The Hidden Epidemic of Burnout in the Church
On this episode of Worship Is My Weapon, Rita Springer sits down with Jake Hamilton for an inspiring conversation about the tension of ministry and family and the true definition of calling.
Jake shares his journey of prioritizing family over career, reclaiming true masculinity, and fostering fatherhood through initiatives like The Fight.
They dive into the pressures of the Christian music industry, the need for accountability, and the power of writing songs rooted in real-life experiences.
Jan 22, 2025
Complete Surrender... 👀
"God said, "Do you trust me?" And I answered back, "No..." Then God asked, "Can you try?"
Rita shares how she found renewed hope for 2025 after an honest conversation with the Lord.
Jan 15, 2025
"Lord, This Is Exhausting BUT..." | An Honest Conversation with Janice Gaines
On this episode of 'Worship Is My Weapon,' Rita Springer sits down for an honest conversation with Janice Gaines.
Janice shares her journey as a black woman navigating the peaks and valleys of the music industry, the balancing act of motherhood and career, and the profound significance of race and identity in today's world.
Her story of faith and resilience emphasizes how God’s guidance shapes our journeys and every aspect of life.
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Amazing Kids Curriculum Visit https://amazing.kids/ and use the referral code RITA
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Jan 8, 2025
Kristin Johns & Jon Volk Get Real About Social Media, the Haters, and Faith
This week on Worship Is My Weapon, Rita sits down with 'That's the Point' podcast hosts Kristin Johns and Jon Volk to discuss life, social media, and faith while sharing some scones.
If you would like to support the Worship Is My Weapon podcast 🙏🏻🕊️🤍
Venmo - https://account.venmo.com/u/Wearing-Justice
Paypal - https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=ECFKWU3TBUN6Q
💌 Stay connected with Rita by signing up for her exclusive mailing list: http://worshipismyweaponshow.com
And follow Rita on Social Media: https://linktr.ee/ritaspringer
Special Offer:
Today's episode is sponsored by Hello Fresh! Get 10 FREE meals at hellofresh.com/freeworship
Amazing Kids Curriculum Visit https://amazing.kids/ and use the referral code RITA
Dec 18, 2024
God Asked Her to Carry the Dream She Didn't Receive... w/ Krissy Nordhoff
"Just because a dream doesn't come true doesn't mean it doesn't have value..." This week on 'Worship Is My Weapon,' Rita sits down with Krissy Nordhoff. Krissy shares her journey as a musician and how the Lord's been showing her the value of sowing seeds and carrying dreams for future generations.
0:00 - Introduction and Welcome
1:00 - Today’s Guest, Krissy Nordhoff: Her Journey to Songwriting and Creative Expression
8:21 - Pioneering and Planting Seeds vs Instant “Produce”
15:36 - Contending for Songwriting
27:00 - The Pressure to Succeed
36:08 - Ad: Amazing Kids - https://Amazing.Kids
38:10 - Songwriting: Heartfelt Intention
41:48 - Finding the Balance, Bringing the Offering
44:43 - The Hustle and The Burden
49:12 - Women United, Hopeful Visions and Mentorship
59:39 - Cultivating What Matters
1:00:50 - Ad: Subscribe to the Newsletter - https://worshipismyweaponshow.com/
1:01:43 - Your Great Name: A Story
1:10:33 - Heaven’s Backend Story
1:13:54 - Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Dec 4, 2024
Tasha Layton Holds NOTHING Back on Mental Health & the Church
This week on 'Worship Is My Weapon,' Rita sits down with Tasha Layton. Tasha opens up about her struggles with the church, depression, and suicidal thoughts, and how her healing journey led to a deep, abiding relationship with God. Looking back on her experience - from growing up leading worship to randomly trying out for American Idol and singing background vocals for Katy Perry - Tasha sees the hand of God moving through it all.
0:00 - Introduction
1:03 - Today’s Guest, Tasha Layton: Reminiscing on Alanis Morissette
6:18 - Tasha’s Story
14:09 - Pride and Judgment: Learning to Love The Church
19:44 - Blaming the Real Enemy for the Hurt
23:49 - Ad: Hello Fresh - https://www.hellofresh.com/freeworship
26:06 - Open Doors: Idols and Katy Perry
35:46 - A Light in Dark Places
41:10 - Discernment and Judgment: Being Prepared
46:08 - AD: Amazing Kids - https://Amazing.Kids
48:11 - When the Grace Lifts: Learning to Listen and Hear
55:42 - The Social Media Monster
59:18 - From Performance to Presence, A Life Build on Love
1:06:44 - A Call to Carry: Ask and You Will Receive
1:09:04 - The Line Between the Sacred and Profane
1:11:35 - The Need for Theologically Sound Music
1:14:32 - The Record Deal, Reaching the Masses
1:18:37 - Walking out the Balance: Living from Rest
1:21:10 - Vision and Goals
1:24:12 - Women in Worship: Raising up and Giving Away
1:28:41 - What Women Need to Know
1:32:25 - Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://worshipismyweaponshow.com/
1:33:18 - Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Nov 27, 2024
It's TIME to Make a Holy Demand!
Has disappointment stolen your expectations? On this episode of "Worship Is My Weapon," Rita discusses the significance of having a 'holy demand' during weary seasons and maintaining expectation and faith - even when answers seem distant.
Chapter Markers
0:00 - Introduction and Welcome
0:50 - Worship as a Weapon: Considering the Cost
7:40 - Seasons and Disappointments: Losses and Expectations
10:39 - Having a Holy Demand: Peace Without the Answers
17:30 - Ad: Field of Greens - https://FieldOfGreens.com
19:02 - Balance in Disappointment, Aligning with God: Wisdom from Psalm 55
27:39 - Finding Language About The Lord
30:02 - Understanding a Weary Demand Becoming a Holy Demand
32:10 - Ad: Amazing Kids - https://Amazing.Kids
34:13 - Disappointment and Holy Demands: 2 Kings 4:8
44:05 - Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://worshipismyweaponshow.com/
44:57 - Holy Demands as a Form of Worship
47:40 - Open and Honest in All Things
50:19 - Sign up for the Mentorship Program: https://www.ritaspringer.com
53:06 - Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Nov 20, 2024
Living a Worshipful Life with Bryan and Katie Torwalt
"Holy Spirit, you are welcome here..." This week on 'Worship Is My Weapon,' Rita sits down with Bryan and Katie Torwalt. Bryan and Katie share how they met at Bethel Music Worship School and the incredible journey God's taken them on over the past fifteen years.
00:00 - Introduction and Welcome
00:53 - Today’s Guest, Bryan and Katie Torwalt: Their Story
14:20 - Ad: Hello Fresh - https://www.hellofresh.com/freeworship
15:54 - Bryan and Katie Torwalt: Their Story
22:38 - Processing the Future
26:55 - Writing Songs and Making Records
34:25 - The Story Behind the Song, Holy Spirit
40:38 - There’s Something About Being in the Room, Remembering the Moments
47:45 - Keeping God at the Center
57:07 - Seasons: Learning in the Process
59:57 - Disappointment, Disobedience, and Distraction
1:08:09 - Pain to Praise: The God Who Heals
1:15:41 - Compassion in The Church
1:17:54 - Repentance and Joy
1:22:10 - Ad: Subscribe to the Newsletter - https://worshipismyweaponshow.com/
1:23:03 - What Bryan and Katie Burn for
1:29:26 - Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Nov 6, 2024
She Didn't Want to Meet Him, But God STILL Showed Up (POWERFUL Testimony)
Lisa Jennett didn't want to have anything to do with God. After growing up with an abusive father and the death of her twin daughters, Lisa had put "heaven in a coffin and nailed it up." She didn't need God. In fact, she promised she wouldn't even say His name unless she was "pissed off"... Then, at 52, Lisa met "the Lord Real Dad," and everything changed. Join us this week on 'Worship Is My Weapon' to hear Lisa's incredible testimony and grab a copy of her book - When I Last Saw Me: The Memoir of Sammi Bass.
0:00 - Introduction
0:53 - Today's Guest, Lisa Jennett
5:26 - Lisa's Story
29:43 - Packing Mr Brown and Taking Inventory
44:53 - God in the Jeep, How Lisa Met Jesus
1:02:43 - Ad: Amazing Kids - https://Amazing.Kids
1:04:45 - Personal Prisons, Dangerous Comfortability
1:14:20 - Being Pushed into Forgiveness
1:30:54 - Trauma and Forgiveness: Where to Start
1:38:25 - Ad: Subscribe to the Newsletter - https://worshipismyweaponshow.com/
1:39:18 - What's in a Name
1:42:55 - Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Oct 30, 2024
Darlene Zschech Opens Up About Life & the Church
In this special episode of 'Worship Is My Weapon,' Rita sits down with the legendary Darlene Zschech, often hailed as the 'Queen of Worship.' Together, they reflect on the transformative power of worship and God's unwavering faithfulness. Darlene shares intimate stories of her upbringing, rise to become a global worship leader, and the trials that fortified her faith — including her battle with cancer.
00:00 - Introduction
00:55 - Today's Guest, Darlene Zschech: Her Story
10:18 - Darlene's Journey to Leading Worship
14:40 - The Holy Spirit: The Teacher
18:17 - How Shout to The Lord Came About, Discerning Her Role
23:07 - Ad: Field of Greens - https://FieldOfGreens.com
24:28 - Finding Balance in Today's Church Culture
33:12 - The Struggle for the Truth
36:06 - Where The Church Has Gone Wrong with Spiritual Parenting and Discipline
42:34 -Teaching the Value of the Oil: Entitlement vs. Longevity
46:03 - Female Worshipers: The Qualities of Longevity
50:44 - Ad: Amazing Kids - https://Amazing.Kids
52:48 - Female Worshipers: Facing Opposition, The Qualities of Longevity, Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing
1:07:03 - Ad: Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://worshipismyweaponshow.com/
1:07:56 - Ad: Earthworks Audio - https://earthworksaudio.com/
1:09:18 - Authentic Worship: Maintaining a Passion and Love for Jesus
1:18:34 - What Kind of Songs Should be Written?
1:26:01 - Leaving a Legacy: Darlene's Upcoming Songs
1:29:22 - Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Oct 23, 2024
Prophetic Words & Faithful Waiting w/ The Serbans
On this episode of 'Worship Is My Weapon,' Rita sits down with worship duo Garett and Kate Serban. Garett and Kate open up about their journey in the faith, the importance of being faithful in hidden seasons, and how God has used prophetic words to shape their lives and testimonies. Their story is a powerful example of God's guidance and purpose in the lives of believers.
00:00 - Introduction
00:55 - Today's Guests, The Serbans: Their Story, Their Journey
20:22 - Dreams and Callings and Prophecies
24:53 - Passion for the Local Church
30:02 - Ad: Amazing Kids - https://Amazing.Kids
32:05 - Songwriting: Keeping it Pure, Finding Contentment, Remaining Faithful
39:55 - Ad: Earthworks Audio - https://earthworksaudio.com/
41:16 - Remaining Faithful
42:21 - Between the Now and the Not Yet
45:08 - Youtube Taking Off
49:34 - Protecting Purity
56:37 - Bringing Enough Oil
1:00:17 - Fining Jesus for Yourself
1:02:24 - Ad: Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://worshipismyweaponshow.com/
1:03:17 - Humbled and in Awe
1:06:51 - The Importance of Slow Growth
1:11:17 - Singing Testimonies
1:13:55 - Conclusion
Oct 16, 2024
Lisa Bevere on Spiritual Warfare & the Fight for Female
On this episode of 'Worship is My Weapon,' Rita Springer sits down with dear friend Lisa Bevere. They discuss the spiritual hunger they've seen amongst women today and how to fight in the Spirit so that we can stand firm in truth and love. Lisa shares insights from her latest book, 'The Fight for Female,' offering encouragement and a call to courageous living because now is not the time to be quiet. Grab a copy of your own today - https://www.amazon.com/Fight-Female-Reclaiming-Divine-Identity/dp/0800745817
00:00 - Introduction and Welcome
01:00 - Today's Guest, Lisa Bevere
04:03 - Obedience vs Performance
06:12 - The Conference Era: Hungry for the Moment vs A Real Hunger
08:19 - Ad: Amazing Kids - https://Amazing.Kids
10:21 - The Conference Era: Hungry for the Moment vs A Real Hunger
12:23 - Spiritual Warfare, Identity and a Dumbed Down Generation
22:00 - The First Five Days: The Misuse of Holy Choices
30:18 - Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://worshipismyweaponshow.com/
31:10 - Undermining the Image of God and the Impact on Future Generations
40:23 - Fools and Agendas: Understanding Origins, and Restoring the Family
50:54 - Ad: Earthworks Audio - https://earthworksaudio.com/
52:15 - There is Hope: What We Can Do
56:17 - How do we Fight? How do we Live?
1:03:22 - Lisa's New Book, Exposing the Dragon
1:05:58 - Seeing the Miraculous: The Clarity Between Darkness and Light
1:08:10 - What Songs The Church Should be Singing
1:10:15 - Conclusion
Oct 9, 2024
Songwriting 201: Creating Songs That Move the Church
Why are you limiting your creative genius? The Creator of the universe has designed and loves to see you create! On this episode of Worship Is My Weapon, Rita emphasizes the importance of pushing creative boundaries while staying true to what one burns for.
0:00 - Introduction and Episode Orientation
1:42 - Understanding Creative Expression and Congregational Writing
5:42 - No Compromise, No Mimicking
7:35 - Ad: Amazing Kids - https://Amazing.Kids
9:38 - Storytelling Songs, Responsible Theology
13:00 - Finishing Songs, Connecting with People's Hearts
19:14 - Limiting Our Creative Genius
20:18 - Ad: Subscribe to the Newsletter - https://worshipismyweaponshow.com/
21:10 - Rocking the Boat, Doing Something Different
26:30 - Who Makes the Rules: Songwriting in the American Church
33:26 - Find Out What You Burn For
33:59 - Ad: Earthworks Audio - https://earthworksaudio.com/
35:43 - Putting in the Work, Building a House
37:50 - Building a House: Writing a Song
52:43 - Writing for Congregations: Don't Go Back to the Ditch
55:14 - Conclusion
Oct 2, 2024
Chris McClarney Gets Candid About the Holy Spirit and Worship
On this episode of the Worship Is My Weapon, Rita Springer sits down with Chris McClarney, accomplished singer/songwriter with Jesus Culture and founder of Funtime Studios. Chris shares his fascinating story of growing up as a Southern Baptist pastor's kid, how he encountered the Holy Spirit for the first time, and what he's doing now that will break the worship industry!
0:00 - Introduction and Welcome
0:53 - Today's Guest, Chris McClarney: His Journey to Worship
16:47 - Ad: Amazing Kids - https://Amazing.Kids
18:51 - Laying it Down for the Least of These and Getting Back to Worship
26:16 - Ad: Field of Greens - https://FieldOfGreens.com
27:59 - Songwriting and Making a Record
37:58 - Songs that Define: Yes and Amen, God of Miracles
44:43 - Songs that Put the Soul Back Together
47:22 - Different Than Before
50:10 - Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://worshipismyweaponshow.com/
51:03 - Doing Things Differently
58:16 - Making Zero $, Changing Lives
1:00:28 - Orphan Songs
1:02:04 - Explaining the Point System, A God Thing
1:07:15 - Ad: Earthworks Audio - https://earthworksaudio.com/
1:08:37 - More Money, More Growth
1:14:24 - Beautiful Holiness, God Will Make it Happen
1:17:21 - Supporting Creatives, Revival in the Arts
1:22:33 - Support What Chris is Doing: VENMO: @realfunrecords
1:23:26 - Bringing What You Have, Building the Kingdom
1:26:36 - Final Thoughts
Sep 25, 2024
Songwriting 101: Awaken God’s Creative Calling for YOU
Maybe you're asking the question, am I a songwriter?... But a nagging voice inside your head says, "You will never be good enough." In this episode of Worship Is My Weapon, Rita Springer discusses the beauty in our gifting and gives practical steps to overcome doubt and live out the fullness of your creative expression.
00:00 - Introduction and Context of This Episode
1:25 - Getting Better and Better, Understanding (Songwriting) Formulas
11:14 - Ad: Amazing Kids - https://Amazing.Kids
13:16 - Making Money vs Passion
15:06 - Seattle and Grunge Music
17:36 - Irrevocable Anointing: God-Given Gifts
21:17 - Art as a Language Used by God
23:58 - Looking for a Balance in Your Art
26:43 - Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.ritaspringer.com/
27:36 - Songwriting Secret Passages: Telling a Story, Art as an Escape
31:54 - Not Good, but Willing, and Art as Therapy
35:26 - Songs Creating a Shift, The Power Behind the Artist
39:20 - Ad: Earthworks Audio - https://earthworksaudio.com/
40:42 - Christian Artists in a Box
43:54 - Free Falling without a Label
46:15 - Asking the Challenging Questions, Burning for Art
47:51 - Expanding, Progressing, Not Being Stagnant
51:24 - Encouragement and Conclusion
Sep 11, 2024