Podcast
Creative Tides Ministry
Hosted by Creative Tides · EN
Expert-level creative arts resources building church-to-church partnerships and equipping creatives in an affordable and attainable way, which ripples and flows outside the Church and into the local community.
24episodes
Episodes
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How Worship Tech Can Help... or Hurt Your Church | Matt McCoy, Founder of Looptimus Community
1w ago00:55:14Tap to summarizeWhat 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 teamsWhether 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.tidesWebsite: www.creative-tides.com#MattMcCoy #LoopCommunity #CCLI #WorshipLeader #ChurchTech #CreativeTidesPodcast #WorshipTechnology #Playback #Multitracks #WorshipMusic
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Turn Basic Videos Into Cinematic Stories | Videography Workshop feat Daniel Hurst
3w ago02:20:02Tap to summarizeWant 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 levelCreative 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
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From Local Church Musician to Grammy Credits | Connor Hedge
Mar 2701:15:44Tap to summarizeFrom 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 worldWhether 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 | Watch on YouTube🔗 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
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From Idea to Song | Songwriting Workshop feat Ausdin Lemmons, Jess Littleton, and Taylor Anderson
Mar 2300:57:57Tap to summarizeEver 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 songwritersThis 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 musicCreative 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
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FOH for Chris Tomlin: The Sound Behind Passion | Stephen Bailey
Feb 1301:03:22Tap to summarize#ChrisTomlin #Passion #PassionConference #Waves #DigicoWhat 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 EpisodeShure Beta 91A Condenser Mic | @shure | https://amzn.to/3ODS7SKAudix D6 Cardioid Mic | @AUDIXmics | https://amzn.to/4kD6DpZShure Beta 52A Bass Drum Mic | @shure | https://amzn.to/3Mui6LJShure SM57 Dynamic Mic | @shure | https://amzn.to/4aeLO0xGolden Age Project FC4 Pencil Condenser Mic Pair | @GoldenAgeAudioOfficial | https://amzn.to/4qDrDOT SE Electronics sE8 Stereo Condenser Mic Pair | @sEElectronicsofficial | https://amzn.to/4rjglAqRode NT5 Pencil Condenser Mic Pair | @rodemic | https://amzn.to/4ttGZI9Digico 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
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Why Chasing Proven Models Often Leads to Failure | Former Mars Hill Worship Pastor Tim Smith
Jan 1602:06:41Tap to summarizeChasing 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 disillusionmentThis 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
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Building Sets That Suit Your Band | Summit Conference 2025 Breakout Session with Jozi Bently
Dec 2500:49:10Tap to summarizePlaying 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 bandHow to use tracks in a way that supports (not replaces) live musiciansCommon reasons bands sound cluttered or disconnectedHow to listen musically and leave spacePlaying with intention instead of volumeBuilding cohesion between rhythm section, vocals, and tracksWe also talk practically about preparation before rehearsal, including:How to use Planning Center to share charts, recordings, tracks, and resources ahead of timeSetting clear expectations so musicians can come preparedWhy better preparation leads to more efficient rehearsals and healthier team cultureIf 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
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Leading Rehearsals Volunteers Love | Summit Conference 2025 Breakout Session with Jon Knapp
Dec 2500:47:49Tap to summarizeWhat if the thing shaping your rehearsals the most isn’t the music, but the way you communicate?In this session from Creative Tides Summit Conference (October 25, 2025), we share practical wisdom on how to lead rehearsals your volunteers actually love, without lowering standards or sacrificing excellence. Faciliated by Jon Knapp, Worship Pastor at @CountrysideCommunityChurch in Sherwood, OR.This conversation is especially for worship leaders, band leaders, and church creatives who want rehearsals that feel productive, encouraging, and honoring of the people who show up week after week.In this session, Jon covers:Why clear communication may be the most powerful leadership tool you haveHow to set cultural standards and expectations that build trustHolding volunteers to expectations with clarity, kindness, and consistencyHow to communicate effectively with instruments you don’t playLeading rehearsals that value both people and excellenceWhether you’re leading seasoned musicians or brand-new volunteers, the way you prepare, speak, and set direction will shape the entire rehearsal environment.📍 Recorded live at Creative Tides Summit Conference — October 25, 2025If you lead worship, tech, or creative teams in the church, this session will help you build rehearsals that are clear, collaborative, and life-giving.👉 Join the conversation in the comments:What’s the hardest part of leading rehearsals for you?#WorshipLeadership#WorshipRehearsal#VolunteerLeadership#ChurchLeadership#WorshipLeaderLife#BandLeadership#ChurchVolunteers#CreativeLeadership#WorshipMinistry#CreativeTides
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Your Worship Reveals Your Theology | Summit Conference 2025 Breakout Session with Ashlee Truitt
Dec 2500:43:38Tap to summarizeWorship as Discipleship | Genesis, Sacrifice & the Songs We Teach the ChurchWhat if worship isn’t just something we do, but something that forms us?In this session from Creative Tides Summit Conference (October 25, 2025), we explore worship as a form of discipleship: how what we sing, say, and practice in worship shapes our theology, our identity, and the way we love others. Facilitated by Ashlee Truitt, Worship Pastor at @RedHillsChurchNewberg in Newberg, OR, and founder of @Creative_Tides . We begin in Genesis, looking at the creation story and what it means to be made in the image of God. From there, we trace the structure of atoning sacrifices in the Old Testament and how Jesus fulfills the Law in the New Testament, reframing how we understand ourselves, one another, and our response of worship.From theology to practice, we turn toward the modern church: How worship teaches theology, whether we intend it to or notWhy lyrics matter more than we often realizeThe difference between private worship and corporate worship songsHow congregational worship shapes belief, formation, and discipleship over timeThis conversation is for worship leaders, songwriters, pastors, creatives, and church teams who want to think more deeply about why we worship the way we do. It also explores how worship can faithfully point people to God’s story rather than ourselves.📍 Recorded live at Creative Tides Summit Conference — October 25, 2025👉 If this resonates, share it with your worship team or church leadership—and join the conversation in the comments:How has worship shaped your theology or understanding of God?#WorshipAsDiscipleship#TheologyOfWorship#WorshipLeadership#ChristianTheology#BiblicalTheology#CorporateWorship#WorshipMinistry#WorshipLeaderLife#ChurchLeadership#ChristianCreatives#ChristianTeaching#ChristianFormation#WorshipConference#SongwritingForTheChurch#CreativeTides
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Scared of Teenagers on Your Worship Team? | Summit Conference 2025 Breakout Session with Kyla Hedge
Dec 2500:31:18Tap to summarizeWhat if recruiting students wasn’t just filling spots, but forming future leaders?In this breakout session from Creative Tides Summit Conference, we talk about how to recruit, train, and empower youth students on worship and creative teams—and how to set a precedent that leadership development is part of your team culture, not an afterthought. This session was facilitated by Kyla Hedge, Youth Pastor and former worship pastor at @MosaicChurchSalem This conversation is especially for churches and leaders who want to invest in students with intention, clarity, and care, while still maintaining excellence and healthy expectations.In this session, we cover:Why involving youth students on teams matters for the future of the ChurchHow to recruit students with clear expectations and pathwaysTraining students in both skill and characterCreating environments where students feel supported, not overwhelmedHow to raise up new leaders instead of relying on the same few peopleSetting a team precedent that values discipleship, growth, and multiplicationBalancing patience, structure, and excellence when working with studentsRather than viewing students as “helpers” or “fill-ins,” this session reframes them as contributors and future leaders who can thrive when given clarity, coaching, and opportunity.If you’re looking to build sustainable teams, invest in the next generation, and create a culture where leadership is continually developed, this conversation offers practical tools and a long-term vision.📍 Recorded live at Creative Tides Summit Conference👉 Join the conversation in the comments:What’s been most challenging—or most rewarding—about involving students on your team?#YouthWorship#NextGeneration#WorshipLeadership#ChurchLeadership#YouthMinistry#WorshipTeam#LeadershipDevelopment#CreativeTides
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