Ken Medema on Music, Justice, and Building Community: Stories from To Be and Do

Ken Medema on Music, Justice, and Building Community

https://www.kenmedema.com/

If you’re seeking a genuine and heartwarming conversation that weaves together music, community, and compassion, episode  of the “To Be snd Do” podcast is a must-listen. Hosted by Phil Amerson, this episode welcomes longtime friend and guest Ken Medema, a celebrated artist, composer, and performer whose talents have touched countless communities.

From playful banter (“I’ve known Ken for three months, but it feels like 50 years!”) to deep insights about artistic calling and social action, the dialogue between Phil Amerson and Ken Medema is rich with stories and lessons.

Here are three key takeaways from their discussion:

1. Art as a Tool for Social Impact and Healing

Ken Medema shares how his creative journey has gone far beyond typical church performances and concerts. Through his foundation, Interlude, Ken brings music to nonprofit events, justice initiatives, and community retreats, especially those supporting organizations working in Kenya, Zambia, and with Broadway performers. A striking example is his music celebrating justice, such as the song “Elegy for a Glacier” and another based on Justice Sotomayor’s Supreme Court dissent. Ken’s ability to process social issues and emotions through music offers a profound model for how art can drive change, foster healing, and cultivate empathy—whether through a single song or massive collaborations with 300-person choirs.

2. The Power of Inclusion and Supportive Community

Ken’s work isn’t confined to stages. He describes hosting a “house church” for Broadway entertainers—many of whom feel alienated or excluded from traditional religious spaces. Meeting in a living room, they tell stories, hold one another in love, and reimagine what church can be. As Ken recounts, even a self-professed atheist found so much warmth in this setting that they reconsidered church entirely. The episode also highlights Ken’s dedication to supporting church musicians with free retreats, focusing on rest, renewal, and camaraderie. Here, Phil Amerson and Ken remind listeners that belonging and mutual care are at the heart of community—and sometimes, that comes from unexpected places.

3. Little Acts of Kindness Matter—And Have Ripple Effects

A particularly touching story shared by Phil Amerson involves a woman living on the streets (Emma) being offered a cup of coffee by a passerby. Ken immediately transforms this narrative into song, emphasizing the deep impact of noticing—and caring for—someone who feels invisible. Both speakers reflect on Scripture’s teachings about giving “even a cup of water,” connecting these small gestures to moments of real, transformative grace. The exchange crystallizes how much compassion means, especially to those experiencing hardship.

Final Thoughts

This episode is a celebration of music, empathy, and the ongoing search for connection. Whether you’re a choir singer, a community leader, a performer, or simply someone looking for hope, the insights from Ken Medema and Phil Amerson will inspire you to see the extraordinary in everyday moments. Together, they remind us: True belonging and transformation happen when we show up for each other—whether in song, in service, or with a simple cup of coffee.

Listen for the laughter, the wisdom, and the hope—you’ll be glad you did.

https://www.kenmedema.com/