Episode 103: Trusting God When It's Uncomfortable

In this episode of the Overflow Worship Podcast, host Andrea Olson sits down with worship leader and songwriter Bridgette Donoho (brigittedonoho.com) for an inspiring conversation about ministry, family, and the importance of keeping God at the center of it all. Bridgette, a homeschool mom and worship leader based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, shares how she balances ministry with family life and offers encouragement for worship leaders who may feel overwhelmed by the demands of both.

Prioritizing Family in Ministry

Bridgette opens up about her journey of balancing worship ministry while homeschooling her two sons. She emphasizes the importance of keeping her family a priority, even amidst a busy ministry schedule. “I don’t ever want my kids to feel like ministry comes before them,” she explains. Bridgette and her husband make a concerted effort to ensure their boys are involved in their ministry work, but they also create space for family time, sports games, and moments of connection.

This approach helps avoid what Bridgette refers to as the “orphan syndrome,” where children may feel neglected even though their parents are physically present. “It’s crucial for my kids to know that while ministry is important, they come first. I want them to look back one day and remember that we were always there for them,” Bridgette shares.

Involving Family in Worship Ministry

One of the beautiful aspects of Bridgette’s ministry is that it’s a family affair. Her boys actively participate in their worship services—one helps with sound, and the other assists at the merchandise table. “It’s amazing to see my kids engage with what God is doing and even participate in prayer,” she says. This involvement allows them to see ministry firsthand, fostering their spiritual growth and understanding of God’s love.

Andrea reflects on this, noting the significance of family involvement in ministry: "There’s something powerful about making ministry a family activity. It shows kids that ministry is part of everyday life, not just something separate from family time."

Trusting God in Uncomfortable Situations

Bridgette also shares stories of stepping out in faith and trusting God in uncomfortable or challenging situations. Whether leading worship in unfamiliar environments or facing new ministry opportunities, she talks about the importance of being prayerfully prepared and sensitive to the Holy Spirit. One powerful example she shares is leading worship at a bar in Detroit, where she witnessed a miraculous transformation in a server who gave her life to Christ after the service.

“God calls us to uncomfortable places,” Bridgette notes. “But we’ve got to trust that He’s already there, working in the hearts of people. Our job is to step out in faith and be a light in those dark places.”

Worship Leading as Spiritual Warfare

Andrea and Bridgette discuss the spiritual weight of leading worship and the importance of being prepared for the battle that comes with it. Worship is more than just singing songs—it’s spiritual warfare. Both women emphasize the importance of prayer and spending time with God before stepping onto the platform.

“There’s a danger in thinking that we’ve got it all figured out and forgetting that worship leading is a battle,” Andrea adds. Bridgette echoes this sentiment, encouraging worship leaders to remain grounded in God’s Word and prayer, especially before leading a congregation. "It's crucial to remember that we’re leading people into God’s presence, and we need to be spiritually equipped for that."

Encouragement for Worship Leaders

Throughout the episode, Bridgette offers encouragement for worship leaders juggling family life and ministry. “It’s okay to say no,” she advises. “Ministry is wonderful, but not at the expense of your family.” She emphasizes that it’s essential to stay in step with the Holy Spirit and to keep ministry and family life balanced.

Bridgette’s testimony reminds worship leaders that the journey of ministry is filled with moments of discomfort and uncertainty, but God’s faithfulness never wavers. By staying rooted in prayer, maintaining a healthy family dynamic, and trusting the Holy Spirit’s guidance, worship leaders can lead from a place of overflow rather than overwhelm.

Upcoming Music from Bridgette Donoho

In addition to sharing her heart for ministry, Bridgette also talks about her latest music releases. Her recent singles, Deep Calls to Deep and Love Has Won, are powerful worship songs that connect deeply with listeners. She’s also preparing to release more music, including a Christmas single titled He Came For Us. “I’m so excited to release these songs,” Bridgette says. “I hope they will bless others and lead people into worship.” You can listen to her music here: https://brigittedonoho.com/music

As the conversation wraps up, Bridgette encourages listeners to embrace the journey of being a worship leader, songwriter, and follower of Christ. “Enjoy the process and stay connected to what God is doing in and through you. There’s beauty in the journey.”

This episode of the Overflow Worship Podcast offers a heartfelt look into the life of a worship leader who is passionately committed to both her ministry and her family. It serves as a reminder to all worship leaders to prioritize what truly matters and to trust God in every step of the journey.

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