Worship Ministry Training Podcast (for Worship Leaders)

Many churches struggle, fight, and (often) even split over musical style and preferences. This is a sad reality, because music is a gift to build the church, not a weapon to destroy it. In this month’s episode I talk with Mike Harland, the Director Lifeway Worship about what caused the “Worship Wars” of the 80’s and 90’s, how the fallout is still affecting us today, and how we can move beyond it to shepherd our people with music that transcends genre and points people to Christ. If you’re struggling with fighting, dissension, and critical comments from your congregants, or if you’re just wondering how musical style fits into the grand scheme of worship, this episode is for you. Worship Essentials by Mike Harland SEE ALSO: Multigenerational Worship Leading   I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!  EMAIL ME your thoughts on this episode or ASK A QUESTION that you’d like us to answer on a future episode by calling +1-831-607-WLT1 Say hi on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, or FACEBOOK    Our Sponsor This Month – Coresound Pads Add rich,

Video and Transcript available here: https://ccsbworship.weebly.com/blog/lips-and-hearts  More content available at www.worshipministrytraining.com 

Video and Transcript available here: https://ccsbworship.weebly.com/blog/focus-friday-1-focus More content available at www.worshipministrytraining.com

At some point in your ministry life you will transition out of your current role and into something new. Whether you are switching churches, or just changing roles within the same church, you will need some wisdom to guide you through that process. Thankfully, others have gone before you and can offer guidance. Mack Brock, the renowned songwriter, producer, and worship leader for Evelation Worship, recently transitioned off of staff at Elevation Church and into a new season of ministry. We discuss how to know whether your season is coming to a close, how to wade through deceiving emotions, how to discern God’s will, how to be in one accord with your family, how to honor your leadership through the process, and more. Also be sure to check out this episode: HOW TO LEAVE YOUR CHURCH WELL for more practical advice during this crucial time. CONNECT WITH MACK: Mack on Instagram Covered (Apple Music) Covered (Amazon Music)     I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!  EMAIL ME your thoughts on this episode or ASK A QUESTION that

More and more women are getting hired as worship leaders, and we think that’s a good thing! But female leadership in the church can be a tricky thing to navigate, depending on which side of the “conservative” aisle you fall on.  This month we talk with Krissy Nordhoff and Maribeth Dodd (of Brave Worship) about the unique challenges female worship leaders face, as well as the positive things women bring to the table in worship leadership.  To all our female listeners out there, thanks for all you do to advance the Kingdom of God! Send this episode on to another sister in the battle! SEE ALSO: Wise Boundaries With The Opposite Sex (Part 1) Wise Boundaries With The Opposite Sex (Part 2)     I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!  EMAIL ME your thoughts on this episode or ASK A QUESTION that you’d like us to answer on a future episode by calling +1-831-607-WLT1 Say hi on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, or FACEBOOK SHARE: EMAIL TO A FRIEND TWEET THIS EPISODE SHARE THIS EPISODE ON FACEBOOK     Our Sponsor This Month – Coresound Pads Add

What is the purpose of production in worship? Why do we have lights, sound, and video in our services, and does the Bible have anything to say to inform us of their intended use? Even the most simple churches have to make decisions about how bright the lights are, and how loud the sound is. In this month’s episode, I interview the only man on planet earth with a PhD in the Theology of Production. Dr. Josiah Way has some Biblical insight for us to help us understand both the purpose of technology in worship, and how to make sure we are using them to effectively communicate the gospel, and not distract from it. Check out Dr. Way’s NEW BOOK and PODCAST on the Theology of Production. SEE ALSO: 7 Principles To Improve Your Church’s Sound   I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!  EMAIL ME your thoughts on this episode or ASK A QUESTION that you’d like us to answer on a future episode by calling +1-831-607-WLT1 Say hi on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, or FACEBOOK   SHARE EMAIL TO A FRIEND TWEET THIS EPISODE SHARE THIS EPISODE ON FACEBOOK

Imagine a video team, a worship team, a photography team, a design team, a songwriting team, and a web and social media team all working together as one unit!  Sound like a dream?  It's possible and Chris Vacher from C4 Church has done it. As worship leaders, we want our churches to be creatively excellent for the glory of God. But how do we get all these teams to work together? What if we don't even have any of these teams? Where would we start?  In this episode, Chris shares how to form new creative teams, where to find the right people, how to set creative vision, keep the teams working together, and actually produce great creative content on a regular basis. Whether you’re a solo worship leader in charge of this year’s Christmas program, or you're wanting to start a songwriting team, or you're in charge of all the creative elements for your worship services, this episode will help you and your church produce better, more cohesive creative content! SEE ALSO: What Good Worship Leaders Focus On Between Sund

Every worship leader wants more engagement and participation from their congregation, but not many worship leaders know how to get it. Often we think if we had more talent, a bigger budget, and more (and louder) gear that it would help our church engage in worship more, but that is simply not the case. In fact, with some simple, prayerful planning you can craft and shape worship services that engage, excite and invite passionate participation from your congregants. This bonus episode is a recording of a free live webinar I taught with Brenton Collyer. If you’d like to be included in the next live webinar, sign up for my Mailing List HERE. If you’d like to sign up for Brenton’s Mentorship Program, CLICK HERE.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: The Importance of Song Selection In WorshipCalls To Worship Improving Announcements For Worship Services Crafting Incredible Song Sets     I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!  EMAIL ME your thoughts on this episode or ASK A QUESTION that you’d like us to answer on a future episode by callin

Phil Wickham has one of the most unique and beautiful voices of our generation. But four years ago Phil almost lost his voice forever. In this episode, I talk to Phil about what led to his vocal polyp, what he learned through the healing process, how he cares for his voice now, and how you and I can strengthen and develop our own unique singing voice for the glory of God and the good of our churches. Phil Wickham Online Living Hope (iTunes) Living Hope (Amazon) Direct Download     I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!  EMAIL ME your thoughts on this episode or ASK A QUESTION that you’d like us to answer on a future episode by calling +1-831-607-WLT1 Say hi on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, or FACEBOOK SHARE: EMAIL TO A FRIEND TWEET THIS EPISODE SHARE THIS EPISODE ON FACEBOOK     Our Sponsor This Month – Pads Live App Coresound's amazing sounding pads are now available in an intuitive, easy to use app! Download the app to your phone or tablet, build a setlist, and click play. It's that easy to take your team's sound to the next le

Most worship leaders are Bi-Vocational (meaning they hold a second job, or serve strictly as a volunteer). With all that we want to accomplish in our ministries, how can we move the ball forward while balancing ministry, family, health, and a second career? How do we find time to work ON our ministry, not just IN it? This month, I talk with Zach Hodges, about how he (as a bi-vocational worship leader) manages his time, disciples team members, delegates responsibility, balances family responsibilities and more, all while managing a 40-hour-a-week career. To all the bi-vocational worship leaders out there…we salute you!   I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!  EMAIL ME your thoughts on this episode or ASK A QUESTION that you’d like us to answer on a future episode by calling +1-831-607-WLT1 Say hi on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, or FACEBOOK   SHARE: EMAIL TO A FRIEND TWEET THIS EPISODE SHARE THIS EPISODE ON FACEBOOK    Our Sponsor This Month – Pads Live App Coresound's amazing sounding pads are now available in an intuitive, easy

Why is Hillsong Worship so good? How do they achieve such high levels of musical excellence? What are they doing behind the scenes that leads to consistently great results in all of their campuses? Inquiring minds want to know. Thankfully, this month I am joined by Rich Langton, Creative Pastor for Hillsong Church, and he gives us a peek behind the curtains, helping us understand the systems, structure and culture that drives the creative machine we all know and love: Hillsong Worship. There Is More Album (iTunes) There Is More Album (Amazon) There Is More Book Hillsong Creative Conference (Online) ALSO SEE:Creating A Culture of Musical Excellence What Is Musical Excellence For A Worship Team Member?   I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!  EMAIL ME your thoughts on this episode or ASK A QUESTION that you’d like us to answer on a future episode by calling +1-831-607-WLT1 Say hi on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, or FACEBOOK   SHARE: EMAIL TO A FRIEND TWEET THIS EPISODE SHARE THIS EPISODE ON FACEBOOK   Our Sponsor This Month – Pads

Starting at a new church can be a daunting and overwhelming task. The first few months in particular are crucial to setting the tone and direction you want to take the ministry. With the right attitude and methods, you can successfully adopt an existing team, win their trust, help them catch your vision, build momentum, and transition the culture and direction of the worship department. In this practical episode, Zach Hodges and I share 13 ways to win when starting at a new church. Enjoy and if you liked it, please leave us a review on iTunes  (or send us a dollar to celebrate our 4th birthday)!   :) Resources Mentioned: How To Get Hired As A Worship Leader Creating Culture Through Consistent Communication Culture Docs Examples First Meeting Notes Examples First Meeting EMAIL Invite Example 5 Administrative Systems To Bring Health To Your Ministry Cultivating A Healthy Relationship w/ Your Senior Pastor     I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!  EMAIL ME your thoughts on this episode or ASK A QUESTION that you’d like u

All worship leaders have to run rehearsals, but not all worship leaders run rehearsals well. Wasted time, sloppy arrangements, and frustrated band members all stem from a lack of leadership. As worship leaders, we owe it to our teams to make our rehearsal times as fun, efficient and productive as possible. The goal is that everyone leaves rehearsal feeling excited, engaged, energized and expectant for what God will do in the upcoming service. This month’s episode is a recording of a live workshop I taught on how to run efficient worship rehearsals for your team. I hope you are helped by the content. If so, please pass it on to a friend. SEE ALSO: 7 Ways To Use Your Rehearsal Night To Its Full Potential Direct Download   I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!  EMAIL ME your thoughts on this episode or ASK A QUESTION that you’d like us to answer on a future episode by calling +1-831-607-WLT1 Say hi on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, or FACEBOOK SHARE: EMAIL TO A FRIEND TWEET THIS EPISODE SHARE THIS EPISODE ON FACEBOOK   Our Sponsor

Difficult conversations are an inevitable part of being a leader. But difficult conversations don't have to be viewed in a negative light. In fact, helping a team member grow is a very positive thing, and is actually commanded in scripture (Ephesians 4). In this month's episode, Brenton Collyer and I share how to reframe your mindset regarding difficult conversations, and give you very practical tips on how to have them in a variety of contexts (auditions, sin, bad team behavior, etc.) Also See: What To Do When A Team Member Sins Example Worship Team Expectations Docs If you are helped by the episode, help us by forwarding it on to a friend!   I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!  EMAIL ME your thoughts on this episode or ASK A QUESTION that you’d like us to answer on a future episode by calling +1-831-607-WLT1 Say hi on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, or FACEBOOK   SHARE: EMAIL TO A FRIEND TWEET THIS EPISODE SHARE THIS EPISODE ON FACEBOOK    Our Sponsor This Month – Pads Live App Coresound's amazing sounding pads are now availa

If you want to accomplish something great for the Kingdom of God, you need a great team of people around you. In today’s episode, I talk with Carl Barnhill about how to create healthy, happy, thriving, volunteer teams. Carl is truly an expert team builder. I learned SO much from this interview. We discuss recruiting  (“inviting”), onboarding, culture, communication, training, and so much more. This is a super practical episode, and I’m excited for what you’ll be able to take and apply to your ministry. Volunteer Handbook (Twelve-Thirty Media)   I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!  EMAIL ME your thoughts on this episode or ASK A QUESTION that you’d like us to answer on a future episode by calling +1-831-607-WLT1 Say hi on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, or FACEBOOK SHARE: EMAIL TO A FRIEND TWEET THIS EPISODE SHARE THIS EPISODE ON FACEBOOK   Our Sponsor This Month – Planning Center Planning Center is the ultimate tool for scheduling teams, planning worship services, selecting song sets, communicating with team members, hosting ch

Hopefully, you’re surrounded by amazing musicians in your worship ministry (every worship leader’s dream)! But if you are, you might not know how to lead them, guide them, and give them direction. Maybe you don’t know how to “speak their language”, or you are intimidated by their skill and experience. In our final Q&A episode of the month, Justin Bell, Brenton Collyer and I share how you can learn to lead musicians who are more talented than you in a way that is winsome and respectable.   Also See: Helping Your Band Beat Busyness & Embrace Musical Simplicity   I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!  EMAIL ME your thoughts on this episode or ASK A QUESTION that you’d like us to answer on a future episode by calling +1-831-607-WLT1 Say hi on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, or FACEBOOK SHARE: EMAIL TO A FRIEND TWEET THIS EPISODE SHARE THIS EPISODE ON FACEBOOK     Our Sponsor This Month - Audible Listen to books while you drive, exercise, clean the house, etc. Keep learning! Try it FREE for 30 days, and you can even keep the

How good is “good enough” in worship ministry? It may seem like a silly question, but all of us have limited time, personnel, and resources. Why chase after excellence, when what we are currently doing serves the church just fine?  And why does worship ministry get all the special attention? Should a church’s worship department pull talent and resources from other departments? In our second Q&A episode this month, we tackle the many various reasons to continue pushing our ministries forward, and share some practical tips on how to do just that.  Also See:  What Is Musical Excellence For A Team Member? Creating A Culture of Musical Excellence   I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!  EMAIL ME your thoughts on this episode or ASK A QUESTION that you’d like us to answer on a future episode by calling +1-831-607-WLT1 Say hi on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, or FACEBOOK SHARE: EMAIL TO A FRIEND TWEET THIS EPISODE SHARE THIS EPISODE ON FACEBOOK     Our Sponsor This Month - Audible Listen to books while you drive, exercise, clean t

This month we will be doing a three-part Q&A series, answering listeners’ questions. This first episode addresses a common problem that many worship leaders face: Inheriting a team member (or multiple team members) who don’t have the musical skill to perform the task at hand. How do we as worship leaders help this beloved person understand that music ministry might not be God’s calling for their lives? Is there any hope that we can help them develop? In what other creative ways can we use them as part of the team? Brenton Collyer and Justin Bell join me this month to share their wisdom and insight. Enjoy the episode!   Direct Download  I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!  EMAIL ME your thoughts on this episode or ASK A QUESTION that you’d like us to answer on a future episode by calling +1-831-607-WLT1 Say hi on TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, or FACEBOOK SHARE: EMAIL TO A FRIEND TWEET THIS EPISODE SHARE THIS EPISODE ON FACEBOOK     Our Sponsor This Month - Audible Listen to books while you drive, exercise, clean the house

One of the prime objectives of scripture is to be fruitful and multiply. As worship leaders, we can multiply ourselves by investing in the next generation of worship leaders. It is our job to pass the baton to future generations and intentionally train and disciple them. At Passion City Church, worship leaders like Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, David Crowder have passed the baton to the younger guns: Kristian Stanfill, Brett Younker, and Melodie Malone. This month I talk to Kristian Stanfill and Brett Younker about what it was like to be poured into by the greats like Chris Tomlin, and how they are already beginning to identify, train and raise up the next generation of worship leaders from within their church, and how you can do the same. You won’t be the worship leader at your church forever…so it’s time to start raising up the next generation. Get started by listening to this episode. Passion OnlineWhole Heart (iTunes)Whole Heart (Amazon)   I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!  EMAIL ME your thoughts on this episode

How does someone get hired as a worship leader? Is there a path a person takes to become a paid worship leader at a church? And what are some tips to help navigate the hiring process for a full-time ministry position? Getting hired at a church can be a daunting and mysterious process, so in today’s episode, I try to take some of the mystery out of it and give you practical tips to guide you to the greatest chance of success. I share three principles for young worship leaders to keep in mind as they aspire to a ministry job. I also break down the five steps most churches take when hiring worship leaders and share practical suggestions on how to successfully navigate each step. In this episode, I cover: how to find a compatible church, how to write a strong resume and cover letter, what sort of content should be in your “sample video”, how to audition at a church to win over the pastor, the people, and the band members, plus lots more. I hope God uses this episode to guide you as you seek His will for your voc