Darlene Zschech Opens Up About Life & the Church

[@MargaretChimfwembe]

Im always blessed by you Darlene.when i face difficult moment,i usually listen to your songs.From Zambia.

[@pattiblount2046]

Saw Darlene at a church. I believe the flyer said, “Come Worship with Darlene Zschech,” and when we got there, she was, indeed, worshipping. As she worshipped, and saw the Lord high and lifted up, that brought us along, too. It was wonderful. It was obvious she was not performing, but just leading us into worship.

[@annieBBL24]

you dont need a so called worship leader to lead you into worship. that is a blasphemy. you can worship God anywhere, at any time of the day or night when you have been received into the Body of Christ. Stop with the idolising of DC.

[@PhoebeCurada]

​@@annieBBL24If we don't need a worship pastor, so we don't need a pulpit pastor also because we can read the Bible anywhere at any time, right?

[@judetuanzon]

@@annieBBL24 I completely DISAGREE! Worship pastors are there to lead worship.

[@annieBBL24]

@@judetuanzon what do you disagree with? do you know what the word "worship " means? how can someone who doesn't recognise the pope is a wicked antichrist lead anyone to "worship"?

[@nanaresh1007]

@@annieBBL24she herself doesn’t believe in worship leader. Others name it on her.

[@iferris690]

Great conversation. I got saved in Sydney during the Darlene era, but I still listen to her music, and all who sat under her ministry agreed her heart was for the Lord Jesus not fame or fortune.

[@miriam4213]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for not calling the platform of humility, “the stage”. Thank you for giving God all the glory and not allowing yourself to be called a Queen. Thank you for reminding us to return to the heart of worship and the importance of not allowing the world to seep into our souls. I grieve when I see a performance instead of true worship. Please keep speaking the Lord’s heart. The church needs it more now than ever!

[@pukaka]

@@miriam4213 Unfortunately, Hillsong devolved into a The Voice wannabe.

[@claudiosilvestri4881]

Beautiful listening to all of this! Darlene is such a big example for me, I've always listened to her songs, especially Hillsong. Even if the time goes by I will never have enough of these songs. So I'm really thankful

[@julianweldman77]

Darlene, so much humility and grace!

[@collinsosae3542]

DARLENE's impact on my life has been so great----so much so that I named one of my twin daughters after her.

[@evelynkabahuma7035]

Darlene. You've been touching my life since I was a little girl, and even now, listening to you speak...wow!

[@Christsapprentice]

❤ Love Darlene so much. I was working in a Christian book store, heading up the music dept when Shout to the Lord came out. I remember watching the video and being drawn to her thinking, "she LOVES Jesus. She's the real deal. I see Jesus on her." Then, going to Nashville for GMA and seeing her sing at one of the events, again, she was one of the few who were genuine, sincere, humble. Thank you Darlene ❤️❤️❤️

[@JoeyGeisel]

"I'm more of a worship shepherd...I don't see it as a skill, I see it as a, just an opportunity to love people to Christ, right, get myself out of the way, love people to Jesus..." SO good, thank you ladies!

[@laurens8623]

Yes love darls

[@roslyn1143]

worship shepherd? i dont read that in the bible - everyone likes to give themselves a title

[@felicialandry9369]

One of the greatest Psalmist in the 21st century, truly ♥️🙏🏾🙌🏾✝️!!!!!

[@nancyradding3917]

In light of this conversation, I had a life-changing encounter with the Holy Spirit in 2007. I needed to worship and it was you Rita who I turned to. I literally listened to your music all night. I lay in my bed with my arms up and tears rolling down my face worshiping in a way I hadn't done for years. Thank you, both of you for what you have done for the body Christ

[@MarkJAshwin]

Great testimony. Thank you.

[@withorwithoutu100]

Darlene has a true, pure heart for the Lord. It's ALL really about God not self exaltation, glorification, and promotion!! So rare, these days

[@conniemtompkins]

I surrendered my voice to the Lord and was so scared I couldn’t breathe. I told the Lord I will sing for you if you will give me strength, I will glorify you. I will go and do whatever you ask. He was and is faithful. I no longer had a fear of man. Leading people to the throne room in worship is the most fulfilling act of obedience I have ever experienced. Thank you Darlene for allowing God to move through you and show millions that He delights in the praises of his people.

[@margaretpetersen9275]

I still have trouble singing in front of people after attack of Jezebel. There is a huuuge clique in my county, & im not part of it😢

[@lyndalltruscott2369]

I remember some years ago watching a video of the making of a Hillsong album at the entertainment centre in Sydney. What made an incredible impression on me was not the singing so much but what Darlene said once practice was o ver. She said we have rehearsed and are prepared. Now it’s time for the most important purpose and that is to prepare ur hearts to worship and honour God. Can’t remember the exact words 😝 however that was the substance. Having been surrounded by Christian music all my life I was taken back that someone so highly involved in worship wasn’t concerned about absolute perfection at ANY cost however not only acknowledged the purpose of worship but honoured God and displayed that with her life. Life changing moment for me. 🙏

[@robbymyrick]

Rita and Darlene ~~ THANK YOU! We who have grown up in worship ministry with you are so grateful for the honesty, the transparency, the wisdom. Blessings! 🌤️

[@donnaeid2862]

I truly loved meeting Darlene this way! Darlene was the first worship leader to impact my life….her book…..all her worship draws me to Jesus and my relationship with Him has been so blessed! So looking forward to all her new worship to bless Jesus with!❤️🙏🏼

[@Tiff-is1qm]

LOVE Darlene! Super excited for this one!!

[@onelove94441]

Me, too!

[@pennyhansen5123]

What an amazing Podcast. We need more women to stand up to the religious mechanisms that wants women to stay silent. Daddy God put powerful blessings in us. If we don’t say no we lose a huge part of who we are created to be. Daddy created us for so so much more. I look forward to Jesus’ kingdom blossoming out of us to make way to receive Jesus precious heart. Thank you ladies 💕

[@DarioAvilaaCL]

I thought "Daddy God" was a meme. I hope those "religious mechanisms" don't refer Holy Scriptures.

[@kayajuka8660]

Thank you so much for this podcast. I am so grateful that I had an encounter with the Lord in my late forties. I had been a worship leader in my 20's, been so hurt and disappointed by the celebrity culture even then, then life happened with abuse, divorce, raising kids as a single mum, feeling forsaken by fellow believers and I was angry with our Lord. My heart walked away, but Jesus never walks away. I hit rock bottom and He came again and swooped me up and healed me and loved me. Awesome. So now its an honour to be able to sing his praise, what a surprise and delight to know He still wants be shepherd His people in worship. The settings are far smaller than in my past but He doesn't care about that. His glory is never small. What an honour to sing His praise. Thank you Jesus

[@natashasakala2259]

Been there done that...the pain is unbearable...you feel so lost and forsaken.... God used Darlene and Hillsong as instruments that helped me heal from the pain.. Blessed still my favourite worship Album

[@raymondswartz2068]

Thank you, Darlene, I've been using you as an example of how a worshipper must cover up appropriately. Thank you.

[@elizabethwollmann1099]

You are right on Rita about where are the spiritual Fathers and Mothers? They are in the house , the question is when are they going to be empowered and released ,

[@CĺaudetteClovey]

This conversation Is Such A Blessing 🎉

[@laurenpswenson]

I am literally melting in tears Rita and Darlene. Thank you for your beautiful transparency and golden hearts. And for the belly laugh at the end of the conversation. Jesus, YOU are worthy of highest praise and meekest worship. Somehow this interview has revealed Christs heart to me today…. in a kind of YES that resonates deeply that He is in agreement with my heart and yours… and that He desires to blow up and siphon down worship to real purity and exultant honor. May it be so.

[@susettemclachlan8765]

Darlene, once, many years ago prayed for me after a programme in Wellington, NZ and I never forgot her prayer. I loved all her worship songs

[@noemicharles399]

Laughing and crying here at my desk at work. This episode is GOLD!

[@corianne87]

So much kindness, so much wisdom. Loved every second of this interview. ❤

[@njoybaker6475]

So wish there were spiritual parents to speak into our lives as worshippers in the local church! I'm 43, have been leading worship for almost 20 years and could have used a spiritual mama. Now I'm raising up the next generation and I feel so ill equipped, however, God has given me a love for these kids and I think that's gonna fill in all the holes💜

[@MrsLana92]

I've said my whole life that I'm "tired of being the parent" but I see now that God raised me up to be a spiritual mother, because they are so rare nowadays.

[@YehudaHalevi247]

Darlene and Rita are 2 out of the four worship leaders that had the most influence on me since I was a kids. I’m blessed to have watched this video. I pray that we will finds those songs that Darlene talks about. Goodbye Yesterday has been on repeat for the past two weeks. I hope that is just a beginning of what’s to come.

[@Shesbirdiee9882]

Sending much love from India Darlene ❤ I remember hearing Shout to the Lord in the mornings, getting ready for school but neva got to hear your heart out!!! May God use you more and more to the ends of the Earth ❤ Need more Spiritual Mamas like you lovely ladies!!❤ Much Love!!!

[@arminadv]

Darlene is an inspiration and GOD used her life to be a living testimony to millions of people. Thank you Rita for this interview. i praise GOD for your life and Darlene. May you both and your family continue to honour GOD in all the days of your lives here on earth.

[@zowaynewilliams9360]

It's a pleasure to listen to Darlene speak and watch her lead praise, the authenticity and humility is just so rare! Continue to bless her God, the pioneer of Christian music, a champion of the faith; the voice of so many, the powerful woman of God. ❤

[@lindag9975]

Thanks! Last time I saw Darlene was many years ago. She was leading a worship session at my church a few weeks after she had a baby. It was a night I won't forget because of God's presence. I was attending a church that would always send new worship team members to the Hillsong school of worship in Australia. I am so thankful to Darlene for the sweet worship music.

[@mandolinot]

The BEST conversation ever!!! Loved it. i could listen to you two for many hours. do it again.

[@TheBrittwindham]

I agree. These two and Steffany Gretzinger would just floor me.

[@bethfollowerofChrist]

I love worship, and without it I am not sure I would have fallen in love with Christ. I do a 3 month fast every year where I do not listen to music unless at church or in car. In those times I replace with extra podcasts, commentary and audio bible. I am now in my time of balance of all. The music for me raising my boys it was always playing as as they grow up and out they still ask lots of questions so I pray the seed will grow in them, so they can find who they are in Christ.

[@tonyvalenti6614]

What a wonderful lady, full of humility and a heart for God! I have been blessed to have played drums on several worship teams over the years where we played many of Darlene and Hillongs worship songs! I still remember being brought into worship myself at the very moments I played them! I believe I experienced the beginning days of true heart wrenching worship that brought me directly to Jesus! Thank you for that Darlene! God bless you and your family!

[@JessicaCabralMuchow]

I’m 30 years old now and have been such an admirer of Darlene’s from as early as I could remember. As a woman in worship I totally resonate with everything you were saying Rita. Love you both and grateful for your faithfulness

[@AlanDurleo]

Thank Darlene for Humility yu Bring in Worship in this Generation Millions around the world sang In worship psalms I sat in Your tutorship I South Africa in 1998 God Bless Yu

[@Ancho7777]

I don’t know what else to say but thank you. This was such a raw and honest conversation and so poignant and vital for us as the church and sons/daughters of God. So much wisdom and humility and absolute gold, thank you for putting this out and sharing 💕

[@shawntayhaase9170]

So powerful, I dont want to be in middle, either up dancing for my King or on my face weeping. I dont want main stream but just to be and know His presence! My husband and I just came out with a song called "You are all I need" by Steve and Tay. feat. Jonathan Dutcher He is all we need. Thank you Rita for being the example of how we should be in true worship! What a gift you are to many!

[@kellivandonkelaar627]

I just love these women!!! Rita, can we get the mama, the grandma and the queen in the same room!?!? Oh my life is so blessed and strengthened by the example, the authority and the heart of these women of worship! And maybe add Martin Smith to that conversation? The depth of their relationship with the Lord because of battles fought and won while refusing to quit is a gift to the Body of Christ!

[@DCB1900]

Great interview! Thank you, Darlene, for being consistent in faith. ❤❤❤

[@melissamoncada9565]

Oh my God, it's so good to see Darlene again, I'm from Honduras, Central America, you can't imagine how your song Shout to the Lord show me the way to worship God, I read your book in Spanish Adoración Sin Reservas, God bless you! God bless this podcast too

[@LennyBrown-g2m]

Was in prison for 6yrs got radically changed in solitary confinement, when I got out i was attending chapelhill church in Hamilton nz my good friend Kelly Buckley gave me a tape of hillsong called blessed because I was still learning about Christian music coming from a life of heavy metal devil worshipping music and i thought Darlene was a angel from heaven and so blessed from God, so sad about what happened to hillsong but Darlene and the worship crew back in the days but i love them still to this day they have been my go to music but God bless my friend kelz who introduced me to hillsong God bless this podcast was so happy to listen and hear Darlene's story love it

[@oliviashema8578]

A Legacy well lived indeed. I live in East Africa, but I feel Australian ha ha ... becasue I watched every album that came out of Hillsong, and Darlene in the driver's seat. She has splendidly displayed Christ in the way she led music and of course the way she lived. When she fell sick of cancer I cried and prayed for her all the time. Praise the Lord she came through and here she is as beautiful as always. Thanks for the this podcast.

[@jonathanauna9231]

I love this so much! ❤️ Thank you so much for this. Darlene Szchech is a role model for the true heart of worship that our heavenly Father is seeking for on the earth 😊❤

[@sinobiasolomons1200]

Darlene Zschech is simply AMAZING! ❤

[@pukaka]

Darlene is a trailblazer without the blings and add-ons. Just pure worship.

[@countrylife04]

i was blessed to worship with Darlene in her last tour with Hillsong here in the Phiilippines that was very unforgettable, almost all the time my hands were up in worship, thank you Lord Jesus for Darlene ❤️

[@janmarovic706]

Wow! The first album I heard was from the orange double CD. Went to a small church and that was our worship time. I thought, this woman (Darlene) doesn’t care about fame and fortune! So shocking compared to others! Then I went to a Joyce Meyer Conference with Darlene and the team leading and I saw that heart in person 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻. Thank you!!!

[@puifong82]

She’s one of the best and most influential women empowerment leaders in the Christian community that I looked up to and her insights and inspiration about Christ Jesus never change great legendary examples she’s unstoppable and unshakeable, keep going GBU Amen ❤

[@monicaalvesdesouzadesouza351]

Yes, Darlene is a blessed in our lives! I' m Brazilian and now live in Portugal. Unfortunality I lost an opportunity to know Darlene in Brazil. I' d like to say her to keep worshiping Jesus and being simple and kind like we feel she is.

[@panawiya6731]

What a great testimony of what God does with simple, God dependent children of a loving Father. Thankyou ladies for blessing me and many who would be listening to your sharing of what God has and is doing.

[@middiantuafale]

Praise Jesus . Love this wisdom shared by sisters in christ. Thank you for sharing . i'm truly encouraged and edified 🤍

[@marcylaning8178]

I'm thankful for the worship music you and the team played, it helped me many times. God's Spirit moved through the worship. And even now the music still blesses me.

[@joyasmithmusic]

I love this and both of your hearts so much! Darlene’s face is shining. ❤

[@katmicah9383]

Amazing woman of God Darlene Zschech. Appreciate this interview. I never see this woman as a performer, everytime i see Darlene - true worship comes out of her. I vividly remember the time with Jeff Bullock and how he left Hillsong but was grateful that Darlene stayed, not because of Brian but obedience to what God called her to do. Listening to this interview, am thankful for this wonderful daughter of the Most High God. Mad Respect. Blessings

[@juliaregan6728]

Wow. It’s hard to put into words how encouraged in the Lord I am from listening to this conversation. Thank you both for your continual Yes to God. He is truly so Worthy of it all.

[@AE-km1gz]

I’ve been hearing the Lord say “where’s the fire?” in the context of how do you know what is from Him and what is not. Where is the fire? When a Holy God encounters our sacrifice of worship or obedience or whatever it is, His all consuming fire comes to evidence the covenant between us. And maybe I’m not saying it right but I just keep hearing “where is the fire?” and hearing you talk about Him being an all consuming fire, reminding me of this. 🔥

[@katherinekasujja8795]

Have always loved Darlene.. such an authentic worshipper ❤❤

[@margaretkirk8584]

Such a GREAT podcast. Thank you both. You are each such inspiration to our generation!!! God bless you❤

[@siafaau7565]

Worship is not about just songs but yourself and your life is most important. 😊

[@pastorifeanyichristianmbon628]

Thank pastor Darlene zcheche for being a blessing to my life and ministry. You truly redefined worship for me. I've followed you for over 2 decades now. Pst ifeanyi Mbonu Nigeria

[@isaacochotorena5519]

I love the part where Darlene sang Amen and seeing Rita’s reaction is ❤.. they’re literally my two mommas who sang to my baby Christian season. so blessed by them both.

[@melissalepper5880]

This was so awesome so listen to both of you! It’s sooo good to know that you both are the real deal, not perfect but genuine and have the true heart of Jesus. Thank you for this great example. I am so tired of the church in America, it’s so fake and it’s totally about performance the sermons included. This was the breath of fresh air I needed! Thank you! Also @1:33:12 you nailed it on the head as to what the church is like, just checking a box no encounter no community, a good performance but no life change. How do we fix this? I am so hungry and so lonely for God, I don’t see him in my church. Jesus help us!

[@dr.edsozfamilytravel]

I was moved to come live in Australia through missions by Darlene music. When I finally came to Sydney she had left to the central coast. Hope to see her one day. Her music and worship moved the world. We need those powerful worship again

[@betheva5917]

Just have always loved her worship music. So blessed.

[@arminadv]

and not your voice but you passion and your testimony Darlene.. it was truly a blessing

[@alexipao]

Thank God for your lives!! So much wisdom and encouragement!!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@reneedennison3207]

I thank God for your integrity transparency & accountability to the lord your intimate relationship & freedom because of his living word flowing from your Spirit blessings my sisters

[@gingerbrawnerRealtorEASTTX]

Thank you so much for this podcast! God bless you Rita and Darlene!! I thank God so much for how God has used Darlene in my life!! This podcast was just so powerful and wonderful!! Thank you SO MUCH!!!❤ABUNDANT BLESSINGS OF KING JESUS TO YOU BOTH!!!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@stephenmccrea2276]

What a wonderful amazing and awesome worship leader. I love ❤️ her songs and soul.

[@jenn_jean_kent_artist]

I’ve had the honor to meet both of you. Darlene 2005 Greensboro and Rita in Lenoir NC and again in Conway SC. Both of you are a huge inspiration to me. 🥹🥹🤍🤍

[@susanwright3153]

So grateful for this. Thank you Rita & Darlene! God bless you both in this season of your lives! 🙏 ❤️ I love you both...

[@viviangzlz]

You two… it’s so so much more. I will forever be grateful for that time when we grew to love the art of worship…personally you both still usher me into the holiness and intimacy of worship. So thank you, from the bottom of my heart. God continue to bless you both and always rekindle that fire and love for Him. Love you both.

[@theflourishcommunitypodcast]

Authenticity and humility. A hunger for Him.

[@CathySwanMusic]

Just so so so good!! 🙌

[@mrsmrs9131]

May the Good Good Lord blesses u the more princess Darlene and brings u up to a higher level of knowing Him the more and praising Him for ever more in these last days we have left to bring many and also younger people to go the narrow way desperately as time is rushing out! Be at peace and blessed more than ever while pouring your heart to our Precious and Wonderful Living Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

[@trishforrest5781]

So, so good ladies, you really hit the nail on the head. Bless you both. 👍❤️💚❤️

[@miraxandrax969]

Great Great Woman of God❤️❤️

[@jessiepless2891]

Wow. In light of never having a real spiritual mother and TOTALLY needing one in past seasons of my life, I feel like I ran smack into the two mothers I've needed in this season. You two completely understand where I've been (in worship leading and motherhood) where I am currently, and inspire me to keep going. I've followed both of you my entire Christian life. A new level of inspiration from both of you has pushed me to survive this new season. I am so glad to have this podcast to hear the hearts of you two!! Such a blessing. Two of the best!! I love you both, dearly!❤

[@angelagrant2943]

I'm So Happy for you!!

[@PeterCutforth]

Go Darlene - hi from the Sunny Coast in QLD!! We love you. Hope my friend Dave Holmes is still with you.

[@aprilLiz2023]

Wow!!! I just love it Rita... "how do we teach the value of the oil"??? YES YES.... that resonates with me. I remember though myself wanting the oil... as a teen and not understanding the oil.... for me the way I feel it was taught to me by Hillsong Actually back in 1999.... it was being told "No I won't give you my oil!" Yes I was temporarily offended... but I was then told "you can go get your own oil"... get on your knees before the Lord..." So I did. So I did.... I am so grateful for the "No's" I was taught how to get what I need... Gods so gracious.... He gives us all we need if we just go... go to Him. He waits for us.

[@Aartist1]

I was invited to see Hillsong at a church in El Paso Texas. The group I went with had to stand along the wall at that church. I was amazed at how the Holy Spirit was leading that service. At 9:00 pm the pastor cut off the service right in the middle of it. I know contracts and such but this astounded me a bit. It’s hard to remember the blessing of that time but the cut off was totally a punch in my spiritual gut. I was going through a nasty divorce out of my control. I was three states away from my young kids and thinking about moving. I had worked many Christian “concerts” and only a few were so filled with the Holy presence. The two hour trip back home after the concert was filled with many thoughts… I was at another church service after my move to be near my kids and the Holy Spirit lifted off of that worship service, right in the middle… I asked the Lord what happened as I walked out and I believe He told me; “ many are here that are not mine” ( if I heard Him right) … I don’t know if those two incidents are actually related but to have happened so close to each other three states away from each other. Darlene, I have always appreciated your heart while you worshipped… well, both you and Rita…very, very refreshing. Thanks and God Bless you both

[@julietreagus7043]

So much passion and wisdom in these beautiful woman..thanku

[@velmastevens6042]

What a blessing this conversation is,so insightful and deep. Thank you mamma Darlene ,I appreciate your heart and love for Jesus.

[@estherjoy6236]

Holy Holy Holy! Spirit of the World in the church? (In some church gatherings) What is true worship? What is our True purpose! To love God, to know God, to worship God! Thank you for this conversation!

[@julietreagus7043]

Great interview . You ladies have a lot of wisdom..thanks for sharing... good to pray for all leaders..

[@lionofthetribeofjudahglory4006]

Absolutely love these 2 wonderful surrendered servant leaders Warrior worshippers for the Kingdom of our King Jesus! Bravo for your steadfastness ❤

[@shandygolez]

SO GOOD. I pray worship leaders watch this. ❤

[@RebeccaLLaVigne]

I love encounter interviews. So so good. Loved hearing Darlene’s back story.

[@clarawhalen-inman5677]

Thank you both, so very much for this podcast! So many important topics that have been so needed in the Body these days. I appreciate your hearts so very much and the courage to speak the truth in love!

[@alicebuckley806]

Thank you so much ladies for this important conversation in this hour. Shout to the Lord was the song that was playing in the background as i encountered Jesus in a small setting while the visiting evangelist was leading me to the Lord here in the UK in 2000. Whenever this song comes up it always takes me back to that encounter. Then in 2006 i happened to be at a Hillsong conference at Excel Centre and i made sure i personally met you and i did, you were so gracious cos you were about to go back on stage. Thank you Darlene. Thank you ladies for your powerful Ministries and for totally yielding yourselves to the Holy Spirit! God Bless you and your families❤❤❤

[@ConJesusenelCamino]

Listened in Spotify the other day. ❤so much love ladies. So great to hear your stories 🎉

[@anniestrite6614]

This is powerful. Thanks so much for this conversation.

[@billknapplouanges9011]

amen - songs that put us on our knees and force us on our feet are the way ... in small churches we have more liberty to do that .. thanks for the interview

[@christinelewisbednarski5150]

A beautiful and powerful interview ~ thank you so much xxx

[@Bethelhorses]

Two amazing ladies... this was such a pleasure to be a part of as I felt like I was a part of the conversation, quietly listening. So insightful and such excitement for the things of God, great or small... that's how I want to be. Just like you ladies... a woman of God open to receive. I can't sing well, but I can worship with all my heart and soul. Darlene's music helped me through a very tough time of deliverance from darkness, and was my saving grace at times when I felt completely oppressed and attacked. it was my shield from that, because the enemy hates it and runs from it... so heartfelt worship and music was my first defence against it all... and still is.

[@annmariehurston]

Wow wow wow! Thank you both for sharing. I’m beyond blessed and encouraged by you. I’ve had a renewed awe of the Lord since I witnessed miracles and blind eyes open at our church youth camp in July. The next Sunday, I fell to my knees and cried while leading worship as I sang “Holy Forever”. God is so so good! I can resonate with the shutting of parts of my soul when I had kids. I feel like my songwriting has taken a backseat for so long and I’m struggling to have confidence to move forward with recording my first album, which God told me to do in 2007! 😭 any encouragement on how to move forward and not let perfectionism or fear stifle the gifts God gave me?

[@io4503]

Once you know it’s for an audience of One you don’t need to worry! Start somewhere! He is already so proud of you! Oh and have fun with it!

[@winsomelorainepeter6773]

Thank you so much Rita for this beautiful conversation between yourself and Darlene! This was 1000 times better than listening to a sermon on a Sunday, or a preacher's message - it was absolutely nourishing, like breathing in fresh air or oxygen or drinking from pure spring water! Darlene has been a huge blessing to my life ever since she entered the worship scene in the 1990s. I truly admired her modesty as a worship leader, always very smart with the jackets/coats, fully covered dresses, she became a stunning godly model for not just worship leaders but for all women who God uses in ministry. Every song she sings has nothing but fire in it, coming out of a heart flowing with living water. She has earned her title as 'grandmother' in the history of modern church worship both in the 20th and 21st centuries. She's right, in most churches, worship has become a chore, a task to perform on a Sunday, but there's no fire, no Spirit in it, we go through the motions of singing songs we are unfamiliar with, the melodies are strange and difficult to follow, the worship team becomes a performance team rather than a team of worshipers leading the congregation in worship to the throne of God. Praise and worship simply does not exist in the church rather just a group of talented musicians jamming together on a Sunday morning joined by a few gifted singers. It's sad but it's a reality we have to cope with. God's blessings on you Darlene and Rita, praying that your ministries will continue to expand and flourish, and that God will continually be lifted up throughout the world...till we Jesus face to face! Amen!