Growing Your Worship Ministry with Authentic Leadership and Community

In the latest episode of the Overflow Worship Podcast, host Andrea Olson sat down with Brian Davis from Green Room Leaders to discuss the heart of worship leadership, personal growth, and the importance of building a ministry that prioritizes connection over performance. If you’re a worship leader looking for encouragement and practical insights, this conversation is for you.

Leading from the Overflow, Not the Overwhelm

Brian Davis, a seasoned worship leader with over 27 years of ministry experience, shared his journey through the highs and lows of worship leadership. From his early days leading worship in a small Baptist church to navigating the pressures of large, high-production services, Brian’s story is a testament to the importance of staying rooted in faith and community.

One of the key takeaways from Brian’s experience is the risk of burnout when leadership becomes about executing a service rather than cultivating a worshiping community. “Before you sing a song, before you plan a set list, before you audition anybody for your team, do you really believe that you are loved and unconditionally accepted by your Savior?” Brian challenged.

This mindset shift—from performance-driven to presence-centered leadership—is the foundation of Green Room Leaders, a ministry dedicated to supporting worship leaders by creating spaces for rest, reflection, and renewal.

Avoiding the Trap of Comparison and Building Community Instead

A common struggle among worship leaders is the pressure to replicate what they see from large, well-known churches. Brian emphasized the importance of focusing on the unique needs of your local church rather than imitating trends. “There’s already an Elevation. There’s already a Hillsong. Who is God calling your church to be?” he asked.

Instead of striving for the next big thing, worship leaders should embrace their congregation’s culture, move at a sustainable pace, and prioritize relational leadership. “Sometimes the best thing to do is the old thing—the thing that gets people engaged and builds trust,” Brian advised.

The Four Pillars of Worship Leadership

Green Room Leaders is built on the biblical foundation of the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5), which Jesus reiterates in the Gospels: Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Brian shared how these four elements shape healthy worship leadership:

• Soul – Understanding and accepting your identity in Christ before stepping onto the stage.
• Heart – Leading with love, seeing your congregation as partners in worship rather than an audience.
• Mind – Practicing discernment in planning services that truly serve the community.
• Strength – Implementing sustainable rhythms that foster long-term growth rather than short-term hype.

By prioritizing soul and heart work first, worship leaders can build a ministry that is both spiritually healthy and sustainable.

Final Encouragement for Worship Leaders

As Brian and Andrea wrapped up their conversation, the message was clear: Worship leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. “There’s so much less pressure on me as a leader when I can say, ‘Hey, none of us are going to do this perfectly. But I do know this: I know that I’m loved, and I know that you’re loved. So let’s start there and now let’s sing,’” Brian shared.

For worship leaders at any stage, this episode is a powerful reminder to lead from a place of identity in Christ, build intentional community, and embrace the unique calling God has placed on your church.

Connect with Green Room Leaders

To learn more about Green Room Leaders and their coaching cohorts, visit greenroomleaders.com or follow them on Instagram at @GreenRoomLeaders.

For more Overflow Worship resources click here and visit our website.

Watch the Overflow Worship Podcast here on YouTube.

Listen to the Podcast on  Spotify and Apple Music.