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This is one of two episodes we're releasing today to celebrate the life of our friend Brian Doerksen, who passed away peacefully at his home this week, surrounded by his family. In this conversation, Brian shares his story in his own words: growing up in a Mennonite home in Abbotsford, British Columbia, finding his spiritual family in the Vineyard, and the night a shy bass player was called up to sing his secret song over five thousand people. He talks about intimacy over intensity, what makes a good worship leader, and the dream he was still carrying: helping others write songs that live on. Brian wrote songs the church has sung for over thirty years, including Refiner's Fire, Faithful One, Come Now Is the Time to Worship, Hope of the Nations, and Today (As For Me and My House). The church will be singing them for many years to come. The companion episode, A History of the Vineyard in Song, is also available in the feed.

This is one of two episodes we're releasing today to celebrate the life of our friend Brian Doerksen, who passed away peacefully at his home this week, surrounded by his family. Recorded around the Vineyard's 50th anniversary as part of our "A History of the Vineyard in Song" conference session, this conversation is Brian's chapter of that story: the 40-hour drive to a John Wimber conference in Kansas City, the Langley Vineyard, and the night in October 1989 when a church worship evening became Changed by Your Glory. Brian talks about where songs come from, what makes a song evergreen, and what he wanted to say to the next generation of Vineyard songwriters. Brian wrote songs the church has sung for over thirty years, including Refiner's Fire, Faithful One, I Lift My Eyes Up, and Come Now Is the Time to Worship. The church will be singing them for many years to come. The companion episode, Brian Doerksen: In His Own Words, is also available in the feed.

In this episode of The Ferment, Mike O'Brien talks with Anthony Peebles and Susan O'Brien about some exciting new Advent materials, namely a new worship single Anthony wrote titled "Royal Son" (performed by Tim Brown and Hannah DeSpain) and a corresponding devotional Susan created. Anthony also shares about some of his life in the Florida panhandle and his family's new adventure with Canyonview Vineyard Church in Grand Junction, CO. Anthony Peebles is a worship leader, songwriter, and musician with nearly two decades of experience in both music and ministry. A native of northwest Florida, Anthony signed with First Note Entertainment in 2015, collaborating with Grammy-nominated producer Dave Brainard on a folk album. His music has been featured on various network and streaming platforms, and he has had the privilege of opening for several national artists across the Southeast.   Passionate about creating authentic worship experiences, Anthony has been actively involved in ministry since his teens. His work spans multiple denominations with deep roots in the Vineyard tradition, and he is dedicated to fostering theological growth and cultivating cultures of pastoral care.   In late 2024, Anthony and his family moved to Grand Junction, CO, where he now serves as Worship Pastor at Canyon View Vineyard Church. Grateful for the opportunity to serve in a community that has shaped his faith journey, he is excited to continue leading in both the local church and the broader Vineyard movement.   Show Notes: Listen to Royal Son Susan's devotional: YouVersion (coming soon!) Anthony Peebles' music Susan's Spiritual Direction website

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Jimmy Cooke about getting pulled into the music scene, touring in a rock band, and the ways that being involved in the church prepared him for that life. Adam and Jimmy also discuss the relationship between Vineyard Worship and Vineyard Worship UK & Ireland.    Jimmy Cooke's association with the Vineyard dates back to his teens - he met his wife, Kate, at a Vineyard worship conference in the mid-90s. After studying Broadcast Audio Engineering in London, Jimmy spent 10 years working as a freelance drummer, engineer and producer (whilst working a plethora of part-time jobs to keep the wolf from the door!) In 2011, Jimmy and Kate relocated their family to Houston, TX, where Jimmy trained as a studio intern with Casey Corum for Vineyard Worship USA. They returned to the UK in 2012, where Jimmy took up the role of managing the record label for Vineyard Worship UK&I full-time. In September 2023, Jimmy founded his own music consultancy business. He continues to manage the Vineyard label part-time, whilst also freelancing as a mix engineer, studio drummer and project manager for Integrity Music. Jimmy is first and foremost a musician and ardent music fan, and this is at the heart of all he does. Show Notes: Jimmy's Website Jimmy's Band: Verra Cruz Jimmy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimmycooke Verra Cruz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verracruzband

In this episode of The Ferment, Adam chats with Nick Sherrod about being raised by a single mom, when music entered his life, and his entrance into the music industry. Nick shares how he came to the Vineyard, processed not being in a Black church, and finally settled into himself as a worshipper.  Nick Sherrod is an artist, writer, and worship leader currently serving at Vineyard Columbus. Even though he's been singing since the age of 11, only in recent years did he discover that worship was meant to be a big part of his life. His goal is to continue to grow and work hard to follow where God leads him.  Show Notes: Nick's website

In this episode of The Ferment, Director of the Vineyard School of Worship Mike O'Brien chats with Jonathan Cool as we continue our series: "A Week In The Life", looking at the weekly rhythms of worship leaders from around the country in various-sized congregations. Jonathan shares about their church staff's focus on celebration, the worship team's rhythms of practice and gathering, and Jonathan's Sunday morning ritual. He also talks about his team's preferred organizational tools and how he approaches his days off.  Jonathan Cool is the Worship Pastor at Vineyard Church Delaware County and lives in Sunbury, Ohio with his wife Jenn and their two children, Elizabeth & Joshua. He loves pastoring and doing life with the church's worship community, and he has a passion for songwriting with the church in mind. Worship has long been an integral part of Jonathan's life and he comes from a family of musicians and writers. In his early 20s, someone gave him a prophetic word about being in the Vineyard and making music, and he experienced the presence of God. Shortly thereafter he found himself in a Vineyard church plant in central Ohio and has been a part of the Vineyard ever since. Jonathan is particularly grateful for the various Vineyard gatherings throughout the years, and for the people and relationships that have made up these spaces. His journey has led him to be a part of different songwriting communities and recording projects, along with participating and leading worship at Vineyard Worship conferences & retreats. Show notes: VCLE- City In Bloom Vineyard Church Delaware County

In this episode of The Ferment, Director of the Vineyard School of Worship Mike O'Brien chats with Kat Michael, Worship Pastor at Franklin Vineyard Church in Tennessee as we continue our series: "A Week In The Life", looking at the weekly rhythms of worship leaders from around the country in various-sized congregations.  Kat shares about the season of transition their church is navigating, her favorite parts of each week, and her Sunday morning routine. Kat also talks about their staff and worship team's balance of spiritual practices and production. Kat Michael has always had worship as a part of her life. Being the granddaughter of a worship minister and growing up singing hymns with her sisters and cousins, music is a part of her DNA. She has been leading the worship ministry at the Franklin Vineyard Church for ten years and loves creating space and writing songs for people to encounter the presence of God. She believes that when we worship in spirit and truth, heaven invades earth and people's lives are forever changed. Kat co-hosts a podcast with Grant Pemberton releasing Fall of 2024 called Everyday Exorcist. Kat is married to the love of her life Josh and together they homeschool their four children: Felix, Jubilee, Clara and Wilder.  Show Notes:  Franklin Vineyard

This week we kick off a new series looking at a week in the life of worship leaders from around the country in various size congregations. Director of the Vineyard School of Worship Mike O'Brien sits down with Nicole Hernandez from Vineyard Columbus in Westerville, Ohio. Nicole, a 4th generation Mexican-American from Southern California, has been part of the Vineyard movement from a young age and has led worship since she was 13. She currently serves as the Worship Coordinator at Vineyard Columbus – Viña Grandview Campus. Although she didn't grow up speaking Spanish, living in Venezuela for five years helped her become fluent, and she now enjoys stepping into 'bridge spaces,' including leading the Vineyard Worship Spanish Translation team. Passionate about bilingual worship and songwriting, Nicole blends Latin musical elements with other styles. She and her husband, Daniel, also serve on the Vineyard Hispanic Association leadership team. In her free time, Nicole loves hanging out with her husband & their two teens, being outside in (almost) all types of weather, and hosting friends with Venezuelan arepas and other delicious meals.

In this episode of The Ferment, we complete our mini-series on the Vineyard USA National Conference session: A Story Of The Vineyard in Song. This week, Adam and Nicole Dill talk with Anabeth Morgan. Anabeth expands on the story she shared during the session via video about being invited to a Vineyard church, feeling like she found a sense of home, and what that experience meant to her. She also talks about what she does now as a worship pastor to prepare for those who come to church needing an encounter similar to what she experienced all those years ago.   Anabeth Morgan is a worship leader, songwriter, and one of the staff pastors at the Mile High Vineyard neighborhood churches since 2011.  She has been an integral part of Vineyard Worship as a leader, artist and writer, serving at Vineyard churches in Houston, Columbus, and Kansas City. Anabeth is deeply passionate about God's presence and loves to lean into the Spirit of God in worship and prayer. Her ability to listen to the Holy Spirit, whether leading worship or groups of people, has given God the opportunity to do wonderful things in people's lives. She loves sharing her intimate faith in God with others, enjoys being hospitable, and is always sensitive to the people and environment around her. Anabeth has appeared on many Vineyard albums such as Cultivation Generation, Servant Wide Awake, My Foundation, Breathe In, Sing Out and more. In December 2017 she finished writing and recording her first studio album A Place Your Glory Dwells. Recently, she has had songs "You Meet Me Here", "Heaven's Work" and "King of Heaven", released through Vineyard Worship, and has published other worship songs in collaboration with other songwriters. She was married to Kyle in 2003 and they have two amazing children, Jovie and Miles.   Show Notes:  Watch "A Story of the Vineyard in Song"

In this episode of The Ferment, we continue our mini-series on the Vineyard USA National Conference session: A Story Of The Vineyard in Song. This week, Adam and Nicole Dill talk with Ed Piorek about the childhood experiences that provoked him to seek the Lord. They also discuss how the Father's love shaped his life, leadership and church, as well as his own parenting. Finally, Ed talks about pioneering intimate language in worship and shares a fatherly word for Vineyard pastors and leaders.    Ed Piorek, known as Eddie to his friends, is a Pastor Emeritus, speaker, and author who helps people connect with the Father's Love. With over 50 years in ministry, Eddie has a deep connection to the Father's Love and the enormous impact it can have in people's lives, including his own. He and his wife Janet (who has been his partner in ministry for the past half-century) embody and live out the message of the Father's Love in their lives.     In recent years, Eddie has discovered the treasures of monastic contemplation, which has shown him how to find rest in the Father's love amidst the ongoing rigors of kingdom ministry. His new book The Eclectic Contemplative (2020) shares his adventures on this ancient path.  When he isn't preaching, speaking or writing, Eddie can be found surfing, gardening, reading, or spending time with his wife Janet in sunny San Clemente, California.    Notes:  Hear more from Ed on The Ferment

In this episode of The Ferment, we continue our mini-series on the Vineyard USA National Conference session: A Story Of The Vineyard in Song. This week, Adam and Nicole Dill talk with Cindy Rethmeier about the early days of the Vineyard, how new songs were introduced, and some of the stories behind the original Vineyard songs. Cindy shares about how relationships influence songwriting, and navigating the balance of family life with leading worship.   Cindy Rethmeier is one of the pioneering female worship leaders and songwriters of the modern worship era. She wrote some of Vineyard's most well-known anthems (Exalt the Lord, I Bow Down) and served an integral role in children's worship, penning the songs I Want to be Like Jesus and Good News. Cindy spent 7 years in an Anglican Church writing musical settings for prayers and seasonal antiphons for the liturgy, and her most-recent song —  co-written with Vineyard pastor and worship leader Ted Kim — is Kyrie Eléison, a lament based on a prayer of petition used in ancient Christian liturgies translating as "Lord, have mercy." After many years in Southern California, Cindy currently lives in Tennessee with her husband of over 40 years, Steve. She has 2 children & 11 grandchildren who are the inspiration for her name songs & lighthearted, everyday-life songs.     Show Notes:  Hear more from Cindy on The Ferment I Want To Be Like Jesus

In this episode of The Ferment, we continue our mini-series on the Vineyard USA National Conference session: A Story Of The Vineyard in Song. This week, Adam and Nicole Dill talk with Brian Doerksen about his first encounter with the Vineyard and the doors it opened for him to pursue the faith his heart longed for. Brian shares the history behind the album "Changed By Your Glory" and the stories of how some of his most well-known songs came to be. They also talk about how he discerns his songwriting assignments, what makes a song evergreen, and some advice for newer Vineyard songwriters.  Brian is a songwriter, recording artist, and songwriting instructor (founder of 'Unlocking Your Songs'), but most of all he loves spending time with his high-school sweetheart Joyce (they have been married for 38 years.) Brian & Joyce have 4 adult daughters and 2 adult sons with Fragile X Syndrome. His songs are known and sung internationally in faith communities of all kinds including 'Come Now is the Time to Worship', 'Refiner's Fire', 'Hope Of The Nations' and 'The River.' Show notes:  Hear more from Brian on The Ferment   Changed By Your Glory

Welcome back to The Ferment Podcast! On today's episode, we are kicking off a mini-series about a very special session of this summer's National Conference called "A Story of the Vineyard in Song." In this episode, you will hear from the planning team (Adam Russell, Casey Corum, Melisa Keller, Caleb Maskell, and Nicole Dill) about why they decided to create this session and some behind-the-scenes stories about the planning process. Different members of the team also share why songs are such a cornerstone of the Vineyard Movement, how songs serve as a marker for us of time and place, and some of the songs that have been especially formational in each of their lives.   Show notes Vineyard Worship Essentials Vineyard USA

Today's episode of The Ferment is a special re-post from the We Are Vineyard podcast! That's right, Adam has been cohosting a special mini-series on preaching with Ted Kim (Lead Pastor of Evanston Vineyard in IL), and if you're a pastor in the Vineyard this series is GOLD. In this introductory episode, Adam and Ted each share their early journey as a pastor, how they realized they were called to preach, and the insecurities they faced while finding their unique voice. They talk about how to learn from influential pastors without mimicking them, how they approach sermon prep each week, and each of their superpowers and kryptonite as pastors.  Show Notes:  We Are Vineyard Podcast

In this episode of The Ferment, Mike O'Brien interviews several Vineyard Worship Essentials cohort leaders! They talk about the value of continuing education for worship leaders, why it's worth adding another thing into an already busy season, and the role coaches play in the cohort dynamic. Registration is open for the 2024 summer cohort which begins June 2, so sign up now! Show notes: Vineyard Worship Essentials