Churchfront Worship and Tech 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   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

Podcast Notes: Interview with Carson Bruce of The Worship Keys Episode Overview In this episode of the Church Front Worship and Tech Podcast, Luke Jackson interviews Carson Bruce, founder of The Worship Keys platform—a resource dedicated to helping keys players in worship settings improve their skills and understanding of their role. About Carson Bruce & The Worship Keys Founder of The Worship Keys platform, which focuses on four main areas: music theory, gear/software, ministry, and industry Classically trained pianist who now lives in Nashville The Worship Keys podcast releases weekly on Wednesdays, featuring interviews with keys players Origin Story Carson created the platform because he "wished something like this existed" when he was younger Piano has been central to his personal faith journey—often serving as his "prayer closet" Noticed a gap in resources specifically for worship keys players Essential Skills for Worship Pianists Heart Posture: "If your heart is not in ministry...you're not going to stay on that stage satisfied" Playing by Ear: Learning to listen and replicate what you hear is crucial Nashville Number System: Understanding music theory through the number system Ear Training: Practice playing unfamiliar worship songs by ear, then verify with chord charts Focus on Fundamentals: Learn to play well before worrying about gear Transitioning from Classical to Contemporary Classical training often emphasizes sight-reading and technical precision Worship contexts require playing by ear, improvisation, and band awareness Many pianists struggle with this transition because the learning approaches are fundamentally different Nashville Number System for Keys Players Despite some believing it's mainly useful for guitarists, Carson advocates for pianists using the Nashville Number System because: It facilitates whole-band communication Makes modulation easier Numbers are quicker to call out than complex chord names Works internationally across language barriers Promotes collaboration rather than piano-centric leadership Common Mistakes Worship Keys Players Make Overplaying the Low End: Creates muddiness when there's already a bass player Doing Too Much: Sometimes simplicity serves the song better Playing Full Triads in Both Hands: Consider simpler voicings like fifths or suspended chords Not Understanding Context: Different musical styles require different approaches Technology Tips Software Options MainStage: Good for Mac users, moderate learning curve Ableton Live: Most powerful but steeper learning curve Sunday Keys App: User-friendly iPad app with AI capabilities ($120) Hardware Highlight Atmosphere Pedal by Aerospace Audio: Physical pedal with high-quality atmospheric pads built in Allows pianists to trigger pads without needing a computer on stage Features 10 different pad sounds based on atmospheric layers Small footprint allows it to be placed directly on the keyboard Keys Players' Rigs Carson's typical setup includes: Arturia KeyLab MIDI controller MainStage software for sounds Focusrite 18i20 interface when running tracks Software from Sunday Sounds or Aerospace Audio for pads Decision-Making for Keys Equipment Carson's advice: If your keyboard works well, keep it and upgrade your sounds through software Consider Sunday Keys app for simplicity and ease of use MainStage for Mac users who want more control Ableton Live for those willing to invest time in learning a comprehensive system Use iPad apps when available to avoid complex computer setups Sunday Keys App Highlights Features AI-generated sounds based on text or emoji descriptions Allows easy sharing of setlists between multiple campuses Affordable one-time purchase with optional annual updates Limitation: Cannot currently import custom-created patches Artists That Inspire Carson Red Rocks Worship (particularly Spooky Scott) Elevation Rhythm (especially "Goodbye Yesterday") The Ramp Worship from Hamilton, Alabama Various gospel artists for technical inspiration Connect with The Worship Keys Instagram: @theworshipkeys YouTube: The Worship Keys Email: Carson@theworshipkeys.com Key Quotes "If you're not using the number system as a pianist, maybe you're not meaning to, but it's like you're trying to say one up almost." "It's like buying a Lamborghini and driving it in first gear everywhere you go." "The piano was once looked at as a secular instrument that you only play in the bars and the pubs, and then it was brought into the church and people had big problems with that." "A lot of times they're asking you to do less in a full band context." 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  

Pastoring Your Congregation Through Worship with Ben Haley Episode Summary In this powerful session from the Church Front Conference, Ben Haley shares three essential foundations for effective worship ministry that truly shepherds congregations. Drawing from scripture and personal experience, Ben explains how worship leaders must know their hearts, know their Bibles, and know their people to lead worship that transforms lives. Show Notes Key Timestamps 00:00 - Opening quote and introduction 00:59 - Ben shares the moving story of his father's final moments 03:18 - The profound influence of worship music and responsibility it brings 05:35 - What should be the foundation of worship ministry? 06:37 - Foundation #1: Know your heart 11:06 - Foundation #2: Know your Bible 15:35 - Practical tips for selecting and using worship songs 17:44 - Foundation #3: Know your people 21:29 - The danger of prioritizing programs over people 24:27 - Final encouragement to show off God's glory 25:39 - Closing quote from Martyn Lloyd-Jones Key Topics The Lasting Impact of Worship Songs Ben's father, despite being sedated and on a ventilator, communicated "It is well with my soul" in his final moments People rarely remember sermon details but often recall songs throughout their lives and even on their deathbeds What we sing has a profound influence on us, creating great responsibility for worship leaders Foundation #1: Know Your Heart Reference to 1 Timothy 4 - "Watch your life and doctrine closely" Cultural conditioning has led us to value competency over character Ephesians 5:18-19 commands being filled with the Spirit before addressing singing Many things can cause us to neglect our hearts: busy schedules, tasks, praise, or personal struggles "If our ministries are to bless the congregations that we lead, then our ministries have to be led and staffed by people who know that we have a great need for Jesus." Foundation #2: Know Your Bible Compare Ephesians 5:18-19 with Colossians 3:16 - singing flows from being Spirit-filled and Word-filled Technological and musical excellence alone don't make disciples "What truly makes disciples is the Word of God revealed by His Holy Spirit in the hearts and minds of His people." "The song book of a church is an indicator of that church's maturity." People need biblically rich lyrics to help them through grief, shame, and cultural confusion Practical Song Selection Guidelines Songs should use biblical language and themes Songs should be singable for the congregation Find creative ways to incorporate Scripture into worship times (slides, readings, etc.) Style preferences (old/new, simple/complex, upbeat/slow) are secondary to biblical content "When your people are moved by a melody...make sure that what you are giving your people to sing is something worth singing from the Word." Foundation #3: Know Your People Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3 both emphasize singing "to one another" Corporate worship is both vertical (to God) and horizontal (to each other) We need each other's voices when we're struggling to worship Practical implication: music shouldn't be so loud that congregants can't hear each other "The church is Jesus's bride. These are his people. He cherishes them. He gave his life for them." You can't shepherd people you don't know The Ultimate Goal of Worship Ministry Help people do what they were designed to do - worship God Attempts to reform behavior or conform people to church culture will fail "What you win people with is what you win them to." "Use those instruments, use those melodies, use the soundboards, use the lighting controllers to show off God's glory, and give your people the kinds of songs that they will sing on their deathbeds." Memorable Quotes "What we sing has a profound influence on us." - Ben Haley "With great power comes great responsibility." - Ben Haley (quoting Uncle Ben from Spider-Man) "We have been conditioned by our culture to value competency over character. We prefer platform over piety. We choose hype over holiness." - Ben Haley "Great melodies don't make disciples. A brighter projector doesn't make disciples. An online service with better EQ doesn't make disciples." - Ben Haley "The song book of a church is an indicator of that church's maturity." - Ben Haley "Church music is not a one-way street from an individual to God. It's also something we do with each other and for each other." - Ben Haley "Church leaders are not leaders of nobody. We are leaders of people." - Ben Haley "I can forgive a man for a bad sermon...if he gives me some dim glimpse of the majesty and the glory of God, the love of Christ my savior, and the magnificence of the gospel." - Martyn Lloyd-Jones (quoted by Ben Haley) Scripture References 1 Timothy 4 - "Watch your life and doctrine closely" Ephesians 5:18-19 - "Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs" Colossians 3:16 - "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly...singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs" Psalm 146 - "Praise the Lord, O my soul" John 10 - Jesus knows his sheep and they know his voice Resources Mentioned Stephen Miller (author referenced regarding worship leadership) Charles Spurgeon (quoted regarding personal worship) Martyn Lloyd-Jones (quoted in opening and closing) Next Steps For worship leaders and tech teams wanting to implement Ben's teaching: Evaluate your personal worship habits and spiritual disciplines Review your church's song selections for biblical content and singability Make an effort to build deeper relationships with congregation members Consider ways to incorporate more Scripture into your worship services   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 Show - NAB 2025 & Church Architecture Insights Episode Summary Jake Gosselin shares his experience at the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) Show 2025, highlighting innovative broadcast technology for churches. He and Matt Woltjer also discuss church architecture trends and why thoughtful building design matters for worship spaces. Show Notes Timestamps 0:08 - Welcome and introduction 1:12 - Church Front hiring announcement 5:28 - NAB Show 2025 overview 6:43 - Hollyland cameras for vertical video 7:12 - Lyntec power sequencing systems 11:14 - Canon CR-N100 PTZ camera 12:33 - Church Front's studio camera setup (CR-N500 & CR-N300) 15:05 - Canon RC-IP1000 PTZ controller 17:40 - Canon C400 cinema camera 20:31 - Allen & Heath AHM matrix mixing system 24:18 - DiGiCo Quantum mixing console 25:39 - Blackmagic Design booth and new gear 27:47 - SMPTE 2110 IP video protocol benefits 32:16 - Blackmagic Pyxis 6K camera 33:55 - ATEM Mini Extreme ISO G2 switcher 36:01 - ATEM Constellation switchers 41:02 - PTZOptics Hive Studio for remote camera operation 42:07 - Meeting PTZOptics team 43:07 - Santa Barbara church architecture discussion 44:45 - Why modern churches favor utilitarian buildings 48:15 - Economic factors affecting church construction 52:49 - Revitalizing vs. building new facilities 54:16 - Church growth strategies and building acquisition Key Topics Church Front Job Opening AVL Technician position available at Church Front (Melbourne, FL) Apply at churchfront.com/avl-technician Responsibilities include equipment rack assembly and system deployment NAB Show Highlights Lyntec Power Sequencing Integrates power sequencing into electrical panels Offers motorized circuit breakers and remote control Provides flexibility for system automation in new church builds Canon Camera Technology CR-N100: More affordable alternative to the CR-N300 (no SDI, but keeps NDI capability) CR-N500: High-quality PTZ now used in Church Front studio C400: Cinema camera alternative to the RED Komodo with Canon's color science and autofocus Allen & Heath AHM Matrix mixing system for simpler audio control Perfect for events requiring basic microphone and playback functionality Can bypass the main console for volunteer-friendly operation Blackmagic Design Technology SMPTE 2110 IP protocol for video distribution over CAT6 cables Saves money compared to expensive 12G-SDI cabling ($2/foot) Studio cameras with 10Gb ethernet for single-cable connectivity Pyxis 6K camera at just $3,200 PTZOptics Hive Studio Remote camera operation via internet Allows volunteers to control cameras from home Part of growing remote production trend Church Architecture Discussion Critique of modern "black box" utilitarian church buildings Benefits of intentional, beautiful worship spaces Economic factors (inflation) making quality construction more difficult Strategies for church growth: Acquiring existing church buildings Building smaller (250-500 seats) beautiful spaces Multi-site approach vs. single large campus Community formation in different sized worship spaces Resources Mentioned Church Front Toolkit: churchfront.com/toolkit Church Front job board: churchfront.com/job-board/ Church Front Facebook Group (for discussions) Connect With Church Front Website: churchfront.com Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and other platforms Next Episode Stay tuned for more church tech insights and integration project updates.   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  

Active Mixing - From Boring to Baller Episode Overview In this episode, Michael Curtis shares practical strategies for creating more engaging, dynamic worship mixes. Drawing from his background as a professional bass player and mixer, he explores how intentionality and specificity can transform "boring" mixes into creative, engaging experiences that better serve worship environments. Time Stamps & Key Points Introduction [00:48] Michael introduces the concept of "active mixing" versus boring mixing The challenge: Moving beyond "it sounds fine" to creating engaging, dynamic mixes Creativity as the antidote to boring mixing Creativity Through Structure [01:41] Biblical concept of creation: bringing order from formlessness The playground analogy: Children with fenced playgrounds use 90% of the space vs. 30% without fences "Sometimes what feels like a straight jacket is actually a Narnia closet" Leadership through specificity and making finer distinctions Strategies for Worship Pastors [05:52] Prescriptive leadership can be valuable when appropriate The progression from 10 Commandments (prescriptive) to Sermon on the Mount (descriptive) Matching leadership style to team maturity level Create "sit-down chords" - signals that create clear expectations Setting up rhythms and cues that guide the worship team Organize tracks by function, not just instrument: Percussion: Rhythm-driving elements Foundation: Bass and low-end elements Filler: Pads and ambient elements Leads: Melodic elements that guide congregation Gamify growth paths for volunteers Create progressive learning steps (like unlocking levels in a game) Apply "arbitrary limits" that help beginners master fundamentals before moving on Name and assign musical ownership Clarify who owns each musical element at any given time Consider adding a dedicated "music producer" position Strategies for Musicians [12:36] "Rhythm Randy needs a retirement party" Moving beyond mindlessly strumming the chord chart Playing a part rather than just playing the chart Use the whole playground within boundaries Finding creative ways to express within structure Create "alley-oop" moments Intentional handoffs between instruments Setting up moments for other musicians to shine Beware of "bedroom vacuums" Sounds created in isolation often take up too much sonic space Smaller sonic footprint needed in larger ensembles Interesting is greater than good Focus on creating compelling sounds, not just technically correct ones Hire both "Jekyll and Hyde" Balance between foundational players and texture specialists Strategies for Front of House Engineers [18:57] Be the guide - lead with your decisions Take charge of the mix and make intentional choices Use contrast effectively Create distinction between elements (can't have "close" without "far") Highlight different instruments in different sections Anticipate "oops" moments, don't just react Push faders before transitions, not after they happen Vary verse highlights Intentionally feature different instruments in different verses Keep congregation engaged through variety Develop common tonal language The "5-1-2" system for describing frequency ranges Creating shared vocabulary for sound issues Reference the real Compare your mix to professional recordings Combat ear fatigue by checking against references Mise en place - everything in its place Strategic console layout for efficient mixing Positioning faders for easy access during active mixing Conclusion [24:25] Start with clear direction (10 Commandments approach) then move to principles (Sermon on the Mount) Have the courage to be specific with your team Embrace structure as a pathway to creativity Key Quotes "Sometimes what feels like a straight jacket is actually a Narnia closet." "Move away from playing the chart to playing the part." "It is in that company's best interest to give you a patch that sounds great out of the box, but that's taking up a lot of real estate to make it sound good on its own." "Be the guide, take charge, lead your congregation with your decisions." "There cannot be close if there's not far, there cannot be wide if there isn't narrow." "Interesting is greater than or at least equal to good." Practical Applications For Worship Pastors: Organize tracks by function rather than instrument type Create clear growth paths for volunteers Be appropriately prescriptive with newer team members For Musicians: Consider your sonic footprint within the full band context Play intentional parts, not just the chord chart Create sounds that are interesting, not just technically correct For Sound Engineers: Use your left and right hands strategically on the console Intentionally highlight different instruments in different verses Reference professional mixes to maintain perspective Connect & Continue For more insights on active mixing and creative worship production, connect with Michael Curtis and the Church Front team. 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 Notes: The Church Front Show - Studio Setup & New Products Episode Overview In this episode of The Church Front Show, hosts Jake Gosselin and Matt Woltjer discuss plans for their podcast studio setup, review newly released audio/video products, share updates about Church Front Conference 2025, and explore potential expansion plans for their company. Time Stamps & Key Points Introduction [00:00] Jake and Matt joking about camera specifications and recording quality Initial discussion about their podcast setup needs Podcast Studio Equipment Plans [00:45] Microphone considerations: Shure SM7B microphones (with mention of the DB version with built-in preamp) Discussion about the need for Cloud Lifters with standard SM7Bs Audio equipment: Yamaha DM3D digital mixer with Dante capabilities Headphone monitoring options (in-ear vs. over-ear) Studio furniture: Plans for a larger 72" x 36" Uline cafe table Preference for a setup where hosts face each other for better interaction Acoustic treatment: Prime Acoustic panels already installed Need for cloud panels (jokingly assigned to Chris) Lighting Setup [07:21] Nanlite PavoTubes for accent lighting Discussion about permanent vs. flexible lighting options Consideration of Aperture softboxes for overhead lighting Preference for movable stands with casters for flexibility Camera Equipment [10:13] Currently using Sony FX3 camera Plans to transition to PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras with NDI connectivity Benefits of NDI: single ethernet cable for power, control, and video Production approach using ECAMM Live software Discussion about camera mounting options New Warehouse Plans [16:54] Looking at additional warehouse space with the same landlord Need for more assembly, rack-building, and testing space Benefits of pre-programming and pre-building systems before installation Goal of improving craftsmanship in rack builds Church Front Conference 2025 [31:30] Announcement: moving to Rock Harbor Church in Florida Limited capacity of 200-250 attendees (down from ~400 last year) Conference dates: November 4-5, 2025 Location benefit: half a mile from the beach Advice to get tickets early due to limited availability New Product Reviews [33:31] Shure SLXD4Q Dante: New Dante-enabled version of SLXD wireless system Comparison with higher-end ULX-D and QLX-D systems Price point and channel count considerations Space-saving quad-channel receiver in single rack space Dante Virtual Sound Card Pro: New subscription model ($100 first year, $125 subsequent years) Increased channel count: 128x128 at 48kHz Discussion about subscription pricing models Waves Titan Sound Grid Server: High-performance audio processing server Comparison with other Waves servers (Proton) Use cases for high channel counts and plugin-heavy mixing Waves Classic LV1 Console: Price increase from $8,000 to $9,500 Church Front has three units coming in (with two potentially available) Discussion about modular vs. all-in-one system approaches Stream Deck rack mounts and panels: Custom mounting solutions for Stream Deck controllers Companion satellite server integration options Applications for church control systems Concluding Segment [54:44] Request for feedback on the new show format Plans for future in-person and remote guest episodes Mention of potential call-in question format Information about joining the Church Front crew Equipment Mentioned Shure SM7B microphones (including DB version) Yamaha DM3D digital mixer Uline cafe tables Prime Acoustic panels Nanlite PavoTubes Aperture lighting products Sony FX3 camera PTZ cameras with NDI ECAMM Live software Shure SLXD4Q Dante wireless systems Waves Titan server Waves Classic LV1 console Stream Deck mounting solutions Action Steps Visit churchfront.com to connect with their team Join the waitlist at churchfront.com/crew if interested in working with them Consider attending Church Front Conference 2025 in Florida (get tickets early) Email hello@churchfront.com with any questions Leave a review if listening on podcast platforms Connect & Continue Follow Church Front on social media and visit churchfront.com for more information about their services and upcoming events 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