Churchfront Podcast

Podcast Notes: The Future of Worship Leading with David Santistevan Episode Overview In this episode of the Church Front Worship and Tech Podcast, Luke Jackson interviews David Santistevan, a seasoned worship pastor, podcast host, and ministry coach. David shares insights from his 25 years in worship ministry, including his experience as a local church worship pastor, his five years traveling the country in an RV, and his current work helping churches develop healthy worship cultures. Time Stamps & Key Points Introduction [00:00] David opens with reflections on the current state of worship ministry Concerns about worship becoming too automated and standardized The danger of "sleepwalking through worship" when relying too heavily on technology David's Background [01:15] 25 years in worship ministry Host of the Beyond Sunday podcast for 12 years Served as a worship pastor at his home church in Pittsburgh for 12 years Sold his house and traveled in an RV with his family for 5 years Currently based in Orlando, Florida The RV Journey [03:42] Family decision to sell everything and travel Visited nearly 40 national parks and all lower 48 states Combined adventure with ministry - partnering with churches for training and workshops Recording the podcast from their RV wherever they had WiFi Beyond Sunday Podcast [05:59] Started as a blog before transitioning to a podcast Focus on practical worship ministry topics Emphasis on serving the "underdog" local church worship leader Has recorded over 330 episodes interviewing worship leaders and artists Covers everything from rehearsal techniques to team development Reconnecting with Unique Church Identity [13:12] David's concerns about homogenization in church worship "What God's doing at Bethel is wonderful, but what God's doing at my church is amazing as well" Warning against equating worship ministry success with being a worship artist Encouragement to embrace your church's uniqueness and "don't despise small beginnings" "Worship ministry isn't about writing songs or being cool... it's about loving people and making disciples" Ministry Longevity vs. Career Advancement [18:28] Discussion about the "climbing the ladder" mentality in worship ministry Importance of evaluating church culture and staff health Some worship pastors finding renewed joy in smaller churches after megachurch burnout Warning against "shiny object syndrome" - the constant pursuit of the next opportunity "Maybe instead of transplanting yourself to a team that's more put together, God is calling you to invest in your little team" Working with Different Church Cultures [22:32] David's experience serving diverse churches during his RV travels Finding common ground across different worship styles and approaches Universal desire for authenticity and encountering God Helping teams focus on playing together rather than just playing perfectly "Rehearsal practice is personal and rehearsal is relational" Over-Programmed Worship [26:22] The shift away from midweek rehearsals and its impact Getting too focused on executing flawless services Missing the relational and spiritual elements of worship preparation "We've gotten really good at pulling off excellent services... but we miss out on the presence-based flow in worship" Finding Balance Between Structure and Flow [29:36] Importance of unity with church leadership before making changes Building trust with your pastor before introducing new worship approaches The problem with "playlist worship" - hitting play and running on autopilot Practical suggestions: planning fewer songs to create more space Introducing medleys and acapella moments for more organic worship Creating Powerful Worship Moments [35:29] Planning intentional space in every worship set The power of quiet moments when the band drops out Creating opportunities for the congregation to sing without amplification "My favorite moments of worship are when the band has dropped out and the people of God are just singing at the top of their lungs" Incorporating simple refrains that don't require people to think too much The State of Worship Songwriting [40:15] Reflection on the current trends in worship songwriting Concerns about songwriting becoming an idol Provocative suggestion: "What if we just went on a worship songwriting fast for six months?" Benefits of focusing less on what's trending and more on what local congregations need Balance between developing creativity and obsessing over new songs Current Worship Influences [47:05] David mentions Aiden King's "Thank You So Much Jesus" as a recent favorite Discussion of the distinction between worship music as a listening category versus congregational worship David's love for ambient, instrumental music (particularly Hammock) The therapeutic value of music without lyrics for worship leaders Conclusion [51:02] Where to find David: Instagram and YouTube @BeyondSundayWorship David's appreciation for the Church Front ministry and resources Key Quotes "We're sounding the same, we're doing the same songs in the same way... it's almost like we're on autopilot a little bit." "Don't despise how small your church is right now... that's the beauty of the body of Christ." "Worship ministry isn't about writing songs, it's not about being cool... it's about loving people. It's about making disciples." "My favorite moments of worship are when the band has dropped out and the people of God are just singing at the top of their lungs." "What if we just went on a worship songwriting fast for six months? What would that do for us if we just stopped writing songs and releasing worship music for a little bit?" Resources Mentioned Beyond Sunday Worship (David's ministry) Beyond Sunday podcast Aiden King's music Hammock (ambient instrumental music) Action Steps Evaluate whether your worship ministry has become too programmed or automated Plan intentional spaces in your worship sets for organic moments Consider the unique identity of your church rather than copying megachurch models Build trust with your leadership before introducing significant worship style changes Balance excellence with authenticity in your approach to worship Connect & Continue Follow David Santistevan on Instagram and YouTube @BeyondSundayWorship 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 - Streaming Showdowns, Volunteer Tech Culture, and Easter Hot Takes Episode Overview In this episode of The Church Front Show, hosts Jake Gosselin and Matt Woltjer discuss several important topics for church tech teams including streaming platform updates, volunteer management challenges, studio equipment upgrades, and Easter service preparation. They also share interesting tech spotlights and clarify Church Front's service offerings. Time Stamps & Key Points Introduction [00:02] Welcome to The Church Front Show with Jake Gosselin and Matt Woltjer Jake introduces himself as "low voltage specialist" while Matt jokes about being the "Stream Deck guy" Mention of Church Front's website and the new "Toolkit" featuring gear packages and bundles Streaming Showdown Follow-Up [01:27] Discussion of Resi's response to their previous streaming platform comparison video Key issues identified by Resi: Tests were conducted on outdated firmware missing critical improvements Resi Mini encoder was configured at a much higher bitrate (15 Mbps vs. 4 Mbps) Jake's acknowledgment: "We messed up. We mess up all the time. Don't take everything we said as the final truth." Explanation of philosophical differences between streaming platforms: BoxCast prioritizes near real-time delivery even with occasional quality reduction Resi prioritizes consistent video quality with accepted delays Matt explains the challenges of recording comparison videos: "We recorded this video three times... you have to basically stop what you're doing, congest your network or cut the cable..." Volunteer Tech Culture Discussion [11:34] Response to a social media post about a 26-year tech volunteer who was abruptly dismissed The volunteer had served for 26 years and was told by a new pastor (8 months at the church) they were "going in a different direction" with no further explanation Perspectives from both sides: Leadership should build relationships and provide clear communication about vision Volunteers should maintain open communication and approach changes with humility Matt's insight: "If you build good relationships with your people, hopefully it never comes to this type of a post... if you can do it through that element of respect and love and relationship, it's going to turn out way better." Studio Updates & Equipment [18:16] Current equipment upgrades: Shure SM7B microphones (not the DB version as intended) Yamaha DM3 mixer CRM 300 camera with a 500 model on the way NDI video integration with ECAMM Uline cafe table (72″ x 36″) Prime Acoustic wall panels Jake's appreciation for ECAMM: "ECAMM now in my opinion is a little bit underrated as a live stream solution for churches" Discussion of ProPresenter's limitation: lack of NDI HX output Church Front Growth [24:24] Announcement about company expansion Currently hiring for a Solutions Specialist role Future need for additional AV technicians for upcoming projects New warehouse space development Applications available through the Church Front website resources page Tech Spotlights [26:31] DIY Front of House Console Build: YouTube creator completely disassembled an Avantis console Integration with rack-mounted computers to create a 4-in-1 system Controls audio, ProPresenter, lighting, and video Matt's warning: "Don't do this until you've had your Avantis for at least two years and the warranty's no longer good." LED System Installation: Church in Nebraska with 6.5′ x 11.5′ LED screens Impressive architectural integration including sliding door to reveal screens Universal Audio Apollo Headphone Amp: Discussion of potential studio upgrade Cost-effective alternative using Dante feeds and Loop Back software SQ Mixer Firmware Update (v1.6.0.0): Matrix mixes can now be split (six mono matrices instead of three stereo) Both USB ports can record simultaneously Enhanced app control capabilities MAC compatibility for firmware updates Easter Tech Hot Takes [39:41] Matt's advice: "Don't be one of the churches that completely changes your DNA for the people that are going to come twice a year... you don't want them to be shocked by the difference between what you did for Easter and what you do the next weekend." Jake's warning: "Easter's not the time to try new tech!" Recommendation to plan major tech upgrades months in advance, not weeks before major services Jake: "If you are having to expend all of your creative brain power to put together a tech system that you didn't take the time to learn, test and use, and then your whole week is just consumed with stress... you quite frankly deserve that stress because you did not take the time to be responsible in planning." Matt's reminder: "Your job at that moment is to minister. Even if you're on sound, even if you're on video, your job is to minister, not worry about tech." Church Front Services Update [45:19] Church Front Premium: Training and personalized advice through group coaching Consultation on upcoming AV projects Equipment recommendations with Spencer, their lead design engineer Access to all Church Front courses Church Front Pro (formerly Church Front Accelerator): Comprehensive consulting, design, and AV integration On-site surveys and assessments, including Matterport scans Professional system design using Vectorworks Assembly, installation, commissioning, training, and support Equipment Mentioned Shure SM7B microphones Yamaha DM3 mixer CRM 300 and 500 cameras ECAMM live streaming solution Avantis audio console Universal Audio Apollo headphone amp Allen & Heath SQ mixer (firmware v1.6.0.0) Prime Acoustic panels Action Steps Check for firmware updates on your existing equipment Evaluate your volunteer relationships and communication strategies Plan any Easter tech upgrades well in advance Focus on ministry, not just technical excellence, during high-attendance services Visit churchfront.com to explore their Premium and Pro services Connect & Continue Visit the Church Front website resources page for job opportunities and more information about their toolkit of recommended gear packages 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

Check Out the Worship Keys Podcast: https://churchfront.me/theworshipkeys https://www.instagram.com/cdbruce3/ Check out The Worship Keys Youtube Page: https://churchfront.me/TheWorshipKeysYoutube Apply to Join the Churchfront Accelerator: https://churchfront.me/apply Free Worship and Production Toolkit: https://churchfront.me/toolkit Shop Our Online Courses: https://churchfront.me/courses Join us at the Churchfront Conference: https://churchfront.me/conference Beginner Church Sound Course: https://churchfront.me/church-sound Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront Gear we use to make videos at Churchfront: https://kit.co/churchfront/youtube-setup • • • • • Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN

Check out the Worship Life: https://www.theworshiplife.com/ Follow Amber on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberpeairs/ Apply to Join the Churchfront Accelerator: https://churchfront.me/apply Free Worship and Production Toolkit: https://churchfront.me/toolkit Shop Our Online Courses: https://churchfront.me/courses Join us at the Churchfront Conference: https://churchfront.me/conference Beginner Church Sound Course: https://churchfront.me/church-sound Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront Gear we use to make videos at Churchfront: https://kit.co/churchfront/youtube-setup • • • • • Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN

Apply to Join the Churchfront Accelerator: https://churchfront.me/apply Free Worship and Production Toolkit: https://churchfront.me/toolkit Shop Our Online Courses: https://churchfront.me/courses Join us at the Churchfront Conference: https://churchfront.me/conference Beginner Church Sound Course: https://churchfront.me/church-sound Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront Gear we use to make videos at Churchfront: https://kit.co/churchfront/youtube-setup • • • • • Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN

Apply to Join the Churchfront Accelerator: https://churchfront.me/apply Free Worship and Production Toolkit: https://churchfront.me/toolkit Shop Our Online Courses: https://churchfront.me/courses Join us at the Churchfront Conference: https://churchfront.me/conference Beginner Church Sound Course: https://churchfront.me/church-sound Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront Gear we use to make videos at Churchfront: https://kit.co/churchfront/youtube-setup • • • • • Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN

Check out Rory's Book at heartoftheartist.com Grab Rory's New Book at fightingonourknees Apply to Join the Churchfront Accelerator: https://churchfront.me/apply Free Worship and Production Toolkit: https://churchfront.me/toolkit Shop Our Online Courses: https://churchfront.me/courses Join us at the Churchfront Conference: https://churchfront.me/conference Beginner Church Sound Course: https://churchfront.me/church-sound Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront Gear we use to make videos at Churchfront: https://kit.co/churchfront/youtube-setup • • • • • Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN

Apply to Join the Churchfront Accelerator: https://churchfront.me/apply Free Worship and Production Toolkit: https://churchfront.me/toolkit Shop Our Online Courses: https://churchfront.me/courses Join us at the Churchfront Conference: https://churchfront.me/conference Beginner Church Sound Course: https://churchfront.me/church-sound Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront Gear we use to make videos at Churchfront: https://kit.co/churchfront/youtube-setup • • • • • Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN

Check Out Chris' Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@chrishammillaudio Apply to Join the Churchfront Accelerator: https://churchfront.me/apply Free Worship and Production Toolkit: https://churchfront.me/toolkit Shop Our Online Courses: https://churchfront.me/courses Join us at the Churchfront Conference: https://churchfront.me/conference Beginner Church Sound Course: https://churchfront.me/church-sound Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront Gear we use to make videos at Churchfront: https://kit.co/churchfront/youtube-setup • • • • • Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN

Apply to Join Churchfront https://churchfront.me/apply Free Worship and Production Toolkit: https://churchfront.me/toolkit Shop Our Online Courses: https://churchfront.me/courses Join us at the Churchfront Live Conference: https://churchfront.me/conference Beginner Church Sound Course: https://churchfront.me/church-sound Follow Churchfront on Instagram or TikTok: @churchfront Follow on Twitter: @realchurchfront Gear we use to make videos at Churchfront: https://kit.co/churchfront/youtube-setup • • • • • Musicbed SyncID: MB01VWQ69XRQNSN