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Leading from the Middle: Worship, Ministry & Church Hurt w/ Pastor Dave DolphinPodcast



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

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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