Claim OwnershipThe Worship Catalyst Podcast
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© 2026 The Worship Catalyst Podcast
Description
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
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The Worship Catalyst Podcast used to be called the Worship Leader Essentials podcast! You can still find all previous episodes here!
141 Episodes
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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 peopleWhy compassion drove His leadershipHow He balanced mission and careWhat modern leaders can copy from His exa...
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 failureWhat “healthy leadership” really looks likeDaily, weekly, and seasonal practices that fill your tankThe difference between guilt-driven leadership and grace-filled lea...
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 honorWays...
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 isSimple ways to pastor people without being over...
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 ...
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 ...
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, t...
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 an...
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 ...
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! Watch the VIDEO Podcast HERE Did you enjoy this episode? Do us a favor and share with worship leaders & pastors arou...
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 o...
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...
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?” Watch the VIDEO Podcast HERE Did you en...
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 questio...
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. 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 fo...
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. 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 u...
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. 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 ...
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. 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 t...
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. 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 I...
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. 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 U...
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