Worship Online Podcast (For Worship Leaders)

Most worship leaders focus on building better teams by improving skill, tightening transitions, and raising the level of excellence. But what if the real issue isn't what you see? In this episode, we uncover the hidden problem that quietly weakens worship teams—even the talented ones—and why it has nothing to do with ability. If your team feels healthy on the surface… but something still isn't clicking, this conversation will open your eyes. You'll learn: The hidden issue that turns teams into "just a band" Why most leaders build their teams in the wrong order Keith's "Worship Pyramid" Framework and how it changes everything 10 practical ways to build a stronger, more unified team If you want a worship team that lasts—not just sounds good—this is for you. Mentioned in the Episode Andy Stanley Book Keith's Framework Loop Community Blog If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! Also, shoot us an e-mail at podcast@worshiponline.com. We want to know how we can better serve you and your church through this podcast. Don't forget to sign up for your FREE 2-week subscription to Worship Online at WorshipOnline.com! The Worship Online Podcast is produced by Worship Online in Nashville, TN.

Brooke Nicholls, worship leader, songwriter, and author who left a touring career to pastor a church. She talks about obeying God even when it feels like losing the dream. Short reflections on how success can mislead, why plans get crushed, and what defines true blessing. Practical talk on team rhythms, song pools, mentoring, and protecting family and creative rhythms.

What does it actually look like to build a new sound in worship ministry? In this episode, Keith sits down with Josh Holiday to talk about the creative journey behind Elevation Rhythm, the story behind songs like "Goodbye Yesterday" and the challenge of building something fresh inside an already established ministry. But this conversation goes deeper than music. Josh shares why community has to come before platform, how to develop young worship leaders with grace and why courage matters so much when God is asking you to create something that people do not understand yet. If you are a worship leader, musician, songwriter, or creative serving inside someone else's vision, this episode will encourage you to stay faithful, stay humble, and keep showing up. Listen now and share this episode with someone on your team who needs this reminder. About Josh Holiday Josh Holiday is a songwriter, producer, and creative leader based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He serves on the team at Elevation Church and is widely known as the creative force behind Elevation Rhythm, the youth-driven worship movement connected to Elevation Worship. Josh has helped shape some of the most recognizable songs coming out of the next generation of worship music, including tracks like Goodbye Yesterday and other Rhythm favorites that have connected with young people and churches around the world. His work blends fresh production, honest songwriting, and a deep commitment to serving the local church. Beyond writing and producing, Josh is passionate about building healthy creative culture. At Elevation Church he works closely with the worship and creative teams, helping develop songs, artists, and environments where creativity and spiritual formation can thrive. In this episode of the Worship Online Podcast, Josh shares the story behind Elevation Rhythm, the creative process behind their music, and what it looks like to lead in some rooms while choosing to follow in others. Mentioned in the Episode Josh's favorite Rhythm song - Quiet Goodbye Yesterday 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 from preparing for a set. Try a free 2-week subscription at WorshipOnline.com and see the transformation! If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! Also, shoot us an e-mail at podcast@worshiponline.com. We want to know how we can better serve you and your church through this podcast The Worship Online Podcast is produced by Worship Online in Nashville, TN.

Andy Cherry, worship leader, songwriter and touring musician known for serving the Church and writing for artists like Brandon Lake and Passion. He recounts rapid early success, stepping away to preserve marriage, and rebuilding identity when acclaim fades. Conversation highlights shame, calling, fatherhood-inspired songwriting, and leading with integrity and renewed purpose.

Michael Bethany, seasoned worship leader, author and founder of Overflow Culture. He recounts a teenage worship moment that reshaped his calling. He tells how a surprise Sri Lanka trip shifted his priorities. He explains how a sudden turn to a daily prayer closet became the engine for sustained mission. He warns why leadership and intimacy matter more than musical skill.

David Leonard co-wrote one of the most-sung worship songs in the world—"Great Are You Lord." But last year, he almost walked away from music entirely. After doing an entire tour where the promoter never paid (yes, a completely free tour he didn't know about until the end), David had to ask himself a brutal question: "Would you do this again for nothing?" His answer will challenge the way you think about worship leadership, success, and what it really means to serve. In this raw, honest conversation, David also shares: Why we've stopped serving the body and started entertaining it instead The identity crisis that hit after All Sons & Daughters ended What a pastor said that gave him permission to lead without having it all together How he's finding joy again with new music (including his upcoming single, "Well Done") If you've ever felt undervalued, burnt out, or wondered "Do I still matter if my big thing goes away?"—this episode is for you. Listen now and rediscover why you started leading in the first place. 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 from preparing for a set. Try a free trial at WorshipOnline.com and see the transformation! If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! Also, shoot us an e-mail at podcast@worshiponline.com. We want to know how we can better serve you and your church through this podcast. Don't forget to sign up for your FREE 2-week subscription to Worship Online at WorshipOnline.com! The Worship Online Podcast is produced by Worship Online in Nashville, TN.

Ever feel frustrated with your worship team—even when nothing's technically wrong? In this solo episode, 22 year Worship Pastor and new host Keith Elgin shares a hard lesson that changed everything: Unspoken expectations lead to premeditated resentment. Keith tells the story of a 7:00 AM call time that completely backfired—and the humbling conversation that reshaped how he leads. You'll learn why, "They should have known," doesn't cut it, how clarity actually protects relationships, and why your personal health leaks into team culture (for better or worse). You'll also get practical tools—like solitude and journaling—to help you lead from a grounded place instead of leading from stress. In this episode, you'll learn: How to spot hidden expectations before they turn into resentment A simple clarity practice you can use this week with your team Why humility + healthy identity make teams stronger over time Plus: a special announcement at the end. If you've ever found yourself frustrated, this episode will show you why—and what to do next. Listen now—and take one practical step this week. About Your Host Keith Elgin is the new host of the Worship Online Podcast. He's been leading worship for over 22 years and currently serves as Worship Pastor at Alive Church, a multi-site, multi-state church based in Virginia. Keith is also a songwriter, worship coach, husband and father of four boys. He didn't set out to be a worship leader, originally wanting to coach sports—but God had other plans. Keith is passionate about helping worship leaders grow both musically and spiritually, and he's learned most of his best lessons the hard way. 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 from preparing for a set. Try a free trial at WorshipOnline.com and see the transformation! Mentioned in the Episode Reflections on Solitude by Henri Nouwen If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! Also, shoot us an e-mail at podcast@worshiponline.com. We want to know how we can better serve you and your church through this podcast. Don't forget to sign up for your FREE 2-week subscription to Worship Online at WorshipOnline.com! The Worship Online Podcast is produced by Worship Online in Nashville, TN.

You sound great on Sunday, but is your team actually healthy? You've probably felt it before. Sunday afternoon hits and instead of feeling energized, you're frustrated. Something didn't go the way you planned. Someone didn't show up prepared. A transition fell apart. And now you can't stop replaying it. Sunday bleeds into Monday. Monday into Tuesday. One rough service and your whole week feels off. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. After 20+ years of leading worship, our new podcast host Keith Elgin hit that same wall. And what he discovered on the other side completely transformed how he leads, how he builds teams, and how he thinks about worship ministry. In this episode, Keith shares what finally broke the cycle for him, the framework he now uses to build healthy teams, and the hard lessons he learned so you don't have to. If you've ever: • Gone home Sunday afternoon replaying every mistake • Wondered why your team sounds tight but feels disconnected • Struggled with burnout, frustration, or questioned whether you're even cut out for this This conversation will meet you exactly where you are. Keith isn't sharing theory. He's sharing what he learned in the trenches, leading real teams, making real mistakes, and finding a better way forward. This is the conversation every worship leader needs to hear. ABOUT KEITH ELGIN Keith Elgin is a worship pastor, songwriter, and coach with over 20 years of ministry experience. He's passionate about helping worship leaders build teams that last. Keith and his wife have four boys (all under nine!), and when he's not leading worship, you'll find him coaching Little League, watching football, or hanging out in the church parking lot long after rehearsal ends. Welcome to the Worship Online Podcast, Keith. We're honored to have you lead this next season. Worship Online is your new secret weapon for preparing each week. With detailed song tutorials andresources, you and your team will save hours every single week, and remove the stress from preparingfor a set. Try a free trial at WorshipOnline.com and see the transformation! Mentioned in the Episode • Connect with Keith • Keith's website • 2025 Chris Tomlin Episode If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! Also, shoot us an e-mail at podcast@worshiponline.com. We want to know how we can better serve you and your church through this podcast. Don't forget to sign up for your FREE 2-week subscription to Worship Online at WorshipOnline.com! The Worship Online Podcast is produced by Worship Online in Nashville, TN.

What if your team actually showed up excited, prepared, and ready to bring their best every single service? Colony House has built one of the most legendary team cultures in the music industry, where crew, band members, and opening acts all feel like they're part of something special. What they've learned directly applies to worship teams, too. In this episode, their guitarist, Scott Mills, shares the intentional practices that create high-energy, all-in cultures where people want to show up and give their best. You'll discover: Why the 6-8 hours around the set are your greatest culture-building opportunity The simple pre-show habit that creates instant camaraderie and buy-in (takes less than 10 minutes) How to make every team member, from sound tech to lead vocalist, feel like they belong What Scott learned from touring with bands who got this right (and a few who didn't) If you're ready to build a team culture people are proud to be part of, where everyone's bought in, engaged, and bringing their A-game, this conversation will show you how. 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 from preparing for a set. Try a free trial at WorshipOnline.com and see the transformation! Mentioned in the Episode Colony House's New Release Colony House Show Tickets --- If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! Also, shoot us an e-mail at podcast@worshiponline.com. We want to know how we can better serve you and your church through this podcast. Don't forget to sign up for your FREE 2-week subscription to Worship Online at WorshipOnline.com! The Worship Online Podcast is produced by Worship Online in Nashville, TN.

Many worship leaders quit within a few years because they never learn the systems that create sustainable ministry. Joey and Kelly Thompson know this all too well! In this conversation, they share the game-changing systems that transformed their ministry from survival mode to sustainable impact. Imagine walking into Sunday morning calm and confident, with prepared teams and organized systems that actually work. Picture leading worship for decades without the constant stress and burnout that sidelines so many leaders. Listen now to discover the pillars that create sustainable worship leadership. Your future self will thank you for implementing these battle-tested strategies today. 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 from preparing for a set. Try a free trial at WorshipOnline.com and see the transformation! Mentioned in the Episode New Release by Joey & Kelly Thompson --- If you like what you hear, please leave us a review! Also, shoot us an e-mail at podcast@worshiponline.com. We want to know how we can better serve you and your church through this podcast. Don't forget to sign up for your FREE 2-week subscription to Worship Online at WorshipOnline.com! The Worship Online Podcast is produced by Worship Online in Nashville, TN.