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Churchfront Worship and Tech Podcast

Churchfront Worship and Tech Podcast

By: Churchfront with Jake Gosselin
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 A podcast for worship leaders, tech directors, and pastors. A show dedicated to sharing practical tips to help you grow your worship and production ministry. Contact us at www.churchfront.com. Spirituality
Episodes
  • A Conversation with Josh Howerton and Chris Kuti of Lakepointe Church

    A Conversation with Josh Howerton and Chris Kuti of Lakepointe Church
    Aug 22 2025
    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 drivesKey principle: Use AI as a tool that serves you, don't serve the toolImportant 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 ChristianityCommon criticisms: "Tax the churches," "Money should go to the poor"Biblical response: Only Judas complained about expensive things being used to honor JesusEconomic reality: Larger churches often spend lower percentages on tech than smaller churches due to economy of scaleTechnology 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-promotionThe 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 engagementDigital Areopagus: Social media as the modern equivalent of where Paul engaged culture in AthensCurrent 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 giftingLack of pastoral development and broader leadership responsibilities"Warm up the crowd" mentality rather than true pastoral partnership Solutions proposed: Hire character first, develop competencyGive worship pastors genuine pastoral responsibilitiesFocus on being pastors who happen to use musicCreate long-term development paths Hiring and Leadership Development (00:36:29) Key principle: "Always bet on leadership" over pure talentCharacter evaluation: Look at family life as indicator of leadership capacity"Hire slow, fire fast" - don't ignore red flags in interviewsVision alignment: Ensure worship leaders can come under senior pastor's visionJosh'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 transitionIncoming pastor honored what came before rather than dismissing it70% credit to predecessor, 30% to successor for smooth transition Key advice for incoming leaders: Honor those who built what you inheritedWatch your pace in first year - observe more than you actWin relationships and excel on stageDon'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 youHire up: Surround yourself with people more talented than youFind joy in others' wins: Move from taking all the shots to giving others opportunitiesDave 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 openingsJosh's project: "Discipleship at scale" through vertically aligned content deliveryCore 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 oversightEvaluate your hiring process - ...
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Churchfront Talks: Modern Church Architecture

    Churchfront Talks: Modern Church Architecture
    Aug 8 2025
    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
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    6 mins
  • What is the best live stream mix strategy for churches?

    What is the best live stream mix strategy for churches?
    Aug 1 2025
    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 ExpertMatt Woltjer - Audio Engineer/Consultant Main Topics Covered Current Industry Setup Most professionals using matrix mix from LV1 systems for broadcastCommon approach: dedicated matrix send from main front-of-house mixRequires ongoing attention to maintain quality Logic Pro Issues Identified Primary Problem: Time Drift Logic Pro gradually falls behind video streamCan drift up to 2+ seconds behind actual videoCreates major sync issues for live streamingProblem appears unique to Logic Pro Design Limitations Logic Pro optimized for studio recording, not live applicationsApple's development priorities focus on studio usePricing model ($200 for 18+ years) indicates different revenue focus Alternative DAW Options Ableton Live & Pro Tools No reported time drift issuesBetter suited for live applicationsMore reliable for broadcast mixing Waves LV1 System Purpose-built for live mixingHardware controller integrationSuperior plugin processingMost expensive but most reliable option System Integration Challenges Hardware Requirements Allen & Heath SQ: Requires Waves interface cardsDante 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 setupAdditional hardware costs often overlookedIntegration complexity increases total cost Staffing Reality Check Many churches: 1-2 experienced engineers, 2-3 learning operatorsCommon mistake: Experienced on FOH, beginners on broadcastResults in expensive equipment producing poor mixes Fundamental Issues First Acoustic treatment more impactful than equipment upgradesProper PA tuning essential before broadcast considerationsSecondary console improves mix quality only 2-5%Room acoustics can transform entire sound Professional Recommendations When to Choose Matrix Mix: Small to midsize churchesLimited experienced staffBudget constraintsDesire for consistency and reliability When to Consider LV1: Dedicated broadcast mixing staffSufficient budget for complete systemAcoustics and PA already optimizedNeed 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 theoryEight BLX wireless systems failing across multiple roomsRecommended: Learn fundamentals before spending moneyUpgrade to antenna-capable systems for multi-room use Key Takeaways Equipment Isn't Always the Answer Master current equipment before upgradingAddress fundamental issues (acoustics, tuning) firstProper operation often more important than specific hardware Context is Critical Every church situation is uniqueProfessional consultation recommendedHolistic system assessment necessaryStrategic upgrade planning prevents expensive mistakes Success Factors Experienced operationProper implementationFundamental acoustic treatmentRealistic budget and expectations Action Items for Listeners Assess current system holistically before planning upgradesPrioritize acoustic treatment and PA tuningEvaluate staff experience and availabilityConsider professional consultation for complex decisionsFocus on mastering current equipment capabilities Resources Mentioned Church Front premium membership for professional consultationProfessional coaching calls availableCommunity recommendations for Studio One and Pro Tools Next Steps for Churches Evaluate specific broadcast mixing challengesConsider matrix mix optimization before new systemsPlan strategic upgrade path with professional guidanceAddress fundamental issues before equipment purchases Episode Duration: ~10 minutes Topic: Church Audio Technology Audience: Church technical teams, audio engineers, ministry leaders
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    10 mins
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