reformed to being reformers.” As an innovation strategist, Doug Paul has advised Christian leaders across the US, and his book provides a roadmap for church leaders who are eager to shift their ministry during a COVID-19 and post-COVID culture. On this episode of the Praise Hands Podcast, hear Doug and Robby chat about: The relationship between diversity and creativity Predictions about the future of the church Systemic change in church, tech, & racial justice Each week on the Praise Hands Podcast, join Robby Valderrama and learn from creative, cross-cultural solutionists at the American intersection of church, race, music, and economics. Donate, volunteer, and join the Praise Hands Facebook Group at . Join the Year End Giving Campaign by becoming a monthly or one-time supporter at . All donors in December 2020 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a copy of Doug's new book "Ready Or Not". Learn more about Doug at .
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Worship, Discipleship, and Holy Spirituality w/ Dr. Emmett Price
11/19/2020
Worship, Discipleship, and Holy Spirituality w/ Dr. Emmett Price
“In the American church, we conflate worship and music… *everything* that we do should bring glory to God as our living worship.” Dr. Emmett Price Dr. Emmett Price III is a leading expert on African American Music, Christian Worship and the Black Christian Experience, and leads the Institute for the Study of the Black Christian Experience at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. In this Praise Hands Podcast interview, Dr. Price switches seamlessly between his academic, pastoral, and musical hats, addressing the following: What Our Educational Models Can Learn From Jesus The Redemptive Song of Black America The Church’s Responsibility To Lead Cross-Culturally Each week on the Praise Hands Podcast, join Robby Valderrama and learn from creative, cross-cultural solutionists at the American intersection of church, race, music, and economics. Donate, volunteer, and join the Praise Hands Facebook Group at . Join the Year End Giving Campaign by becoming a monthly or one-time supporter at .
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Jesus, Justice, and America w/ Shane Claiborne
11/05/2020
Jesus, Justice, and America w/ Shane Claiborne
“What would it look like for love, not fear, to shape our policies?” Shane Claiborne As an activist, author, and speaker, Shane Claiborne has shaped a generation’s view of Jesus and social change. His radical activism has led him to Iraq and Afghanistan (for anti-war efforts), jail (for homeless advocacy), Calcutta (for work with Mother Teresa), and to Washington DC, where today’s interview took place a few steps from The White House. In this episode highlighting the 2020 Presidential Election, Shane shares: • Why the death penalty is incompatible with Christian teaching • How the American church has neglected the teachings of Jesus • How restorative justice and forgiveness can fix the US prison system Each week on the Praise Hands Podcast, join Robby Valderrama and learn from creative, cross-cultural solutionists at the American intersection of church, race, music, and economics. , , and join the at . Learn more about Shane at and and buy his books Jesus for President, The Irresistible Revolution, and Executing Grace at to support an indie bookstore.
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“Christianity and the Corporatocracy” w/ Sherry Peel Jackson
10/22/2020
“Christianity and the Corporatocracy” w/ Sherry Peel Jackson
“We have to get back to families supporting each other and not depending on government agencies.” As a retired CPA, certified fraud examiner, and IRS agent who specialized in auditing pastors, Sherry Peel Jackson now helps churches and families achieve financial sustainability while preventing government overreach. Tune in to hear Sherry discuss: Shocking revelations about the U.S. income tax code What churches and families can learn from President Trump’s alleged tax strategy How home-based businesses can turn your passion into profit DISCLAIMER: This is not meant to be tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction. Each week on the Praise Hands Podcast, join Robby Valderrama and learn from creative, cross-cultural solutionists at the American intersection of church, race, music, and economics. Donate, volunteer, and join the Praise Hands Facebook Group at . Learn more at .
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How One Man Is Preventing Evictions In Boston w/ Matt Pritchard
10/08/2020
How One Man Is Preventing Evictions In Boston w/ Matt Pritchard
“Whether it’s material, spiritual, or emotional, everyone has experienced poverty.” Amidst national conversations about eviction moratoriums, Matt Pritchard’s nonprofit HomeStart has saved 2,500 Boston-area households from eviction, with 95% of these households maintaining their housing long-term. Lean in as Matt shares: What he learned by choosing to live in a shelter for a year How personal growth fuels organizational impact Why he avoids the term “Homeless People” Each week on the Praise Hands Podcast, join Robby Valderrama and learn from creative, cross-cultural solutionists at the American intersection of church, race, music, and economics. Support the show at .
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Why There's Still Hope Beyond 2020 w/ Dr. Esau McCaulley
09/23/2020
Why There's Still Hope Beyond 2020 w/ Dr. Esau McCaulley
“What’s happened in 2020 can’t unresurrect Jesus.” Dr. Esau McCaulley Dr. Esau McCaulley is an author, priest, and New Testament scholar whose work has been featured in outlets such the New York Times, Christianity Today, and the Washington Post. He completed his doctoral studies under the direction of N.T. Wright, and recently released his book “”. In this second episode of Season 4, Esau and Robby chat about: • Why voting can be a profoundly Christian act • How Christianity addresses the brokenness of the world • Why we must articulate Christian beliefs in public conversations Each week on the Praise Hands Podcast, join Robby Valderrama and learn from creative, cross-cultural solutionists at the American intersection of church, race, music, and economics. Support the show at .
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Worship Beyond Nationalism w/ Dr. Rob Hewell
09/10/2020
Worship Beyond Nationalism w/ Dr. Rob Hewell
“The Christian faith is a narrative. Which narrative is shaping what I do every day?” Dr. Rob Hewell Dr. Rob Hewell is the Professor of Worship and Director of Online Learning Initiatives for Ouachita Baptist University, and the author of the provocative and timely book “”. In this opening episode of Praise Hands Podcast Season 4, Dr. Hewell and Robby Valderrama speak frankly about: The inherently political nature of Christian worship The priority of the Kingdom of God over earthly allegiances The tension of unity in the church and partisan convictions Each week on the Praise Hands Podcast, join Robby Valderrama and learn from creative, cross-cultural solutionists at the American intersection of church, race, music, and economics. Support the show at .
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Can Virtual Reality Make Our Communities Safer? w/ Derek Ham
05/07/2020
Can Virtual Reality Make Our Communities Safer? w/ Derek Ham
“We must work to view the world through our neighbor’s eyes.” Derek Ham
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Welcome To The Age Of The Microchurch w/ Brian Sanders and Kathryn Eng
04/30/2020
Welcome To The Age Of The Microchurch w/ Brian Sanders and Kathryn Eng
“It’s in the broken pieces that we find the church being reshaped to fit the mission of God in new places, new people and new contexts.” - Brian Sanders The Underground Network is a diverse movement of microchurches living out the mission of God at the edges of society. In this episode, hear founder Brian Sanders share how their model of ministry activates the creativity of the church, and hear medical clinic director Kathryn Eng share how their Underground Clinic is doing exactly that in Tampa, Florida. Listen to Episode 38 to hear Brian and Kathryn share: Why their church hub is a co-working space, not a sanctuary How to use healthcare to show and share the Gospel Why the hierarchy must serve the decentralized in the 21st Century Each week on the Praise Hands Podcast, join Robby Valderrama and learn from creative, cross-cultural solutionists at the American intersection of church, race, music, and economics. Support the show at h.
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How To Disrupt Poverty In Your Neighborhood w/ Jason Janz
04/23/2020
How To Disrupt Poverty In Your Neighborhood w/ Jason Janz
“Poverty as an economic condition only misses both the problem and the cure.” - Jason Janz Non-profit thought leader Jason Janz is the CEO of , a Denver-based nonprofit committed to abolishing economic, relational, and spiritual poverty in its neighborhood. In addition to talking through his booklet “”, he and Robby chat about: • Best practices for collaboration between local churches and nonprofits • Why the current social disruption may be an “innovator’s Disneyland” • Mobilizing human and financial capital to fight poverty Each week on the Praise Hands Podcast, join Robby Valderrama and learn from creative, cross-cultural solutionists at the American intersection of church, race, music, and economics. Support the show at .
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The Spirit Poured Out On All Flesh w/ Dr. Amos Yong
04/16/2020
The Spirit Poured Out On All Flesh w/ Dr. Amos Yong
“We’re still learning how to live a message of the Gospel that doesn’t favor any one color over another.” - Dr. Amos Yong Dr. Amos Yong is a theologian and professor currently serving as the Dean of the School of Theology and the School of Intercultural Studies at Fuller Seminary. He is also the author of numerous books on Pentecostal theology, race, and ethics, including “.” In this interview on the Praise Hands Podcast, Dr. Yong examines crucial contemporary issues through Biblical exegesis and his own background as an Asian American, addressing the following: A Biblical examination of Christ and the Holy Spirit The conflicted racial history of Pentecostalism How Christianity can overcome limitations of Western constructs Each week on the Praise Hands Podcast, join Robby Valderrama and learn from creative, cross-cultural solutionists at the American intersection of church, race, music, and economics. Support the show at .
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Healthcare Economics and Christian Compassion w/ Ben Walker
04/09/2020
Healthcare Economics and Christian Compassion w/ Ben Walker
“We’ve moved compassion further and further down the list of priorities and moved safety, protection, and money up. I’m hoping we can use this crisis to re-evaluate this.” Ben Walker From shortages of necessary equipment to inadequate staffing levels, COVID-19 is exposing the cracks in a healthcare system that many of us take for granted. In Part 2 of our conversation on the COVID-19 crisis and healthcare, Robby continues his conversation with healthcare insider Ben Walker as they discuss: • How to equitably address rising healthcare costs • Centralization and decentralization in church and state • Christianity’s history of caring for the sick Each week on the Praise Hands Podcast, join Robby Valderrama and learn from creative, cross-cultural solutionists at the American intersection of church, race, music, and economics. Support the show at .
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Innovation And Regulation In Time Of Crisis w/ Ben Walker and Ian Patterson
04/02/2020
Innovation And Regulation In Time Of Crisis w/ Ben Walker and Ian Patterson
“In a time of crisis, we start weighing the good of society versus the good of the person.” Ben Walker In light of Covid-19, an important question is emerging: “what roles should individuals, businesses, and governments play in finding solutions for a global health crisis, and who should decide?” To help answer this question, Robby invited his old friends and healthcare insiders Ben Walker and Ian Patterson on the show. In this timely episode, hear Ben and Ian discuss: Arguments for and against tighter government regulation How the FDA blocked initial testing for Covid-19 Balancing consumer choice and human equality Learn more about Ian Patterson at and . Each week on the Praise Hands Podcast, join Robby Valderrama and learn from creative, cross-cultural solutionists at the American intersection of church, race, music, and economics. Support the show at .
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COVID-19: Four Questions Every Church Leader Must Ask w/ Mark DeYmaz and Luke Dooley
03/26/2020
COVID-19: Four Questions Every Church Leader Must Ask w/ Mark DeYmaz and Luke Dooley
“You can’t take a wait and see attitude with your church finances. The time to pivot is now.” Mark DeYmaz Mark DeYmaz and Luke Dooley are the creators of the Church Economics Accelerator, which helps ministry leaders leverage church assets to bless their communities and generate sustainable income. They’ve been helping churches prepare for a scenario like COVID-19 for years, and you’ll want to share this episode with every church leader you know. In this timely episode, hear Mark and Luke discuss how churches can: • Reduce their tithe dependency through creative thinking • Minimize job loss in their communities in light of COVID-19 • Position themselves to lead well in shifting economic landscapes Check out Mark DeYmaz’s latest book and find out more about him by visiting . Learn more about Luke Dooley’s work and the Church Economics Accelerator at . Each week on the Praise Hands Podcast, join Robby Valderrama and learn from creative, cross-cultural solutionists at the American intersection of church, race, music, and economics. Support the show at .
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The Nashville Tornado and Black Ownership w/ Derek Minor
03/19/2020
The Nashville Tornado and Black Ownership w/ Derek Minor
“Are you going to chase the dollar, or are you going to help preserve a community?” - Derek Minor Nashville-based Derek Minor is a rapper, producer, and entrepreneur whose initiative “Ownership is the New Black” works to develop the next generation of Black owners. In light of the recent Nashville tornado, Derek and Robby talk about how racially-discriminatory government policies have made the Black community particularly vulnerable to displacement through natural disasters and gentrification. In this episode of the Praise Hands Podcast, hear Derek talk about: • How to shift from “consumer power to ownership power” • How Christian music and social justice can co-exist • The tragic ending of the “Black Wall Street” in Tulsa, Oklahoma Listen to Derek’s music at and learn more about Ownership is the New Black at . Each week on the Praise Hands Podcast, join Robby Valderrama and learn from creative, cross-cultural solutionists who are shaping the future of church, race, music, and economics. Support the show at .
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The Christian Entrepreneur w/ Brock Shinen
03/14/2020
The Christian Entrepreneur w/ Brock Shinen
“It shocks me that every Christian on the planet doesn’t see themselves as a cultural translator.” Brock Shinen As an in-demand lawyer and consultant in the worship music industry, Brock Shinen understands the complex and sometimes messy relationship between churches, creatives, and business. In this third episode of the Praise Hands Podcast series “Can I Trust The Church?”, Brock shares from his new book “”, touching on the following topics: The dangers of separating faith and business What it means to be a “cultural translator” “Win-win” relationships between churches and creatives Learn more about Brock’s work at and . Each week on the Praise Hands Podcast, join Robby Valderrama and learn from creative, cross-cultural solutionists who are shaping the future of church, race, music, and economics. Support the show at .
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Sexual Sin In The Church w/ Andrea Burke And Sharona Sledge
03/05/2020
Sexual Sin In The Church w/ Andrea Burke And Sharona Sledge
“The church has tried to protect position instead of holding up repentance as the greatest prize.” Andrea Burke “There is such a weight on shepherding people - each of your sheep are not the same. Although there are godly principles, if you’re going into ministry, that means you’re ministering to a flock of individual sheep.” Sharona Sledge Amidst imperfect people and imperfect churches, the devastating consequences of moral failure and sexual sin affect us all. In this second episode of the Praise Hands Podcast series “Can I Trust The Church?”, worship leaders Andrea Burke and Sharona Sledge share how they navigated guilt, deceit, and betrayal in their evolving relationships with God and the church. Listen now to hear Andrea and Sharona talk about: ● Dismantling “church shame” through a culture of confession ● When and how to confront signs of abuse or wrongdoing ● How to find freedom from sexual sin and help others do the same Learn more about Andrea at . Learn more about Sharona at . Each week on the Praise Hands Podcast, join Robby Valderrama and learn from creative, cross-cultural solutionists who are shaping the future of church, race, music, and economics. Support the show at .
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Financial Fraud And The Future Of Global Christianity w/ Gina Zurlo
02/27/2020
Financial Fraud And The Future Of Global Christianity w/ Gina Zurlo
"People trust pastors to handle their money and assume that everything is okay. It’s not.” Gina Zurlo By the year 2025, as much as $100 Billion per year in Christian-donated dollars will be lost due to embezzlement, estimates Gordon-Conwell’s Center for the Study of Global Christianity. The Center’s co-director is Gina Zurlo, who, along with co-authoring The World Christian Encyclopedia, was named among BBC’s 100 most influential and inspiring women of 2019. In this paradigm-shifting episode, hear Gina share about: • The Pros And Cons of Entrepreneurial Christianity • Practical Ideas For Relationship Across Faith Backgrounds • The Biggest Trends Shaping The Future Of Christianity Follow Gina’s work at and . Each week on the Praise Hands Podcast, join Robby Valderrama and learn from creative, cross-cultural solutionists who are shaping the future of church, race, music, and economics. Support the show at .
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The Myth Of "Organic" Diversity w/ Patrick Chappell
02/20/2020
The Myth Of "Organic" Diversity w/ Patrick Chappell
“People want diversity to happen organically, but sometimes you have to be intentional on the way to organic.” Patrick Chappell Growing up Black in the South, Patrick Chappell attended both predominantly Black and White churches and often felt like an outsider in each. But his pain led him to his purpose: creating grace-filled spaces for diverse relationships and intentional conversations. Learn from Patrick’s story and expertise on the following topics: How he survived a childhood of physical abuse and deep-seated racism Why leaders must proactively pursue those on the fringes How intentional, encouraging words can overcome fear and division Follow Patrick at and subscribe to the . Each week on the Praise Hands Podcast, join Robby Valderrama and learn from creative, cross-cultural solutionists who are shaping the future of church, race, music, and economics. Support the show at .
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Rethinking Urban Church Planting w/ NYC’s Ricky Ortiz
02/13/2020
Rethinking Urban Church Planting w/ NYC’s Ricky Ortiz
“If you want to change a society then you have to tell an alternative story.” NYC-native Ricky Ortiz had a heart to reach his city, but knew that traditional church planting financial models would prove difficult in the high-cost Big Apple. A few years later, Ricky’s thriving Meta Church serves as inspiration for church planters across the US. In this episode, hear Ricky share the strategic steps he’s taken to develop socioeconomic diversity and financial sustainability in an urban context. Hear Ricky’s wisdom on topics like: Inspiring A Shared Vision In Your Local Church Why He’s Okay With Members Missing Sunday Morning Tips For Reducing Your Church’s Tithe Dependency Follow Ricky at and Meta Church at . Each week on the Praise Hands Podcast, join Robby Valderrama and learn from creative, cross-cultural solutionists who are shaping the future of church, race, music, and economics. Support the show at .
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