Confessions of a Worship Leader

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.

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.

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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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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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:

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?

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 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.

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.

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

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

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:

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.

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.

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:

“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.

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.

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:

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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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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