What happens when a genuine calling from God slowly turns into a need to be chosen?

Harvest Bashta Grapevine joins Rita Springer for an incredibly honest conversation about worship, ambition, disappointment, prophetic words, divorce, comparison and rediscovering why she fell in love with the presence of God in the first place.

Long before Harvest was a worship leader, she was a young girl praying, “God, make me a voice.” But after discovering her gift, hearing that she was “anointed,” and watching others receive the opportunities she thought God had promised her, something began to change.

In this episode, Harvest and Rita wrestle with a difficult question for every gifted believer: What if your calling was never supposed to become a platform?

They talk about the worship industry, the danger of building your identity around your gift, prophetic words that create unrealistic expectations, surviving deep personal disappointment, and finding freedom in simply being faithful where God has planted you.

00:00 Intro
01:22 Welcome & Introducing Harvest Grapevine
07:02 Growing Up in Revival & a Family on Mission
11:56 "Lord, Make Me a Voice"
15:29 Living in the Prayer Room
20:03 Marked by God vs. Chosen by God
22:40 When Worship Became About People's Approval
28:58 The Fast Rise of a Worship Career
30:50 Losing the Doorkeeper Heart
35:00 Feeling Used by Ministry
39:28 Comparison, Rejection & the Industry
46:15 Divorce, Disappointment & Rock Bottom
49:20 God Restores Identity During Sabbatical
52:16 Returning to the Prayer Room
53:48 Why Worship Leaders Are Burning Out
59:09 Prophecy, Calling & Expectations
01:05:20 "I've Reserved You for Myself"
01:11:46 The Gift Was Never the Destination
01:18:42 Releasing Music vs. Loving Jesus
01:22:47 Advice for Dreamers & Staying Faithful
01:27:57 How to Handle Prophetic Words
01:33:53 Returning to Your First Love
01:35:03 Closing Thoughts

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What does it really mean to know who you are? 

Rita Springer sits down with Doe Jones for an honest conversation about identity, purpose, race, motherhood, anxiety, and living as the person God created you to be. 

From the story behind "Black Boy" to why she believes God made her a Black woman on purpose, this episode is a powerful reminder that your identity is found in Christ—not in the labels the world gives you.

00:00 Intro
01:04 Welcome Doe | The Story Behind Her Name
05:39 Growing Up Between Washington & Louisiana
07:24 Discovering Her Gift for Music
10:14 Knowing She Was Called to Create
12:24 Sponsor: Amazing Kids Curriculum
13:20 Christian Artist vs Christian Who Goes to Work
18:40 Creativity, Calling & Writing with God
20:08 Identity, Purpose & Being a Black Woman
25:30 The Powerful Story Behind "Black Boy"
32:46 Creating the New Album "Shiloh"
36:08 The Weight of Writing Songs for the Church
42:35 Women, Worship & Pioneering New Paths
46:04 Bridging Generations in the Church
48:19 Mental Health, Anxiety & Learning to Thrive
55:13 Does God Trust You?
56:02 Motherhood, Grace & Depending on God
58:16 Generational Blessing & God's Faithfulness
01:00:32 The New Album "Shiloh"
01:01:43 Touring While Raising Young Children
01:05:52 Final Thoughts

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What happens when the people around you are more talented than you?

Rita sits down with longtime friend and pioneering Vineyard worship leader Cindy Rethmeier for an honest conversation about comparison, insecurity, female leadership, creativity, and learning to recognize what only you can bring.

Cindy shares what it was like helping forge a path for women in worship, why increasingly talented musicians once intimidated her, and the lesson that eventually changed everything: comparison is deadly.

They also reflect on the early Vineyard worship movement, raising up people who eventually surpass you, the pressure to “keep up” in modern worship culture, and why the microphone was never supposed to be the goal.

If you've ever wondered whether you're talented enough, gifted enough, or qualified enough to lead the people around you, this conversation is for you.

00:00 Intro
01:15 Welcome Cindy Rethmeier
02:18 The Early Vineyard Movement
06:16 How Cindy Started Leading Worship
11:20 Discovering Her Calling
13:03 Women in Worship Leadership
17:01 Leading with Confidence & Authority
19:29 Leading When Others Are More Talented
20:17 Sponsor: Amazing Kids Curriculum
20:47 Knowing Who You Are
23:09 Has Worship Leadership Changed?
25:21 Finding Your Lane
27:08 Identity Beyond Ministry
31:16 Confidence, Risk & Calling
33:33 Comparison in Worship Ministry
36:10 John Wimber's Lasting Influence
39:55 Remembering Brian Doerksen
44:36 Comparison Is Deadly
48:16 Writing Songs Without an Agenda
52:21 Songs That Still Matter
56:11 Creating Every Day
58:39 Escaping the Pressure to Keep Up
01:02:09 Success vs. Calling
01:04:09 Advice for Young Women Worship Leaders
01:07:10 The Gift of Authenticity
01:08:37 Legacy, Grandchildren & What Matters Most
01:10:26 Final Thoughts & Closing

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Steven Curtis Chapman and Mary Beth Chapman have been married for more than four decades, but they'll be the first to tell you it hasn't been a fairy tale.

In this deeply honest conversation, Steven and Mary Beth join Rita to talk about the differences that once led a counselor to say they had “no business being married,” the devastating loss of their youngest daughter, Mary Beth's “free fall of faith,” and the decision to keep choosing each other through seasons that could have torn them apart.

They also unpack what they've learned about counseling, surrender, soulmates, parenting adult children, adoption, and discovering the goodness of God in life's darkest places.

Steven and Mary Beth's new book, Still Here: Life Together on the Long Way Home, tells the story of a marriage that isn't perfect, but by the grace of God, is still here.

00:00 Intro

01:08 Meet Steven Curtis Chapman and Mary Beth Chapman

04:13 Why They Wrote "Still Here"

10:21 Why They're Still Here After 41 Years

11:45 What Makes a Marriage Last?

17:08 Sponsor: Amazing Kids Curriculum

18:04 Counseling, Therapy & the Ultimate Counselor

27:20 Learning Surrender in Marriage

31:21 What Is a Soulmate?

33:18 Growing Through Life's Hardest Seasons

35:55 Losing Their Daughter & Holding Onto Faith

39:47 "It's Worth It" — Why They Stayed

42:55 Parenting Through Pain & Letting Go

53:13 Adoption, Show Hope & Seeing the Heart of God

1:01:07 How Show Hope Has Helped Over 10,000 Children

1:05:30 Final Thoughts & Where to Find the Book

1:07:03 Marriage, Grandkids & Growing Older Together

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Patrick Lencioni joins Rita Springer to unpack the life-changing concept of Working Genius, discovering the two kinds of work God uniquely designed you to love.

Together they explore burnout, calling, church leadership, parenting and why so many Christians feel like frauds when they're simply working outside their God-given design. 

If you've ever wondered why some work energizes you and other work drains you, this conversation is for you.

00:00 Intro

00:59 Rita's Unexpected Catholic Leadership Gathering

03:56 Pat's Vision for Christian Unity

06:46 Why Unity in the Church Matters

10:28 The New Divide Among Christians

14:16 Sponsor – Amazing Kids Curriculum

15:12 Performance vs. Authentic Faith

17:17 Why Young People Are Returning to Catholicism

22:17 The Working Genius Explained

29:06 The Six Types of Working Genius

34:15 Putting People in the Right Roles

40:16 Burnout in Church Leadership

45:40 Helping Young People Find Their Calling

57:15 Discovering Your "Burning"

59:40 Gifts vs. Virtues

01:04:23 Healthy Churches & Faithful Leadership

01:05:31 The Future of Church Unity

01:06:18 Surrender, Suffering & Spiritual Growth

01:12:39 Where to Learn More About Working Genius

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Christine D'Clario shares the story she never planned to tell. 

After accidentally admitting on live radio that she was battling mental illness, she expected her ministry to be over. Instead, her vulnerability opened the door for countless people to seek healing. 

This conversation explores burnout, trauma, Sabbath, therapy, worship, and the surprising purpose of healing.

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Get a copy of Christine's new book, "Healing in the Desert: Finding Your Voice on the Journey from Brokenness to Freedom" here: https://a.co/d/03WCWaDg

Try Amazing+ Free: Access the world’s first total ministry strategy from curriculum and technology, to training and resources, free for 30 days here: https://www.joinamazing.com/freetrial

📧 Got feedback or podcast topic suggestions? Email Rita:
[email protected] or [email protected]

If you would like to support the Worship Is My Weapon podcast you can donate to Wearing Justice at https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=0f0e22b... 🙏🏻🕊️🤍

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If you're enjoying the show, please rate and review!

Follow Rita on ALL Social Media: https://linktr.ee/ritaspringer

If you would like to support the Worship Is My Weapon podcast you can donate to Wearing Justice at https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=0f0e22b... 🙏🏻🕊️🤍

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What happens when the worst thing imaginable becomes your reality?

Jennie Lusko shares the heartbreaking story of losing her five-year-old daughter and how she learned to trust God through unimaginable grief. Together with Rita Springer, they explore suffering, worship, healing, lingering in God's presence, and why grief doesn't mean you've lost your faith. This conversation will bring hope to anyone walking through loss.

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Try Amazing+ Free: Access the world’s first total ministry strategy from curriculum and technology, to training and resources, free for 30 days here: https://www.joinamazing.com/freetrial

📧 Got feedback or podcast topic suggestions? Email Rita:
[email protected] or [email protected]

If you would like to support the Worship Is My Weapon podcast you can donate to Wearing Justice at https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=0f0e22b... 🙏🏻🕊️🤍

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00:00 – Trusting God Through the Unthinkable (Episode Intro)
01:15 – Welcome: Meeting Jenny Lesko & Ministry Beginnings
07:30 – Planting Fresh Life Church in Montana
14:00 – Raising the Next Generation & Why Youth Matter
16:30 – What Is the Church Missing Today?
20:30 – Fresh Mercies Every Day: Why Simple Faith Matters
24:00 – Learning to Trust God One Day at a Time
29:00 – Losing Their Daughter Lenya & Walking Through Grief
35:00 – Why We Need to Linger in God's Presence
39:00 – Feeling Forgotten by God: Rita's Starbucks Story
43:00 – What Does It Mean to Truly Flourish?
48:00 – Healing Comes When We Stop Numbing Our Pain
51:30 – Worship Is Our Weapon in Every Battle
59:00 – Can God Bring Purpose Out of Pain?
1:02:30 – Jesus Wept: Finding Hope in Deep Grief
1:06:00 – The Permission to Keep Grieving
1:09:30 – Final Encouragement & Where to Find Fresh Mercies Every Day

If you're enjoying the show, please rate and review!

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If you would like to support the Worship Is My Weapon podcast you can donate to Wearing Justice at https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=0f0e22b... 🙏🏻🕊️🤍

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Did the Church accidentally make people afraid of the Holy Spirit?

In this conversation, Rita Springer sits down with Pastor Alex Seeley to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in Christianity. They explore how one generation turned the Holy Spirit into a spectacle while another avoided Him altogether—and why both extremes miss God's heart.

Discover why the Holy Spirit is your greatest advantage, how to hear God's voice, why Scripture comes alive through His presence, and what it really means to live a Spirit-led life.

Whether you're skeptical, curious, or longing for more of God, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.

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Try Amazing+ Free: Access the world’s first total ministry strategy from curriculum and technology, to training and resources, free for 30 days here: https://www.joinamazing.com/freetrial

📧 Got feedback or podcast topic suggestions? Email Rita:
[email protected] or [email protected]

If you would like to support the Worship Is My Weapon podcast you can donate to Wearing Justice at https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=0f0e22b... 🙏🏻🕊️🤍

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00:00 Intro
01:00 Why the Church Needs the Holy Spirit Again
11:19 Sponsor: Amazing Kids Curriculum
12:16 Learning to Hear God's Voice
17:14 How to Fall in Love with Scripture
27:31 How Do You Know It's God Speaking?
32:52 When God Feels Silent
37:05 Finding God in Seasons of Suffering
41:58 Henry's Life-Changing Encounter with the Holy Spirit
50:50 The Holy Spirit Gives Practical Wisdom
56:43 Why Every Believer Needs the Holy Spirit
59:00 A Call to Live Spirit-Empowered

If you're enjoying the show, please rate and review!

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If you would like to support the Worship Is My Weapon podcast you can donate to Wearing Justice at https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=0f0e22b... 🙏🏻🕊️🤍

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Jeremy Edwardson has spent years uncovering one of the most fascinating family mysteries imaginable. 

Could his ancestor have been the hidden daughter of Queen Victoria's mother? From DNA tests and centuries-old archives to grief, creativity, and God's unexpected guidance, this conversation explores history, mystery, and the surprising ways purpose can emerge from pain.

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Order Jeremy Edwardson's book, "Granny in the Attic" now: https://grannyintheattic.com/

Try Amazing+ Free: Access the world’s first total ministry strategy from curriculum and technology, to training and resources, free for 30 days here: https://www.joinamazing.com/freetrial

📧 Got feedback or podcast topic suggestions? Email Rita:
[email protected] or [email protected]

If you would like to support the Worship Is My Weapon podcast you can donate to Wearing Justice at https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=0f0e22b... 🙏🏻🕊️🤍

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If you're enjoying the show, please rate and review!

Follow Rita on ALL Social Media: https://linktr.ee/ritaspringer

If you would like to support the Worship Is My Weapon podcast you can donate to Wearing Justice at https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=0f0e22b... 🙏🏻🕊️🤍

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Amy Grant joins Rita Springer for one of her most personal conversations yet. From influence beyond the stage to motherhood, songwriting, suffering, finding her voice, and learning to surrender, Amy shares the wisdom that has shaped over four decades of faith and music. This isn't just a conversation about Christian music, it's about living a life that truly sees people.
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Try Amazing+ Free: Access the world’s first total ministry strategy from curriculum and technology, to training and resources, free for 30 days here: https://www.joinamazing.com/freetrial

📧 Got feedback or podcast topic suggestions? Email Rita:
[email protected] or [email protected]

If you would like to support the Worship Is My Weapon podcast you can donate to Wearing Justice at https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=0f0e22b... 🙏🏻🕊️🤍

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If you're enjoying the show, please rate and review!

Follow Rita on ALL Social Media: https://linktr.ee/ritaspringer

If you would like to support the Worship Is My Weapon podcast you can donate to Wearing Justice at https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=0f0e22b... 🙏🏻🕊️🤍

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Is it wrong to make money writing worship music? 

Can worship stay pure inside an industry? 

Rita Springer sits down with Poets & Prophets, the collective moniker for songwriters Rebekah White Williams, Josh Farro, Mitch Wong, and Tommy Iceland, four voices that have already shaped the landscape of modern worship and CCM, for an honest conversation about songwriting, calling, success, holiness, family and what the Church should be singing today. 

This vulnerable discussion challenges assumptions about worship while pointing back to Jesus, Scripture and serving the Church.

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Try Amazing+ Free: Access the world’s first total ministry strategy from curriculum and technology, to training and resources, free for 30 days here: https://www.joinamazing.com/freetrial

📧 Got feedback or podcast topic suggestions? Email Rita:
[email protected] or [email protected]

If you would like to support the Worship Is My Weapon podcast you can donate to Wearing Justice at https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=0f0e22b... 🙏🏻🕊️🤍

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If you're enjoying the show, please rate and review!

Follow Rita on ALL Social Media: https://linktr.ee/ritaspringer

If you would like to support the Worship Is My Weapon podcast you can donate to Wearing Justice at https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=0f0e22b... 🙏🏻🕊️🤍

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