The Walk: A Devotional Podcast from Worship Leader Magazine

The cross is central to everything we believe.So why does it sometimes feel… familiar?
In this episode of The Walk: Faith in the Real World, Cade Thompson opens up about a tension many Christians quietly carry—what happens when the message of the cross stops feeling powerful and starts feeling routine.
Growing up in church and now touring as a Christian artist, Cade shares how easy it is to lose the wonder of what Jesus has done—and how to find it again.
From a life-changing moment at summer camp to a simple conversation in an airport that sparked his song “That’s What the Cross Is For,” this episode is a reminder that the gospel was never meant to become background noise—it was meant to transform everything.
Guest Bio
Cade Thompson is a Christian artist and songwriter based in Franklin, Tennessee. Originally from South Dakota, Cade has over 121 million lifetime streams and has toured with artists like Chris Tomlin, TobyMac, Newsboys, and Michael W. Smith. He is signed to Red Street Records and leads worship weekly at his local church, writing songs that reflect his passion for Jesus and the power of the gospel.
Episode Highlights
Why the message of the cross can lose its meaningAnd how to rediscover the wonder of what Jesus has done
The story behind “That’s What the Cross Is For”How a simple airport conversation became a defining song
How to stay spiritually fresh in worship and everyday lifeWhy your private time with God matters more than the platform
Fighting comparison as a Christian creativeChoosing kingdom perspective over personal success
What Gen Z is really looking for in worshipA shift toward authenticity, simplicity, and real encounters with God
Pull Quote
“WHEN YOU’VE BEEN WITH GOD IN PRIVATE, YOU DON’T HAVE TO TURN IT ON IN PUBLIC—IT JUST OVERFLOWS.”
Helpful Links
Instagram: https://instagram.com/cadethompson
Sponsor
This episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software to help your church schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Try it today at https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=wlm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thewalk
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This episode gets honest about something many worship leaders feel—but rarely say out loud.
Dan Rivera has led on big stages, written songs heard around the world, and helped shape worship culture in the Church. But in this conversation, he pulls things back to what actually sustains a life in ministry: humility, real relationships, and a faith that doesn’t depend on the platform.
Because the truth is—what people see on stage is only a window… not the whole life.
Guest Bio
Dan Rivera lives just outside New Orleans, Louisiana, where he serves as Worship Pastor at Church of the King. A songwriter, leader, and pastor, Dan is passionate about building healthy worship cultures that reach people and reflect the heart of the local church. He and his wife have been married for over 12 years and have three kids.
Episode Highlights
“Worship leading is a window—not the whole house”Why what people see on stage doesn’t define your spiritual health
The hidden loneliness many worship leaders faceAnd how real relationships—not platforms—keep you grounded
Why your closest friends shouldn’t all be worship leadersBreaking out of the “echo chamber” of ministry culture
The most important trait for anyone on a worship team(Hint: it’s not talent)
How to lead with faith in an uncertain worldA simple but powerful framework: Is God real? Then His promises are too.
Pull Quote
“Worship leading is a window into your life—it’s not the whole picture.”
Helpful Links
Church of the King: https://churchoftheking.com
Listen to For The One album (search “Church of the King Worship”)
Sponsor
This episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software to help your church schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Try it free today at https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=wlm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thewalk
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This episode is about the quiet tension every worship leader feels—but doesn’t always say out loud.
Clayton Brooks has spent over 20 years in worship ministry, and in this conversation, he pulls back the curtain on what it really looks like to lead when no one’s responding, when insecurity creeps in, and when the line between worship and performance starts to blur.
From leading in highly produced environments to moments where everything stripped away, Clayton shares why the greatest danger in worship isn’t getting it wrong—it’s slowly shifting who you’re doing it for.
Guest Bio
Clayton Brooks lives in Stokesdale, North Carolina, where he serves as Worship Pastor at Calvary Church of Greensboro. He’s a songwriter, producer, and pastor with over two decades of experience in worship ministry. Clayton is passionate about helping the Church—especially worship leaders—live what they sing. He’s married to Aunie, and they have three sons: Connor, Cayden, and Asher.
Episode Highlights
“Who are you leading for?”The subtle shift from leading people to God… to leading for people’s approval
Why crowd response can quietly shape your leadershipAnd how to stay grounded when the room feels disengaged
The tension between production and presenceAre we creating moments—or making space for God to move?
What worship really is (and what it’s not)A needed reset for leaders navigating modern church culture
The power of simple, unfiltered worshipWhy some of the most impactful moments happen when everything else falls away
Pull Quote
“Don’t let the room determine your leadership—lead from what God is doing in you.”
Helpful Links
Instagram: https://instagram.com/claytonbrooks
Calvary Church Greensboro: https://calvarychurch.com
Sponsor
This episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software to help your church schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Try it free today at https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=wlm&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thewalk
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Chris Clayton: Writing Worship Songs That Shape the Church
What does it really mean to write songs for the Church—not just for a moment, but for generations?
In this episode of The Walk, Chris Clayton shares his journey from a dream in Texas to becoming a trusted voice in worship songwriting and production in Nashville. With honesty and depth, Chris opens up about family, faith, discipline, and the responsibility of writing songs that don’t just sound good—but actually form people.
Guest Bio
Chris Clayton is a Nashville-based worship and CCM producer and songwriter signed to Story House Publishing, a creative venture led by Matthew West in partnership with Essential Music Publishing (Sony Music Entertainment).
Originally from Beaumont, Texas, Chris has worked with artists including Chris Tomlin, Keith & Kristyn Getty, Shane & Shane, Bethel Music, Meredith Andrews, and more. He is passionate about helping churches and artists create songs that are theologically grounded, musically strong, and built to serve the Church for generations.
Chris lives in the Nashville area with his wife Kara and their five children.
Episode Highlights
What does it mean to write a “legacy” worship song?Chris explains the difference between songs that trend and songs that endure.
How do you balance calling, creativity, and family?A real look at discipline, boundaries, and staying faithful in every season.
Are we writing for the Church—or for platforms?A needed challenge to refocus on shepherding people through song.
Why does Scripture have to be the foundation of songwriting?“Songwriting doesn’t start with vibes—it starts with Scripture.”
What is the Church missing in worship music today?Chris shares why we need more songs about God’s character, the cross, and His faithfulness.
Pull Quote
“Songwriting doesn’t start with vibes—it starts with Scripture.”
Helpful Links
Website: https://www.chrisclaytonmusic.com/Instagram: http://instagram.com/chrisclaytonmusicFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/chrismclayton78
Sponsor
This episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software to help your church schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Try it free today at https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=thewalk&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=wlm
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What if your biggest project wasn’t just creative—but deeply spiritual? In this episode, Tommee Profitt shares how The Resurrection of a King was born out of surrender, obedience, and a powerful encounter with God that reshaped how he creates music.
About This EpisodeTommee Profitt is known for cinematic music that reaches billions—but behind the success is a story of calling, tension, and rediscovering worship. From producing chart-topping hits to creating faith-centered orchestral albums, Tommee opens up about the moment everything shifted—and why this project feels more important than anything he’s ever done.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
How a 2AM moment led to The Resurrection of a King
Why Tommee says this project felt “downloaded from God”
The tension between mainstream success and spiritual calling
How he chooses the right voice for every song
His honest thoughts on AI, creativity, and staying grounded
Why obedience matters more than platform or recognition
Key TakeawayTommee reminds us that creativity isn’t just expression—it can be an act of surrender. When God is at the center, the goal shifts from success to impact.
Standout Moment“It felt like these songs were downloaded to me—and I just got to hear them before everyone else.”
About Tommee ProfittTommee Profitt is a Nashville-based producer, songwriter, and composer whose work spans film, television, and mainstream music. With over 100 billion streams globally and collaborations with artists like NF, Avril Lavigne, and Josh Groban, Tommee is known for his cinematic sound. A former worship leader, his recent projects—including The Birth of a King and The Resurrection of a King—reflect a deep return to faith-driven creativity.
Links & Resources
Tommee Profitt: https://www.tommeeprofitt.com
Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommeeprofitt
SponsorThis episode is brought to you by Planning Center: the all-in-one software to help your church schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized. Try it free today at https://www.planningcenter.com
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