Ali MacFarlane and Emma Stark dive into a no-holds-barred conversation about the power of choosing worship—especially in pain, grief, and spiritual fatigue. This raw and prophetic episode calls worship leaders to maturity, urgency, and obedience. From laughing about cheese in the Netherlands to confronting emotional passivity on Sunday mornings, this episode is a fiery wake-up call to set your face like flint and worship with everything—even when it hurts.
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25. What No One Tells Worship Leaders About Stage Presence
Are you a worship leader wondering why it feels harder to lead in bigger rooms or national gatherings—even though you know you're called? In this episode of The Prophetic Worship Podcast, Ali McFarlane is joined by prophet and church leader Emma Stark for a powerful conversation on the worship leadership skills that every platform leader needs to grow in.They explore the tension between anointing vs. skill, and why developing platform leadership is essential if you're called to lead not just in small settings, but in large churches, conferences, and even global stages.If you've ever asked:How do I carry a room as a worship leader?What’s the difference between leading worship and leading people?How do I grow in platform etiquette and spiritual leadership?…this episode will give you practical insight, encouragement, and challenge.Whether you're leading worship in a small group or a stadium, these principles will help you move with clarity, authority, and the presence of God.💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why self-management and stage presence matter in spiritual leadershipThe body language, tone, and communication skills that help you lead large roomsThe difference between worshiping on stage and leading worshipThe hidden cost of visibility and why not every platform is from GodWhy relational safety and team dynamics make or break your leadershipHow to grow in bravery, clarity, and skill without losing your authenticity🎧 Subscribe for more prophetic conversations on leadership, worship, and living fully alive in your call.🔗 Stream our worship music: Spotify | Apple Music | Amazon📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @GPA.Worship
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24. How To Recover When Worship Goes Wrong
Every worship leader, singer, or band member has one — that cringe-worthy, late-night-replay-in-your-head worship fail. In this episode, Ali McFarlane and Dee Bradbery share their funniest stage disasters (yes, including accidental pig noises and spontaneous lines that fell flat!) and offer real wisdom for how to recover, both in the moment and long after the service ends. They dive into how performance culture traps worship teams in fear of failure — and why Jesus cares far more about your obedience than perfection.If you’ve ever forgotten lyrics, sung the wrong note, or broken a drum kit mid-song, this one’s for you: come laugh, learn, and get free from the perfection trap once and for all.
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23. The Risk & Reward of Radical Worship Lyrics
In this episode, Ali McFarlane and her long-time co-writer and friend Katie Rios pull back the curtain on what it really means to write with the prophets — and the rebels. They share the raw, behind-the-scenes story of how their unlikely partnership started through a random online challenge, the cost and joy of writing songs that push boundaries, and why radical, “spicy” lyrics often carry the voice of God for a season.You’ll hear stories of songs like Holy One of Israel and Show Me Your Glory that broke the mold — and how trust, deep relationship, and a willingness to wrestle for truth make the difference between a safe song and a dangerous one that actually moves people.Guests:Ali McFarlaneKatie RiosKey Themes:How Ali & Katie’s partnership started from a Facebook ad and a prophetic wordWriting worship songs for a prophetic house vs. a pastoral houseHow radical lyrics like “robe dipped in blood” unlock fresh sounds for the prophetsWhy good relationship is foundational for wrestling over risky lyricsHow trust allows co-writers to craft songs that are both bold and biblically anchoredBlessing and prayer for songwriters to find true community and courageMentioned Songs:Holy One of IsraelShow Me Your GloryBurn Us Alive
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22. Worship Songs That Miss the Mark (and How to Fix Them)
In Episode 22, Ali McFarlane and Dee Bradbery dive deep into the frustrating gap in worship music: the absence of songs that reflect the full character of God—particularly themes like repentance, justice, and the fear of the Lord. They candidly explore why so many worship songs fail to carry a consistent anointing across verses and bridges, and how songwriters can be more intentional in crafting lyrics that align with the strategic movement of the Spirit. This episode offers rich insight for worship leaders, songwriters, and prophetic creatives who want to steward their craft with deeper intentionality and theological grounding.📋 Show NotesGuests:Ali McFarlaneDee BradberyKey Topics Discussed:Why there’s a lack of worship songs on themes like justice, repentance, and holinessThe concept of “anointing consistency” across verses, choruses, and bridgesHow to write songs that lead a room strategically—not just emotionallyExamples of songs that work as “hinge” moments in prophetic worshipThe role of prophetic conviction and local house assignments in shaping worship strategyA call to worship songwriters: write for the gaps in the collective revelationPractical Takeaways:Identify what God is revealing to you about His nature and write into that spaceRefine lyrics to fit the “narrow path” of a specific anointing or themeUse the Psalms as models of journey—not templates to be crammed into one songTest your lyrics with others: do they grasp the revelation without hearing the melody?Resources Mentioned:Psalm 113–118: Psalms sung during Passover“The God of Glory Thunders” – a GPA original worship song“What a Beautiful Name” by Hillsong Worship“Holy Forever” by Chris Tomlin
Welcome to The Prophetic Worship Podcast! Join worship leaders Ali McFarlane (Global Prophetic Alliance) and guests for real chats and cutting edge revelation on the joys and challenges of prophetic worship. For anyone who knows worship is more than your favourite song, step into the conversation you’ve always wanted to have. Top tips, personal stories, how to hear heaven and bring holy sound into the room - get ready to be equipped and inspired for your personal journey as a worshipper of Jesus.
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