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.”

🔗 Helpful Links

• Colton Dixon's Website

• Listen to “The Love I Have for You”

• Shop Desert Rain Fragrance

• WorshipLeader.com

• More Episodes of The Walk

🙌 Sponsored by Planning Center

Planning Center is a powerful suite of software tools built to help churches plan services, schedule volunteers, manage giving, and foster community. Whether you're a small team or a large ministry, Planning Center helps worship leaders stay organized and focused on what matters most—people and presence.
planningcenter.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

📄 Episode Summary / Show Notes

In this unforgettable episode of The Walk, Melanie Penn shares her winding journey from Broadway stages to Redeemer’s worship ministry under Tim Keller, and ultimately to her calling as a Christian singer-songwriter. From striving for identity in the performing arts to discovering true worth in Christ, Melanie opens up about the divine redirection that led to The Rising, her new resurrection album told from the perspective of biblical witnesses.

Whether you're a worship leader, creative, or a believer seeking deeper roots in the gospel, this conversation will reawaken your awe in the resurrection and stir your imagination for what sacred storytelling can become.

Who is Melanie Penn?

Melanie Penn is a singer-songwriter based in Nashville, formerly a Broadway performer and longtime worship leader at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC. Her work blends narrative songwriting, Scripture, and artistic excellence. Her latest project, The Rising, is a first-person resurrection album voiced by biblical figures.

Episode Highlights

• 🎭 Why performing other people’s words left her empty—and how God rewrote her story

• 🎤 The moment a Redeemer attendee offered to fund her first album

• ✝️ How New York after 9/11 became the birthplace of her faith

• 💔 What Peter’s redemption story taught her about honest faith

• 🎶 The creative process behind The Rising and writing “in character” from Scripture

Helpful Links

• MelaniePenn.com

• WorshipLeader.com

Sponsored by Planning Center

Planning Center is a powerful suite of software tools built to help churches plan services, schedule volunteers, manage giving, and foster community. Whether you're a small team or a large ministry, Planning Center helps worship leaders stay organized and focused on what matters most—people and presence.
LEARN MORE: planningcenter.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Ian Simkins: Faithfulness Over Platform in the Age of Distraction

In this powerful episode of The Walk, pastor and communicator Ian Simkins shares how God has shaped his calling through quiet faithfulness, spiritual formation, and the tension between comfort and the cross. From preaching his first sermon at 16 to leading The Bridge Church outside of Nashville, Ian opens up about raising sons, resisting distraction, and confronting the pull of platform culture in the American church.

If you've ever wrestled with calling, comfort, or the desire to be seen, this conversation will remind you that fruitfulness in the Kingdom is often born in the unseen places.

👤 Who Is Ian Simkins?

Ian Simkins is the lead pastor of teaching and vision at The Bridge Church in Spring Hill, Tennessee, and host of The Common Good. A Detroit native, Ian has served communities in the U.S. and abroad—from the streets of India to the suburbs of Nashville. Known for his humility, humor, and theological depth, Ian is passionate about helping people live formed, faithful lives of mission and presence.

✨ Episode Highlights

• Why faithfulness must come before influence

• How to raise children in identity, not just morality

• The danger of distraction and the call to deep presence

• Why the Kingdom of God is about now, not just later

• How Ian’s church challenges comfort from the start

💬 One Powerful Quote

“Public fruit grows from private formation.”

🔗 Helpful Links

• Learn more about Ian: thebridge.church

• Follow Ian’s podcast: The Common Good

• Explore worship leader resources: worshipleader.com

• Listen to more episodes: All Episodes of The Walk

🙌 What Is Planning Center?

Planning Center is a powerful suite of software tools built to help churches plan services, schedule volunteers, manage giving, and foster community. Whether you're a small team or a large ministry, Planning Center helps worship leaders stay organized and focused on what matters most—people and presence.
planningcenter.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.