Finding Community and Growth in Worship Ministry with Brian Tabor on the Overflow Worship Podcast

In Episode 132 of the Overflow Worship Podcast, host Andrea Olson sits down with worship leader Brian Tabor of Worship Probs. Together they dig into the highs, lows, and transformative moments that come with leading worship. Through humor and candid reflections, Tabor shares wisdom gained from decades in ministry, reminding worship leaders they aren’t alone in their journey.

Building Resilience Through Community

One of Brian's key messages is the importance of community for worship leaders. He highlights how isolation can burden leaders but emphasizes that connecting with others, even outside of one’s home church, fosters growth.

“Ministry is...the highest of highs, [and] the lowest of lows,” Tabor says. “Having a faith foundation and a people foundation helps you walk through those highs and lows”​.

Tabor shares how he started Worship Probs as a humorous outlet, using memes and podcasts to voice common challenges worship leaders face. He notes that humor opens doors to discuss deeper struggles, allowing leaders to see they aren’t alone.

The Challenge of Aging Out in Worship Ministry

Brian addresses a unique, pressing challenge in worship ministry: the phenomenon of “aging out” worship leaders.

“There is this phenomenon of aging out worship leaders…friends who have gotten aged out at the point in their ministry where they had more to offer than ever before,” he says.

He urges churches to value experience and mentorship over trends, advocating for spaces where seasoned leaders can guide and support new worship leaders.

Preparing for Difficult Conversations

Another crucial point he discusses is preparing for difficult conversations, a skill every worship leader should hone. He advises leaders to anticipate and practice responses to potential complaints or misunderstandings. Whether it’s about music style, sound levels, or other preferences, Tabor encourages patience and empathy, suggesting,

“Remember that the person talking to you is one of God’s kids too”​.

In this vein, he highlights a specific Easter service interaction where a well-intentioned congregant criticized the lack of the name “Jesus” in songs—despite six-foot letters spelling out “Jesus” on stage. Instead of reacting defensively, Tabor advises worship leaders to engage with empathy, recognizing that feedback often stems from deeper, unrelated emotions or past hurts​.

Humor as a Tool for Encouragement

A signature of Worship Probs is its blend of humor and encouragement. Tabor believes humor provides therapeutic release, allowing leaders to process challenges constructively.

“We make memes to laugh together about the challenges we all face,” he explains.

The Worship Probs community shares funny, bizarre “prayer concerns” and song requests, which allow worship leaders to see their struggles in a lighter, communal context​.

Mentorship as a Lifeline

Tabor underscores the vital role of mentorship in sustaining worship ministry careers. Whether it’s having a trusted mentor to turn to or being a mentor for others, he emphasizes that mentorship prevents burnout and enables both personal and professional growth. His message to leaders is clear: “Find somebody who can walk with you”​.

Staying Grounded and Focused on Mission

As Brian and Andrea wrap up, they leave listeners with a powerful call to focus on the true purpose of worship ministry. By building resilience through community, preparing for challenges, and laughing along the way, worship leaders can keep their ministries grounded and effective.

For more insights and encouragement, check out Worship Probs on Instagram and YouTube.

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Watch the Overflow Worship Podcast here on YouTube.

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