Churchfront Podcast

Apply to Join Churchfront Premium Apply to Join Churchfront Pro Free Worship and Production Toolkit Shop Our Online Courses Join us at the Churchfront Conference Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront Gear we use to make videos at Churchfront Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN Carey Nieuwhof Interview - Podcast Notes Overview Conversation with Carey Nieuwhof about the shift in modern church worship from entertainment-focused to encounter-focused experiences, live streaming strategy, and church growth in the digital age. Key Themes 1. The Shift: Entertainment vs. Encounter The Problem with Modern Church Production Social media created a "copycat phase" where churches could suddenly see what megachurches were doing Churches adopted same equipment, same songs, same production values What was unique became ubiquitous - "we all became copies of each other" Gen Z is "the most marketed to generation in human history" and numb to production Quote: "Gen Z is the most marketed to generation in human history. And we're all kind of numb to the production. I don't think people are looking for hype. They're looking for hope." What People Actually Want Something real and tangible An experience of God, not just information about God Presence, not just presentation Transformation over information The Internet's Limitation Really good at delivering information (especially with AI) Cannot facilitate an encounter "There's something that happens in the room that doesn't happen online" 2. What "Encounter Over Entertainment" Looks Like The Tonal Shift Worship leaders being more sensitive to what's happening in the room, not just rehearsed transitions Preachers leaving space, not just hitting time marks Paying attention to what God might be doing (people crying, leaning in, visible reactions) Creating space to breathe Silence and Space "When I started in ministry, my goal was to get rid of as much silence in church as I could" Now: "Where else are you going to get silence? You don't get it unless you're in church" Don't have to fill every moment with words Can be silent or "noodle" on instruments while creating space Quote: "People's lives are so noisy and so crowded. I mean, we don't even sleep without white noise machines or anything like that. So where else are you going to get silence?" Evoke vs. Manipulate Can't plan a revival - it happens or it doesn't Job is to "set the table" and make space for the Holy Spirit Example: Great movies evoke genuine tears by accessing real emotions Cheap manipulation feels different Quote: "It's not our job as Christians to manipulate. It's our job possibly to evoke, to say, 'I'm going to set the table. I can't control the Holy Spirit.'" 3. The Liturgy Issue Modern Church is "Liturgically Malnourished" Liturgy = order of service (not an outdated term) Modern church handles joy and praise well Missing: contemplation, confession, lamentation, reflection Lost practices: prayers of confession, prayers of the people Carey's Confession Presbyterian background included prayers of approach and confession As church became attractional, prayer became "just an opportunity to clear the set for the sermon" Regrets thin prayers: "God, it's so good to be here today. We thank you so much. Amen." Quote: "It's like confess your sins to one another and you will be healed. We don't do that anymore. What if we did that?" Not Either/Or, But Both/And Keep good lighting, sound, production, and musicians who can play Add breathing room, texture, color, tone, mood Use liturgical calendar and historic practices adapted to modern context Don't approach Sunday as "slots to fill" Creative Freedom 52 Sundays = 52 blank canvases Already do this well at Easter and Christmas Can be more creative without confusing people Example: Good Friday Service Ended in darkness with no announcement Faded to black and stayed there People sat in uncomfortable silence, then slowly left "I wanted them to feel that discomfort... if you can even get a small sampling of that" Easter Sunday picked up in darkness, then sunrise/resurrection 4. Live Streaming Strategy Who Should Live Stream? Not every church needs to live stream everything Need good musicians to sound great online (around 400-500 attendance to have talent base) Need separate mix for online vs. in-house Poor production = "school play" - only interesting to those directly involved Quote: "A lot of churches, and these are well-meaning, beautiful Christian people. If you don't have the talent in production or in worship, you sound like a school play." Alternatives Stream just the message On-demand after, mixed in post-production Audio only if video isn't good Consider what strangers stumbling on feed would think The Discovery Argument Pre-COVID minority of churches streamed Now "everybody you want to reach is online" "All of non-Christian America, all the nuns, all the duns, all the atheists, all the agnostics, they're on the internet" Can't remember last time truly unchurched person hadn't watched online for weeks/months before visiting The New Foyer Online is now the foyer, not the physical lobby People investigate online before visiting By the time they show up, they're ready to go "further, faster" "They've already done their investigating. They've already asked ChatGPT all the questions" 5. Practical Service Design Handling Growth Pressure Multiple services create pressure to program everything tightly Solution: Trim 5 minutes from sermon Do 60-minute service with breathing room between Create more lobby/connection space Leverage outdoor space (if climate allows) Worship Set Strategy Don't need extended mix of everything Maybe two songs and a tag instead of three full songs "Sit in the tag for a while" Find the high-impact moments (example: bridge of "How Great Is Our God") Get to what matters, like talent shows do 90-second versions Quote: "You don't have to do the extended mix of everything, the seven minute version, do the tag. That would be great. Space is something that you can do in three minutes if you know how to do it well." Service Flow Examples Don't make people stand and greet (where else does that happen?) Have emotionally intelligent people on doors, not just available people Greet people the way THEY want to be greeted Consider kids moments, announcements, communion as natural transitions Call to commitment/involvement comes sooner now than 10 years ago 6. Online Presence Best Practices Website Design Design for new people first Show service times and location prominently (mobile friendly) Staff page is #3 most viewed - people want to see "are there people like me?" Use accurate photos (don't show 27-year-olds if congregation is 70+) Show actual diversity if you have it Quote (Seth Godin): "Culture is people like us do things like this. So what people are looking for, are there people like us?" Content Strategy Lead with best sermons, not just latest Most popular videos should be easy to find People don't care if it's from 2 years ago (still watching The Office) Have robust FAQ section for unchurched questions Position yourself for lost people, not just members 7. The Current Moment The Harvest is Ripe People are seeking more than maybe in past decade or two Culture is saturated with production - not the competitive edge anymore Mental health crisis caused by social media People desperate for something real What to Do Pray for it (spiritual activity) Make newcomer journey easy Take them somewhere when they show up Go deeper faster - they're ready Quote: "People come to church looking to find God, but sometimes all they find is us. They found a really cool song, they found a really great message, but they didn't actually find God in the midst of it." Give Them Meat Reference to Tara-Lee Cobble and The Bible Recap Provide historical context (helps Christians AND non-Christians) Don't be afraid to go deep on sin, gospel, redemption Write/speak in accessible "street Greek" like the New Testament Example Opening: "Hey, we're going back 3000 years. And there was a guy named David who was King of Israel. He was trying to keep the kingdom united because there was a north and a south. You can relate to that. These are divided times..." Quote (Tim Keller): "It's worse than you can possibly imagine and better than you can possibly dream." 8. Leadership Advice For Young Church Staff (25-40) Navigating Frustration with Leadership Write down actual issues you're facing (budget, staffing, expertise) Present respectfully, thoughtfully, submissively Good leaders will either provide resources or adjust priorities Identifying Toxic Culture Unrealistic expectations Unsympathetic to staff needs Expects 60-hour weeks with no life Toxic leader will get mad/defensive when approached Options in Toxic Environment Respectfully approach and share difficulties Accept the glass ceiling and stay Build healthy team within unhealthy body (temporary solution) Leave - "unhealthy bodies drive out healthy cells" Interview Questions for New Positions Ask to talk to current staff (not the pastor) Ask to talk to FORMER staff Find out who left and why Read Google reviews Have meals/experiences together (reveals character under pressure) Quote: "Ask around, ask if you have permission. Don't ask the pastor. Don't ask the pastor. Are you healthy? The toxic people, 'I'm so healthy.'" 9. Team Building & Growth Hiring Philosophy Only hire A players C players: you know immediately (late, unmotivated, incomplete work) - should be gone B players: good but not great - "it's too bad but we'll survive" A players: if they quit you'd need 3 people to replace them Quote (Netflix): "Adequate performance gets you a generous severance package." A Player Test If they knocked on the door saying "this is my last day," how do you react? C player: "Thank goodness, now I don't have to fire them" B player: "Too bad but we'll survive" A player: "Grabbing the waste basket and throwing up" Growth Wisdom Don't settle on staff because you're panicking Will eventually become bloated with no profit Profit = "permission to do this again tomorrow" (Seth Godin) Most businesses fail not from lack of vision but lack of cash Use tools like Working Genius to find right fit Don't just find A players - find A players with gifts your team needs Cultural Values Write them down and review regularly Ritz-Carlton: 26 values, reviewed 2-3 daily in team meetings Use to evaluate: "Where are we winning/losing with our values?" Catch team members exemplifying values Values help instill culture as org chart grows 10. Upcoming Projects Carey's New Book Topic: AI and the Future Church Thesis: "As the world becomes more artificial, we need to become more human as Christians" Church's future direction is human connection Expected publication: 2026 Latest Book "At Your Best" - about time, energy, and priorities Notable Statistics & Data Points 72% of teenagers have tried AI chatbots 31% prefer AI companionship to human companions Pre-COVID: minority of churches streamed services Can't recall single unchurched person who didn't watch online for weeks/months before visiting Around 400-500 attendance: churches start having talent base for good production 80-95% of church growth in America is conversion growth (not transfer) Top 3 website pages: Homepage, Messages, Staff/About Production Quality Basics Good Enough to Stream Great singing (doesn't need to be phenomenal) Decent lights Pretty good mix Can work with church of 150-200 with good coaching Everything else can be helped with technology Bare Minimum Great guitarist + great vocalist = "off to the races" Don't feel pressure to have full mediocre band Add musicians as you find/afford great ones Practical Takeaways Create space in services - silence, breathing room, sensitivity to the room Recover lost liturgical practices - confession, lamentation, contemplation Go deeper faster - people are ready for meat, not just milk Design for online discovery - unchurched people are investigating you Lead with best content - not just latest content Only hire A players - don't panic hire when growing Build real human connection - counter to increasingly artificial world Make newcomer journey easy - they're ready to engage quickly Be creative with 52 Sundays - not just slots to fill Focus on encounter over entertainment - production supports experience, doesn't replace it Questions for Further Reflection How can we create more space for confession in our services? What would it look like to "evoke" rather than "manipulate" in worship? Are we positioning our online presence for unchurched discovery? Is our production supporting encounter or replacing it? What emotions are people carrying into our services, and how do we acknowledge that? Are we moving too fast for the Holy Spirit to work? Memorable Quotes "I don't think people are looking for hype. They're looking for hope." "People aren't looking for more information. They're looking for presence, not just presentation." "The internet is really good at information, especially with AI. You want to know anything, you can find out anything, but the internet can't really facilitate an encounter." "It's not our job as Christians to manipulate. It's our job possibly to evoke." "Where else are you going to get silence? You don't get it unless you're in church." "If you don't have the talent in production or in worship, you sound like a school play." "Everybody you want to reach is online." "Your foyer has moved online." "People come to church looking to find God, but sometimes all they find is us." "As the world becomes more artificial, we need to become more human as Christians." "Adequate performance gets you a generous severance package." "Profit is permission to do this again tomorrow."

Apply to Join Churchfront Premium Apply to Join Churchfront Pro Free Worship and Production Toolkit Shop Our Online Courses Join us at the Churchfront Conference Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront Gear we use to make videos at Churchfront Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN Episode Title The Surprising Connection Between Online Views and Church Growth Episode Description Matt and Jake dive into The Unstuck Group's Q3 2025 report analyzing 252 churches to uncover surprising connections between worship style, online streaming, and church growth. Discover why declining churches juggle multiple worship styles, how online views predict growth, and why the cost barrier for quality streaming has never been lower. Key Takeaways 76% of surveyed churches now focus on modern/contemporary worship only Churches with multiple worship styles are more likely to be declining 96% of churches now offer online services (up from ~20% pre-COVID) Online views are a lead indicator for church growth 40% of online church viewers are first-time visitors The broadcast section is typically the smallest part of AV budgets Audio quality matters more than video quality for streaming Guest/Host Info Hosts: Jake Gosselin and Matt Woltjer from Churchfront Timestamps 0:00 Introduction: The Unstuck Group Q3 2025 Report Overview 1:11 76% of Churches Now Offer Only Modern/Contemporary Worship 3:52 Declining Churches Juggle Multiple Worship Styles 6:07 Living in the Tension: Traditional vs. Contemporary 7:42 Excellence in Worship - Both Styles Can Work 10:12 Vision is Essential - Don't Lead What You Don't Believe In 12:02 Your Space Dictates Your Style Limitations 14:09 Contemporary Worship = More Online Engagement 15:51 96% of Churches Now Offer Online Services 17:01 The Cost of Broadcasting Has Decreased Dramatically 19:36 Online Streaming Doesn't Hurt In-Person Attendance 20:47 Online Views as a Lead Indicator for Growth 22:50 40% of Online Viewers are First-Time Visitors 23:07 Audio First - The Key to Quality Streaming Resources Mentioned The Unstuck Group Q3 2025 Report ChurchTechToday Gitnux First Baptist Melbourne (traditional excellence example) Elevation Church (contemporary excellence example) Rock Harbor Church (historical building renovation example) Discussion Questions for Church Leaders Does your church currently offer multiple worship styles? What challenges has that created? How can your church pursue unity while honoring different generational preferences? If you're not currently streaming, what barriers are holding you back? How can you improve your online presence as a "front door" for visitors? Action Steps Review your church's online metrics - are views increasing or decreasing? Assess whether multiple worship styles are helping or hindering unity Evaluate your streaming setup - is audio quality your top priority? Consider how your building design supports or limits your worship style goals Social Media Pull Quotes "Churches trying to maintain multiple worship styles are much more likely to be declining. It's not about one style being better—it's about strategic leadership." - Jake & Matt "96% of churches now stream online, and here's the kicker: online views are a lead indicator for growth. If your views are increasing, you're likely a growing church." - Jake & Matt "People will watch bad video with good audio, but they won't watch bad audio with good video. Audio first, always." - Matt Woltjer "Your online stream isn't competing with in-person attendance—it's your front door. 40% of online viewers are first-time visitors researching your church." - Jake Gosselin "The worship wars are over. Now it's time to be one church with one vision, not two churches meeting in the same building." - Jake & Matt Episode Tags #ChurchGrowth #WorshipStyle #LiveStreaming #ChurchTechnology #TheUnstuckGroup #ContemporaryWorship #TraditionalWorship #ChurchAV #OnlineChurch #ChurchLeadership Production Notes Include link to The Unstuck Group report in description Add affiliate disclosure if applicable Consider creating supplementary graphics showing the key statistics Potential follow-up: Interview with The Unstuck Group team about their methodology

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Apply to Join Churchfront Premium Apply to Join Churchfront Pro Free Worship and Production Toolkit Shop Our Online Courses Join us at the Churchfront Conference Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront Gear we use to make videos at Churchfront Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN Podcast Show Notes: The Future of Church Leadership with Josh Howerton and Chris Kuti Guests: Josh Howerton (Senior Pastor) and Chris Kuti (Worship Pastor) from LakePoint Church Hosts: Jake Gosselin and Matt Woltjer from Churchfront Key Topics Discussed AI in Ministry (00:02:15) Josh's approach: Uses ChatGPT weekly for sermon prep as a "high-powered research assistant" Prompt strategy: "Give me 20 interesting facts about [passage] that are historical, cultural, theological, archeological, linguistic, or biblical that most Christians wouldn't know" Chris's usage: Meeting organization, content creation, voice conversations during drives Key principle: Use AI as a tool that serves you, don't serve the tool Important caveat: Always fact-check AI outputs - they can be wrong up to 17% of the time Church Technology Criticism (00:58:22) The "negative world" concept by Aaron Renn - cultural shift from positive to neutral to negative perception of Christianity Common criticisms: "Tax the churches," "Money should go to the poor" Biblical response: Only Judas complained about expensive things being used to honor Jesus Economic reality: Larger churches often spend lower percentages on tech than smaller churches due to economy of scale Technology costs: Modern equipment costs significantly less than in the early 2000s Social Media Strategy (00:12:38) Initial resistance: Reformed background's "theologized cynicism" toward self-promotion The turning point: People spend 16-18 hours/week on social media hearing secular perspectives "Air war vs. Ground war": Ground war = traditional discipleship, Air war = cultural engagement Digital Areopagus: Social media as the modern equivalent of where Paul engaged culture in Athens Current following growth: From 20-40k to significantly larger audience through strategic content Worship Pastor Turnover Crisis (01:26:06) Root causes identified: Getting into ministry for wrong reasons (seeking bigger stages/record deals) Senior pastors hiring for talent over pastoral gifting Lack of pastoral development and broader leadership responsibilities "Warm up the crowd" mentality rather than true pastoral partnership Solutions proposed: Hire character first, develop competency Give worship pastors genuine pastoral responsibilities Focus on being pastors who happen to use music Create long-term development paths Hiring and Leadership Development (00:36:29) Key principle: "Always bet on leadership" over pure talent Character evaluation: Look at family life as indicator of leadership capacity "Hire slow, fire fast" - don't ignore red flags in interviews Vision alignment: Ensure worship leaders can come under senior pastor's vision Josh's story: Had to fire a worship leader after 5 weeks for vision misalignment Succession Planning (00:45:13) LakePoint's success factors: Outgoing pastor (Steve Stroop) "left campground clean" - addressed problems before transition Incoming pastor honored what came before rather than dismissing it 70% credit to predecessor, 30% to successor for smooth transition Key advice for incoming leaders: Honor those who built what you inherited Watch your pace in first year - observe more than you act Win relationships and excel on stage Don't make major changes without building equity first Staying Humble While Growing (00:52:54) Key relationships: Spouse who believes in you but isn't impressed by you Hire up: Surround yourself with people more talented than you Find joy in others' wins: Move from taking all the shots to giving others opportunities Dave Stone's wisdom: "Don't let praise go to your head, don't let criticism go to your heart" Josh's perspective: Staying confident is often harder than staying humble Future Ministry Vision (01:08:27) Chris's focus: Leadership pipeline development - never having to post job openings Josh's project: "Discipleship at scale" through vertically aligned content delivery Core principle: "We're in the disciple business, not the events business" Technology integration: Purpose-built app to connect sermon, podcast, reading plans, and groups Quotable Moments "If you find yourself on team Judas, get a different team." - Josh on criticizing church spending "Two visions create division." - Chris on worship pastor alignment "Don't let praise go to your head and don't let criticism go to your heart." - Dave Stone's advice "We're not in the events business, we're in the disciple business." - Josh on ministry focus "The loudest boos come from the cheapest seats." - Josh on handling criticism Action Items for Church Leaders Experiment with AI as a research and content creation tool while maintaining proper oversight Evaluate your hiring process - prioritize character and leadership potential over pure talent Assess succession planning - are you preparing for healthy transitions? Review social media strategy - consider it as cultural engagement rather than self-promotion Examine technology spending through economy of scale lens rather than raw dollar amounts Develop internal leadership pipelines rather than constantly hiring externally Align all ministry elements toward discipleship rather than just events Resources Mentioned ChatGPT/Grok for AI assistance Stream Deck for video production control Canon C80 cameras for podcast production Aaron Renn's "Negative World" essay Apple Maps analogy for leadership transitions Connect with Guests LakePoint Church: [Church website/social media] Josh Howerton: [Social media handles] Chris Kuti: [Social media handles] This episode was recorded at LakePoint Church's broadcast studio. Special thanks to Blaine for the viral video content and Carlos for the social media strategy insights mentioned during the conversation.

Podcast Notes - Jesus Image Church Construction Discussion Episode Overview Jake and Matt discuss Jesus Image Church's impressive $44 million building project in Orlando, featuring traditional Gothic-inspired architecture and innovative tilt-up construction techniques. Key Discussion Points Traditional Church Architecture Revival Jesus Image Church building actually looks like a church (rare in modern construction) Gothic architecture elements with arched windows Stone facade reminiscent of historical church construction Departure from typical strip mall/warehouse church designs Tilt-Up Construction Technique Industrial/commercial construction method adapted for church use Process: Pour concrete walls as slabs on ground → Frame windows/openings → Let cure → Use cranes to tilt walls into position Much faster than traditional masonry (decades vs. weeks) Requires expensive crane equipment but overall more efficient than historical cathedral construction Project Scale & Phasing Phase 1: $28.6 million, 56,000 square feet Phase 2: Additional $16 million expansion Total Investment: $44+ million Smart phased approach allows use of Phase 1 while planning/fundraising for Phase 2 Simpler sanctuary design in Phase 1, enhanced sanctuary in Phase 2 Jesus Image Church Context Known for charismatic, powerful ministry style Innovative in ministry approach, now extending to architecture Multiple ministries: worship, ministry school, prayer ministry Heavy building usage beyond Sunday services justifies investment Architecture Philosophy Discussion Modern churches often designed for easy conversion (school, gym, commercial use) Jesus Image building will "never be anything but a church" Debate: Cost-effectiveness vs. purpose-built sacred spaces Traditional approach: building took centuries, but created lasting landmarks Architecture's role in facilitating impactful worship experiences Budget Reality Check $44 million not accessible to most churches Equipment costs (cranes) vs. long-term construction savings Question of whether traditional design is worth the premium cost Comparison to strip mall churches and pragmatic building approaches Ministry Integration Building supports multiple ministry functions Architecture chosen to complement their charismatic worship style Investment in excellence across all ministry aspects Physical space designed to enhance spiritual encounters Quotes & Notable Moments Jake: "It's almost got like a gothic architecture look to it with those arched windows." Matt: "They're not building a lot of our modern church buildings. If the church closed, the building would be quickly taken up by someone else that's not a church... But this is never going to be anything but a church." Jake: "I think we're missing out on the power of architecture to support and facilitate impactful worship." Takeaways Traditional church architecture is making a comeback in some circles Modern construction techniques can make historical designs more feasible Phased construction allows ambitious projects without overextending Purpose-built worship spaces vs. multi-use flexibility is an ongoing debate Architecture can be a ministry tool, not just a practical necessity Future Content Ideas Tech tour of Jesus Image when construction is complete Comparison series: Traditional vs. Modern church architecture Construction technique deep-dives for church building projects Budget-friendly ways to incorporate traditional design elements Action Items Plan potential visit to Jesus Image Church construction site Research other churches using similar traditional design approaches Investigate cost comparisons between construction methods

Apply to Join Churchfront Premium Apply to Join Churchfront Pro Free Worship and Production Toolkit Shop Our Online Courses Join us at the Churchfront Conference Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront Gear we use to make videos at Churchfront Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN Podcast Episode Notes: Choosing Church Broadcast Audio Systems Episode Overview Discussion about switching from Logic Pro to other broadcast audio solutions including Waves LV1, Studio One, and Pro Tools for church live streaming applications. Key Participants Jake Gosselin - Host/Audio Expert Matt Woltjer - Audio Engineer/Consultant Main Topics Covered Current Industry Setup Most professionals using matrix mix from LV1 systems for broadcast Common approach: dedicated matrix send from main front-of-house mix Requires ongoing attention to maintain quality Logic Pro Issues Identified Primary Problem: Time Drift Logic Pro gradually falls behind video stream Can drift up to 2+ seconds behind actual video Creates major sync issues for live streaming Problem appears unique to Logic Pro Design Limitations Logic Pro optimized for studio recording, not live applications Apple's development priorities focus on studio use Pricing model ($200 for 18+ years) indicates different revenue focus Alternative DAW Options Ableton Live & Pro Tools No reported time drift issues Better suited for live applications More reliable for broadcast mixing Waves LV1 System Purpose-built for live mixing Hardware controller integration Superior plugin processing Most expensive but most reliable option System Integration Challenges Hardware Requirements Allen & Heath SQ: Requires Waves interface cards Dante Systems: Need Dante Wave Sound Bridge (~$3,000) LV1 Options: Classic (most expensive, full features) One C Compact (budget option, limited processing) Proton Duo (insufficient for full mix) Critical Decision Factors Budget Considerations LV1 systems: $10,000+ for complete setup Additional hardware costs often overlooked Integration complexity increases total cost Staffing Reality Check Many churches: 1-2 experienced engineers, 2-3 learning operators Common mistake: Experienced on FOH, beginners on broadcast Results in expensive equipment producing poor mixes Fundamental Issues First Acoustic treatment more impactful than equipment upgrades Proper PA tuning essential before broadcast considerations Secondary console improves mix quality only 2-5% Room acoustics can transform entire sound Professional Recommendations When to Choose Matrix Mix: Small to midsize churches Limited experienced staff Budget constraints Desire for consistency and reliability When to Consider LV1: Dedicated broadcast mixing staff Sufficient budget for complete system Acoustics and PA already optimized Need for advanced plugin processing Questions to Ask Before Upgrading: What specific problems are you solving? Do you have dedicated, experienced broadcast staff? Are fundamental acoustic/PA issues addressed? What's your complete system budget? How complex is your current audio routing? Real-World Case Study Recent consultation example: Church requesting lighting upgrades without understanding lighting theory Eight BLX wireless systems failing across multiple rooms Recommended: Learn fundamentals before spending money Upgrade to antenna-capable systems for multi-room use Key Takeaways Equipment Isn't Always the Answer Master current equipment before upgrading Address fundamental issues (acoustics, tuning) first Proper operation often more important than specific hardware Context is Critical Every church situation is unique Professional consultation recommended Holistic system assessment necessary Strategic upgrade planning prevents expensive mistakes Success Factors Experienced operation Proper implementation Fundamental acoustic treatment Realistic budget and expectations Action Items for Listeners Assess current system holistically before planning upgrades Prioritize acoustic treatment and PA tuning Evaluate staff experience and availability Consider professional consultation for complex decisions Focus on mastering current equipment capabilities Resources Mentioned Church Front premium membership for professional consultation Professional coaching calls available Community recommendations for Studio One and Pro Tools Next Steps for Churches Evaluate specific broadcast mixing challenges Consider matrix mix optimization before new systems Plan strategic upgrade path with professional guidance Address fundamental issues before equipment purchases Episode Duration: ~10 minutes Topic: Church Audio Technology Audience: Church technical teams, audio engineers, ministry leaders

Apply to Join Churchfront Premium Apply to Join Churchfront Pro Free Worship and Production Toolkit Shop Our Online Courses Join us at the Churchfront Conference Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront Gear we use to make videos at Churchfront Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN Podcast Episode Notes: Church Live Streaming Reality Check Episode Overview Matt and Jake react to Pro Church Tools' recent discussion about the current state of online church, diving deep into questions about quality, purpose, and audience for church live streaming in 2025. Key Topics Covered The Quality vs. Accessibility Debate Pro Church Tools' Position: High-quality livestreams require dedicated mixing boards and professional expertise that most churches lack Matt & Jake's Pushback: 85-95% quality is achievable with proper fundamentals and doesn't require professional-level resources The Real Issue: Sometimes poor livestream quality stems from poor source material (musicianship, room acoustics) The Hard Truth About Audio Quality Matt's Honest Take: "Your livestream mix is not good because your musicians are not good" The Growth Mindset: Every great musician started as a not-so-great musician Foundation First: Master musicianship, room acoustics, and basic mixing before investing in expensive gear Who's Actually Watching Your Stream? Key Statistic: 35% of online church attenders are retirement age (12 points above average) Implications for Ministry: Need to consider accessibility, content relevance, and viewing habits Snowbird Effect: Many older viewers are traveling members staying connected to home church The Purpose Question What are we streaming for? Marketing tool for church visitors Connection for homebound members Seasonal/traveling member engagement Accessibility for those who can't attend in person Production Philosophy Start with fundamentals: Musicianship, room acoustics, basic mixing skills, proper lighting Avoid the gear trap: Don't buy expensive equipment without mastering the basics Quality target: Aim for "good enough" that serves your actual audience, not "perfect" that impresses other tech people Notable Quotes Jake: "You can compress a jackhammer, but it's still going to sound like a jackhammer." Matt: "If you're the sound guy trying to get an online mix that sounds good from a band that doesn't sound good in house, then good luck." Jake: "There's something magical that happens when you're in person in the room at worship every Sunday." Matt: "The top four pages on church websites are always: homepage, about us, staff, and livestream." Action Items for Churches Audit your fundamentals before investing in new gear Understand your actual livestream audience (hint: it might be older than you think) Optimize for accessibility - text size, audio levels, clear announcements Invest in musical training for your team Remember the goal: Complement, don't compete with, in-person worship Tools & Resources Mentioned Waves Real Tune plugin for pitch correction Importance of proper room acoustics Front-of-house mixing consoles for dual-purpose mixing Website analytics for understanding visitor behavior Discussion Questions Who is your church's livestream actually serving? Are you starting with the right foundational skills? How do you balance quality aspirations with realistic resource constraints? What role should livestreaming play in your overall ministry strategy? Related Topics for Future Episodes Room acoustics basics for churches Building a volunteer tech team Church website optimization Generational differences in worship preferences Cost-effective lighting solutions for churches This episode was a reaction to Pro Church Tools' video about online church. While we respectfully disagree on some technical points, we appreciate Brady and Alex for raising these important strategic questions about church technology.

Apply to Join Churchfront Premium Apply to Join Churchfront Pro Free Worship and Production Toolkit Shop Our Online Courses Join us at the Churchfront Conference Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront Gear we use to make videos at Churchfront Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN Church Front Worship and Tech Podcast - Episode with Joey Parish Guest: Joey Parish - Founder of Parish Drums Episode Description Join us for an in-depth conversation with Joey Parish, founder of Parish Drums and longtime touring drummer with Chris Tomlin and Shane & Shane. Discover how one drummer's need for portable gear led to a complete rethinking of drums designed specifically for worship contexts. From canvas drum heads to brush techniques, Joey shares practical insights for worship teams looking to solve volume and space challenges. Key Topics Covered Joey's Background Started playing in church in 5th/6th grade with a pawn shop drum kit Early touring with Chris Tomlin (the "little east Texas guy in a cowboy hat") Years on the road with Shane & Shane, learning nuanced, acoustic-focused drumming Transition from bus tours to flying and the birth of Parish Drums The Parish Drums Innovation The Problem: Need for consistent, portable drums for fly dates The Research: Existing portable kits were too heavy (70+ lbs without cases) The Solution: Custom-built nesting kit under 50 lbs, fits in airline luggage Evolution: From 14" bass drum to current 18" bass drum design Design Philosophy Wood Choices: Mahogany exterior, poplar interior (softer, less dense woods) Bearing Edges: Rounded edges for less resonance and more control Shell Depth: Shorter drums for quicker decay Goal: "Dead, thumpy" drums that don't require extensive muffling Revolutionary Canvas Heads Patent Pending: First-of-its-kind cotton canvas drum heads Benefits: Extremely quiet, removes high frequencies, maintains attack Testing: Road-tested extensively during Shane & Shane Christmas tour Sound: Natural muffling without sacrificing musical quality Playing Techniques for Worship Brush Advocacy: Nylon bristle brushes for volume control and articulation Brush Development: Creating improved brushes to solve durability issues Dynamic Range: Learning to play from whisper-quiet to full volume Adaptability: Removing drums as needed to fit the room/moment Practical Tips for Worship Drummers In-Ear Monitor Mixing Counter-intuitive Tip: Turn problem instruments UP in your mix to naturally play softer Simplification: Turn off crowd mics, choir mics to maintain timing focus Click Track: Use plenty of click for solid timing foundation Transitioning from Rock to Worship Understand the Mission: Create an environment for corporate worship Know the Songs: Learn originals thoroughly before adapting Build Vocabulary: Play with different worship leaders to develop adaptability Embrace Dynamics: Move beyond on/off playing to gradual dynamic shifts Room Adaptation Play the Room: Adjust setup and dynamics to fit the space Less is More: Sometimes removing elements serves the music better Acoustic Partnership: Leave space for other instruments to fill Technical Insights Microphone Approaches Versatility: Parish drums work well with any standard drum mics Preference: Beta 98s on toms for wood hoop compatibility Studio Standard: 421s on toms, large diaphragm dynamics on kick Monitor Mix: Often removes bottom snare mic from personal mix for clarity Drum Tuning and Setup Locking Tension Rods: Maintain tuning stability during transport Head Choices: Evans 56 Calftone (synthetic calfskin) for natural feel Snare Wires: Uses 12-strand instead of typical 42-strand for volume control Shell Materials: Prioritizes control over projection and resonance Shane Bernard Collaboration Insights Musical Partnership Extreme Dynamics: Shane plays from inaudible whisper to full volume Percussive Approach: Shane thinks like a drummer on guitar Negative Space: Musicians fill each other's gaps rather than competing Real-time Adaptation: Shared musical language allows for spontaneous changes Learning from a Master Observation Period: Spent month doing sound before playing, learning the parts Musical Vocabulary: Built understanding of Shane's musical thinking Dynamic Response: Learned to match and complement extreme dynamic ranges Business and Ministry Integration The Worship Initiative Partnership Resource Support: Financial and operational backing for growth Shared Mission: Equipping churches with better tools for worship Content Creation: Part of comprehensive worship training platform Church Applications Volume Control: Primary solution for churches struggling with drum volume Space Efficiency: Fits in corners, small stages, intimate settings Aesthetic: Eliminates need for drum shields in many cases Consistency: Same sound every service, regardless of room acoustics Resources and Connect Parish Drums Website: parishdrums.com Innovation: Canvas heads and improved brush designs coming soon Focus: Drums designed specifically for worship contexts The Worship Initiative Website: theworshipinitiative.com Content: Songwriting, heart training, instrument training Mission: Comprehensive worship leader development Quotable Moments "I learned to do more with less. When you're touring with buses and trucks and trailers, you end up bringing more than you need... it really helped move me back to these are the fundamentals. This is man, you're here to keep time and occasionally do something interesting maybe." "Every kit in every church is just covered in gaff tape and gels and big fat snare drum rings... So what I wanted to do was out of the box have just the dead, most dead thumpy drums with the least amount of resonance." "If you just Google 'drum muffle,' you can just scroll for pages and pages and pages... everybody that I know in my whole career has been spent trying to tame frequencies, overtones, all that stuff." "We want to sing together. We want to praise the Lord... We want to create an environment where that's the most possible." Episode Length: Approximately 65 minutes Host: Luke Jackson Production: Church Front Worship and Tech Podcast