RESOURCES

If you've ever felt the pressure to make your church sound like the latest conference or worship album, this conversation is for you. Jeff Sandstrom has spent years mixing front of house for Chris Tomlin, Passion Conference, and worship events around the world. He is also the co-founder of MxU, a software platform built specifically for church worship and production teams. But in this episode of the Creative Tides Podcast, he shares why the most important ingredient for great worship production isn't found in better gear or a bigger console. It's found in healthy relationships, trust, and a team culture that serves the Church well. In this conversation, we discuss: • Jeff's journey in live sound, studio mixing, and touring • What it's really like mixing for Chris Tomlin and Passion Conference • The relationship between musicians and production teams • Why relational equity leads to better worship experiences • The pros and cons of using tracks in worship • How churches can discover their own unique sound instead of copying others • The biggest mistakes churches make in worship production • Building healthy production teams that serve the local church • Why chasing perfection can become idolatry • Practical wisdom for worship leaders, audio engineers, and church production volunteers Whether you serve as a worship leader, front of house engineer, audio engineer, musician, production director, or volunteer on your church's tech team, this episode is full of practical insights to help your team grow both technically and spiritually. Subscribe for more conversations with experienced creatives serving the local church through worship, production, filmmaking, songwriting, visual arts, and more. Connect with Creative Tides: Website: [https://creativetides.org](https://creativetides.org) Instagram: [https://instagram.com/creative.tides](https://instagram.com/creative.tides) Spotify: [https://open.spotify.com/show/6lD7P7yNHDYwSQ2zjVv8Kq](https://open.spotify.com/show/6lD7P7yNHDYwSQ2zjVv8Kq) Apple Podcasts: [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-tides-podcast/id1813471956](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-tides-podcast/id1813471956) About Creative Tides: Creative Tides equips and connects creatives in the local church through conversations with experienced practitioners, practical resources, workshops, and community. Our mission is to empower creativity to flow within the Church and ripple out into local communities. #WorshipProduction #ChurchProduction #ChurchTech #LiveSound #AudioEngineer #ChrisTomlin #PassionConference #JeffSandstrom #CreativeTides #WorshipLeader #FrontOfHouse #AudioMixing #ChurchAudio #ProductionMinistry #ChurchCreative #MXU #LiveSoundEngineer #ChurchMedia #AudioProduction #WorshipTech

What happens when worship, technology, and innovation collide? In this episode of the Creative Tides Podcast, we sit down with Matt McCoy — President of CCLI and founder of Loop Community, WorshipTools, and Sunday Sounds. For more than two decades, Matt has helped shape modern worship culture through playback technology, multitracks, software, and tools used by churches around the world. What started as a vision to help worship teams run tracks more effectively has grown into a global platform serving more than 100,000 churches. In this conversation, we talk about: • how tracks and playback changed worship ministry • the story behind Loop Community • the future of worship technology • innovation in the local church • balancing creativity and accessibility • equipping churches of every size • songwriting, leadership, and worship culture • practical advice for worship leaders and tech teams Whether you are a worship leader, musician, tech director, producer, creative pastor, or church volunteer, this episode is packed with insight into the evolving world of worship and church technology. Subscribe for more conversations with industry leaders, creatives, worship pastors, musicians, and innovators helping shape the future of the church and creative culture. Follow Creative Tides: Instagram: @creative.tides Website: www.creative-tides.com #MattMcCoy #LoopCommunity #CCLI #WorshipLeader #ChurchTech #CreativeTidesPodcast #WorshipTechnology #Playback #Multitracks #worshipmusic @CCLI-Group @mattmccoymusic @loopcommunity @worshipinnovators @MultiTracksYT

Want to make your videos feel cinematic instead of just “recorded”? In this Creative Tides Workshop, filmmaker and creative entrepreneur Daniel Hurst breaks down the art of cinematic storytelling and how to create visually compelling videos in any environment. Daniel shares insights from years of experience filming industry commercials, documentaries, movie b-roll footage, and building his own production company — plus co-founding a robotic camera arm company designed for filmmakers. In this workshop, he walks through the practical foundations every creator needs to elevate their videography and storytelling. Whether you’re a content creator, filmmaker, church creative, YouTuber, or just starting in video production, this session will help you create more intentional, engaging, and cinematic content. In this workshop, you’ll learn: • How to create cinematic storytelling through videography • Essential camera types, settings, and functions • Lighting techniques for professional-looking footage • Composition tips that instantly improve your shots • How to film with purpose and emotion • Practical tools for creators at any skill level Creative Tides exists to equip and connect creatives through workshops, conversations, and resources that help bring expert insight into everyday creative spaces. Subscribe for more workshops, podcasts, and creative training from Creative Tides. #videography #cinematography #filmmaking #cinematicvideo #storytelling #videographer #contentcreator #videoediting #filmmaker #cinematic #cameragear #lightingsetup #creativecommunity #creativeworkshop #churchcreative #broll #filmmakingtips #creativeprocess #youtubecreator #commercialfilmmaking #documentaryfilm #creativebusiness #videoproduction #cameraoperator #cinematicstorytelling #contentcreation #creativeleadership #creativearts

Ever wonder how great songs are actually written? In this live songwriting workshop, you’ll get an inside look at the real creative process—from practical tips and techniques to a full live songwriting demo where a song is built from scratch in real time. Whether you're a beginner songwriter, worship leader, or creative looking to grow, this session will give you tools you can actually use—plus a behind-the-scenes look at how collaboration shapes a song. In this workshop session: - Songwriting tips you can apply immediately - How to start a song when you feel stuck - Real-time co-writing process (nothing scripted) - How melody, lyrics, and structure come together - Insights from experienced songwriters This was recorded on February 28, 2026, at a Creative Tides Songwriting Workshop, where creatives gathered to write, collaborate, and grow together. 👇 Let us know in the comments: What part of the songwriting process is hardest for you? 👍 Like this video if you want more songwriting content 💬 Comment your biggest songwriting struggle 🔔 Subscribe for more content on creativity, worship, and music Creative Tides equips and connects creatives through workshops, events, and resources: by local experts, for creatives. #Songwriting #SongwritingTips #HowToWriteASong #WorshipMusic #Songwriters #MusicProduction #CreativeProcess #LiveSongwriting #CoWriting #CreativeTides @CalledMinistries @tayloranderson

From a local musician in Salem, Oregon to working on Grammy-nominated and platinum records… how does that actually happen? In this episode of the Creative Tides Podcast, we sit down with Connor Hedge—mastering engineer, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and touring musician—to talk about what it really takes to go from local church and independent music spaces to contributing to some of the biggest records in the industry. Connor has worked alongside top engineers at Becker Mastering and contributed to projects like Doja Cat’s "Planet Her", Snoh Aalegra’s "Temporary Highs in the Violet Skies", and Joji’s "Glimpse of Us"—earning over 500 credits across major and independent releases. But this conversation goes deeper than credits. We talk about: • what it actually means to “serve the song” • the difference between chasing success vs. developing your craft • how local creatives can grow without losing their identity • what he learned working at the highest level of music production • bridging the gap between church, artistry, and the professional music world Whether you’re a songwriter, producer, worship leader, or creative trying to grow your skills, this episode is packed with insight you can actually apply in your context. Creative Tides exists to bring expert insight into everyday creative spaces—by local experts, for creatives. 🎧 Listen on Apple & Spotify 🔗 Visit: [www.creative-tides.com](http://www.creative-tides.com) 📲 Follow for more conversations with industry professionals bringing their expertise local #musicproduction #masteringengineer #grammy #musicproducer #songwriting #worshipleader #churchcreative #homestudio #audiomixing #musicindustry #independentartist #creativecommunity #behindthescenes #producerlife #musicpodcast #creativetides

Chasing proven models can look like wisdom, but it often leads to creative failure when context and identity are ignored. In this candid conversation, former worship pastor Tim Smith reflects on his time at Mars Hill Church, led by Mark Driscoll, and the deeper story behind one of the most talked-about church implosions of all time. Tim shares how he was first drawn to Mars Hill through the music, creativity, and original worship writing, sensing that something meaningful and fresh was happening. What began as passion, innovation, and vision slowly shifted over time. As the church grew rapidly, so did a mindset among staff that they had “figured it out,” that their way was better, and that they were doing church right while others weren’t. This episode explores how subtle pride, success, and platform can reshape theology, posture, and relationships. Tim reflects on how that environment formed him, how it later unraveled, and the long process of unlearning, healing, and rebuilding faith after the collapse. We also talk openly about the personal aftermath: therapy, processing spiritual trauma, confronting disillusionment, and what it took to remain connected to God while reckoning with the damage left behind. In this episode, we discuss: • What initially drew Tim to Mars Hill Church • The role of music, creativity, and original worship writing • How confidence slowly turned into pride and superiority • Believing “we’re doing it better than everyone else” • The collapse of Mars Hill and its impact on staff • Processing church hurt, identity loss, and faith after fallout • Healing, therapy, and staying rooted in belief after disillusionment This conversation isn’t about outrage or blame—it’s about honesty, reflection, and humility, and the danger of confusing success with spiritual health. If you’re a worship leader, pastor, creative, or someone wrestling with faith after church hurt, burnout, or disillusionment, this episode will resonate deeply. 👉 Subscribe for more long-form conversations exploring faith, leadership, creativity, and what it means to rebuild with integrity. #MarsHillChurch #ChurchLeadership #ChurchHurt #FaithAfterChurch #SpiritualAbuse #Megachurch #WorshipLeader #ChristianPodcast #Deconstruction #FaithJourney #ChurchCulture #ReligiousTrauma #MarkDriscoll #ChristianLeadership #HealingFromChurch #Exvangelical #ChurchAccountability #FaithAndHealing #ChristianDeconstruction #WorshipMinistry

#ChrisTomlin #Passion #PassionConference #Waves #Digico What does it take to mix front-of-house for one of the most influential worship artists in the world? In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Bailey, current FOH engineer for Chris Tomlin, to talk about mixing at the highest level and what it’s really like running sound in massive environments like Passion Conference. Stephen shares practical insights for live sound engineers, worship tech teams, and anyone wanting to grow in mixing, consistency, and translating great sound into a live environment. Whether you’re mixing at church, touring, or building your audio skills, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom from the front lines of live production. 🎙 Topics include: • Mixing FOH for Chris Tomlin • Mixing for arenas & large conferences (Passion Conference) • Building consistency in your live mix • Real-world lessons from live production • Advice for church sound engineers & worship tech teams • Growth, preparation, and longevity in live audio 👉 Listen now, subscribe, and share with your team. 🛠️ Gear Mentioned in this Episode Shure Beta 91A Condenser Mic | @shure | https://amzn.to/3ODS7SK Audix D6 Cardioid Mic | @AUDIXmics | https://amzn.to/4kD6DpZ Shure Beta 52A Bass Drum Mic | @shure | https://amzn.to/3Mui6LJ Shure SM57 Dynamic Mic | @shure | https://amzn.to/4aeLO0x Golden Age Project FC4 Pencil Condenser Mic Pair | @GoldenAgeAudioOfficial | https://amzn.to/4qDrDOT SE Electronics sE8 Stereo Condenser Mic Pair | @sEElectronicsofficial | https://amzn.to/4rjglAq Rode NT5 Pencil Condenser Mic Pair | @rodemic | https://amzn.to/4ttGZI9 Digico Quantum 338 Console | @digicoconsoles | https://digico.biz/consoles/quantum338/ #LiveSound #FOHEngineer #ChurchProduction #WorshipTech #ChrisTomlin #LiveMixing #AudioEngineer #SoundEngineer #FrontOfHouse #PassionConference #WorshipProduction #MixingTips #ChurchSound #LiveAudio #AudioProduction #CreativeTides #Podcast #BehindTheMix #AudioTips #SoundTech #TouringAudio #ProductionLife #AudioCommunity #LearnLiveSound #WorshipAudio #MixEngineer

Playing well as a band isn’t just about everyone knowing their part—it’s about listening, supporting, and serving the song together. In this session from Creative Tides Summit Conference, we talk about how to move from everyone playing at once to playing cohesively as a team. This conversation is especially helpful for worship leaders, band members, and church teams who want tighter rehearsals, clearer arrangements, and a more unified sound. This session was facilitated by Jozi Bently, volunteer worship leader and musician at @rhcc in Tualatin, OR. We cover: - What it actually means to play together as a band - How to use tracks in a way that supports (not replaces) live musicians - Common reasons bands sound cluttered or disconnected - How to listen musically and leave space - Playing with intention instead of volume - Building cohesion between rhythm section, vocals, and tracks We also talk practically about preparation before rehearsal, including: - How to use Planning Center to share charts, recordings, tracks, and resources ahead of time - Setting clear expectations so musicians can come prepared - Why better preparation leads to more efficient rehearsals and healthier team culture If you’ve ever felt like your band sounds busy, chaotic, or disconnected—or like rehearsals are spent catching people up instead of making music—this session will help you rethink preparation, communication, and musical unity. 📍 Recorded live at Creative Tides Summit Conference 👉 Join the conversation in the comments: What’s one thing that helps your band play more cohesively? #WorshipBand #WorshipLeadership #PlayingWithTracks #PlanningCenter #ChurchMusic #WorshipTeam #BandRehearsal #WorshipMinistry #CreativeTides