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Why Modern Worship Feels Stale (And How to Fix It) David Santistevan - Churchfront Podcast Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

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

Revisiting Our Live Stream Tests The Churchfront Show Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

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

Incredible Tool for Worship Keys Players, Rig breakdowns & Empowering Your Worship Band | Carson Bruce Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

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

Fix Your Worship Team Culture | Amber Peairs - Churchfront Conference 2024 Jan 17, 2025

Show notes

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

Behind the Scenes with Elevation Church's Livestream | Stephen Shephard Jan 10, 2025

Show notes

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

How to Handle Church Tech Upgrades | The Churchfront Show Dec 20, 2024

Show notes

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

The Psalms for an Anti-Christian World with Rory Noland Nov 29, 2024

Show notes

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

The Smallest Church Production Machine Ever | The Churchfront Show Nov 22, 2024

Show notes

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

Church Mix Nightmares with Chris Hamill Nov 15, 2024

Show notes

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

How Loud is Too Loud? | Drew Brashler at Churchfront Conference 2024 Nov 09, 2024

Show notes

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

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