Ep. 19: Air1’s Dan Opens Up: Worship vs. CCM, Christian Celebrity, & the State of the Church

Welcome to another episode of Deformed Theology, where we dig into the real questions shaping faith, church, and culture today. In this conversation, Jonathan and David sit down with Dan from Air1’s Dan & Michelle Morning Show to talk about everything from the future of worship music to the dangers of Christian celebrity.

If you’ve ever wrestled with the blurred lines between Christian music and true corporate worship, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Dan shares the inside story of how Air1 made the dramatic shift from Christian alternative rock to worship in 2019, and why that decision both shook the Christian music industry and opened the door for artists like Brandon Lake, Maverick City Music, and For King & Country to reach millions of listeners.

But this episode goes much deeper than music. Dan shares his personal testimony, from growing up in a rigid, legalistic church background to discovering grace at Calvary Chapel. He talks openly about the dangers of “TikTok theology,” the rising divisions in the American church, and why legalism strips power from the cross. His message is clear: without desperation for Jesus, the church risks losing its witness.

We also dive into the role of Christian celebrity culture—how artists and pastors are lifted up and torn down online, and why some of the most famous names in Christian music are actually deeply rooted in humility, service, and authentic faith. Dan tells heartfelt stories about Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, For King & Country, and Rebecca St. James, offering listeners an inside perspective on what real faith looks like behind the stage.

Other key highlights in this episode:

Pre-Trib vs. Mid-Trib vs. Post-Trib: Dan’s honest take on the rapture debate.

Young Earth vs. Old Earth: why he’s in the “I don’t know” camp.

Worship music vs. CCM: defining “vertical” worship.

Church division and online cynicism: why the church’s biggest obstacle may be itself.

The importance of being the hands and feet of Jesus—loving the lost, the broken, and the “least of these.”

The role of generosity and giving in shaping the heart.

Practical wisdom from marriage and ministry.

At Deformed Theology, our mission is simple: to ask, what’s deforming the way we think about God, His Word, and His people? This conversation with Dan is a powerful reminder that the body of Christ is alive, but it must stay desperate for Him.

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