The RLP Playlist

I am currently a senior at an ELCA seminary.

This means that I have spent the past three and a half years learning about the faith and traditions, pushing myself to experience new ways of leadership, and over analyzing nearly every detail of who I am and who God is calling me to be. It has been marked, along the journey, with essays, interviews, projects, and many wonderful conversations. The pinnacle, of course, being a year long internship to really understand what life in ministry looks like.

Overall, I am convinced, now more than ever, that I was created to be a pastor. I have even begun using those Lutheran buzzwords like they have always been a part of my vernacular...However, this break through in identity formation does not make these final processes any easier. The paperwork that will go to congregations, once I am "approved", is due by Sunday.

In these moments of petrified uncertainty, I am seeking the wisdom of those who have come before me, who will come after me, and who are all-around inspiring. Here is the playlist that is marking this phase of the journey:

 Party in the ELCA by Taylor Wilson.
A journey into the ELCA candidacy process would not be complete without this gem!


We Didn't Start the Fire by Billy Joel.
We didn't start the fire, contrary to what Neal and Will think. Jesus did. See Acts 2 for details.

Free to be Me by Francesca Battistelli.
I'm not perfect, but living this beautiful life in the power of the Spirit. Even though there have been great doubts along the way, I knew I'd make it here at some point.

God is not a White Man by Gungor.
My seminary journey was marked by many conversations about inclusive language. One of my BFF's joked about playing this during worship on internship. I really wish we would have!

I Love You and Buddha Too by Mason Jennings
Dear Jesus, I love you. I really do. This is not going to end up in my paperwork, but those who find me entering their community as pastor are going to see that God is bigger than I can understand.

Brave by Sara Bareilles.
Emmy just made my day by simply showing up at the campus center. She suggested this song. Beautiful!

Africa by Toto.
An oldie, but nothing gets me more excited about ministry than blessing the rains down in Africa. Plus it makes for an amazing dance party!

The Stable Song by Gregory Alan Isakov.
Simplistic beauty. Profound Words. If I could write a sermon as poetic as his lyrics I would be a happy camper.


The Lutheran Song by Lost and Found.
Similar to Adam Sandler's Hanukkah Song but all about the Lutherans. We're proud, but not too proud.

Awake My Soul by Mumford and Sons.
The title should say it all, but in that moment of thinking that there is nothing else, this song brings more to life. "In these bodies we will live, in these bodies we will die. And where you invest your love, you invest your life."

Royals as Performed by Puddles.
I just really love his voice and how goofy this is.

Given Us a Heart by ???
Ok, so this may not be the real title of the song, but it is the video that my internship site made for me. As I reflect on this journey, I couldn't help but watch this video--yet again. I miss them!

Defying Gravity as performed in Wicked.
Nothing feels more powerful than the thought of seeing everything we have been working for come to fruition. We are defying gravity.



Eye of the Tiger by Survivor.
I had no idea who sings this, but it provides a great tune for 2 Timothy 1:9. "God saved us and called us with a holy calling. Not according to our works, but according to God's own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus. Before the ages." If you worked at Luther Park Bible Camp in Danbury, WI in 2007 or were a camper affected by this theme song, you know what I am talking about.

Nothing's Gonna Stop Us by Starship.
From the 80's movie Mannequin. Classy. I'm almost done with the paperwork, so nothing is going to stop me now!

Edge of Glory by Lady Gaga.
On the brink of completing the paperwork, we're living in the now but the not yet.