Confessions of a Worship Leader

Follow Confessions of a Worship Leader
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Confessions of a Worship Leader by Branon Dempsey (Worship Team Training) is born out of crazy and heartbreaking church ministry experiences to help you in your walk as a worship or ministry leader. "It's more than leading worship, it’s a journey for true

Branon Dempsey (WorshipTeamTraining.com)

Donate to Confessions of a Worship Leader


    • Jun 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 18m AVG DURATION
    • 82 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from Confessions of a Worship Leader with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Confessions of a Worship Leader

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 49:47


    Send us a textIn this powerful episode, we sit down with Natasha Smith, author of "Can You Just Sit With Me?" to hear her honest story of loss, faith, and finding hope again. Natasha shares how grief reshaped her life—and how choosing to sit in the pain, rather than run from it, opened the door to healing. Through her personal journey, she offers encouragement for anyone navigating the messy, sacred process of mourning. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that sometimes the most healing thing we can do is simply be present—with ourselves and each other.https://imnatashasmith.com/ Support the showRead Your Story Matters by Branon Dempsey Substack: https://branondempsey.substack.com?r=2f09z7DM me over Threads, or Instagram: @branondempseyLinktree: https://linktr.ee/BranonDempsey Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@branondempsey. Copyright 2025 Your Story Matters, Branon Dempsey | WTT, Inc.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 52:35


    Send us a textOn this powerful episode of The Your Story Matters Podcast, Branon Dempsey sits down with special guest Abbi Nye to talk about breaking the silence and finding your voice after trauma.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 17:03


    Send us a textNew Series: “Reclaiming Your Emotional Freedom”“The Power of Naming Anxiety” – How labeling your anxiety and the emotional overload helps regain control.Anxiety can surge into our lives—sometimes quietly, other times with overwhelming force. It can hijack our thoughts, dictate our reactions, and leave us feeling powerless. But what if I told you that one of the most effective ways to manage anxiety and emotional distress is simply to name it?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2025 10:12


    Send us a textNothing frustrates a narcissist more than losing the power to control or influence you.Thrive on your energy—whether it's love-bombing, stealing your thunder/attention, or even causing pain—because it fuels their need for validation and dominance, which they see as power.But….when you focus on your own healing and growth, you take your power back. This act will become the ultimate boundary: a refusal to engage, a decision to resist being drawn into their games, and a choice to prioritize yourself. Support the showRead Your Story Matters by Branon Dempsey Substack: https://branondempsey.substack.com?r=2f09z7DM me over Threads, or Instagram: @branondempseyLinktree: https://linktr.ee/BranonDempsey Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@branondempsey. Copyright 2025 Your Story Matters, Branon Dempsey | WTT, Inc.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2025 11:35


    Send us a textWe've all been there—holding out hope that someone will finally change. Maybe this time, things will be different. Maybe this time, they'll see the pain they've caused.But here's the hard truth: when someone remains unchanged, their behavior doesn't change either. And when we grant repeat offenders access to our lives, we're often inviting the same harm, wrapped in the same package.Support the showRead Your Story Matters by Branon Dempsey Substack: https://branondempsey.substack.com?r=2f09z7DM me over Threads, or Instagram: @branondempseyLinktree: https://linktr.ee/BranonDempsey Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@branondempsey. Copyright 2025 Your Story Matters, Branon Dempsey | WTT, Inc.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2024 19:39


    Send us a textThe holidays. They can be overwhelming. Family dynamics often intensify this stress. Setting boundaries is essential but challenging. Here's why—and how to protect your peace.Support the showRead Your Story Matters by Branon Dempsey Substack: https://branondempsey.substack.com?r=2f09z7DM me over Threads, or Instagram: @branondempseyLinktree: https://linktr.ee/BranonDempsey Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@branondempsey. Copyright 2024 Your Story Matters, Branon Dempsey | WTT, Inc.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2024 15:06


    Send us a textHow can a narcissist control many people at one time? They smile wide. They speaks in warm tones. It feels like trust. But beneath the surface, something darker is at work. Toxic narcissists use “Affection Flooding” as a strategy to create an environment (by a group of people,) where their power is protected. They flood this “special” group of followers with praise, false loyalty, and surface-level connection for one purpose: control.Support the showRead Your Story Matters by Branon Dempsey Substack: https://branondempsey.substack.com?r=2f09z7DM me over Threads, or Instagram: @branondempseyLinktree: https://linktr.ee/BranonDempsey Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@branondempsey. Copyright 2024 Your Story Matters, Branon Dempsey | WTT, Inc.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 10:04


    Send us a textHealing from narcissistic abuse is no small feat. It's not just about moving on or patching up the hurt. It's about rediscovering who you are beneath the pain. You may be shattered, but not broken.Support the showRead Your Story Matters by Branon Dempsey Substack: https://branondempsey.substack.com?r=2f09z7DM me over Threads, or Instagram: @branondempseyLinktree: https://linktr.ee/BranonDempsey Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@branondempsey. Copyright 2024 Your Story Matters, Branon Dempsey | WTT, Inc.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2024 16:48


    Send us a textGetting Hit By A Deer Never Felt So Good - My Unwanted Tragedy and Relation with Trauma. Trauma is not a choice. But healing is a choice. It's choosing not to let the event define you. It's waking up each day and saying, “Today: I'll make one more choice. I'll take one more step.”Support the showRead Your Story Matters by Branon Dempsey Substack: https://branondempsey.substack.com?r=2f09z7DM me over Threads, or Instagram: @branondempseyLinktree: https://linktr.ee/BranonDempsey Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@branondempsey. Copyright 2024 Your Story Matters, Branon Dempsey | WTT, Inc.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2024 30:12


    Send us a text⏱️Life has a way of throwing us into unexpected wreckage. Recently, I experienced this firsthand through a serious accident. It reminded me how little control we sometimes have—and how much strength it takes to navigate what follows.This week on Micro Matters, we're talking about those moments when life with trauma feels broken beyond repair. Whether it's the aftermath of abuse or a life-altering event, the process of reclaiming your voice and rebuilding your life is a journey of courage.Like healing from an injury, navigating life after trauma requires patience, persistence, and learning to trust yourself again. It's about finding hope in the small steps forward.Listen now—available wherever you stream podcasts.Companion Article on Substack: https://branon.substack.com/p/breaking-the-silence-reclaiming-your?selection=8e4c6c7f-1daa-4a5d-b2a9-f421b05d65e4&r=2f09z7&utm_medium=ios&triedRedirect=trueSupport the showTell me what you thought about today's show!➡️ Join the conversation on Threads, X or Instagram: @branondempsey➡️ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/BranonDempsey ➡️ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@branondempsey. Copyright 2024 Your Story Matters, Branon Dempsey | WTT, Inc.

    Theo Boyd | “Down In The Dirt of Grief” Ep. 005

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024 40:52


    Send us a textDown In The Dirt of Grief — Join Your Story Matters as Branon Dempsey sits down with Theo Boyd to explore the journey of grief and healing.

    Micro Matters - Why Narcissists Can't Live in the Truth

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024 13:18


    Send us a textSupport the showTell me what you thought about today's show!➡️ Join the conversation on Threads, X or Instagram: @branondempsey➡️ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/BranonDempsey ➡️ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@branondempsey. Copyright 2024 Your Story Matters, Branon Dempsey | WTT, Inc.

    Micro Matters | My Story Intro

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 19, 2024 6:29


    Send us a textWelcome to our first edition of Micro Matters! A series of short podcast episodes based on conversations about healing from abuse and narcissism. In this snippet I share part of my story, hope it brings you encouragement today.Welcome to the first edition of Micro Matters! In this series of brief podcast episodes, we explore meaningful conversations about healing from abuse and overcoming narcissism. In this snippet, I share a glimpse of my journey, with the hope of inspiring and encouraging you today.Support the showTell me what you thought about today's show!➡️ Join the conversation on Threads, X or Instagram: @branondempsey➡️ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/BranonDempsey ➡️ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@branondempsey. Copyright 2024 Your Story Matters, Branon Dempsey | WTT, Inc.

    Branon Dempsey | “The Crave of Control [of a Narcissist]” Ep. 004

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2024 21:05


    Send us a textA narcissist craves control, which drives their relentless pursuit of superiority. What can you do to starve their attention to save yourself?

    Courtney Bandeko & Ben Koppin | "Pastor's Kid” (Identity and Betrayal) Ep. 003

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2024 36:19


    Nick Pollard | "The People Displeaser” Ep. 002

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2024 52:24


    Mary DeMuth | "An Untold Story Doesn't Heal"

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later May 9, 2024 32:38


    Send us a Text Message.Telling your story involves healing for your own sake and to let others know that they are not alone. 


    Sunday, Sunday, Sunday! Is making the worship service successful really a win - what is the battle - what are we trying to win - who is it for?? I had a message shared with me this morning and I want to give you my thoughts on this topicDownload and Enjoy:

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2023 35:46


    Was it just something said, was it something someone did, or was it something more spiritually? In church, we can shrug off talk or overlook behaviors, but what happens when it becomes abusive? How do you know when things have gone too far?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 7, 2023 12:27


    Hey Narc Pastor: You just can't make a victim do what you want unless they let you.Support the show➡️ Join the conversation or DM over Twitter or Instagram: @branondempsey ➡️ Text Me! 832-974-0277 ➡️ Linktree https://linktr.ee/ConfessionsOfAWorshipLeader Copyright 2023 Confessions of a Worship Leader | Worship Team Training, Inc.


    How do you know, or do you know, you serve with a narcissistic pastor? Trouble begins when we take a staff job with the "Nice-At-First-Pastor", only to find out later that he/she is the complete opposite. What do you do in this situation, run or resolve? Here to help us today is returning guest Steve Hartman.


    ➡️ Spiritually abusive churches hide the abuse to maintain power, damage hurting souls that are gueniely trying to seek God, while they deny problems to continue their cyclic behavoir. This is why survivors have a hard time leaving and putting spiritual abuse behind them. It's not that they don't have enough faith. Their trust in others was betrayed. Support the show➡️ Join the conversation or DM over Twitter or Instagram: @branondempsey ➡️ Text Me! 832-974-0277 ➡️ Linktree https://linktr.ee/ConfessionsOfAWorshipLeader Copyright 2023 Confessions of a Worship Leader | Worship Team Training, Inc.

    Toxic Positivity? Time to Cut the BS

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2023 18:35


    Toxic positivity is pressuring survivors to look on the spiritual bright side. The pastor or religious leader may say things like: "It's God's will," "Pray about it," or "Jesus cares." Yes, it's a fact that God is in control, yes we can pray and Jesus does care. Jesus did say to "weep with those who weep." This is also the underlying reason why churches are not good at receiving other's pain, much less than helping survivors in their abuse. Healthy Christian support, helps people identify with their pain, let them know they are not alone, and that we have a real God who can sympathize and heal their pain. Support the show➡️ Join the conversation or DM over Twitter or Instagram: @branondempsey ➡️ Text Me! 832-974-0277 ➡️ Linktree https://linktr.ee/ConfessionsOfAWorshipLeader Copyright 2023 Confessions of a Worship Leader | Worship Team Training, Inc.

    Spiritual Abuse: Worship Leaders, let's talk.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2023 12:02


    How are we leading people in worship who suffer from abuse, namely, spiritual?Churches should be places of sanctuary and refuge, but for many, they can become sites of spiritual abuse. Spiritual abuse is a severe problem primarily hidden, with those in authority using their position to manipulate, control, and even harm those within the congregation. As worship leaders, what can we do to get out from behind the music and get in front of helping people who have been spiritually abused?Support the show➡️ Join the conversation or DM over Twitter or Instagram: @branondempsey ➡️ Text Me! 832-974-0277 ➡️ Linktree https://linktr.ee/ConfessionsOfAWorshipLeader Copyright 2023 Confessions of a Worship Leader | Worship Team Training, Inc.

    Francesca McDowall | It's Not The End | Surviving Spiritual Abuse

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2023 34:04


    Have you ever felt like you are done with church? Disappointed, hurt and damaged by abusive church leaders? Has it all ever left you wondering if God sees or hears you by what you've been through?Francesca's story of struggle and courage is here today to help us understand there is power in changing the end of your story.Francesca McDowall | It's Not The End | Surviving Spiritual Abuse

    Healing From Spiritual Abuse (Preview From the Clubhouse App)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2023 31:57


    Spiritual abuse and abusive people can throw some pretty tough and ugly things our way. It's painful and can dampen a person's faith, just as we see in the Bible, so what do we do? Download the App and Find Us Here On

    Hi, My Name Is Branon, Here's My Story.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2023 41:45


    Branon tells his story, from abuse to survival to help people face the shadows of their pain and face the light of healing. Download New Episode | Season 2:

    Staying in spiritually abusive kingdoms only incurs further abuse.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2023 1:29


    Support the show➡️ Join the conversation or DM over Twitter or Instagram: @branondempsey ➡️ Text Me! 832-974-0277 ➡️ Linktree https://linktr.ee/ConfessionsOfAWorshipLeader Copyright 2023 Confessions of a Worship Leader | Worship Team Training, Inc.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2023 9:58


    Staying in an abusive system only incurs further damage to the soul. Like any abusive relationship, it is imperative to exit the system in order to be healed. You don't need to stay to remain faithful. You are faithful by leaving toxic people as you show care, respect and honor your spiritual health to God and to those who truly love you.Support the show➡️ Join the conversation or DM over Twitter or Instagram: @branondempsey ➡️ Text Me! 832-974-0277 ➡️ Linktree https://linktr.ee/ConfessionsOfAWorshipLeader Copyright 2023 Confessions of a Worship Leader | Worship Team Training, Inc.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2023 48:11


    Is you pastor a Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde - or are they both? There is a reason why behaviors matter. What may seem as a series of impulsivity, micro-managing, gaslighting and narcism, are really tale-tale signs of the real person you are working with. Let's pull back the curtain with Ian Morgan Chron as we learn more about why behaviors matter and how to handle the damage they cause.Download New Episode | Season 2:

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2023 34:38


    “I was alone even though I was married and had kids. I was a pastor during all this time. I had all these people in the church family, but I was alone because I wouldn't let anyone else over the wall. I kept building the wall higher.” - Greg Williams (Author/Speaker/Counselor)Sometimes jumping into a new church or staff role doesn't solve the issue of trauma. We can put on the mask and build a wall, but it doesn't stop the hurting. How can a person heal from their pain and not allow emotional barriers and baggage to prevent them from moving forward?Video link: https://youtu.be/jDejTC0ghG8Dr. Gregory WilliamsDr. Gregory Williams is on the Administrative Leadership Team at Baylor College of Medicine's OB/GYN Department located in Texas Children's Hospital He has a PhD in Counseling and is a well-known speaker/teacher.He is the author of new book this April 2022 "When the Dark Clouds Come" and  “Shattered by the Darkness: Putting the Pieces Back Together After Child Abuse” Greg travels the country speaking to thousands of people on child abuse, the aftermaths of abuse, the detection and recognition of abuse and the importance of the Adverse Childhood Experiences.  He is the head of the Baylor College of Medicine's pilot program in conjunction with Emory College and the University of San Diego Medical School in developing curriculum for medical schools to incorporate ACEs training at the residency/fellowship levels. He also is pastor of Faith Springs Church in Pearland, TXhttps://shatteredbythedarkness.wpcomstaging.com/Support the show➡️ Join the conversation or DM over Twitter or Instagram: @branondempsey ➡️ Text Me! 832-974-0277 ➡️ Linktree https://linktr.ee/ConfessionsOfAWorshipLeader Copyright 2023 Confessions of a Worship Leader | Worship Team Training, Inc.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2023 2:31


    The most underrated age for worship leaders is between 40 and 60 - this means you are not done yet! Young or old, your perspective on life and commitment to ministry expresses it's value in more ways your credit for. @BranonDempsey #ConfessionsOfAWorshipLeader#BeforeTheWorshipBegins #WorshipLeaders #WorshipTeamTraining Support the show➡️ Join the conversation or DM over Twitter or Instagram: @branondempsey ➡️ Text Me! 832-974-0277 ➡️ Linktree https://linktr.ee/ConfessionsOfAWorshipLeader Copyright 2023 Confessions of a Worship Leader | Worship Team Training, Inc.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2023 30:16


    When we can find other people like us who've experienced similar things that we can start to feel like we have a community again. We are spiritually damaged, but that doesn't mean we must stay this way. We are never without hope and the ability to heal.In her own words, ex-Quiverfull member Abbi Nye shares her story of suffering and survival to confront and bring awareness to the growing threat of spiritual abuse on every level.Download New Season 2 Episode:

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2023 3:45


    God doesn't intend you to go through life looking over your shoulder. Especially when it comes to spiritual abuse, no man or woman is to stand in your way of living in freedom.@BranonDempseyConfessionsOfAWorshipLeader.com➡️ Join the conversation or DM over Twitter or Instagram: @branondempsey ➡️ Text Me! 832-974-0277 ➡️ Linktree https://linktr.ee/ConfessionsOfAWorshipLeader Copyright 2023 Confessions of a Worship Leader | Worship Team Training, Inc.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2022 29:54


    Katherine Spearing “Spiritually Abusive Church”  Hillsong Church is only the tip of the iceberg. What is spiritual abuse? How do you know it's happening in your church? It's a controlling system of guarded conversations, violations of boundaries, silencing of people, scandaling agendas and manipulative leaders. All top down pressure that leaves you wondering. “Is it me?” If you are in an unhealthy place, learn what you can do to stop and avoid the insanity!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2022 30:22


    Mont McDonald “Staff Infection” Ever had a Staff Infection? Mental health is one issue and  church staff health is another. When either becomes infected by spiritually abusive assaults it can leave people in awful conditions. Join this special interview with Mont McDonald, an un-sung hero in ministry who escaped his own toxic staff and lived to tell about it.Let's confess the mess with @pastormontmc @montagnemcdonald ➡️ Join the conversation or DM over Twitter or Instagram: @branondempsey ➡️ Text Me! 832-974-0277 ➡️ Linktree https://linktr.ee/ConfessionsOfAWorshipLeader Copyright 2023 Confessions of a Worship Leader | Worship Team Training, Inc.

    A worship cover-up, or a covering of worship?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2022 10:14


    Happy New Year! Back for another confessional booth episode! We are asking the questionn: Is true that worship services and church buildings are adorned in such away to cover up the real problems of the heart? Join us for this episode and let's start l the conversation!➡️ Join the conversation or DM over Twitter or Instagram: @branondempsey ➡️ Text Me! 832-974-0277 ➡️ Linktree https://linktr.ee/ConfessionsOfAWorshipLeader Copyright 2023 Confessions of a Worship Leader | Worship Team Training, Inc.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2022 2:34


    Spiritually, abusive churches can be like a house of mirrors, they manipulate your image to make you look and feel different shapes and sizes, but none of what they project is your actual image.The other problem with the house of mirrors is that everywhere you go, you're constantly confronted by the appearance of someone else trying to control you.But there is an easy fix. It understands how to discern the difference between the artificial light in the house of mirrors and pure natural sunlight. Artificial lighting is used to confuse people, but natural light shines authentically to help you see past mirrors. The truth is, natural light offers real help, authentic, healing, and true life. Speaking from experience, I had to step out of the house of mirrors to embrace it. Once I did, I never ran back to that same amusement park again.Comments? Let's continue the conversation➡️ PM Me on IG: @ConfessionsOfWL➡️ Text Me! 832-974-0277

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2022 1:31


    Comments? Let's continue the conversation➡️ PM Me on IG: @ConfessionsOfWL➡️ Text Me! 832-974-0277

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2022 2:55


    Taking a day off doesn't have to be filled with guilt. Neither should you apologize for taking time for your health instead of taking the time being drained by their unhealth.@BranonDempsey@confessions_ofaworshipleader.#ConfessionsOfAWorshipLeader #WorshipTeamTraining #Worship Comments? Let's continue the conversation➡️ PM Me on IG: @ConfessionsOfWL➡️ Text Me! 832-974-0277

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2022 3:20


    Learn how to never let negativity derail you again. @BranonDempseyComments? Let's continue the conversation➡️ PM Me on IG: @ConfessionsOfWL➡️ Text Me! 832-974-0277

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2022 3:46


    The abuse says more about the abuser than the one abused.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2022 11:54


    If you're in ministry, Thanksgiving doesn't have to suck. You can have the freedom to enjoy the holidays by maintaining good boundaries. Happy Thanksgiving

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2022 2:11


    If worship belongs to God, then service negativity should not belong to us. @BranonDempsey@confessions_ofaworshipleaderComments? Let's continue the conversation➡️ PM Me on IG: @ConfessionsOfWL➡️ Text Me! 832-974-0277

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2022 1:34


    Before you lead Worship, be reminded that it doesn't begin with you, it begins with him.@BranonDempseyComments? Let's continue the conversation➡️ PM Me on IG: @ConfessionsOfWL➡️ Text Me! 832-974-0277

    Claim Confessions of a Worship Leader

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel