Kurtis Parks has lived a remarkable worship journey—spanning rock bands, publishing deals, pastoral ministry, and now serving as a worship pastor in Richmond, VA. A former American Idol contestant and songwriter of over 1,200 songs, Kurtis shares his deeply personal transformation from chasing fame to fully surrendering his life to Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.

In this testimony-rich episode, Kurtis walks through decades of spiritual highs and valleys, ultimately revealing the moment a small group question redirected his destiny.

Episode Highlights:


From American Idol to a Holy Spirit-filled worship life


The turning point that redefined Kurtis’s purpose


How spiritual disciplines anchor his leadership


What the Psalms teach us about authentic worship


Leading worship vs. pastoring people: knowing the difference

“You have to stop coming to God as a lead pastor—and start coming to Him as a son.”

Helpful Links:


Destination Church (Kurtis's current church)


Bridges Nashville (Church he helped plant)


Book Mentioned:Good Morning Holy Spirit – Benny Hinn


Book Mentioned:The Pursuit of God – A.W. Tozer

SPONSOR

Planning Center
Easily organize your services and schedule your teams with Planning Center

Kurtis Parks has lived a remarkable worship journey&mdash;spanning rock bands, publishing deals, pastoral ministry, and now serving as a worship pastor in Richmond, VA. A former American Idol contestant and songwriter of over 1,200 songs, Kurtis shares his deeply personal transformation from chasing fame to fully surrendering his life to Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.
In this testimony-rich episode, Kurtis walks through decades of spiritual highs and valleys, ultimately revealing the moment a small group question redirected his destiny.
Episode Highlights:
<ul data-start="934" data-end="1209">
<li data-start="934" data-end="993">
From American Idol to a Holy Spirit-filled worship life
</li>
<li data-start="994" data-end="1045">
The turning point that redefined Kurtis&rsquo;s purpose
</li>
<li data-start="1046" data-end="1095">
How spiritual disciplines anchor his leadership
</li>
<li data-start="1096" data-end="1146">
What the Psalms teach us about authentic worship
</li>
<li data-start="1147" data-end="1209">
Leading worship vs. pastoring people: knowing the difference
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote data-start="1211" data-end="1296">
&ldquo;You have to stop coming to God as a lead pastor&mdash;and start coming to Him as a son.&rdquo;
</blockquote>
Helpful Links:
<ul data-start="1317" data-end="1720">
<li data-start="1317" data-end="1401">
<a href="https://www.destinationchurch.com/" data-start="1319" data-end="1401">Destination Church (Kurtis's current church)</a>
</li>
<li data-start="1402" data-end="1483">
<a data-start="1404" data-end="1483">Bridges Nashville (Church he helped plant)</a>
</li>
<li data-start="1484" data-end="1606">
Book Mentioned: <a data-start="1504" data-end="1606">Good Morning Holy Spirit &ndash; Benny Hinn</a>
</li>
<li data-start="1607" data-end="1720">
Book Mentioned: <a data-start="1627" data-end="1720">The Pursuit of God &ndash; A.W. Tozer</a>
</li>
</ul>
SPONSOR
Planning Center Easily organize your services and schedule your teams with <a href="https://www.planningcenter.com/?utm_source=worshipleadermag&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=worshipleadermagazine" data-start="1855" data-end="1965">Planning Center</a>

Part of the Worship Leader Magazine Podcast Network, The Walk is a weekly devotional podcast where faith meets story in powerful, personal ways.

Each episode features a first-person devotional from a worship leader, pastor, artist, or creative—believers who don’t just lead worship, but live it. These aren’t interviews; they’re heartfelt testimonies about walking with God in the highs and lows, the mundane and miraculous.

Produced by Worship Leader Magazine, a trusted resource in worship ministry for over 30 years, The Walk equips and encourages worshipers to cultivate a lifestyle of Spirit-led worship beyond the platform.

Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just beginning your journey, these stories will help you walk closer with Jesus.

Explore every episode:worshipleader.com/podcasts

Part of the Worship Leader Magazine Podcast Network, The Walk is a weekly devotional podcast where faith meets story in powerful, personal ways.
Each episode features a first-person devotional from a worship leader, pastor, artist, or creative&mdash;believers who don&rsquo;t just lead worship, but live it. These aren&rsquo;t interviews; they&rsquo;re heartfelt testimonies about walking with God in the highs and lows, the mundane and miraculous.
Produced by Worship Leader Magazine, a trusted resource in worship ministry for over 30 years, The Walk equips and encourages worshipers to cultivate a lifestyle of Spirit-led worship beyond the platform.
Whether you&rsquo;re a seasoned leader or just beginning your journey, these stories will help you walk closer with Jesus.
Explore every episode: <a href="https://worshipleader.com/podcasts/" data-start="1072" data-end="1137">worshipleader.com/podcasts</a>

Worship Leaders are more than just musicians and performers. These leaders and creatives walk with God daily and can bring a good word to the Body of Christ.

The Walk: A Devotional Podcast from Worship Leader Magazine

The Walk Podcast shares real conversations with worshippers—moments when faith was tested, obedience cost something, and God showed up.

You’ll hear the struggle.
You’ll hear the choice.
You’ll hear what God did.

Because faith isn’t just a moment—it’s a walk. And you don’t have to walk it alone.

Hosted by Bay Turner
Part of the Worship Leader Magazine Podcast Network

Explore every episode: worshipleader.com/podcasts
Learn more: worshipleader.com/podcast/the-walk
Subscribe on your favorite platform: pod.link/1631583177

The Walk Podcast shares real conversations with worshippers&mdash;moments when faith was tested, obedience cost something, and God showed up.
You&rsquo;ll hear the struggle. You&rsquo;ll hear the choice. You&rsquo;ll hear what God did.
Because faith isn&rsquo;t just a moment&mdash;it&rsquo;s a walk. And you don&rsquo;t have to walk it alone.
Hosted by <a href="https://www.bayturner.com/">Bay Turner</a> Part of the <a href="https://worshipleader.com/podcasts/">Worship Leader Magazine Podcast Network</a>
Explore every episode: <a href="https://www.worshipleader.com/podcasts" data-start="773" data-end="841">worshipleader.com/podcasts</a> Learn more: <a href="https://worshipleader.com/podcast/the-walk" data-start="856" data-end="936">worshipleader.com/podcast/the-walk</a> Subscribe on your favorite platform: <a href="https://pod.link/1631583177" data-start="976" data-end="1026">pod.link/1631583177</a>

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