EP. 209 Singing as Soul Care: Using Music as a Spiritual Discipline in Biblical Counseling - W/Worship Leader and BC Adam Westlake

Michael interviews Adam Westlake, a worship leader and biblical counselor, about using music and singing as a growth assignment in counseling. Westlake describes singing as “integrative work” that aligns what believers know and feel, citing Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5 on singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, and discussing James’ connection between suffering, prayer, and cheerful singing. They argue singing is often under-practiced outside Sunday services yet can help sufferers express truth “slant,” foster solidarity, and provide “portable theology” the Spirit brings to mind. They address concerns about emotional manipulation, emphasizing tethering emotion to what is true about Jesus, and note the value of varied song forms. Westlake shares a daily text-based devotional, “Sing,” and the episode ends with him leading the doxology.

00:00 Podcast Welcome
00:37 Meet Adam Westlake
01:04 Why Singing Matters
04:53 Singing in Suffering
07:39 Worship Leading and Counseling
09:56 Emotion and Worship
13:26 Music as Homework
17:22 Daily Sing Devotional
19:41 Doxology and Farewell

Episode Mentions
Register Now for the 2026 Called to Counsel Conference
All My Questions - Bethany Bernard (Spotify)
Sing - Daily Devotional with the Worship Initiative
Adam Westlake Counseling