Soul Studio
@musicalpreacher.bsky.social
a ministry of writing, music, and spiritual formation by Steve West
Everyone should write their Christmas song, right?
I wrote this one after taking a Christian history class that studied Athanasius on the incarnation, hence “The Spirit of God came down from above that we might be brought from below.”
I hope it blesses you today.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p_U...
I wrote this one after taking a Christian history class that studied Athanasius on the incarnation, hence “The Spirit of God came down from above that we might be brought from below.”
I hope it blesses you today.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p_U...
Spirit of Christmas
YouTube video by musicalpreacher
www.youtube.com
December 7, 2025 at 3:27 AM
Everyone should write their Christmas song, right?
I wrote this one after taking a Christian history class that studied Athanasius on the incarnation, hence “The Spirit of God came down from above that we might be brought from below.”
I hope it blesses you today.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p_U...
I wrote this one after taking a Christian history class that studied Athanasius on the incarnation, hence “The Spirit of God came down from above that we might be brought from below.”
I hope it blesses you today.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p_U...
I’ve been honored with the invitation to lead music for the Christmas party of the staffs of the North Alabama and Alabama-West Florida Conferences of the UMC.
I think I’ll do my version of Lila McCann’s beautiful Christmas song, “Peace on Earth.” It always seems meaningful.
I think I’ll do my version of Lila McCann’s beautiful Christmas song, “Peace on Earth.” It always seems meaningful.
Peace on Earth
YouTube video by PeaceonEarthSong
youtu.be
November 28, 2025 at 11:49 PM
I’ve been honored with the invitation to lead music for the Christmas party of the staffs of the North Alabama and Alabama-West Florida Conferences of the UMC.
I think I’ll do my version of Lila McCann’s beautiful Christmas song, “Peace on Earth.” It always seems meaningful.
I think I’ll do my version of Lila McCann’s beautiful Christmas song, “Peace on Earth.” It always seems meaningful.
Wipf & Stock has my book on sale for half price for just one more week. Instructions are below.
Wipf & Stock has my book on sale for 1/2 price! If you’ve been thinking of getting it (or want to give it to a UMC friend or relative for Christmas) this is a great opportunity.
When you order, you will see it for full price. You get 50% off with code CONFSHIP, and Media Mail shipping is free.
When you order, you will see it for full price. You get 50% off with code CONFSHIP, and Media Mail shipping is free.
Something Happens Here- Wipf and Stock Publishers
The United Methodist Church is at a crossroads, and nothing is more important than reclaiming our sacramental distinctiveness in times of great divisiveness....
wipfandstock.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Wipf & Stock has my book on sale for half price for just one more week. Instructions are below.
This is a beautiful word from Diana.
I’ve been pondering “rejoicing always” and “giving thanks in all circumstances.” Even in grief, my heart is full.
Almost half the pilgrims from the Mayflower died during the harsh winter, prior to the first Thanksgiving. They were choosing thanks.
I’ve been pondering “rejoicing always” and “giving thanks in all circumstances.” Even in grief, my heart is full.
Almost half the pilgrims from the Mayflower died during the harsh winter, prior to the first Thanksgiving. They were choosing thanks.
When Gratitude Eludes Us
Choose it anyway
open.substack.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:29 PM
This is a beautiful word from Diana.
I’ve been pondering “rejoicing always” and “giving thanks in all circumstances.” Even in grief, my heart is full.
Almost half the pilgrims from the Mayflower died during the harsh winter, prior to the first Thanksgiving. They were choosing thanks.
I’ve been pondering “rejoicing always” and “giving thanks in all circumstances.” Even in grief, my heart is full.
Almost half the pilgrims from the Mayflower died during the harsh winter, prior to the first Thanksgiving. They were choosing thanks.
Reposted by Soul Studio
Wipf & Stock has my book on sale for 1/2 price! If you’ve been thinking of getting it (or want to give it to a UMC friend or relative for Christmas) this is a great opportunity.
When you order, you will see it for full price. You get 50% off with code CONFSHIP, and Media Mail shipping is free.
When you order, you will see it for full price. You get 50% off with code CONFSHIP, and Media Mail shipping is free.
Something Happens Here- Wipf and Stock Publishers
The United Methodist Church is at a crossroads, and nothing is more important than reclaiming our sacramental distinctiveness in times of great divisiveness....
wipfandstock.com
November 17, 2025 at 3:11 AM
Wipf & Stock has my book on sale for 1/2 price! If you’ve been thinking of getting it (or want to give it to a UMC friend or relative for Christmas) this is a great opportunity.
When you order, you will see it for full price. You get 50% off with code CONFSHIP, and Media Mail shipping is free.
When you order, you will see it for full price. You get 50% off with code CONFSHIP, and Media Mail shipping is free.
I have entered the Final Discernment stage toward becoming a member of the Order of St. Luke.
Thanks toy wife and those members of OSL who attended my investiture.
The Order of Saint Luke (OSL) is a religious order dedicated to sacramental and liturgical scholarship, education, and practice.
Thanks toy wife and those members of OSL who attended my investiture.
The Order of Saint Luke (OSL) is a religious order dedicated to sacramental and liturgical scholarship, education, and practice.
November 21, 2025 at 4:57 AM
I have entered the Final Discernment stage toward becoming a member of the Order of St. Luke.
Thanks toy wife and those members of OSL who attended my investiture.
The Order of Saint Luke (OSL) is a religious order dedicated to sacramental and liturgical scholarship, education, and practice.
Thanks toy wife and those members of OSL who attended my investiture.
The Order of Saint Luke (OSL) is a religious order dedicated to sacramental and liturgical scholarship, education, and practice.
Wipf & Stock has my book on sale for 1/2 price! If you’ve been thinking of getting it (or want to give it to a UMC friend or relative for Christmas) this is a great opportunity.
When you order, you will see it for full price. You get 50% off with code CONFSHIP, and Media Mail shipping is free.
When you order, you will see it for full price. You get 50% off with code CONFSHIP, and Media Mail shipping is free.
Something Happens Here- Wipf and Stock Publishers
The United Methodist Church is at a crossroads, and nothing is more important than reclaiming our sacramental distinctiveness in times of great divisiveness....
wipfandstock.com
November 17, 2025 at 3:11 AM
Wipf & Stock has my book on sale for 1/2 price! If you’ve been thinking of getting it (or want to give it to a UMC friend or relative for Christmas) this is a great opportunity.
When you order, you will see it for full price. You get 50% off with code CONFSHIP, and Media Mail shipping is free.
When you order, you will see it for full price. You get 50% off with code CONFSHIP, and Media Mail shipping is free.
Here’s the new working title of the book that is percolating in me.
“Following the Way: A Map for Beginning Again After Getting Lost in Americanized Christianity”
Thoughts?
“Following the Way: A Map for Beginning Again After Getting Lost in Americanized Christianity”
Thoughts?
November 11, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Here’s the new working title of the book that is percolating in me.
“Following the Way: A Map for Beginning Again After Getting Lost in Americanized Christianity”
Thoughts?
“Following the Way: A Map for Beginning Again After Getting Lost in Americanized Christianity”
Thoughts?
I’m serving on the leadership team for this Academy at Sumatanga, and I’d love for you to come!
2026 Alabama Four-Day Academy - Academy for Spiritual Formation
A Four-Day Academy for Spiritual Formation held in Gallant, Alabama.
academy.upperroom.org
November 7, 2025 at 9:25 PM
I’m serving on the leadership team for this Academy at Sumatanga, and I’d love for you to come!
I enjoy sharing my arrangement of “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
YouTube video by musicalpreacher
www.youtube.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:23 AM
I enjoy sharing my arrangement of “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”
Want to have a profoundly meaningful New Year’s Eve? Join me and my companions for a two-part spiritual formation event by zoom.
Forget New Year’s resolutions! Embrace the spiritual practice of a “rule of life.” Don’t just watch the ball drop! Join us for “watch night” in the Wesleyan tradition.
Forget New Year’s resolutions! Embrace the spiritual practice of a “rule of life.” Don’t just watch the ball drop! Join us for “watch night” in the Wesleyan tradition.
Watch Night: A Spiritual Reset
A Two-Part Online Event to Explore the Spiritual Practice of a Christian Rule of Life PURPOSE: To provide participants inspiration, guidance, and ...
www.umcna.org
October 31, 2025 at 3:10 AM
Want to have a profoundly meaningful New Year’s Eve? Join me and my companions for a two-part spiritual formation event by zoom.
Forget New Year’s resolutions! Embrace the spiritual practice of a “rule of life.” Don’t just watch the ball drop! Join us for “watch night” in the Wesleyan tradition.
Forget New Year’s resolutions! Embrace the spiritual practice of a “rule of life.” Don’t just watch the ball drop! Join us for “watch night” in the Wesleyan tradition.
(Part 3)
… What would it mean to reclaim the “Way” (Christianity’s original name)? What would it mean to be a Christian in the original sense (the word means “little Christ”)?
… What would it mean to reclaim the “Way” (Christianity’s original name)? What would it mean to be a Christian in the original sense (the word means “little Christ”)?
October 29, 2025 at 3:05 AM
(Part 3)
… What would it mean to reclaim the “Way” (Christianity’s original name)? What would it mean to be a Christian in the original sense (the word means “little Christ”)?
… What would it mean to reclaim the “Way” (Christianity’s original name)? What would it mean to be a Christian in the original sense (the word means “little Christ”)?
(Part 2)
… resurrection (which messed with their religious squabbles), and the radical inclusion of Gentiles (which messed with their racism). At other times in history – times such as ours – we can lose our way and sell out to the same three cultural influences instead of standing against them …
… resurrection (which messed with their religious squabbles), and the radical inclusion of Gentiles (which messed with their racism). At other times in history – times such as ours – we can lose our way and sell out to the same three cultural influences instead of standing against them …
October 29, 2025 at 3:04 AM
(Part 2)
… resurrection (which messed with their religious squabbles), and the radical inclusion of Gentiles (which messed with their racism). At other times in history – times such as ours – we can lose our way and sell out to the same three cultural influences instead of standing against them …
… resurrection (which messed with their religious squabbles), and the radical inclusion of Gentiles (which messed with their racism). At other times in history – times such as ours – we can lose our way and sell out to the same three cultural influences instead of standing against them …
(Part 1)
I’d appreciate any thoughts on this “elevator speech” about the book I’m working on.
“The Way of the ‘Little Christ’”
The apostles in Acts got in “good trouble” with antagonists for three things: the claim that Jesus is Lord (which messed with their nationalism), the belief in the …
I’d appreciate any thoughts on this “elevator speech” about the book I’m working on.
“The Way of the ‘Little Christ’”
The apostles in Acts got in “good trouble” with antagonists for three things: the claim that Jesus is Lord (which messed with their nationalism), the belief in the …
October 29, 2025 at 3:03 AM
(Part 1)
I’d appreciate any thoughts on this “elevator speech” about the book I’m working on.
“The Way of the ‘Little Christ’”
The apostles in Acts got in “good trouble” with antagonists for three things: the claim that Jesus is Lord (which messed with their nationalism), the belief in the …
I’d appreciate any thoughts on this “elevator speech” about the book I’m working on.
“The Way of the ‘Little Christ’”
The apostles in Acts got in “good trouble” with antagonists for three things: the claim that Jesus is Lord (which messed with their nationalism), the belief in the …
Did you know you can find Jesus in a “Coke float?”
This story of childhood memories and the presence of God’s love was published years ago.
This story of childhood memories and the presence of God’s love was published years ago.
Jesus In a Coke Float
This is my column which was published in The Vestavia Voice on June 26, 2013. It was originally published in the "Faith & Values" Section ...
stevewestsmusings.blogspot.com
October 24, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Did you know you can find Jesus in a “Coke float?”
This story of childhood memories and the presence of God’s love was published years ago.
This story of childhood memories and the presence of God’s love was published years ago.
Yesterday at a local church, I shared my song “Living Stones.”
It interweaves one of Paul’s metaphors for the Church (we are “living stones being built into a spiritual house”) with sacramental theology. The result? A reminder that our ordinary lives become part of something bigger.
It interweaves one of Paul’s metaphors for the Church (we are “living stones being built into a spiritual house”) with sacramental theology. The result? A reminder that our ordinary lives become part of something bigger.
Living Stones Steve West
YouTube video by musicalpreacher
m.youtube.com
October 21, 2025 at 1:29 AM
Yesterday at a local church, I shared my song “Living Stones.”
It interweaves one of Paul’s metaphors for the Church (we are “living stones being built into a spiritual house”) with sacramental theology. The result? A reminder that our ordinary lives become part of something bigger.
It interweaves one of Paul’s metaphors for the Church (we are “living stones being built into a spiritual house”) with sacramental theology. The result? A reminder that our ordinary lives become part of something bigger.
Here’s a website promoting my book with various endorsements, reviews, and interviews. Check it out.
Something Happens Here
something-happens-here.blogspot.com
October 14, 2025 at 2:22 AM
Here’s a website promoting my book with various endorsements, reviews, and interviews. Check it out.
Thoughts on 2 Timothy 1:13-18
The older I get, the more I have seen that if you follow Christ the best you know how, somebody’s not going to like it!
But Paul writes to young Timothy,
“What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.”
The older I get, the more I have seen that if you follow Christ the best you know how, somebody’s not going to like it!
But Paul writes to young Timothy,
“What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.”
October 9, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Thoughts on 2 Timothy 1:13-18
The older I get, the more I have seen that if you follow Christ the best you know how, somebody’s not going to like it!
But Paul writes to young Timothy,
“What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.”
The older I get, the more I have seen that if you follow Christ the best you know how, somebody’s not going to like it!
But Paul writes to young Timothy,
“What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.”
“Taste and See”
Music and Meditations by Steve West
Sunday, October 19, 2025
3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Bethlehem United Methodist Church
1491 Allison Bonnett Memorial Drive
Hueytown, Alabama
Fellowship and light refreshments will follow.
Music and Meditations by Steve West
Sunday, October 19, 2025
3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Bethlehem United Methodist Church
1491 Allison Bonnett Memorial Drive
Hueytown, Alabama
Fellowship and light refreshments will follow.
October 8, 2025 at 9:01 PM
“Taste and See”
Music and Meditations by Steve West
Sunday, October 19, 2025
3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Bethlehem United Methodist Church
1491 Allison Bonnett Memorial Drive
Hueytown, Alabama
Fellowship and light refreshments will follow.
Music and Meditations by Steve West
Sunday, October 19, 2025
3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Bethlehem United Methodist Church
1491 Allison Bonnett Memorial Drive
Hueytown, Alabama
Fellowship and light refreshments will follow.
I’ve gotten a lot of traction out of my raccoon story over the years. It’s a folksy but profound story of finding forgiveness.
In Christ's Church, Raccoons Are Welcome
Here is my column that appeared in the Faith and Values section of "The Huntsville Times" on Friday, November 12, 2010. Pictured is animal ...
stevewestsmusings.blogspot.com
October 5, 2025 at 3:26 AM
I’ve gotten a lot of traction out of my raccoon story over the years. It’s a folksy but profound story of finding forgiveness.
Did you know God changes his mind?
God Changes His Mind
Did you know God changes his mind? Exodus 32:12, 14 “Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he brought them out to kill...
stevewestsmusings.blogspot.com
September 24, 2025 at 3:50 AM
Did you know God changes his mind?
In light of the assassination of white nationalist Charlie Kirk, it is an appropriate time to repost my article from 2017, “A Southerner Against White Supremacy.”
Political violence must be repudiated, of course. I stand against it. But we must tackle the issues that brought him to the spotlight.
Political violence must be repudiated, of course. I stand against it. But we must tackle the issues that brought him to the spotlight.
A Southerner Against White Supremacy
This is my column which appeared in The Arab Tribune on Wednesday, September 6, 2017. Pictured is the portable pulpit of Dr. Martin Luth...
stevewestsmusings.blogspot.com
September 20, 2025 at 11:50 PM
In light of the assassination of white nationalist Charlie Kirk, it is an appropriate time to repost my article from 2017, “A Southerner Against White Supremacy.”
Political violence must be repudiated, of course. I stand against it. But we must tackle the issues that brought him to the spotlight.
Political violence must be repudiated, of course. I stand against it. But we must tackle the issues that brought him to the spotlight.
My studies solidified my convictions about staying in the UMC! Here’s my attempt at reclaiming the distinctiveness of Wesley’s communion spirituality in times of divisiveness.
Published by Wipf & Stock
The United Methodist Church is at a crossroads, and nothing is more important than reclaiming our sacramental distinctiveness in times of gr...
something-happens-here.blogspot.com
September 19, 2025 at 1:01 PM
My studies solidified my convictions about staying in the UMC! Here’s my attempt at reclaiming the distinctiveness of Wesley’s communion spirituality in times of divisiveness.
“Perhaps contentment is a form of liberation.”
This is devotional #7 that I wrote for The Upper Room Disciplines in 2011.
This is devotional #7 that I wrote for The Upper Room Disciplines in 2011.
A Certain Joy About Us
I was invited to write a week of devotionals for the 2011 edition of the Upper Room Disciplines. They are based on the lectionary scriptures...
stevewestsmusings.blogspot.com
September 16, 2025 at 2:14 PM
“Perhaps contentment is a form of liberation.”
This is devotional #7 that I wrote for The Upper Room Disciplines in 2011.
This is devotional #7 that I wrote for The Upper Room Disciplines in 2011.
This is devotional #6 week of writings I did for the Upper Room Disciplines in 2011.
With All That I Am and All That I Have
I was invited to write one week of devotionals for the 2011 edition of the "Upper Room Disciplines." The devotionals are based on the lectio...
stevewestsmusings.blogspot.com
September 1, 2025 at 9:41 AM
This is devotional #6 week of writings I did for the Upper Room Disciplines in 2011.