Worship Online Podcast - podcast cover

Worship Online Podcast

Worship Onlineworshiponline.com
Worship leaders, you need a source of high-quality, engaging content that get's right to the point. With over 150,000 leaders and musicians trained through our online platform, we're on the front lines of what worship leaders need right now. The Worship Online podcast exists to empower, equip, and journey with worship leaders as we discuss worship and the heart behind it. In these weekly episodes, you'll discover new ideas, tips, and practical guidance to encourage you and your team to be the best.
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Episodes

The 3 Things That Happen Before Every Great Move of God w/ Alexander Pappas

What if the thing holding your team back from revival… isn't lack of prayer, but trying to manufacture the moment instead of stewarding it? Alexander Pappas ('A Great Awakening,' and formerly Hillsong Young & Free) went on a year-long journey studying revival history, and the insights he gained completely shifted his perspective on what it takes for God to move. We dive into: The one thing everyone thinks they have, but are often missing—ESPECIALLY worship team members The 3 pillars present ...

Jul 03, 202526 min

Matt Crocker's 4 Secrets to Writing Powerful Worship Songs

What if the secret to writing songs that connect isn't thinking bigger, but thinking smaller? Matt Crocker, the songwriter behind "Oceans," "This I Believe," and "I Surrender" (streamed over 2 billion times), reveals his counterintuitive approach to worship songwriting—and why his biggest breakthrough came from writing for just 50 people instead of 50,000. Matt shares the 4 essential elements that transformed his songwriting. This conversation will challenge how you think about songwriting and g...

Jun 26, 202526 min

Everything Changed When I Stopped Hiding Parts of My Gifting w/ Jonathan Traylor

What happens when you stop sidelining the gifts God’s placed in you? In this episode, Jonathan Traylor shares his journey of embracing all of his God-given gifts—from dance to worship leading—and the breakthrough that followed. He opens up about the early pressure to “stay in one lane,” and how choosing to fully steward his creative calling led to doors he never expected. This is a powerful conversation for anyone who’s ever felt torn between what they’re gifted in and what others expect of them...

Jun 19, 202526 min

The One Question That Transforms Worship Teams w/ UPPERROOM's Jonathan Lewis

What if your past success is actually holding your worship team back? Jonathan Lewis from UPPERROOM Dallas reveals why comfortable teams stop growing—and shares the one question that changes everything: "What if we tried this?" Discover why humility is what heaven breathes through, how to shepherd your congregation into new sounds without losing them, and why your greatest strength might be your greatest weakness. If you've ever felt stuck doing "what's always worked," this conversation will cha...

Jun 12, 202536 min

Worship Guitar Mastery: The Fastest Route to Sunday Stage-Ready w/ Matt Podesla

What if you could go from total beginner to Sunday stage-ready in just 12 months? In this episode, legendary worship guitarist Matt Podesla breaks down the exact roadmap he’d give to someone starting from scratch. From chord mastery and tone crafting to strumming techniques and pedal picks, Matt pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to grow fast — and serve well. Whether you’re picking up a guitar for the first time or looking to level up your playing, this conversation will give you th...

Jun 05, 202528 min

Why Copying Bethel & Elevation Could Be Hurting Your Worship Culture w/ Faith Worship Arts

Is your worship team finding its voice—or just echoing someone else’s? In this episode, we sit down with John Dreher of Faith Worship Arts to explore the delicate balance between inspiration and imitation in modern worship culture. John shares how the diverse, multi-generational team at their church built a worship culture that reflects their community, not someone else’s. And here's the twist: it’s not wrong to include elements of churches like Bethel or Elevation—if that sound genuinely reflec...

May 29, 202525 min

Tauren Wells: The 4 Keys for High-Impact Worship Leading

What separates a worship leader who just sings songs… from one who shifts atmospheres? In this episode, Tauren Wells shares the 4 keys he believes every high-impact worship leader must carry — and how embracing them can change not just your Sunday set, but your entire church culture. You’ll learn: Why songs about “us” fall flat — and what to sing instead How to make space for the Holy Spirit without stalling the room What it really means to “play your part” and not carry the whole service The un...

May 22, 202521 min

STOP Picking Sets Like a DJ — START Planning Like a Pastor w/ Justin Tweito

Too many worship leaders are unintentionally leading like performers… instead of pastors. In this episode, we unpack a powerful mindset shift: how planning worship like you’re preaching the Gospel changes everything. You’ll learn: Why worship sets aren’t just song lists — they’re intentionally crafted journeys. How a college conversation transformed Justin Tweito approach to worship leading. The ACTS model (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) and how it reshapes worship planning. ...

May 15, 202525 min

Small Leadership Habits That Quietly Kill Your Culture (w/ CCV Music)

Most leaders don’t ruin culture with one big mistake. They're slowly broken—by leaders who ignore the small habits that erode trust, unity, and momentum. In this episode, Jordan from CCV Music shares the real stories and hard-won lessons of leading creatives through conflict, comparison, burnout—and breakthrough. We explore what quietly weakens a team, why silence can speak the loudest, and how to navigate jealousy without crushing trust. You’ll walk away with practical language, fresh perspecti...

May 01, 202529 min

Who REALLY Deserves to Get Paid on the Worship Team? w/ Seacoast Music

Not every worship musician gets a paycheck—but should they? There’s a lot of ways to approach the topic! This episode with Seacoast Music unpacks the tough questions around paying worship team members, who gets the check, and why it matters for your team's health. If you care about building a unified, thriving worship culture (without the silent resentment), this conversation is for you. Hit play now and find out the healthy way to approach what team members should and should not get paid. Worsh...

Apr 24, 202529 min

Top Songwriting Hacks Worship Writers SWEAR BY (and Why They’ll Change the Way You Write Forever) w/ Aaron Williams

Ever feel like everyone else is effortlessly writing powerful worship songs—while you’re stuck recycling the same tired phrases, just hoping something lands? Aaron Williams breaks down that exact struggle—sharing the songwriting hacks that helped him go from shaky starts to co-writing with legends like Matt Redman and Daniel Bashta. If your vocabulary feels limited or your lyrics keep falling flat, these practical tips will expand your toolbox and unlock the freedom and flow you’ve been chasing....

Apr 17, 202525 min

Passion Music: How Living With URGENCY Unlocks the Ministry You Were Made For

What if the thing standing between you and the ministry you were made for… is urgency? I know it sounds extreme, but it’s true. In this powerful conversation with Passion Music’s Kristian Stanfill, we unpack how living with ruthless intentionality can transform your leadership, your calling, and your everyday impact —whether you’re on stage or in the mundane moments no one sees. This isn’t just about leading worship—it’s about refusing to waste the God given moments you’ve been trusted with. Wor...

Apr 10, 202527 min

Bethel's Emmy Rose: Top Spontaneous Worship Tips (that can also backfire...)

Want more impactful spontaneous worship moments? Bethel Music’s Emmy Rose shares the exact tips that help her flow with the Spirit—and the surprising ways those same tips can totally backfire. Whether you’re just learning how to flow or you’ve been chasing those spontaneous moments for years, this episode will challenge, equip, and stretch you. Hit play… but consider this your warning—what helps you might also hurt you if you're not paying attention. Worship Online is your new secret weapon for ...

Apr 03, 202531 min

Jesus Culture: Large Spotify Streams Don’t Always Equal God’s Favor

Jesus Culture joins the show for a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the tension between success and purity in worship music. Visibility and God’s favor can align—but they don’t always. So today, they open up about resisting the idol of output, discipling creatives without feeding egos, and what it really takes to build a healthy songwriting culture. Listen Now! This conversation could refine what 'fruitful' really means for your church. Worship Online is your new secret weapon for preparing each w...

Mar 27, 202528 min

The Secret to Recruiting & Onboarding Worship Volunteers w/ VOUS Worship

Struggling to build a strong, committed worship team? You’re not alone. Recruiting and onboarding volunteers can be one of the biggest challenges for worship pastors, but VOUS Worship has found some things that make it so much easier. In this episode, we sit down with the team from VOUS Worship—the powerhouse worship ministry from Rich Wilkerson Jr.’s VOUS Church in Miami—to uncover their intentional, high-impact process for finding and developing high level teams. What You’ll Learn: The biggest...

Mar 20, 202527 min

We Spend 93% of Our Lives Indoors—and It’s Impacting Our Connection with God (w/ 11:21 Worship)

Did you know that 93% of your life is spent indoors? What if that’s actually keeping you from a deeper connection with God? In this powerful conversation with 11:21 Worship, we dive into: The surprising way nature recalibrates our souls and draws us closer to God. How biblical worship looks radically different from what most of us experience today. Practical ways to reset your heart and experience God in a fresh, life-changing way. If you feel stuck in routine, spiritual dryness, or surface-leve...

Mar 13, 202518 min

Bethel Music's Edward Rivera: Stewarding Your Calling & Influence - The Key Worship Leaders Must Not Ignore

How can worship leaders faithfully steward their calling and influence over the long run? Bethel Music’s Edward Rivera shares wisdom from his journey—what he’s learned about staying planted, navigating influence, and growing in spiritual maturity. Hear personal insights on balancing ministry, creativity, and favor while keeping your heart anchored in purity. Join the conversation and be encouraged in your own journey of stewardship—listen now! Worship Online is your new secret weapon for prepari...

Mar 05, 202520 min

When What You Thought Was God’s Plan Doesn’t Happen w/ Celebration Music

What do you do when the vision you believed was from God doesn’t come to pass? In this episode, we dive deep into handling disappointment when life doesn’t unfold the way we expected—especially in ministry and calling. Celebration Music shares a powerful insight that changes how we approach calling and expectations, allowing us to walk with trust. Listen now to discover how to confidence in your calling. Worship Online is your new secret weapon for preparing each week. With detailed song tutoria...

Feb 27, 202525 min

John Mark McMillan on “Does Success Mean God’s Hand Is On It?”

Does "success" in worship music and ministry always mean God’s favor is on it? John Mark McMillan opens up about the tension between writing from the heart and chasing what “works.” This episode challenges how worship leaders define success, calling, and artistic integrity—even within the church. Listen now as John Mark shares his insights on this question and so much more! Worship Online is your new secret weapon for preparing each week. With detailed song tutorials and resources, you and your ...

Feb 20, 202530 min

Can a Church Service Have Too Much Spontaneous Worship? w/ Engedi Music

Is there such a thing as a worship service having too much spontaneous worship? In this episode, we explore the balance between spirit-led moments and ensuring your community stays engaged. We discuss how to build a culture of spontaneous worship while keeping it accessible for new believers and those unfamiliar with the style. Tune in as Engedi Music shares their insights on leading worship that is both free and inclusive. Worship Online is your new secret weapon for preparing each week. With d...

Feb 13, 202525 min

Challenges You’ll Face When Serving Long-Term on a Worship Team w/ FC Music

Serving in ministry with family—or on any close-knit team long-term—can be both a gift and a challenge. In this episode, we’re joined by FC Music and sisters Moriah and Hadassah as they share what it takes to thrive while leading alongside family. Whether you're leading with family or serving on a team you've been part of for years, this conversation offers practical tools to help you avoid the pitfalls of over-familiarity and build a strong culture of trust and unity. Worship Online is your new...

Feb 06, 202516 min

Leading Through Hard Seasons w/ Gateway Worship

What do you do when hard seasons shakes your church to its core? Gateway Worship shares their powerful story of leading with transparency, grace, and unwavering faith through a public moral failure. Hear how they're caring for their people and keeping their eyes on Jesus when everything around them was shaken. Worship Online is your new secret weapon for preparing each week. With detailed song tutorials and resources, you and your team will save hours every single week, and remove the stress fro...

Jan 30, 202523 min

The 4 Non-Negotiables of Building Thriving Teams w/ Church of the City

Learn the 4 essential principles Church of the City uses to build thriving, long-lasting worship teams. Explore practical ways to create a culture that values faithfulness, servanthood, and stewardship. Hear how these principles have transformed their team dynamic and inspired volunteers to stay engaged for the long haul. Tune in now to equip yourself with tools to lead teams that flourish. Worship Online is your new secret weapon for preparing each week. With detailed song tutorials and resourc...

Jan 22, 202527 min

How Leaders Help Their Teams Discover Their Calling w/ ZOE Music

Great worship leaders don’t just manage tasks and build great bands—they inspire purpose and help their teams discover their true calling. In this episode, ZOE MUSIC shares how focusing on people over roles creates a transformative culture of growth. When you lead the right way, not only will your team discover their calling, but they’ll also excel in their roles. Listen now to discover practical steps to lead with love and guide your team toward their calling and greater effectiveness. Worship ...

Jan 16, 202521 min

Rekindling Your Passion for God w/ Michael Bethany

Have you ever felt like your passion for God has faded, leaving you longing to restore the fire and joy you once felt in His presence? Today, Michael Bethany shares his powerful insights on what it means to maintain a vibrant and mature relationship with God that’s still full of passion—even in the dry seasons. Discover practical steps to reignite your love for Jesus, find joy in a deeper connection with God, and sustain a heart of worship for the long haul. Don’t miss this transformative conver...

Jan 10, 202523 min

Christmas Service Non-Negotiables for Worship Leaders w/ Andrew Holt from The Belonging Co.

Save time preparing for Christmas services, manage the chaos with ease, and focus on what truly matters! Join us as we sit down with Andrew Holt from The Belonging Co. to explore how his team navigates the challenges and opportunities of Christmas services. From production and rehearsals to spiritual investment in your team, Andrew offers practical, actionable insights. Whether you're a seasoned worship pastor or tackling Christmas prep for the first time, you’ll learn: How to craft unique, enga...

Dec 19, 202425 min

Unlocking Congregational Participation in Worship w/ Tasha Layton

Struggling to ignite passion in your congregation’s worship? Discover how these intentional choices can transform your heart and your congregation’s experience! In this episode, we sit down with renowned worship leader and artist Tasha Layton to uncover powerful strategies for worship leaders looking to foster deeper engagement from their church. From practical tips to insights on how personal worship choices can inspire transformation, this conversation equips you with tools to elevate your wor...

Dec 12, 202423 min

Guiding Your Congregation into Deeper Worship this Advent Season w/ Caroline Cobb

Advent is more than a countdown to Christmas—it’s an invitation into a deeper connection with Jesus, one that rushing straight into 'It’s the most wonderful time of the year' can’t provide. In this episode, Caroline Cobb helps us rediscover the beauty and depth of Advent. We explore how this sacred season calls us to slow down, confess, reflect, and celebrate, creating space for an honest and transformative connection with Jesus. Caroline shares about her new resource, designed to guide you thro...

Dec 05, 202417 min

What to do When the Dream Feels Out of Reach w/ Brenton Miles

Do you ever feel like the dream in your heart is just out of reach? Like you’ve been given a vision of what’s possible, but the path to making it happen seems unclear? In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Brenton Miles to explore the question so many of us wrestle with: How do we step into the fullness of the dream that’s been placed in our hearts? We dive into the practical truths that can move you from simply dreaming to truly walking in your calling. This episode is packed with wis...

Nov 22, 202426 min

Mastering Conflict Conversations for Worship Leaders w/ Kory Miller of Red Rocks Worship

Are you terrified of conflict and wish you had tools to make hard conversations easier? In this episode, Kory Miller of Red Rocks Worship uncovers game-changing strategies to boldly and healthily address conflict without shying away. Learn go-to phrases to confidently open conversations, the value of peacemaking over peacekeeping, and how consistent practice makes hard conversations feel more natural. When you harness these strategies, the fear of conflict will begin to disappear, allowing you t...

Nov 14, 202432 min
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