Episode 126: Finding Your Community at the Overflow Worship
You Can Find Community, Here.
As worship leaders, we often feel the weight of responsibility that comes with leading others in worship while balancing ministry demands. In this episode of the Overflow Worship Podcast, Andrea Olson shared powerful insights on why it’s crucial for worship leaders to find their people—mentors, peers, and a supportive community. She emphasizes the importance of connection, mentorship, and community for thriving in ministry.
Cultivating a Passion for Worship and Community in Your Church
Andrea Olson has spent nearly 20 years leading worship and mentoring other worship leaders, especially those in volunteer-supported ministries. Her heart for helping worship leaders avoid burnout and thrive in their roles shines through everything she does. As she said in the podcast, “I truly want to see you lead from the overflow, not the overwhelm.”
One of the most exciting upcoming events for the Overflow Worship community is the Virtual Retreat, happening from July 29th through August 2nd. This retreat is an opportunity for worship leaders to connect, learn, and be encouraged. As Andrea shared, “I have poured my heart and my soul into this retreat and into this program because I believe that we are on the cusp of something so incredible in the worship world, and God is doing something new in the church through worship.”
With over 2,500 leaders already registered, it’s shaping up to be a transformative week of growth, mentorship, and encouragement.
The Importance of Finding Your Community in Worship Ministry
Why is it so important for worship leaders to find their people? Andrea explained it with a personal story about watching her daughter play at a splash pad. Her daughter stood under a large bucket waiting for it to tip and pour water over her, but she kept missing the stream. From Andrea's vantage point, it was easy to see how her daughter could adjust her position to get drenched. However, her daughter couldn’t see that while standing directly under the bucket.
This story beautifully illustrates why worship leaders need outside perspectives. Sometimes, we’re too close to our own situations to see what needs to change. A mentor or community can offer invaluable insights, helping us adjust our position and experience the outpouring of what God has for us.
Andrea emphasized this need for both mentorship and peer-to-peer connection, saying, “We need somebody on the outside to have that vantage point and help us see the tweaks and changes we can make.” Whether it’s a mentor guiding you through tough seasons or a peer who is walking a similar path, having people around you makes all the difference.
Building Safe and Meaningful Connections in Worship Ministry
Finding your people isn’t always easy. Andrea shared how, for many years, she waited for the right community to find her. But eventually, she realized that she needed to actively seek out those connections. “I wasn’t putting myself out there either. I wasn’t doing the work to go and find the people,” she confessed.
It takes intentionality to build relationships with people who will provide that necessary outside perspective. Worship leaders often receive unsolicited feedback from church members—whether about song choices, sound levels, or style preferences—but it’s crucial to seek out trusted voices. These should be people who truly understand your ministry context and can offer safe, valuable input.
Our Vision: Mentorship and Connection
Andrea’s vision for the Overflow Worship Virtual Retreat and the Worship Leaders Online Program is to create a space where leaders can find both peer and mentor support. In her words, “We need that peer-to-peer connection and that worship leader to mentor connection. Whether peer-to-peer or leader-to-mentor, we’re going to have valuable outside input.”
Through the Overflow Worship community, leaders can build relationships with others who understand the challenges they face in ministry. These relationships provide both encouragement and accountability, helping leaders stay the course during difficult seasons. As Andrea reminded listeners, “You can’t wait any longer to find your people.”
Join the Overflow Worship Virtual Retreat (Registration Now Closed)
The Overflow Worship Virtual Retreat offers worship leaders a chance to get an inside look at the Worship Leaders Online Program and connect with other leaders from around the world. With special surprise guests, valuable content, and opportunities for mentorship, this retreat promises to be a powerful week of growth and inspiration.
Andrea is passionate about ensuring that no leader feels alone in their ministry journey. “I want you to have what I didn’t have. I want you to have that guided mentorship and peer-to-peer connection where you can walk with each other and know that you’re not alone,” she shared. This retreat is your chance to connect with others and receive the support you need to thrive in your role.
If you’re feeling isolated or unsure of how to navigate the challenges of ministry, this retreat is for you. “I believe that God has placed you where you are for a purpose, and you can build a life in ministry that you absolutely love,” Andrea encouraged.
Register for the Retreat (Registration Now Closed)
The Overflow Worship Virtual Retreat takes place from July 29th to August 2nd, and registration is free. Each session runs from 10 to 11 a.m. Central Time, offering worship leaders valuable insights, mentorship, and connection.
To join the retreat and learn more about the Worship Leaders Online Program, visit OverflowWorship.com/Retreat. This retreat is the final opportunity to join the program in 2024, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this life-changing community.
Finding your people—whether mentors, peers, or a supportive community—is essential for thriving in worship ministry. As Andrea Olson so beautifully illustrated, we need those outside perspectives to help us grow and make necessary adjustments. Through the Overflow Worship Virtual Retreat, worship leaders have the opportunity to connect with others, receive guidance, and be part of something bigger than themselves.
“God is doing something new in the church through worship,” Andrea said. Don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of it. Join the retreat, find your people, and take the next step in your worship leadership journey.
For more Overflow Worship resources: www.overflowworship.com
Watch the Podcast at: https://www.youtube.com/@overflowworshipofficial
Listen to the Podcast at:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/overflow-worship-podcast/id1461518398
