Why Is Storytelling So Powerful?
Creating Connection with Thrive Worship
Thrive Worship talked to us about how they use the power of story to shape their worship. You might be surprised by how much of their personal journeys end up in the songs that lead others to connect with God.
Worship music has a way of connecting us to God in a deep, personal way, but have you ever wondered what makes certain songs stick with you long after the experience ends? For the members of Thrive Worship, it’s all about storytelling—sharing personal encounters, moments of vulnerability, and God’s grace through their music.
If you think about it, stories are a fundamental part of how we process life. They help us make sense of the world around us, and that’s not a coincidence—it’s part of how God created us. Corbin Phillips, worship leader, songwriter, producer, and artist for Thrive Worship, shared an interesting perspective on why storytelling plays such a big role in their music.
“I read this recently that like the very nature of our DNA is designed to receive information best through story,” Corbin explained. It’s a reminder that we’re wired to connect to narratives, which is why we often remember a great story more than we do a list of facts. “It’s why we saw Jesus teach in parables so often,” Corbin continued. “We all have stories to share.”
Thrive Worship believes that storytelling is at the heart of how they reach people through their music. They want listeners to not just hear words and melodies, but to see themselves in the stories they share. When you hear one of their songs, they’re inviting you into a journey of faith.
Vulnerability Creates Connection
In worship, sharing our stories, even the broken and messy parts, can make space for real connection. Thrive Worship understands that being vulnerable isn’t easy, but it’s powerful when it comes to leading others into worship.
Corbin said, “There’s something that happens when you share vulnerability or when you enter into a space where it’s, ‘Hey, this is actually real—we’re going to talk about the real things right now.’ It creates vulnerability for the listener as well.”
Shared experiences of vulnerability helps us connect more deeply with God.
Thrive Worship leans into their personal testimonies, infusing their music with real-life experiences of God’s grace. “We literally share a testimony in one of our songs,” Corbin said, referencing “Pour Your Spirit Out,” a song that includes his personal battle with anxiety and panic attacks. The band’s vulnerability in sharing their personal testimonies invites you to reflect on your own journey and how God has moved in your life.
As Corbin puts it, “When we find ourselves in those spaces, the resignation of what we’re trying to say just is a little bit louder.” That’s why Thrive Worship’s music resonates so deeply. It’s an invitation to be vulnerable, to share your own story with God, and to find healing in the process.
The next time you listen to one of their songs, take a moment to think about the stories behind it. You might find that it speaks to your own story in a way you never expected.
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