The Worship Catalyst Podcast

Hosted by Worship Catalyst

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Episodes

145

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The Worship Catalyst Podcast is a podcast designed to train and inspire you to be a more godly leader. Each season, Austin and a co-host dive into different topics about worship. Season 1: Sports & Worship Leading w/co-host Stephen Handley Season 2: From Attending to Encountering God w/co-host Corey Coogan Season 3: What Worship Leaders Need to Know from Seminary w/co-host Stephen Handley The Worship Catalyst Podcast is produced by Worship Catalyst. A non-profit ministry that serves churches through training, mentoring and coaching worship leaders and their teams. For more information: Website: www.worshipcatalyst.com Facebook: facebook.com/worshipcatalyst Instagram: instagram.com/worshipcatalyst Youtube: youtube.com/worshipcatalyst ---------- The Worship Catalyst Podcast used to be called the Worship Leader Essentials podcast! You can still find all previous episodes here!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 1, 2026Episode 226 min

One Voice, Many Languages: The Nuts & Bolts

Send us Fan Mail How do you actually learn a worship song in another language — and make it feel like it means something, not just sounds? In Episode 2 of One Voice, Many Languages, we get practical with our worship leaders about the real nuts and bolts of multilingual worship: song selection, pronunciation, instrumentation, and leaning on native speakers to get it right. In this episode: - Whole songs vs. just the chorus — how leaders decide - Learning pronunciation and memorization from scratch, without knowing the language - How native speakers on the team help with pronunciation and feel - Instrumentation changes when singing in a different language - What it's like leading six languages in a single joint service This is the second episode in a season exploring multilingual worship leading — theory, practice, and results. Support the show Watch the VIDEO Podcast HERE Did you enjoy this episode? Do us a favor and share with worship leaders & pastors around you! Also, leave a rating and review so it makes it easier for other worship leaders to find us! Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram for more content on worship leading every week. 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 .

August 18, 2026Episode 137 min

One Voice, Many Languages: The Theory Behind Multilingual Worship

Send us Fan Mail America is changing — and so is the sound of its churches. In this opening episode of One Voice, Many Languages, we sit down with five worship leaders to explore the theory behind multilingual worship: why they do it, how the decision was made, and what to consider if you're thinking about adding another language to your own services. Guests: Joe Kibbey (Columbus, OH), Lane Wood (Coral Springs, FL), Marje Cenabre (Philippines), David Anderson (Kansas City), and Steven Handley (Miami, FL). In this episode: - What languages do you use, and is English still primary? - The congregation and community realities that led to this shift - How the decision was first made - Whether it's a settled choice or an ongoing conversation - What to look for if you're considering adding a language to your worship This is the first episode in a season exploring multilingual worship leading — theory, practice, and results. New episodes every two weeks. Support the show Watch the VIDEO Podcast HERE Did you enjoy this episode? Do us a favor and share with worship leaders & pastors around you! Also, leave a rating and review so it makes it easier for other worship leaders to find us! Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram for more content on worship leading every week. 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 .

May 19, 2026Episode 324 min

Engaging the Congregation in Worship

Send us Fan Mail Leading worship isn’t just about singing songs—it’s about engaging people with God. In this final episode of the season, Austin Ryan and Jaren Mooring talk about what it really means to lead a congregation in worship that connects, moves, and points people toward Jesus. You’ll learn: -How to recognize real engagement in a congregation -Ways to prepare spiritually and practically for leading -Tools for connecting from the platform (speaking, prayer, Scripture) -How relationships off the platform impact leadership on it -The role of song selection in engagement -How to involve your team in the responsibility of leading people If you want your worship leadership to go beyond performance and truly connect with people, this episode is for you. Support the show Watch the VIDEO Podcast HERE Did you enjoy this episode? Do us a favor and share with worship leaders & pastors around you! Also, leave a rating and review so it makes it easier for other worship leaders to find us! Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram for more content on worship leading every week. 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 .

May 5, 2026Episode 224 min

Leading Worship Band Practice Well

Send us Fan Mail Band practice happens every week—but not every rehearsal is effective. In this episode, Austin Ryan and Jaren Mooring break down what it actually takes to lead a productive, engaging, and spiritually healthy worship rehearsal . They cover: How to prepare for band practice as a leader How to get your team to come prepared Structuring rehearsals for efficiency and growth Balancing musical excellence with discipleship Creating space for creativity while maintaining direction Keeping your team motivated and improving If you’ve ever felt like rehearsals could be better—or you’re not sure what “good” looks like—this episode gives you practical tools you can apply immediately. Support the show Watch the VIDEO Podcast HERE Did you enjoy this episode? Do us a favor and share with worship leaders & pastors around you! Also, leave a rating and review so it makes it easier for other worship leaders to find us! Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram for more content on worship leading every week. 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 .

April 22, 2026Episode 123 min

A Week in the Life of a Worship Leader

Send us Fan Mail What does a worship leader actually do all week? In this episode of The Worship Catalyst Podcast , Austin Ryan sits down with worship leader Jaren Mooring to walk through a real, behind-the-scenes look at his weekly schedule —from service planning and rehearsals to meetings, family life, and personal rhythms with God. You’ll get practical insight into: How a typical worship leader structures their week When and how services are planned The balance between church responsibilities and personal life Daily rhythms that help prevent burnout What drives long-term faithfulness in ministry Whether you’re leading in a church, volunteering on a team, or just curious what happens behind the scenes, this episode gives you an honest look at the life of a worship leader. Support the show Watch the VIDEO Podcast HERE Did you enjoy this episode? Do us a favor and share with worship leaders & pastors around you! Also, leave a rating and review so it makes it easier for other worship leaders to find us! Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram for more content on worship leading every week. 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 .

March 24, 2026Episode 525 min

How Jesus Cared for His Team

Send us Fan Mail 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. Support the show Watch the VIDEO Podcast HERE Did you enjoy this episode? Do us a favor and share with worship leaders & pastors around you! Also, leave a rating and review so it makes it easier for other worship leaders to find us! Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram for more content on worship leading every week. 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 .

March 10, 2026Episode 427 min

10 Ways Leaders Can Care for Their Own Soul

Send us Fan Mail 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. Support the show Watch the VIDEO Podcast HERE Did you enjoy this episode? Do us a favor and share with worship leaders & pastors around you! Also, leave a rating and review so it makes it easier for other worship leaders to find us! Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram for more content on worship leading every week. 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 .

February 24, 2026Episode 328 min

When Your Team Spans Generations: How to Lead Well

Send us Fan Mail 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. Support the show Watch the VIDEO Podcast HERE Did you enjoy this episode? Do us a favor and share with worship leaders & pastors around you! Also, leave a rating and review so it makes it easier for other worship leaders to find us! Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram for more content on worship leading every week. 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 .

February 10, 2026Episode 223 min

23 Proven Ways to Keep Your Team Healthy

Send us Fan Mail 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. Support the show Watch the VIDEO Podcast HERE Did you enjoy this episode? Do us a favor and share with worship leaders & pastors around you! Also, leave a rating and review so it makes it easier for other worship leaders to find us! Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram for more content on worship leading every week. 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 .

January 27, 2026Episode 125 min

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

Send us Fan Mail 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. Support the show Watch the VIDEO Podcast HERE Did you enjoy this episode? Do us a favor and share with worship leaders & pastors around you! Also, leave a rating and review so it makes it easier for other worship leaders to find us! Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram for more content on worship leading every week. 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 .