Leading from the Middle: Worship, Ministry & Church Hurt w/ Pastor Dave DolphinPodcast
- coltstraub4
- Apr 14
- 3 min read
Episode Title: Leading from the Middle: Worship, Ministry & Church Hurt w/ Pastor Dave DolphinPodcast: The Other Pastors PodcastHosts: Pastor Colt Straub & Pastor JBGuest: Pastor Dave Dolphin
Youtube link: https://youtu.be/sKZNgv5mp94
Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Other Pastors Podcast, Pastor Colt Straub and Pastor JB welcome Pastor Dave Dolphin, a worship and executive pastor with years of experience in ministry. They discuss the unique challenges of leading from the middle, the evolution of worship ministry, overcoming church hurt, and finding healing and purpose after difficult transitions. Dave shares his personal journey, including his background in radio, leading worship, and how he continues to serve even after losing his ability to sing due to health challenges. This is a must-listen for pastors and ministry leaders navigating leadership from a supporting role.
Timestamps & Topics Covered:
[00:00] – Introduction
Welcome to The Other Pastors Podcast
Podcast focus: supporting executive pastors, worship pastors, youth pastors, and other ministry leaders
Special guest introduction: Pastor Dave Dolphin
[01:12] – Getting to Know Pastor Dave Dolphin
How Colt and Dave met through mutual connections and Worship Leader Plus Facebook group
Dave’s blog and YouTube channel: Practical Worship
The transition from blogging to focusing on new areas of ministry
[02:45] – Dave’s Ministry Journey
Dave’s background in radio broadcasting and love for audio production
Transitioning from radio to working in Christian music production
Touring with Christian artists and the impact of small-church worship experiences
Entering full-time ministry at Cherokee Hills Baptist Church in Oklahoma City
[05:14] – The Role of a Worship Pastor Beyond Music
Worship as a means to build relationships and disciple others
Delegation in worship ministry: empowering volunteers
Coaching worship team members to reach their full potential
The importance of developing other leaders in ministry
[10:20] – Embarrassing & Funny Worship Ministry Moments
A misworded comment about preaching vs. leading worship that led to an awkward moment
Learning to navigate mistakes with humility
[14:50] – The Evolution of Worship Styles Over the Years
Shifting from traditional hymns to modern worship (Passion, Vineyard, etc.)
Current trends: Authenticity over performance
The next generation’s desire for substance over production
How churches can balance modern worship with timeless hymns
[22:54] – Walking Through Church Hurt & Transition
Dave’s experience being unexpectedly let go from a ministry role
Struggling with uncertainty and identity in ministry
The importance of processing pain before sharing publicly
A year-long journey of healing and perspective
How God used the transition to open new doors
[32:16] – Losing the Ability to Sing: A Worship Pastor’s Health Journey
Diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2020
How chemotherapy and COVID-19 affected his lungs and voice
Adjusting to a new role as a worship leader who can’t sing
Learning that leading worship isn’t just about singing
A powerful moment where Dave was able to sing on stage again despite his vocal struggles
[39:08] – How to Handle Leadership Conflicts in Ministry
The challenges of working under a senior pastor with a different vision
When to stay and work through conflict vs. when to move on
Encouragement for pastors feeling tension in leadership roles
The importance of open communication and self-awareness in leadership
[44:46] – Advice for Pastors Leading from the Middle
Book recommendation: How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge by Clay Scroggins
Understanding how to “lead up” while being a support role
The weight of leadership at every level and showing grace to senior pastors
How to empower volunteers and delegate well
The mindset shift from doing ministry to equipping others for ministry
[47:59] – A Powerful Prayer for Pastors in Ministry
Dave prays for encouragement and strength for those leading in ministry
Overcoming discouragement, burnout, and challenges
Trusting in God’s plan for your ministry
[50:54] – Final Thoughts & How to Connect
The Other Pastors Podcast tagline: Serving up, down, and all around. You’re the other pastor. This podcast is for you.
Visit OtherPastors.com for more resources
Connect with Pastor Dave Dolphin on YouTube & Practical Worship
Subscribe, like, and share to support the podcast!
Resources & Links:
📌 Dave Dolphin’s Podcast on Church Hurt
(https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/practical-worship-podcast/id1372389125?i=1000434199683📌 OtherPastors.com📌 Book: How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge – Clay Scroggins
📢 Like, Subscribe & Share to support The Other Pastors Podcast!
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