Praise Hands

“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 http://praisehands.com/donate.

“People sometimes have strong criticisms of contemporary worship without actually knowing it.” - Glenn Packiam Glenn Packiam is a songwriter, a theologian, and an Anglican priest pastoring at New Life Church in Colorado Springs. His recent books Worship And The World To Come and The Resilient Pastor are helpful and hopeful guides for Christian leaders who are navigating leadership in our current global health crisis. In this episode of the Praise Hands Podcast, hear Glenn talk through: His experience as a Malaysian-American in the worship music industry Three Congregational Worship paradigms that shape Sunday mornings Key takeaways from his research on congregational worship 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 http://praisehands.com/donate.

“We are not establishing some new morality that is an over-realized understanding of heaven on earth. Reparations are love of neighbor.” - Duke Kwon Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair is a brand new book from Pastor Duke Kwon and cultural educator Gregory Thompson that’s sending shockwaves through the American church. On this timely and hotly debated topic of reparations to the African American community, Kwon and Thompson use theology and history to argue that the church has a unique moral responsibility to repair our nation’s original sin. In this episode of the Praise Hands Podcast, hear Duke and Gregory talk through: Frameworks for understanding racism, white supremacy, and reparations The church’s crucial role in developing America’s racial caste system How Christian creatives can use their repentant imaginations to create change Each week on the Praise Hands Podcast, join Robby Valderrama and learn from creative, cross-cultural solutionists at the American intersection of church,

“The perception that Christianity is a ‘White man’s religion’ is the single greatest obstacle to the Gospel in the world.” -Vince Bantu Vince Bantu is an assistant professor of Church History and Black Church Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary and a director of the Meachum School of Haymanot, a seminary that offers education from Afrocentric and Biblical perspectives.  In this episode of the Praise Hands Podcast, Vince explores the history of the global church and the struggle for modern people of color as they wrestle with the racialized stigmas of Christianity, discussing: Christianity’s multicultural heritage and how it can be reclaimed today The Pan-African Church’s historical relationship with the Roman Church, Islam, and White America  How past theological and cultural disagreements affect current racial reconciliation 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,

“There is a mysticism to life with God. If we believe that God is present with us, how can there not be?” Rich Villodas   Some of the most ancient practices of the church, like contemplation and silence, still have much to teach us in our always-on, always-connected world. In his book, The Deeply Formed Life, pastor and author Rich Villodas shares personal insight on how spiritual union with Christ can fuel a life of justice. On this episode of the Praise Hands Podcast, hear Rich and Robby discuss: How Christian meditation differs from other mindfulness practices The role that silence can play in our corporate worship experiences The challenges in building authentically multicultural churches 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 http://praisehands.com/donate.

“The beauty of God is not limited to our culture. Are we willing to create space?” - Jaewoo Kim Josh Davis and Jaewoo Kim from Proskuneo Ministries and their families moved to Clarkston, Georgia, one of the most diverse square miles in the entire United States. On their street, they live, work, homeschool their kids together, and co-lead a vibrant multicultural worshipping community. On this episode of the Praise Hands Podcast featuring co-host McKenzie Abbott, Josh and Jaewoo share:• How to cultivate a worshipping community vs simply creating worship experiences • The cultural challenges immigrants face in American churches• What John’s visions in Revelation can teach us about multicultural worship 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 http://praisehands.com/donate.

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. Watch the Zoom on YouTube, or hear audio-only on your podcast app of choice. 0:00:33 Patrick Chappell 0:30:30 Lex The Advocate 0:52:00 Barna Group’s Brooke Hempell 0:57:50 DJ Chuang 1:17:08 Thank You’s and Fake Ending 1:19:53 Jackie The Educator 1:25:57 Ricky Ortiz Listen around the hour-mark for details on how to enter to win, as well for an exciting announcement from Robby on a living legend who he’ll be interviewing shortly for a new episode.   Time Codes (along with guest’s original episode title):   0:00:33 Patrick Chappell (EP28 “The Myth Of "Organic" Diversity”) Hear Patrick share about his new role as a campus pastor, and about the ways his church is looking to move past traditional models to reach and empower their neighbors. Also, hear about his unfiltered, unashamed obsession with the rock band Weezer.   0:30:30 Lex The Adv

“The culture of social media has made us bold in the wrong ways.” Wendy Cunningham On January 5th, 2021, third-party voter Wendy Cunningham was a highly successful entrepreneur who was loved and respected by her business partners across the country. Two days later, after peacefully attending the January 6th rally in Washington DC, she was cut out of a lifelong friendship, labeled a racist, and had her family’s lone income source threatened by colleagues. On this episode of the Praise Hands Podcast, hear Wendy open up about: Why a third-party voter like her made the trip to DC Her on-the-ground experience on January 6th What it’s like to be cancelled in cancel culture 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 http://praisehands.com/donate.

“I think we trust politicians’ words more than God’s Word when it comes to immigration.” Moving from a Trump to a Biden presidency, The Immigration Coalition founder Rondell Trevino shares his family’s immigration journey, along with how the church in America can have its priorities right on this urgent and complicated issue. On this episode of the Praise Hands Podcast, hear Rondell share: How Rondell’s family navigated through the U.S. immigration process His thoughts on Christian Nationalism and idolatry Why Christians must be pro-life across the political spectrum 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 http://praisehands.com/donate.

“You don’t have to be perfect to make a difference.” Danielle Coke At the beginning of 2020, Danielle Coke (@ohhappydani) had 700 Instagram followers and an iPad. A few months later, her racial justice-themed artwork went viral, causing her to gain 300,000 Instagram followers in one week, and leading her work to be featured on the Today Show, Buzzfeed, NBC, and countless other media outlets.  On this episode of the Praise Hands Podcast, hear Danielle share: The creative process behind her popular artwork Tips for building a brand around your passion How her relationship with Jesus shapes her social justice work   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 http://praisehands.com/donate.

“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 Ready or Not: Kingdom Innovation for a Brave New World 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 http://praisehands.com/getinvolved. Join the Year End Giving Campaign by becoming a monthly or one-time supporter at http://praisehands.com/donate. All donors in December 2020 will be automatically entered

“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 http://praisehands.com/getinvolved. Join the Year End Giving Campaign by becoming a monthly or one-time support

“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. Donate, volunteer, and join the Praise Hands Facebook Group at http://praisehands.com/getinvol

“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 chur

“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 http://praisehands.com/donate.

“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 “Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope”.  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 http://praisehands.com/donate.

“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 “Worship Beyond Nationalism”. 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 http://praisehands.com/donate.

“We must work to view the world through our neighbor’s eyes.” Derek Ham Would you be willing to walk a mile in the shoes of a Black man in the South at the height of the Civil Rights Movement? Or respond to a life-threatening dispatch call in the place of a modern-day police officer? Through virtual reality simulations, storyteller Derek Ham helps communities do just that, creating a bridge of empathy between people of color and law enforcement officers. Hear Derek share about: • His unlikely journey as an African American male in tech • How virtual reality can disrupt implicit bias and prejudice • How the non-violent usage of gaming echoes the non-violent protests of MLK Jr  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 http://praisehandspodcast.com/donate. 

“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 http://praisehands.com/donate.

“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 CrossPurpose, a Denver-based nonprofit committed to abolishing economic, relational, and spiritual poverty in its neighborhood. In addition to talking through his booklet “Black Swan Leadership: Ten Recommendations For Your Non-Profit During A Pandemic”, 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 http://praisehands.com/donate.