In a divided and distracted age, what does it really mean for the Church to be the hope of the world? In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, Kurtis Parks sits down with theologian, worship pastor, and author Steven Félix-Jäger to rediscover the Church’s calling to live as a people of Jubilee.

Episode 160
Hosted by Kurtis Parks

Steven invites us to zoom out—beyond our local context, beyond our political moment—and see the global, Spirit-filled movement of God through His Church.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

• What Scripture really says about the Church as the “hope of the world”

• The biblical meaning of Jubilee—and how it shapes Christian generosity

• Why being rooted in a local church still matters in a post-2020 world

• The danger of interpreting ancient Scripture through a narrow modern lens

• How worship unites the global Church across cultures and denominations

• Writing songs from the real stories happening in your congregation

• Major on the majors: how to lead worship with theological clarity and unity

About Steven Félix-Jäger

Steven Félix-Jäger is Associate Professor of Theology & Worship, Chair of Worship & Media, and Director of Academic Research at Life Pacific University in Southern California. A theologian, exhibiting artist, songwriter, and producer, he is the author or co-author of eight books exploring worship, aesthetics, theology, and culture.

Born on the mission field in Schillingsfürst, Germany to a Puerto Rican and German family, Steven brings a deeply global perspective to his work in the Church. He serves as a worship pastor at Pasadena Foursquare Church and lives in Southern California with his wife Connie, daughter Mila, and their dog Biggie.

His latest book, How to Worship for All Its Worth: A Guide for Pastors, Worship Leaders, and Students, is available now.

Helpful Links

How to Worship for All Its Worth (Book):
https://www.amazon.com/How-Worship-All-Its-Worth/dp/0310172667

Life Pacific University:
https://lifepacific.edu

Pasadena Foursquare Church:
https://pasadenafoursquare.com

This episode is brought to you by Planning Center—the all-in-one software built to help your church schedule volunteers, plan services, and stay organized without the chaos.

Whether you're leading worship, managing teams, or planning Sunday morning, Planning Center keeps everything in one place so you can focus on ministry.

Try it free today by clicking here.