Russ Taff was one of the great voices of Christian Music in the 1970s-90s, winning five Grammys, 13 Dove Awards, and being inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame three times (with the Imperials, the Gaither Vocal Band, and as a solo artist).
He also spent decades struggling with alcoholism, church hurt, and shame, stemming from the severe trauma of his childhood in a pastor’s home. This interview is different from my usual podcasts. It’s raw, it’s very emotional, and it’s really long (but worth every minute).
In addition to talking with Russ about his testimony, he and I also take a song-by-song walk through his newest album, Cover Story, which is a journey through his story of pain, trauma, lament, and redemption.
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Credits
Producer: Veronica Beaver
Editor: Phil Vaters
Music: Composed and performed by Jack Wilkins
Logo: by Solomon Joy
Correspondence
Author
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Karl Vaters produces resources for Helping Small Churches Thrive at KarlVaters.com.
He's the author of five books on church leadership, including his newest, De-Sizing the Church: How Church Growth Became a Science, Then an Obsession, and What's Next. His other books include The Grasshopper Myth and Small Church Essentials.
Karl also hosts a bi-weekly podcast, The Church Lobby: Conversations on Faith & Ministry, featuring in-depth interviews about topics that concern pastors, especially those who minister in a small church context. He has served in small-church ministry for over 40 years, so he speaks and writes from decades of hands-on pastoral experience.
You can follow Karl on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn, or Contact Karl to inquire about speaking, writing, and consultation.
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