The Worship Catalyst Podcast

How Jesus Cared for His Team

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400

Jesus didn’t just preach truth—He cared deeply for the people He led.

In the final episode of the season, Austin Ryan and Lane Wood look to Jesus as the ultimate example of soul care and leadership. By examining key moments from the Gospels, they uncover how Jesus taught, served, rested, corrected, empowered, and loved His team.

This episode explores:

How Jesus invested deeply in people
Why compassion drove His leadership
How He balanced mission and care
What modern leaders can copy from His example
Why soul care has always been God’s design

If you lead people anywhere, this episode reframes leadership through the life of Jesus.

Watch the VIDEO Podcast HERE

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The Worship Catalyst Podcast is produced by Worship Catalyst. A non-profit ministry that serves churches by training, mentoring and coaching worship leaders and their teams. For more information about Worship Catalyst or for more resources to help you become a better worship leader, visit worshipcatalyst.com.

10 Ways Leaders Can Care for Their Own Soul

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0400

If leaders aren’t healthy, teams eventually suffer.

In Episode 4, Austin Ryan and Lane Wood turn the conversation inward, exploring 10 non-negotiable ways leaders must care for themselves spiritually, emotionally, physically, and relationally.

This honest conversation addresses:

Why neglecting health leads to burnout and failure
What “healthy leadership” really looks like
Daily, weekly, and seasonal practices that fill your tank
The difference between guilt-driven leadership and grace-filled leadership
Why self-care isn’t selfish—it’s stewardship

If you want to finish strong instead of flaming out, this episode is essential.

When Your Team Spans Generations: How to Lead Well

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500

Most leaders don’t lead uniform teams—they lead beautifully messy ones.

In this episode, Austin Ryan and Lane Wood tackle one of the biggest leadership challenges today: caring for teams made up of wildly different ages, backgrounds, personalities, and experiences.

From teenagers to retirees, new believers to seasoned saints, this conversation offers practical wisdom for leading diverse teams with unity and grace.

You’ll discover:

How to lead both older and younger team members with honor
Ways to cast vision across generations
How to foster real relationships on diverse teams
Why humility and excellence build unity
Practical steps to help people value one another

If your team feels more like a family reunion than a staff meeting, this episode is for you.

23 Proven Ways to Keep Your Team Healthy

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0500

Healthy teams don’t happen by accident—they’re built with intentional care.

In Episode 2 of The Worship Catalyst Podcast, Austin Ryan and Lane Wood get incredibly practical, sharing 23 (plus!) proven ways to keep teams spiritually healthy, connected, and thriving. Whether you lead staff, volunteers, creatives, or a small group, these ideas are designed to work in real life with real people.

You’ll learn:

Whose responsibility team health really is
Simple ways to pastor people without being overwhelmed
How prayer, encouragement, Scripture, and community shape culture
Creative ways to build connection beyond rehearsals and meetings
Why caring for yourself is the starting point for caring for others

No fluff. Just tested practices that help leaders protect people and build momentum.

Soul Care for Leaders: Why It Matters More Than You Think

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

Soul Care is a phrase leaders hear often—but few truly understand or practice.

In this opening episode of Season 6 of The Worship Catalyst Podcast, Austin Ryan sits down with worship leader Lane Wood to define what soul care really is—and why it matters for every leader. This isn’t self-help or self-indulgence. It’s learning to live and lead by grace, using the strength and resources God provides.

Together, Austin and Lane unpack:

What soul care actually means (and what it doesn’t)
Why caring for your soul is essential to healthy leadership
The biggest gaps worship leaders and team members face today
Four foundational practices that help leaders live by grace
Why rest and growth must coexist—or leadership suffers

If you lead anyone—on a church staff, volunteer team, business, or family—this conversation will reframe how you think about leadership health and longevity.

How to Build the Team of Your Dreams: Co-Leadership Builds Stronger Teams

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Season 5: How to Build the Team of Your Dreams
Episode 4: How Co-Leadership Builds Stronger Teams | The 3 Covenants

What if leadership didn’t have to be lonely?

In this final episode of the Worship Catalyst Podcast series Building the Team of Your Dreams, Austin Ryan and Ben Barfield unpack what it looks like to lead together without losing unity. Drawing from nearly 20 years of co-leading churches and organizations, they reveal the 5 biggest benefits of co-leadership—and practical ways to make it work.

If you’ve ever wrestled with questions like “Who really makes the final decision?” or “Can shared leadership actually work?”—this conversation is for you.

You’ll discover how co-leadership:
✅ Creates accountability and prevents burnout
✅ Builds humility and trust among leaders
✅ Makes teams stronger and more resilient
✅ Frees each person to lead in their strengths
✅ Demonstrates healthy leadership to your organization

Whether you lead in ministry, business, or education, this episode shows how applying the 3 Covenants to co-leadership can transform not just your relationships—but your results.

Our NEW Book, The 3 Covenants: Building Team Loyalty is AVAILABLE NOW!
https://the3covenants.com to order a copy for you and your team!

How to Build the Team of Your Dreams: Building a Healthy Team Culture that Lasts

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Season 5: How to Build the Team of Your Dreams
Episode 3: How to Build a Healthy Team Culture That Lasts

You’ve heard what the 3 Covenants are—now it’s time to learn how to actually live them out.

In this episode of the Worship Catalyst Podcast, Austin Ryan and Ben Barfield share practical ways to implement and reinforce the 3 Covenants in your ministry, business, or organization. If you’ve ever wondered how to build trust that lasts or how to create a culture of unity on your team, this episode gives you the step-by-step roadmap.

You’ll learn how to:
✅ Introduce the 3 Covenants to your team with confidence and clarity
✅ Keep them alive in weekly meetings and daily interactions
✅ Handle broken trust and rebuild relationships quickly
✅ Create a culture where honesty, humility, and loyalty thrive
✅ Multiply covenant relationships throughout your entire organization

This episode is packed with actionable tips you can use right away to start building the team of your dreams—one that communicates clearly, trusts deeply, and thrives on mission.

Our NEW Book, The 3 Covenants: Building Team Loyalty is AVAILABLE NOW!
https://the3covenants.com to order a copy for you and your team!

How to Build the Team of Your Dreams: 11 Reasons for Covenant Relationships

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Season 5: How to Build the Team of Your Dreams
Episode 2: Build Loyal Teams That Last

What if the secret to building loyal, drama-free teams wasn’t about management strategy—but about relationships?

In this episode of the Worship Catalyst Podcast, Austin Ryan and Ben Barfield share 11 powerful reasons why living in covenant relationships can transform your team. Drawing from their book The 3 Covenants: Building Team Loyalty, they reveal how trust, unity, and accountability can turn any group—church staff, business team, or classroom—into a family on mission.

You’ll discover how covenant relationships:
✅ Create deeper trust and eliminate drama
✅ Build a culture of safety and belonging
✅ Boost productivity and reduce turnover
✅ Lead to joy, peace, and greater focus on the mission
✅ Help people find what they were truly made to do

Whether you lead a worship ministry, a company, or a classroom, these 11 insights will help you build loyal teams that last—and love doing it together.

Our NEW Book, The 3 Covenants: Building Team Loyalty is AVAILABLE NOW!
https://the3covenants.com to order a copy for you and your team!

How to Build the Team of Your Dreams: The 3 Covenants

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Season 5: How to Build the Team of Your Dreams
Episode 1: The 3 Covenants: End Workplace Conflict & Build Trust

Not every person on every team gets along—and that can derail the mission fast. In this episode of the Worship Catalyst Podcast, host Austin Ryan sits down with long-time ministry partner Ben Barfield to introduce The 3 Covenants: Building Team Loyalty. Together, they unpack the simple but powerful commitments that have kept them leading side by side for over 20 years. Whether you lead in ministry, business, education, or sports, these principles can help you build trust, strengthen unity, and lead without the weight of conflict.

Our NEW Book, The 3 Covenants: Building Team Loyalty is AVAILABLE NOW!
https://the3covenants.com to order a copy for you and your team!

Perspectives from the Pew: What Does A Church Member Expect From A Worship Pastor?

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 07:00:00 -0400

What does a church member expect from his pastor and other staff? What relationship with God does he expect church leaders to have? And how does he want pastors to join him in his evangelistic efforts? These are some of the questions Austin Ryan asks series guest Joe Penovich as they bring this series to a close. The answers to these and other questions might surprise you!

Perspectives from the Pew: What Theology are we Missing in our Songs

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Are we singing the right things? If someone came to our church and listened to our song list for 6 months, would they capture the basic core theologies of the church and scripture? Many worship songs include the themes of grace, love, hope, healing, power and the goodness of God. But do we sing many songs about how God causes sickness and darkness? In this episode of the Worship Catalyst podcast, Austin Ryan sits down again with Joe Penovich to discuss the one core Biblical teaching that we often miss when we choose the songs for our churches.

Perspectives from the Pew: Hearing the Holy Spirit While Leading Worship

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Hopefully every worship leader and pastor wants to lead in the power of the Holy Spirit. Hearing His voice and knowing that He is leading in us and through us is the only way we want to lead. But…are you leading that way? And what is the pattern of life that can lead to you finally experiencing this power you desire. In this episode, Austin sits down again with Joe Penovich as they discuss a process of knowing God and praying in His Spirit that will empower us to live and lead from a place of strength. Spoiler alert…it’s not easy…but It’s worth it!

Perspectives from the Pew: The Worship Pattern that Facilitates True Worship

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Is your church service more like the cry of Israel to God or a high quality professional presentation? Is it possible to have both? In this episode of the Worship Catalyst Podcast, Austin sits down with Joe Penovich and looks at scriptures that talk about singing and what the patterns should be in our worship gatherings. Together, they also ask the question, “In what ways are we artificially manufacturing a moment of praise in our congregations?”

Perspectives from the Pew: Leading Worship IN and WITH the Holy Spirit

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Has worship music become a counterfeit of the Holy Spirit? Do you ever feel like you are leading well, but it doesn’t feel led or empowered by the Spirit of God? In this episode of the Worship Catalyst Podcast, Austin begins a conversation with Business owner and serial entrepreneur Joe Penovich as they start to unravel the mysteries of worshiping God in a way that people interact with God’s Holy Spirit. They discuss how self-motivated Christianity has led nowhere and start to ask the question - “should we even be singing songs in church these days?”

Digging Deep: 5 Questions to Answer when Planning Your Services

Tue, 27 May 2025 17:00:00 -0400

Planning worship services that truly serve your congregation requires wisdom and intentionality. In our final episode, we're addressing five essential questions every worship leader should consider when planning services. Your answers to these questions will shape how your church experiences corporate worship.

Digging Deep: Writing Great Songs for Your Church

Tue, 13 May 2025 07:00:00 -0400

For those called to write songs for the local church, today's episode is crucial. We're exploring seven fundamental principles of worship songwriting that you must never forget. Whether you're just starting or have been writing for years, these insights will sharpen your craft.

Digging Deep: 7 Spiritual Disciplines of Every Worship Leader

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0400

A worship leader's effectiveness flows from their personal walk with God. In this episode, we're diving into seven essential spiritual disciplines that will sustain and strengthen your ministry. These timeless practices will deepen your relationship with God and enhance your leadership.

Digging Deep: 7 Influential Worship Leaders

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0400

From the early church to modern worship movements, certain leaders have shaped how we approach worship. Today, we're exploring seven influential figures whose insights and examples continue to guide worship ministry. Their stories will inspire and challenge your own leadership journey.

Digging Deep: 4 Reasons Your Worship Team Must Prioritize Evangelism

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Why should evangelism be at the heart of your worship ministry? Today, we're examining four compelling reasons your team needs to embrace evangelism as a core value. Discover how worship and outreach naturally flow together in God's kingdom work.

Digging Deep: 8 Practical Ways to Lead Your Music Teams

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0400

Excellence in worship doesn't happen by accident. In this episode, we're sharing eight practical strategies to build and nurture an exceptional worship ministry. From rehearsal techniques to team dynamics, you'll gain tools to elevate your ensemble's effectiveness.

Digging Deep: 4 Things Worship Leaders MUST Know About Theology and Ecclesiology

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Understanding the church and its beliefs isn't just for seminary students. Today, we're breaking down four essential concepts about theology and ecclesiology that will deepen your ministry's impact and help you lead with greater theological clarity.

Digging Deep: 6 Ways to Disciple Your Worship Team

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Your worship team is more than just a group of musicians – they're disciples on a journey. Today, we're exploring six powerful ways to cultivate spiritual growth within your team. Discover how to transform your rehearsals and other connection points into opportunities for meaningful discipleship.

Digging Deep: 6 Action Steps for Guiding the Worship Ministry

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Every worship leader knows that building a thriving ministry takes more than musical talent. In today's episode, we're diving into six practical action items that will help you guide and grow your worship ministry with purpose and vision. Get ready to take your leadership to the next level.

Season 3: Digging Deep: What Worship Leaders Need to Know From Seminary
Episode 2: 6 Action Steps for Guiding the Worship Ministry

Digging Deep: 4 Truths Worship Leaders Need to Know from Old and New Testaments

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Welcome to Season 3 of the Worship Catalyst Podcast! This series is called Digging Deep, where we're uncovering essential seminary wisdom for worship leaders. In the first episode, Austin and Stephen are laying the foundation by exploring four critical insights about the Old and New Testaments that every worship leader needs to understand. Whether you're selecting songs or crafting liturgy, these biblical principles will transform how you approach worship ministry.

Season 3: Digging Deep: What Worship Leaders Need to Know From Seminary
Episode 1: 4 Truths Worship Leaders Need to Know from Both Testaments

BONUS: How to Implement A Producer in Your Church Services

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 07:00:00 -0500

So…you have said YES to incorporating a producer into your weekend services. Great choice! In this second episode in our producer series, we will take a dive into the kind of people you’re looking for to coordinate your services, some best practices on training them, and some tools to help you along the way. This is part 2 of 2 of these bonus episodes.

BONUS: 4 Reasons You NEED a Producer for Your Church Services

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0500

The time has come! We have a solution for you that will help maximize your own personal leadership gifting each and every weekend service. If you help lead a big church, small church, medium church, old church, new church or any other kind of church, this podcast is for you! The solution is to incorporate a producer, or service coordinator, onto your weekend team. In this episode, Austin sits down with Cami Ryan and Stephen Handley to discuss the 4 reasons you need a service coordinator TODAY, as well as this role’s 7 primary functions. Cami has been a producer for years and has trained many more. Stephen is a worship pastor who has incorporated this role over the past three years and has seen the incredible benefit to the growth of himself, his pastor and the services they lead together. This is part 1 of 2 in of these bonus episodes.

From Attending to Encountering God: What to Say Between Songs

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Most worship leaders struggle knowing exactly what to say between songs. It is challenging to focus on music, the congregation, the team, and their conversation with God all the while trying to say something meaningful. In this episode, Austin and Corey will talk through some simple strategies to hear from God and design simple and powerful things that will help your congregation go from attending a gathering to encountering God.

From Attending to Encountering God: 4 Things we MUST Know About Worship

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In helping people encounter God as we praise Him together, it’s important that leaders, as well as people in the congregation, understand what the Bible actually says about worship. It can be overwhelming because the Bible mentions worship hundreds of times. Understanding what it means can be difficult. In fact, worship leaders and pastors have made it even more confusing. In this episode, Austin and Corey unpack four short passages that give every leader a solid Biblical framework from which to lead people to encounter God.

From Attending to Encountering God: 5 Ways to Generate Energy in Your Services

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Sometimes church feels like a celebration…other times it feels like a funeral. In either case, it helps people encounter God when there is energy. So, where does energy come from in a service…and what can we do as leaders to help foster an energetic environment? In this episode, Austin and Corey will discuss five ways to help build more energy in your services.

From Attending to Encountering God: 19 Creative Ideas for Your Worship Services

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Are you fresh out of creative ideas for your worship services? In the last episode, Austin and Corey talked about how God made our brains to learn, urging us to use the creativity God has given us to tell His story in beautiful ways. But, where do we start? This episode gives 19 practical, simple things you can do as you plan your service, that will help your congregation encounter God.

From Attending to Encountering God: The Science of Boredom

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Have you ever wondered why some people seem disconnected in your church services? Are there some things we can do to help them encounter God? In this episode, Austin and Corey discuss how God, the great neuroscientist, made our brains to learn in miraculous ways. Understanding this can help us plan amazing services that help our congregations encounter God.

From Attending to Encountering God: How to Pick Songs that Help People Encounter God

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 08:00:00 -0400

What we sing matters. In this episode, Austin and Corey discuss the various aspects of song selection from tempo to topic to how your specific congregation connects to a various theme. Choosing the right songs can definitely help your congregation go from attending a service to encountering God.

From Attending to Encountering God: 7 Ways to DIS-engage Your Congregation

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0400

There are some great ways to engage your congregation and some great ways to DISengage them. In this episode, Austin and Corey discuss seven things we sometimes do which inadvertently fight against helping our congregations encounter God.

From Attending to Encountering God: 2 Non-Negotiable Weekly Practices

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In helping our congregations go from attending a service to encountering God, there are two practices in the life a worship leader that are non-negotiable. In this episode, Corey Coogan and Austin Ryan discuss these simple, but vital habits: Praying specifically for our congregation to encounter God at church and knowing the congregation deeply. This episode will focus on how to do these things well.

The Worship Catalyst Podcast
Season 2: From Attending to Encountering God
Episode 1: 2 Non-Negotiable Weekly Practices

Sports & Worship Leading: 6 Traits of Highly Effective Worship Leaders

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0400

The Worship Catalyst Podcast

Season 1: Sports & Worship Leading
Episode 7: 6 Traits of Highly Effective Worship Leaders

What traits do effective worship leaders need to have to lead strong? Austin and Stephen sit down in the final episode of the Sports & Worship Leading series to discuss 6 traits that they think leaders should have to be the most effective in the area God has called them. Do you have anything you would add? Let us know in the comments!

Also, see the FREE courses on worship leading available at https://www.worshipcatalyst.com/courses

Sports & Worship Leading: Strategies for Handling Worship Service Setbacks

Tue, 21 May 2024 08:00:00 -0400

The Worship Catalyst Podcast

Season 1: Sports & Worship Leading
Episode 6: Overcoming Obstacles: Strategies for Handling Worship Service Setbacks

What do you do when everything goes wrong (or just one thing) during a worship service? How are you supposed to handle those moments? Austin and Stephen share some of the obstacles they've faced while leading worship and some strategies for overcoming those setbacks.

Sports & Worship Leading: Leading Effective Worship Rehearsals

Tue, 07 May 2024 10:00:00 -0400

Season 1: Sports & Worship Leading
Episode 4: Leading Effective Worship Rehearsals: Tips for Dynamic Impact

What do your worship rehearsals accomplish? In this episode, Austin and Stephen discuss some really helpful tips for having the most impactful worship rehearsals! They're probably not what you think they are.

Sports & Worship Leading: A Worship Leader's Guide to Engaging the Congregation

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Season 1: Sports & Worship Leading
Episode 4: Inspiring Heartfelt Worship: A Guide to Engaging the Congragation

Do you know the importance of engaging the congregation in worship? In this episode of the Worship Catalyst Podcast, Austin & Stephen talk about how to inspire heartfelt worship in your services and give you some practical advice on engaging the congregation.

Sports & Worship Leading: 5 Essential Strategies to Align Your Worship Team's Mission

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Season 1: Sports & Worship Leading
Episode 3: 5 Essential Strategies to Align Your Worship Team's Mission

What's the mission for your worship team? Do you even have one? Are there 100 different missions depending on who you ask? In this episode of the Worship Catalyst Podcast, Austin & Stephen outline 5 strategies for getting your team to join in one mission and WHY it's important.

Sports & Worship Leading: Key Tips for Cultivating Excellence

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Can your team be just as excellent as the mega church down the street...how about even more excellent? In this episode, Austin & Stephen discuss tips for cultivating excellence on your team.

Sports & Worship Leading: 5 Proven Strategies to Build Trust on Your Worship Team

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0400

Would you like to build trust on your worship team? How about any team that you lead? In this episode, Austin Ryan and co-host, Stephen Handley, sit down to discuss why building trust is important, what trust and distrust looks like, and 5 strategies to build trust on your team.

Am I functioning as a worship leader or a worship pastor?

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Do you lead worship like you are a worship leader...or a worship pastor? The dream team gives some diagnostics in this episode that will help you determine how you are approaching worship leading. It will definitely help you grow as a leader AND a pastor.

ALSO Big News! The Worship Leader Essentials Podcast will now be called

THE WORSHIP CATALYST PODCAST

AND we will have video available as well. Follow @worshipcatalyst on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest videos and clips starting March 12!

Should I sing songs in English AND Spanish...at least sometimes?

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0500

The cultural diversity in America is growing every year. How does this affect worship leaders and song selection? In this episode, the dream team discusses the value of singing in a second language and whether or not that adds value to the people in the congregation, and the mission of the church as a whole.

To ask any questions about leading worship in 2 languages, or any other multi-cultural questions, reach out to Tono Rodriguez: tonotiempo@yahoo.com

11 Things Worship Leaders Should NEVER Do

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0500

There are a long list of things that worship leaders should always be doing, and we'll get into that in a future episode. But there are also 11 things worship leaders should NEVER EVER EVER do. In this episode, Austin welcomes several members of the Dream Team back in to discuss.

Our 100th Episode...and Top 5 Favorite Moments

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 09:00:00 -0500

It's our 100th Episode!!! So, we are making this easy for you. Instead of going back and listening to all 99 episodes up to this point (which we DO recommend), we have picked out 5 of our favorite moments from the first 99 episodes...just in case you don't have time to listen to them all. This was not easy to do, but we wanted to roll back some helpful moments for you.

How to Handle Criticism as a Leader

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Have you or your work ever been criticized? It doesn't feel good! How should we respond when it happens? How can we avoid feeling criticized? These and other questions get answered in this episode as Austin welcomes the dream team back into the podcast.

7 Ways to Know if You Are Too Invested in Your Local Church...

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0500

....and not enough in the Kingdom. During this episode, Nichole sits down with Austin Ryan & Mike Mychalczuk to discuss 7 ways to know if you're too invested in your local church and not the Kingdom of God.

If you'd like to catch up on the Worship Leader Questions videos we discussed at the end of the podcast- follow @WorshipCatalyst on Instagram or Facebook!

And, for those of you who like to read the last chapter of the book first, here is the list of 7 things we discuss in this episode:

1. You compare your church to other churches
2. You celebrate when your church grows at the expense of another
3. You don't know leaders from other churches
4. You've never taken the time to visit other congregations in your area
5. You don't multiply
6. You work full-time at the church, but are too busy to help out other churches
7. You don't pray for other congregations around you

Elevation Concert vs. Church Service: Why are they so different?

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0500

A church member just went to a big-name worship concert and now they are dissatisfied with the worship culture at your church. This is a reality in today's worship ministry climate. Join us as Austin sits down with Stephen and Lane to discuss what we should be learning from large worship concerts... and what we should not be learning.

Saying NO To Potential Team Members

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Has a bad singer ever auditioned for your praise team? If so, you'll love this episode of the Worship Leader Essentials Podcast. Austin sits down with Stephen Handley and Lane Wood to discuss how we can avoid these moments if possible, but then handle them with grace when they come up.

Worship in the Persecuted Church

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0400

Why is worshiping God such a big deal in churches that are persecuted? In this episode, Austin sits down with missiologist and church planter, Neal Creecy, to discuss the various areas of persecution in the world and how worship is helping these heroes through it.

How to LOSE Your Team

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Last time, Austin sat down with 3 seasoned worship leaders to discuss how to win your team. This week, they're all back discussing mistakes anyone can make that can ensure you start to lose the trust of your team.

How to Win Your Team to Yourself and the Mission

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0400

What do the classroom, the sports field, the business office and the worship team all have in common? Leaders who are either winning or losing their teams to themselves and the team mission. In this episode, Austin sits down with 3 seasoned team-leading worship leaders to learn some simple ways to keep your group rallied around your leadership and the shared mission.

Military to Full-Time Worship Leader

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Many worship leaders feel like they need to go to worship leading school, Bible college, or have a long career in Christian ministry. Apparently, that's not the case. In this episode, Austin sits down with Jonathan Quick and hears about his journey to becoming a worship leader. Jonathan also drops plenty of wisdom along the way.

Creating a “Party” Attitude in Your Team

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Is band practice and church the most energetic and “looked forward to” time of your team’s week? It can (and should) be. In this episode Austin hangs out with Nichole Paulos to discuss 10 ways to turn your team time into a party...all in less than 17hrs and 53mins.

What do I need to know about worship?

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0400

As a leader, understanding the doctrine of worship can be really overwhelming. Entire degrees in college and seminary are devoted to understanding worship holistically. But for the normal worship leader, who does not have a worship leading degree (and this is the VAST majority of you), what do you really need to know? In this podcast, Austin unpacks 4 primary scriptures about worship that you can learn and then teach your team and congregation. This will get them on their way to understanding what the Bible says about worship.

Do One Thing that Will Make Lasting Changes...the ins and outs of arts retreats

Tue, 30 May 2023 15:00:00 -0400

It's amazing the emotional, spiritual and relational difference a few hours can make when it's focused on the right things. Your band and arts team can take leaps forward just like Stephen's. He is Austin's guest on this episode. In one short weekend, he saw his team connect like never before and get completely together on their shared mission.

Tiny is Different than Big: Learning to lead worship to very small crowds

Tue, 09 May 2023 09:00:00 -0400

When we think of worship leading, we often think about stages and bands and large crowds and technology. But sometimes worship is led in a home, or apartment, or around a camp fire. In this episode, Austin reflects on his most recent worship leading journey...leading in his home with only 15 people in attendance. Some things about leading remain the same, but many of them change.

Get better at communicating! The 4 Communication Styles we all need!

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0400

We can either talk or we can communicate. If you have any role of communicating (leading a team, leading a church, leading worship, leading a family), you will grow from this podcast. Austin sits down with Michelle Mendoza of FindYourVoice.fun and teaches us how to communicate using entertainment, engagment, information and inspiration. Michelle also gives you information on how to get a FREE copy of her book. It's a don't miss!

FindYourVoice.fun
Michelle Mendoza
Email her at Contact@findyourvoice.com and ask for the free book (just pay shipping)!

Ch Ch Ch Ch Changes! How to manage the big and small changes YOU need to make

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0400

We all make changes...or at least we should. But many leaders are notoriously bad at changing things the right way. In this episode, Austin interviews Margaret Menger, a change expert, and discusses how leaders could and should navigate all kinds of changes for the most buy-in and greatest results!

How Do I Get My Congregation to Worship Better?

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 13:00:00 -0400

Do you wish your crowd would engage in worship songs like the crowds you see of the biggest worship bands on youtube? There are 3 ways to move your church in that direction. In this podcast, Austin highlights those 3 ingredients and provides a new tool from Worship Catalyst to help your congregation experience God more fully than ever before!

To order 12 or more copies of My Devoted Response, email Cami@worshipcatalyst.com.

The book is available at https://www.amazon.com/My-Devoted-Response-Devotional-Worship/dp/0996714537/ref=sr_1_1?crid=HAYS9RBJ6EGD&keywords=austin+ryan&qid=1679416634&sprefix=austin+ryan%2Caps%2C118&sr=8-1

Leading the Future...and Present Worship Leaders: The Differences in Leading Student Leaders

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Do you have students in your worship band? Or do you WANT to? Joe Lindamood, worship leader and student pastor sits down with Austin to discuss the differences in leading student worship leaders/team members and adults. This conversation is eye-opening and affects all of us as leaders.

Joe's email address if you have any questions for him: josephLindamood@catcorlando.com

MY DEVOTED RESPONSE: A Devotional Guide on Worship

IS AVAILABLE NOW! CLICK HERE to purchase.

Purchasing for more than 10 people? Email Cami@worshipcatalyst.com for the best pricing available!

The Seven Temptations of the Western Church: A Conversation with Jeff Christopherson

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Not very often do you get a chance to look into the future. Have you ever wondered where we have been, what's been wrong and where we are going as churches in the west? How does that affect worship services and worship leading? Join Austin as he has these conversations and more with Jeff Christopherson, author of Once You See: Seven Temptations of the Western Church. Once you see how church CAN be, you'll never want to go back!

Purchase "Once You See" HERE

Announcements: That Thing We LOVE to Hate

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Does your church do announcements as a part of the service? If so, have you ever wondered where to put them, how to have them not break the flow, or if you really should have them at all? If so, this podcast is for YOU! Nichole Paulos joins the podcast to interview Austin as they discuss 5 Announcement RULES and 5 Announcement TIPS.

5 Announcement rules:
1.Only 3 announcements. No more.
2.Announcements must be finalized by Thursday or Friday - no last minute.
3.Preach the announcements when possible.
4.Start with a statement about the mission or vision of the church - if you can’t do that, don’t do the announcement. The WHY is more important than the WHAT.
5.Always have visuals.

5 Announcement Ideas:
1.Try pre-recording AUDIO on the announcements and show slides/videos over the audio.
2.Push announcements out via text/email right before the service
3.Move announcements around each week based on where they fit in that week’s flow
4.Make it fun
5.Track the results.

MY DEVOTED RESPONSE IS AVAILABLE NOW! CLICK HERE to buy today!

Purchasing for more than 10 people? Email Cami@worshipcatalyst.com for the best pricing available!

Now What Do We Do? Finding a New Church to Serve...OR Finding a Qualified Worship Leader

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 12:00:00 -0500

Well...it's time to transition. You're either a worship leader who needs a new place to serve or a pastor who needs a new worship ministry leader. What do you do? AND...what are most churches looking for when they hire a new worship leaader? These questions and more are answered as Austin sits down with Todd Rukes, Director of Rukes Group, a firm that specializes in helping churches find amazing and qualified staff. That might sound stodgy, but this conversation is not.

To reach out to Todd, email connect@rukesgroup.com!

Point Guard to Coach: The Transition from doing it all to leading others

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Do you want to be a point guard or a coach...a worship leader or a leader of worship leaders? The choice is yours...and the path is on this podcast. Sean Patrick and Jeff Nail join Austin to discuss their own journeys, and the things they have learned in moving from simply leading worship every week to developing a deep bench of leaders who are constantly growing in their abilities to lead.

Killing it - Turning your band from a group of musicians to a GREAT sounding group! (Pt. 2)

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0500

This is the second part of Austin's conversation with musician, band leader, and worship leader, Corey Coogan. In this episode they finish the discussion of how to approach your band dynamics with excellence and become the best sounding band you can. (Part 2 of 2)

The Worship Leader Essentials Podcast will return in 2023 with more content to help you do more with less! To stay in the know with all our resources- follow @worshipcatalyst on Instagram and Facebook!

Killing it - Turning your band from a group of musicians to a GREAT sounding group! (Pt. 1)

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Do you want YOUR band to sound the best it absolutely can? Then this is the podcast for you. Join experienced musician, band leader and worship leader Corey Coogan as he discusses how to approach your band dynamics with excellence and become the best sounding band you can. (Part 1 of 2)

'Tis the Season... For Planning Christmas Services!

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 11:00:00 -0500

What do you think about when you are planning your Christmas services? Tradition? Doing something completely new? Worship Leader, Sean Patrick sits down with Austin Ryan to discuss his approach to planning Christmas services.

Keeping Everybody on the Same Page: Instilling (and keeping) Your Mission in Every Team Member

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0400

Is everybody on your team heading in the same direction? If you asked each of them what the team's mission and their own personal mission is, would all the answers be the same? Why is that important? In this episode, Austin sits down with experienced team leader Jon Acosta to discuss why and how we keep everybody on the same page.

Liturgy is So Boring!...and other stereotypical things we hear

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Should your services be liturgical? Or is that just for "boring" churches?
On this episode of the Worship Leader Essentials podcast, Austin sits down with worship leaders Ben Lunn and Jeff nail to discuss the definition of liturgy and why (or why not) we should incorporate it in our churches.

To Pay or Not to Pay (sound guys)...that is the Question

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0400

Do you pay any of your tech team leaders? Should you be? This is a tricky question with lots of and lots of variables. In this episode, Austin sits down with dream team media team members Mike Mychaczuk and Garrett Garner to discuss answers to these questions: When SHOULD you consider paying technologists and When should you NOT consider paying technologists.

The Nuances of Leading Tech People

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0400

Tech people are weird. Let's face it. They have this guru-level understanding of all things electricity, knobs and flows of current. And their jedi-weirdness sometimes makes them tough to lead. But if you are a worship leader or pastor, you must lead everyone. In this episode, Austin sits down with self-proclaimed weirdos Mike Mychalczuk and Garrett Garner to discuss the nuances of leading people like them.

To connect with us further- visit WorshipCatalyst.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook.

Worship Leader Essentials Workshop & Mentoring

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0400

The value of improvement should be high since we are doing the most important thing in the world - helping people connect with Jesus. In this episode, Austin and Cami have a conversation with recent graduates of Worship Leader Essentials, Bill Muench and James Rhodes and listen to them discuss how WLE has impacted them personally as well as their church.

To sign up for or get more information about Worship Leader Essentials, please visit WorshipCatalyst.com and click FIND OUT HOW.

A conversation with Jason Houtsma from Worship Artistry

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 12:00:00 -0400

Are your band and singers getting better and better all the time? If not, you’ll want to listen to this podcast. Austin sits down with Jason Houtsma, founder and director of Worship Artistry and hears how his ministry can immediately impact the quality and fun of your music team.

For more information on Worship Artistry visit their website.

How to FIND, AUDITION and TRAIN Technologists for Your Church

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0400

Do you sometimes wish you had more people on your tech team? And do you wonder if everybody that wants to serve on the team should serve? How do you filter through everybody to get to the leaders who you can train to serve really well? In this episode, media dream team Mike Mychalczuk and Garrett Garner sit down with Austin to talk through some best practices to find, audition and train tech people for your church.

Stage Energy and Taking a Break: Answers to two Common Worship Leader Questions

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 09:00:00 -0400

2 Questions: #1. Do you ever wonder how to get more energy from your band and singers? #2. If you have a small team, how should you think about giving them breaks from playing every week. In this episode, Austin offers some answers to these very 2 common questions he gets from worship leaders of every size church.

Stay in the know! Follow @worshipcatalyst on Instagram and Facebook to see what else we've been up to!

Producing Videos for Church: Going from OK to Pro Level with a Few Tips and Tricks

Tue, 31 May 2022 12:00:00 -0400

Many churches are using video more and more as a way to share the story of Jesus. You want to join in this revolution, knowing that most people watch tons of video every single day in their lives. But, you don't know how to produce high quality videos. In this episode, Austin sits down with Worship Catalyst's Production Director Nichole Paulos to discuss her process of production, how she came to be a video producer and a few tips, tricks and tools that help her shorten the production process.

To view past Common Ground Online episodes click HERE

To view/purchase Worship Catalyst produced videos for your church click HERE

For questions about video production, feel free to reach out to nichole@worshipcatalyst.com

Getting the MOST Out of Your Loops and Tracks...from a Loop and Track Expert

Tue, 17 May 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Just because you use tracks or loops doesn't mean you're getting the most out of them. Matt McCoy, founder and director of LoopCommunity.com sits down with Austin to discuss best practices in using tracks. They talk about spontaneity in worship, introducing your band to tracks, how to mix tracks, and much more.

For a free course on how to start using tracks: tracksinworship.com

To Track or Not To Track...

Tue, 03 May 2022 09:00:00 -0400

Have you been wondering if you should us tracks in your church? Or KEEP using tracks? In this episode, Ben Lunn joins Austin as they discuss several reasons your church should use tracks...and several reasons you shouldn't. They also discuss HOW you can implement tracks with your team personally and technologically.

If you need technology help to start using tracks in your church, email mike@worshipcatalyst.com.

Learn to Walk Before You Run: The Value of Being an Intern (or Assistant)

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Life is all about choices and directions we take. Every decision effects the next decision. How does this play out in our worship leading experience. Sometimes the best path is to jump into worship ministry leadership with both feet. Other times, it might be best to slow down, become an intern or an associate...in other words, a learner. In this episode, Stephen Handley sits down with Austin and discusses the values he learned by taking second chair for a season before he became a worship pastor.

Casting a Winning Vision for Your Sound Mix

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Does your staff, your band and your congregation all have clarity on the vision of audio in your church services? Probably not. Most churches still think it's either too loud or too quiet. It doesn't have to be this way! In this episode, James Attaway of Attaway Audio sits down with Austin to discuss 6 questions you can answer to address what audio is supposed to accomplish for your church.

Website: AttawayAudio.com
Subscription and Courses: AttawayAudio.com/WSWU
Free E-Book: https://www.attawayaudio.com/get-your-free-guide-how-to-lead-your-church-sound-team

Starting a Business to Fund Your Ministry Goals: A conversation with Pastor John Reinagel

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0400

The dream is to be a worship pastor in a big church with a big team and a big budget. This CAN happen! But the reality is that only 15% of churches in the U.S. have full-time worship leaders. It's a rare opportunity. If God has called you, but there are not places to serve, what do you do? In this episode, Austin sits down with John Reinagel to discuss John's path of working in the marketplace, even starting a new business, so he could work at a church without requriring a paycheck. It's a great model to consider!

john@commongroundonline.org

It's Easter Again?! Planning Easter Services That Are Engaging and Fresh

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0400

You're not alone. Every worship leader and pastor at some point in their ministry life gets to repetitive times of the year, like Christmas and Easter and wonders how in the world they are going to share the same story AGAIN, for the 25th time. In this podcast, Ben Lunn and Cami Ryan join Austin to discuss some principles for planning great Easter and other holiday services, as well as a few of our most well received creative Easter service ideas we have done.

Don't Waste Sundays pt 2: An Argument For (and Guide to) Worship Planning

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0500

This is the second episode in our 2-part podcast about worship planning. In this episode, Austin & Cami continue their discussion of worship planning with some very practical steps to implement it in your context. They discuss and teach the process they have used for many years and passed on to dozens of churches. It is both revealing and challenging.

Download a copy of our Worship Planning Guide Here

"Chains" Skit from Zona Youth Camp 2010 can be viewed Here

For more information on personalized mentorship or consultation regarding worship planning you can go to our website or email cami@worshipcatalyst.com.

Don't Waste Sundays: An Argument For (and Guide to) Worship Planning

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Do you wonder if you're getting boring in planning worship services? Is it a little too easy to pick 4 songs and sing them? If so, this first episode in our 2-part podcast is for you. In this episode, Austin Ryan sits down with his wife Cami to discuss worship planning. For 20 years, they have been planning services together in the context of a team. Why does worship planning matter? Who should be on your team? How do we get started? All of these are discussed in this episode.

The Things That REPEL People from Your Church with Jim Collins

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0500

We love talking about the things that people love about our churches. But what makes them never want to come back? Jim Collins, pastor and church planting Catalyst, joins Austin as they discuss what these repelling parts of church are. You'll need to hear this!

Triplets and Terrible Australian Accents: Should we ALWAYS clap after every song?

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Do the people in your church clap after every song? Or can you hear the crickets after you just finished a huge worship rock song? Which is better or does it even matter? In this episode, Austin sits down with Cami Ryan and Nichole Paulos to discuss clapping in church. There's actually more to it than meets the eye.

Show Some Respect: Unique Opportunities of Women Worship Leaders

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Being a female worship leader is basically the same as being a male worship leader, right? Uh...no. Join Austin as he interviews Misty Ticknor, worship leader in South Carolina as she lays out the various challenges of being a worship leader who is female. She also shares how she works hard to overcome these challenges. Men and women, you'll love Misty's honesty and professionalism. And you'll get into the mind and heart of a leader who is focused on worship, family, ministry and Jesus.

Leading Worship Multi-Culturally

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0500

This doesn't sound easy. We have different leaders from different backgrounds who are different in color, culture, and style. How are we supposed to blend all of this together into seamless worship experiences and strong team development? You'll definitely learn from our two guests Karen Mychalczuk and Sheldrick Walker as they sit down with Austin to discuss how they blended all these things together into an amazing, Christ-centered expression of His body. You'll love this!

5 Things to Do in Your First 5 Months

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 06:00:00 -0500

What do you do first?! You’re in that new ministry and you’re trying to decide what to focus on first…do you go with team development? How about getting the songs dialed in? Or maybe the band needs a ton of work. Where do you focus? In this episode, Austin interviews experienced worship pastor Matt Etter as he explains what he focused on most recently in a church where he just passed the 6 month mark. His experience and successes will be monumental in keeping you on track in the early days.

For more information about Worship Catalyst: worshipcatalyst.com

2 Minutes on Worship

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 09:00:00 -0500

In this podcast, Austin discusses Worship Catalyst's 2 Minutes on Worship and why we felt like these IGTV vids will help you and your team do more with less. To check out 2 Minutes on Worship, find @WorshipCatalyst on Instagram. New videos drop every Thursday.

Q&A: Austin answers a few of the most common questions

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 09:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Cami asks Austin two of the most common questions they get from Worship Leaders around the country.

Performing and Leading Worship: A Conversation with Jason Andino (part 2)

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Worship Leader Essentials, Austin his discussion with Jason Andino. Jason spent most of his life in the entertainment industry working on the Las Vegas Strip, cruise ships, Disneyland, and more. Now, he is the worship leader for a church in Ohio. Austin and Jason discuss the similarities and differences between performing in the entertainment industry and leading worship.

Performing and Leading Worship: A Conversation with Jason Andino (part 1)

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of Worship Leader Essentials, Austin sits down with Jason Andino. Jason spent most of his life in the entertainment industry working on the Las Vegas Strip, cruise ships, Disneyland, and more. Now, he is the worship leader for a church in Ohio. Austin and Jason discuss a lot of the similarities between performing in the entertainment industry and leading worship.

Storytelling and Engaging Your Media Team:A conversation with Micah Ogle pt. 2

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0400

This week we continue our conversation with Micah Ogle, Creative Director for Hope Church in Las Vegas. Every worship leader and pastor should hear about the value of story telling and how to engage your team for building the best experience possible that glorifies God and draws people to Himself.

Storytelling and Engaging Your Media Team:A conversation with Micah Ogle pt. 1

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0400

How do you produce your services? Worship planning, creativity, team building and technology all go into a great worship experience. In this episode of the Worship Leader Essentials Podcast, Austin has a conversation with Micah Ogle, Creative Director for Hope Church in Las Vegas. Every worship leader and pastor should hear about the value of story telling and how to engage your team for building the best experience possible that glorifies God and draws people to Himself.

A Journey to Restored Sound: A Conversation with Kay Ashley

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0400

Do you sometimes wander if song writing and performing are in your future? If so, what do you need to do to take that first step? In this episode, Kay Ashley, worship leader, song writer, recording artist sits down with Austin to discuss her own recording journey. Her musical journey didn’t start until later in life. She will help us identify the necessary first steps to getting your music heard.

Check out Kay's music here: https://restored-sound.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvzJNqsG5NjyluFL7OnZhAA
Instagram: @restoredsound

From Tech Director to Worship Pastor: A Conversation with Garrett Garner

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 09:00:00 -0400

Most worship leaders are given the role of technical director for the church, whether they know anything about it or not. In this episode Austin interviews Garret Garner, a worship pastor and creative arts pastor in his local church in Houston, TX. Garrett helps us wear both hats more effectively.

Resources that Garrett recommends:

MxU Teams (subscription required)
https://mxu.rocks/teams/

The Worship Initiative (subscription required)
https://theworshipinitiative.com/sign-up

Worship Catalyst (free)
https://worshipcatalyst.com/resources

Self Assessment: A conversation with Ben Barfield

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 09:00:00 -0400

Do you ever wonder if you’re really good enough to do your job? IT would be nice if there was a simple assessment tool to hep us constantly improve. In this episode Austin interviews Ben Barfield, one of the assessment directors for SEND network. Ben discusses some very practical ways for us to self evaluate on an on-going and consistent basis.

A Reason to Give

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 09:00:00 -0400

As Worship Catalyst finishes 15 years of igniting worship ministries in new churches, Austin and Cami Ryan, Ben Lunn and Nichole Paulos sit down and discuss some great wins and how YOU can participate in what God is doing.

Multiplying Leaders: A conversation with Jeff Nail

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 09:00:00 -0400

What’s your dream? Yourself on stage 52 weeks per year with no real opportunity for a break? Or do you envision a team of worship leaders you are pouring into and seeing them lead others in worship both on your church and in others? If you are fired up about multiplying leaders, this podcast is for you. Austin interviews worship leader Jeff Nail who invests in other leaders every day.

The Fastest Way to Derail Your Ministry and How to Avoid it: An interview with Nate Schloesser

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 06:00:00 -0400

In this very important episode of the podcast, Austin interviews Nate Schloesser, User Experience Strategy Manager at Covenant Eyes. You will be stunned to hear the statistics of how many worship leader and pastors fall to the temptation of pornography. Nate helps us understand the importance of getting this right in our lives as leaders and reveals how Covenant Eyes can be a vital resource for our lives and our churches.

Challenges of Church Revitalization: A conversation with Shane Schauer

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 06:00:00 -0400

Why would you ever leave the big church for the small church? And what happens when you go from leading a team you have personally built and trained and entered into a situation where you have previous leaders mixing in with new ones? On this episode of the Worship Leader Essentials Podcast, we will learn from Shane Schauer, worship leader in San Diego, California. His journey from big to small, from established to new is an inspiring one…and one we can all learn from.

Dealing with Stage Presence : An interview with Karen Miller

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 06:00:00 -0400

It’s a sticky subject we are covering in this week’s episode of the Worship Leader Essentials Podcast. What are we to do about stage presence? Some people on stage look bored, or sad, or angry. Others look a little too happy. Some don’t move a muscle ever while leading from the stage…they’re like statues. Others move around like it’s a rock concert. What’s right? What’s wrong? How do you train stage presence? We are excited in this episode to interview Karen Miller, a worship leader in Medina, Ohio who has been working at training her team to be engaged and to be themselves. We have a lot to learn from her!

Caring For Your Team: A Conversation with Teddy Johnson (Part 2)

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -0400

Teddy Johnson is back in the podcast this week talking about how he has built a culture of MISSION and WELCOMING on his team. We have much to learn from Teddy and all he has learned as he has built and unleashed his team of well over 100 creative artists.

Caring For Your Team: A Conversation with Teddy Johnson (Part 1)

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Worship Leader Essentials podcast we get to hear from Teddy Johnson, worship pastor at Hope Church in Las Vegas. Teddy, a highly sought after worship leader, musician, songwriter and performer, is a guru on caring for his team. His pastor’s heart will come through as we learn together how to better care for the souls of the people we lead.

A Sneak Peek at What’s Next for Worship Catalyst!

Tue, 04 May 2021 06:00:00 -0400

After this episode, the Worship Leader Essentials Podcast will be taking a short break to work on a new weekly video that will be dropping on social beginning soon. It’s called Two Minutes On Worship. It will be just that - a weekly 2-minute video discussing what the Bible says about worship. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE so you won’t miss when Worship Leader Essentials Podcast returns.

In THIS episode, we take a dive into Paul and Silas and what they were thinking at midnight in a prison.

Like/Follow for more great content:
https://www.facebook.com/worshipcatalyst
https://www.instagram.com/worshipcatalyst/?hl=en

When Ministry Doesn’t Turn Out Like You Hoped : A Conversation with Ken Smith

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 06:00:00 -0400

Have all of your ministry dreams come true? When you set out in your current ministry role, did you have a vision or a picture of what it might be like some day? Have you sometimes struggled finding people who will pour into you and help you become all you could be? If you are like most people, your ministry experience has had some days of doubt, fear and frustration. In this episode, Ken Smith, worship leader in Kentucky, tells us his story of frustration and ministry difficulties and gives us some insight as to how we can navigate through ours.

Articulating Your Worship Ministry Mission to Your Team

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0400

Do you have a stated mission for your creative arts team? And if so, do the team members know what it is? In this episode, Austin Ryan unpacks this question about articulating your team's mission and works through a few simple ideas. First, you should have a mission. Then over-articulate it, celebrate it and measure against it.

Recording. Making it Simple...and Affordable - from a PRO!

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode we welcome Trenton Mueller again, this time to give us some really practical insight into HOW to record songs. Trenton has his college education in recording, but you DON'T have to be a pro to sound like one. You've got this really cool tune and it's time to record it so more than just you can hear it. But, you don't have a million dollars to spend on it. No problem. Trenton can help...AND He has made himself available to connect and walk you through it.

So, listen to this podcast and then if you need to, reach out to Trenton and he can help you get set up or get your set up working better. His email address is: trenton.mueller@echochurchoc.com.

Stepping Out In FAITH to Do Something AWESOME for God! - A Conversation with Trenton Mueller

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0400

Have you ever had that itching feeling you maybe should do something crazy...like REALLY crazy...like stop what you are doing and do something else that might or might not work, but would have a huge impact on the world? I'm talking risk.

Well, in this episode, we get to meet Trenton Mueller, worship pastor and co-pastor in Los Angeles, CA. He left comfortable to go and chase church planting. His story is inspiring and might help you in your decision-making as to what God wants you to do next.

One Example of a Streaming Set Up - and WHY that set up was chosen

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0500

In our last episode, Austin and Mike discussed how you determine what kind of service you will stream based on the audience. In this episode, Mike takes it a little further and discusses the exact equipment and software he streams from his church and why he made those decisions.

Here is his equipment:
Cameras - Avipas AV1280 SDI with Power over Ethernet (PoE). These are PTZ cameras which means they support remote Pan, Tilt, and Zoom functions

Controller - Avipas 3104IP Joystick / PTZ controller

Our streaming platform is Vimeo and we have the Premium plan. In addition, we simul stream to Facebook "Berean Bible Fellowship Church" and YouTube "Berean Fellowship KC"

Knowing WHY You Stream - Three Ways to Determine Your Online Audience?

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0500

We've been asked 100 times what technology to use to stream or build services that are going to be broadcast online. We are happy to help anyone with this, but the first question has to be - Who is your online audience? Your answer to that question will determine how far you go on the technology side. Mission, vision and philosophy will drive the HOW.

Mike Mychalczuk, Worship Catalyst's National Technical Director joins Austin in this lively discusssion.

What We Are Learning about Worship Leading in COVID. A Panel Discussion.

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -0500

What is changing? Are people still worshipping through masks? Should we expect people to sing at home online? In this episode, Austin joins Cami Ryan, Josh Jones, Ben Lunn and Shane Zimmer in disussing what they are all learning about worship in this new environment.

Don't Hate on the "Vintage" Worship Songs! A #throwback Conversation with a Few Worship Leaders

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -0500

There is a tendancy to think we are living in the golden age of worship songs and that everything that came before was not nearly as good. But that's arrogant and wrong. So...in this episode of the Worship Leader Essentials Podcast, we give some props to the worship songs of our growing up - Austin Ryan, Josh Jones, Cami Ryan, Ben Lunn and Shane Zimmer discuss the heritage that older worship songs have left in their lives.

Discipling Worship Leaders - A Conversation with Jeff Goodman

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -0500

What does a pastor want his worship leader doing with his or her time? What are the top 5 characteristics of great worship leaders. In this episode, Austin Ryan interviews pastor Jeff Goodman of Springs Church in Tucson, AZ. Jeff is a top leader, church planter, mulitiplier and faithful Christ follower. They cover a range of topics, mainly focused around the discipleship of leaders and the qualities of great worship leader. Oh...and there is a GREAT story about how God brought an athiest future worship pastor to Springs church out of nowhere.

Fixing Exhaustion...and a million other problems - The Seven Worship Ministry Roles of Every Single Church

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -0500

Have you ever thought you were too busy? Worn out? Doing things you don't want to do or don't feel equipped to do? We have GOOD NEWS! There is another way to lead a worship ministry. In this episode, Austin Ryan and Ben Lunn of Worship Catalyst discuss a leadership development process you can implement at any size or development of church. Dozens of churches have implemented this process and are reaping the benefit! Listen to the podcast and then head over to https://WorshipCatalyst.com/Courses to get the full training. It's all FREE of charge.

Auditions! Why? How? Who? When? A Conversation with Mark Warnock

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 06:00:00 -0500

Do you have a solid audition process for your worship team? If not, it's time NOW! In this episode, Austin Ryan interviews worship leader developer Mark Warnock (Family Church, W. Palm Beach Florida) to discuss his church's audition process and how you can build something like it into your church.

Here is the process Mark discusses:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/9h11kda267jd2ak/Audition%20Guide%20-%20Church%20Planters%20-%20Advanced.docx?dl=0

From Worship Pastor to Lead Pastor - A Conversation with Josh Jones

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 06:00:00 -0500

What would it be like to make the huge transition from being a worship director of a church to being the lead pastor of that same church? What are the similarities between those two roles? What are the differences? Josh Jones, lead pastor of Church of the Redeemer in St. Louis made this transition a year ago. In this episode, Josh discusses the things he has learned in this transition and how a worship leader might function in such a way as to prepare themselves for a future role as lead pastor.

How Do I Find New Music? Some Practical Steps with Ben Lunn

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 06:00:00 -0500

Do you ever get overwhelmed trying to find the right new song for your church? There are hundreds of new worship albums that get released every single month, so finding the right places to go to find the right kinds of songs for your congregation is not an easy task. In this episode, Ben Lunn gives us over 5 great places to start and Austin and Ben discuss a strategy to make sure we're not just finding great songs, but the RIGHT great songs.

Here are some links:
Salt of the Sound - https://saltofthesound.com/listen/
Song Discovery - https://worshipleader.com/songdiscovery/
Facebook Groups on New Worship Songs
Playlists on Apple and Spotify
Similar Artists to the Ones You Like
CCLI to 100 - https://songselect.ccli.com/search/results?List=top100

Developing a Worship Culture In Your Church - Part 2

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we look at a second component to developing a worship culture in your church. In the last episode we looked at the lead pastor's role. In this one, we unpack the congregational worship IQ.

Developing a Worship Culture In Your Church - Part 1

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 14:00:00 -0500

There are at least 3 components that go into developing a worship culture in your congregation. In this episode, we unpack the first one and it has to do with the pastoral involvment in your worship gatherings.

What Does a Worship Leader REALLY Need to Know About Technology?

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0500

Wave forms? Compression? Color grading? In today's episode, Austin sits down again with Mike Mychalczuk to discuss what worship leaders really need to know about sound, video, lighting and other worship technologies. Hint...it's not as much as you might think.

No Fighting! The Productive and Healthy Relationship of Worship Leader and Tech Leader

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 06:00:00 -0500

Have you ever experienced a time when a musician and a sound engineer didn't see eye to eye? Uh...we all have. What do we do about it? In this episode, Austin sits down with Mike Mychalczuk, tech engineer guru, to discuss their 20 year working relationship. What causes friction? How do we resolve it? And how do we stop it from ever happening? This podcast is both practical and story-driven. Enjoy!

Leading BIG vs. Leading small...a Conversation with worship leader Jeff Crandall

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 06:00:00 -0500

Sometimes we have this big dream of leading on stage to thousands of people each week...lights, cameras, great bands, lots of buzz around the worship music ministry. Well...our guest today, Jeff Crandall, has had exactly that. A four-decade veteran in worship ministry, Jeff has led in large environments, and more recently, in small ones. You will enjoy this conversation which helps us understand the great aspects of leading at every size as well as what we should be thinking about to make ourselves more and more valuable.

Hiring a Worship Leader When You Don't Have Much Money - Part 2 of Derrick and Paul

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 06:00:00 -0500

Church planters and pastors don't always have big budgets for hiring full-time worship leaders. In fact, most pastors struggle to pay a worship leader much of anything. So, how do you go about convincing someone to join you? And as a worship leader, how do you know if you're getting taken advantage of? Find out in this part 2 conversation of Paul and Derrick from Carson City, NV. If you missed it, go back and listen to part 1 as Paul and Derrick talk rural vs. urban planting and worship leading with Austin.

Leading Worship and Planting Rural - A Conversation with Derrick Carpenter and Paul Ingram

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 06:00:00 -0500

Sometimes people dream of planting a new church or leading worship in a very large urban area with millions of people from which to draw. But not everybody is called to that. What are some of the differences between leading in a metro area vs. a small population center? Find out in this episode as Austin interviews Paul Ingram and Derrick Carpenter, pastors of Common Ground Carson City Nevada. This is part 1 of a 2 part conversation.

Live from Worship Leader Essentials - A PERFECT training opportunity for YOU!

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 06:00:00 -0400

Hundreds of churches and over a thousand leaders have been trained and mentored through Worship Leader Essentials. It is a 5-month mentoring process that starts with a 2-day onsite training for a worship leader and his or her pastor. This episode of the podcast takes place in New Braunfels, TX as Austin and Cami Ryan and Ben Lunn prepare to teach pastors and worship leaders. If you would like to discuss registering for Worship Leader Essentials, please email Cami@WorshipCatalyst.com.

Worship Leaders Have a Shelf Life - What to do when it's time to transition

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 06:00:00 -0400

I know all worship leaders think they can be the main front person forever. But the reality is, we should always be developing other leaders and eventually, the younger ones will take over our role as we switch to another area of our gifting. This podcast focuses on this very transition a church in Ohio made in 2020. You'll enjoy the conversation Austin has with Dave Bickers and Jason Andino as they discuss this transition.

Building a Community of Worship Leaders in Your City

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 06:00:00 -0400

There are pastor prayer groups, meet-ups, game nights, etc. But when it comes to worship leaders, they are often left on their own. No more! Sean Patrick, worship leader in Salt Lake City, UT, decided enough was enough and he began building a community of worship leaders in the area who provide brother/sisterhood, care and mission opportunities together. You won't want to miss Austin's conversation with him.

What do Pastors Really Want from Worship Leaders?

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 06:00:00 -0400

Have you ever wondered what it takes to measure up as a worship leader? Or pastors, have you wondered what another pastor is looking for in their worship leaders? What should you expect from this role? Then this is the podcast for you! In this episode, Joe Loughlin, pastor in Temple, TX talks about his experience working with 18 worship leaders and how he determines success. Plus, Austin and Joe go way back, so there are some pretty funny stories that come out.

For more information about Worship Catalyst, please visit www.WorshipCatalyst.com.

Evaluating Your Service or Ministry in 10 Minutes or Less - A Conversation with Jonathan Reitz

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 06:00:00 -0400

Do you do a thorough weekly evaluation of your worship service? OK - do you ever evaluate it? Or some other aspect of your ministry or job? If not, or if you always have a hard time making time for evaluation, please listen to this great podcast with Austin Ryan as he interviews Jonathan Reitz, one of only a few Master Certified Coaches.

If you want to constantly improve everything you do, don't miss out!

Evaluation Questions:
1. What is working

2. What isn’t working

3. What are you learning

4. What needs to change

5. What now/what next

Leading Through Liturgy - An Interview with Brian Gurney

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 10:00:00 -0400

Often times the phrase "Liturgy" gets lumped into other terms like "boring" or "rote." Brian Gurney, pastor of worship and leadership in Manassas, VA helps us see that we all actually have a liturgy - it just depends on how intentional we are with it.

Also, Brian helps us navigate leadership in politically divisive environments like the greater D.C. area where he serves. Enjoy!

The Requirements of Shared Leadership - A Discussion with Ben Barfield

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Austin Ryan and Ben Barfield have co-planted and pastored 2 churches together and are starting their 3rd (Common Ground Online Church). Co-pastoring is probably not for everybody, but in this episode, Austin and Ben discuss why they feel this is a better way to lead. They also discuss what is required to share leadership. If you can follow their example, and truly lead in community, you'll never go back to solo leadership!

Finding Band, Tech and other Creative People for My Team

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 08:00:00 -0400

Have you ever needed another guitar player? Or your FIRST guitar player? Do you need an also or a drummer or a tech person? Those people are out there. They are! We just need to know where to find them. In this episode, Austin Ryan and Ben Lunn from Worship Catalyst discuss some simple ways to find and engage with creative people all around you.

Leading as an Introvert - An Interview with Nathan Haskins

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 20:00:00 -0400

Many, many creative people are introverts. Initially, you might think this would hinder you in leadership, but it doesn't have to. In this episode, Austin Ryan sits down with worship leader Nathan Haskins, a self-proclaimed introvert, and discusses how it was that Nathan works through his introvert nature to lead well.

Engaging and Unleashing Leaders Around You - an interview with Joe Kibbey

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 09:00:00 -0400

Could you miss a few weekends at church and realize that nothing missed a beat? In this episode, Joe Kibbey, worship leader in Columbus, OH teaches us how he has built a structure around him, as a part-time worship leader, where his team functions when he's not around.

Leading Worship Online (to people in their pajamas)

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 09:00:00 -0400

Most worship leaders around the world have been leading worship online and there will be much more of it moving forward. In this episode, Austin Ryan and Ben Lunn discuss 11 best practices to make leading worship to people in their pajamas more effective.

Leading Worship to Far From God People - an interview with Chris Allen

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 09:00:00 -0400

Have you ever found yourself as a worship leader with people who don't know Christ in the room? What changes need to be made? What songs should we sing? Or do we just do what we normally do and hope they engage? All of these answers and much more are discussed in a conversation with Chris Allen, worship leader at Banner Hill Church in Framingham, Mass.

Welcome To the Worship Leader Essentials Podcast

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 19:00:00 -0400

The Worship Leader Essentials Podcast, brought to you by Worship Catalyst, is here to help leaders learn how to do more with less. We will be discussing worship, leadership and resourcefulness for every church. For more information, please visit www.WorshipCatalyst.com and subscribe for more episodes.