The Walk: A Devotional Podcast from Worship Leader Magazine

Kurtis Parks has lived a remarkable worship journey—spanning rock bands, publishing deals, pastoral ministry, and now serving as a worship pastor in Richmond, VA. A former American Idol contestant and songwriter of over 1,200 songs, Kurtis shares his deeply personal transformation from chasing fame to fully surrendering his life to Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.

In this testimony-rich episode, Kurtis walks through decades of spiritual highs and valleys, ultimately revealing the moment a small group question redirected his destiny.

Episode Highlights:

• From American Idol to a Holy Spirit-filled worship life

• The turning point that redefined Kurtis’s purpose

• How spiritual disciplines anchor his leadership

• What the Psalms teach us about authentic worship

• Leading worship vs. pastoring people: knowing the difference

“You have to stop coming to God as a lead pastor—and start coming to Him as a son.”

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Join us for a moving conversation with worship leader and songwriter Jenn Chenoweth as she shares her journey from childhood ministry roots to battling chronic pain, and how it all shaped her voice, heart, and theology of worship. A Southeastern University alum and respected leader, Jenn brings honesty, depth, and grace to everything she touches—including her new worship project Out to Get Me.

In this episode:

• How early experiences shaped Jenn’s passion for worship
  
  
• The pain and purpose behind her vocal injury and recovery
  
  
• Embracing your voice when it doesn’t match your personality
  
  
• Why worship leaders must learn to rest—and how that itself is worship
  
  
• The story behind her new project and the surprising meaning of “Out to Get Me”
  
  

In this powerful episode of The Walk, Clark Beckham shares how his journey from American Idol finalist to soul-stirring singer-songwriter has been shaped by faith, marriage, and the tension between performance and worship. From discovering his vocal identity post-puberty to leading with spiritual integrity in mainstream music, Clark reveals why surrender—not skill—is the true key to transformation.

Whether you're a worship leader, singer, or just someone learning to trust God’s voice over your own, this episode will leave you deeply moved and freshly inspired.

Who is Clark Beckham?
Clark Beckham is a Grammy-nominated artist who rose to national fame as the runner-up on American Idol. Known for his soulful tone, technical brilliance, and heartfelt lyrics, Clark blends gospel, R&B, and jazz with a convictional call to holiness. He's performed with the Nashville Symphony, opened for artists like Jon Bellion, and is now signed with Nashville Christian Songwriters.

✨ EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

• How technique and surrender work together in worship

• The moment a vocal breakthrough changed everything at age 16

• Why marriage shapes every musical decision he makes

• His deep convictions about singing “through redeemed eyes”

• The surprising way he warms up before a performance

“If I’m singing about heartbreak, I want someone to check on me after the set. That’s the goal.” —Clark Beckham

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In this unforgettable episode of The Walk, Lecrae shares the powerful story behind his latest album, Reconstruction, and the spiritual overhaul that brought it to life. From religious trauma in his upbringing to near-death experiences that led him back to Christ, Lecrae opens up about the cost of being a cultural bridge between faith and the world.

Whether you're a worship leader, artist, or anyone caught between church culture and real-world struggle, Lecrae's journey will inspire you to let go of performative faith and embrace a deeper identity rooted in Christ.

Who is Lecrae?

Lecrae is a four-time Grammy-winning artist, New York Times bestselling author, actor, activist, and founder of Reach Records. Known for pushing boundaries in Christian hip-hop, he uses his platform to address faith, justice, identity, and transformation.

Episode Highlights

• Why Lecrae had to deconstruct cultural Christianity to rebuild biblical faith

• The healing power behind the song "Holidays" with John Bellion

• How Lecrae creates safe spaces for artists like T.I. and Madison Ryann Ward to wrestle with faith

• What it cost him to step outside the church bubble and reach culture

• The spiritual weight and responsibility of doing prison ministry after release

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In this unforgettable episode of The Walk, Colton Dixon shares a deeply personal journey from industry pressure to spiritual renewal. From his breakout moment on American Idol to chart-topping songs and even launching a fragrance, Colton’s story reveals the tension between platform and purpose. But it's his candid reflections on anxiety, fatherhood, and the call to authenticity that will stay with you. Whether you're a worship leader navigating industry expectations or a parent trying to live your faith at home, this conversation will inspire you to choose presence, purpose, and Jesus.

Who is Colton Dixon?

Colton Dixon is a gold-certified recording artist, husband, father of twins, and bold worshiper known for hits like “Build a Boat” and “Miracles.” He launched into national attention via American Idol and has since expanded his creative footprint to books, fragrances, and family-centered ministry.

🔑 Episode Highlights

• Why biblically sound music should never compromise authenticity

• How Romans 8 helped him overcome anxiety and inspired his latest single

• The responsibility of modeling faith at home as a father and artist

• Why “the plaque isn’t the point—it’s the people”

• How creative outlets like fragrance and fashion can still serve ministry

💬 One Powerful Quote

“We’re not stopping at gold. It’s not for the plaque—it’s for the people.”

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