Description

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- Tests were conducted on outdated firmware missing critical improvements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