I love podcasting. When I started the "Beyond Sunday" podcast, I was clueless. And in many ways, I still am. But producing this podcast has helped me grow in a myriad of ways.

I'm so honored to create a resource that encourages worship leaders all over the world. But I'm going to be honest. Podcasting has probably taught me more than I've been able to impart.

For the last seven years, I've been able to sit talk to worship pastors, artists, leaders, songwriters and change makers every week. After a while, you start to notice similarities and patterns between the leaders we all look up to. In this article I wanted to distill those lessons for you.

In this first section, I want to share the lessons I've learned producing a weekly podcast. In the final section, I'll share lessons I've learned from all the interviews—common stories woven between them all.

8 Lessons I've Learned About Podcasting

1.Just Start: Too many of us refuse to launch anything into the world because we overanalyze. Before we know it, months and years have passed and we haven't made any progress on our goals.

2. Don't Wait for Perfect: I'm a firm believer in constantly growing. But don't wait until your art is perfect. Perfectionism is the enemy of done.

3. Ask: Many people ask me how I've gotten as many interviews as I have. My answer is always, "I asked." It really is that simple. Sometimes people will not respond or will say no. But most of the time, people are happy to talk about themselves on a podcast

4. Create Your Future: For most of my life, I waited for things to happen to me—waiting for someone to call me, offer me a job, give me an opportunity. Podcasting was a decision I made and a pursuit I went for. You can do the same. What do you want to pursue? Don't wait for permission. Go for it.

5. There is Power in Consistency—Small progress over time creates massive results. Believe me, I've given up on a lot of things. But I've seen wonderful benefits to sticking with podcasting for the long haul. I've been tempted to give up when everything felt too tedious.

6. Confidence Develops Over Time: There are interviews I wish I could do again. There were times I was completely paralyzed by fear and wished guests would cancel. Sometimes they did. But facing fear, over time, creates confidence.

7. Communication Matters: Podcasting has made me more aware of how I waste words. It has spotlighted my bad communication habits. This is invaluable feedback because communication matters. Learning how to communicate well makes you a more influential person.

8. Do Work You Would Do Free: I love podcasting. I actually enjoy the process. Sure, the editing can be painstaking and annoying. But I would do it free for the rest of my life. This has helped me be consistent over time. And people can pick up on your enthusiasm.

4 Common Themes From 200 Interviews

1.Lead from Your Story: The most effective worship leaders know their weakness and depend on Jesus because of it. Stop trying to be like someone else. It's OK to learn from others, but lean into who you are and lead people from your own story.

2. Ignore Insecurity: Everyone is insecure. Even those we think are uber-talented and confident. We all have self-doubt and wonder if we should be doing what we're doing. When you're faced with insecurity, turn it on its head and use that voice of doubt to give you the confidence that you should step into the destiny God has for you.

3. Ignite Another's Destiny: Of all the interviews I've done, a common story is no one would be doing what they're doing if they weren't challenged to do so. Make it a point to be this encouraging voice to those around you. The slightest encouragement can change someone's life.

4. Don't Neglect the Unseen Disciplines: Your power in ministry comes from the consistency of being with Jesus off the stage. Prioritizing the praise of man will keep you from the secret place because you'll long to be where you are seen.

What is a project you have worked on consistently over time? What has that process taught you?

Listen to C-Pop, the Christian pop culture podcast, and an interview with popular worship leader Mack Brock, formerly of Elevation Worship and now a solo artist.

David Santistevan is a worship pastor at Allison Park Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

This article originally appeared at davidsantistevan.com.

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