242. Faith, Family, and the Songs That Heal: A Conversation with Angie Killian

Making Jesus Famous One Song at a Time with Angie Killian

This week, Melissa sits down with award-winning songwriter and composer Angie Killian, whose music has touched millions of hearts around the world. Angie's songs — like her viral hit "My Own Sacred Grove" — have been streamed over 30 million times and translated into dozens of languages, inspiring faith, joy, and connection in homes everywhere.

But Angie's story didn't start with fame or recognition. It began in the quiet moments of motherhood — rocking a newborn in the middle of the night, wrestling with exhaustion and postpartum depression, and hearing a simple melody that became her lifeline. That small spark of light led Angie to write songs for her children about Jesus, love, and hope — songs that would eventually bless families all over the world.

Melissa and Angie dive deep into the power of music — especially for children. Angie shares how melodies and lyrics can plant truth deep in a child's heart and why music is one of the most powerful tools parents can use to teach faith. She offers practical ideas for families who want to bring more music into their homes — from listening in the car to singing together at bedtime or joining a local children's choir.

They also explore what it looks like to balance motherhood and creative callings. Angie opens up about the guilt she once felt spending time on her music instead of chores or endless to-do lists — and how she came to realize that pursuing her God-given gifts made her a more joyful, grounded mom.

From writing songs during nap times to her new preschool project Tiny Disciple Songs, Angie's story is a powerful reminder that light often breaks through in unexpected places — and that creativity, faith, and motherhood can coexist beautifully.

LINKS:

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• familybrand.com/retreats.

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 – Introduction: Melissa shares how she discovered Angie's music
• 02:00 – The piano over countertops story: a mom's early sacrifice for music
• 04:00 – How a sleepless night sparked Angie's songwriting journey
• 06:00 – Writing songs for her children through postpartum depression
• 08:00 – Learning the craft of songwriting and sharing vulnerable work
• 10:00 – How music shaped her family life — and how her kids now sing with her
• 13:00 – The joy of raising musical children and creating together
• 14:30 – Why children's songs hold unique power for faith and memory
• 16:00 – Practical ways to use music as a spiritual teaching tool in your home
• 18:00 – Finding balance between sports, choir, and faith-based activities
• 20:00 – The rise of Christian music in the mainstream (and why it matters)
• 23:00 – CCM vs. Worship: understanding modern Christian music
• 24:00 – Angie's favorite songs and how "I Am Thankful" came to life
• 25:00 – "Making Jesus Famous" — her mission behind the music
• 27:00 – The miracle behind My Own Sacred Grove and trusting God's timing
• 30:00 – Navigating creativity, family, and guilt as a mom
• 32:00 – Why pursuing your calling makes you a better parent
• 33:00 – What's next: Holy Road, Wonderfully Made, and Tiny Disciple Songs
• 35:00 – Final thoughts and Melissa's reflections on using music to teach faith