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Stories, Songs, and Stones: Ed Kilbourne on Faith, Laughter, and Spiritual Change
Description
In this heartfelt episode of the To Be and Do podcast, host Philip Amerson welcomes the legendary singer, storyteller, and folk theologian Ed Kilbourne for a warm and candid conversation. With over 9,000 performances to his name, Ed Kilbourne brings a lifetime of humor, insight, and experience to the table. Together, they reminisce about decades of friendship, reflect on the evolution of faith and church culture, and discuss what authentic worship and community can look like today.
Three Takeaways from the Episode:
1. The Evolution and Future of Church CommunityEd Kilbourne and Philip Amerson explore how church culture has changed dramatically over the past 50 years. They discuss the rise of performance-driven “temporary worship” and the shifting patterns of congregational life, from grand productions to smaller, more authentic gatherings. Ed Kilbourne shares his own journey from leading thousands to finding spiritual depth in an intimate, three-person communion with no formal liturgy—champagne and donut holes included. Their conversation honestly addresses both the decline of institutional religion and the emergence of new, organic expressions of faith.
2. Rethinking and Renewing Faith Traditions The duo reflects on how religious practices are often maintained out of habit, likening the rote recital of creeds to the mysterious traditions of an Elks Club. Ed Kilbourne recounts a story from theologian Marcus Borg, who humorously admits to participating in church rituals “just because that’s what you do.” This sparks a broader conversation about the importance of seeking real meaning behind religious acts and finding new ways to make faith relevant and transformative in today’s complex world.
3. The Power of Storytelling and Song in Spiritual Life Music and storytelling remain at the heart of Ed Kilbourne’s ministry. In a moving segment, he performs a song about hope, waiting, and the eventual lifting of burdens—a piece that may not be explicitly labeled as “sacred,” yet clearly carries spiritual depth. Both speakers agree that the most profound truths often emerge from outside traditional religious genres, and they emphasize the value of honest, creative expression as a path to connection and healing.
Whether you’re nostalgic for the church of your youth or seeking fresh ways to experience and express faith, this episode offers wisdom, laughter, and a gentle nudge toward authenticity on the path of “being” and “doing.”