Liberty Media

09/05/2025

Excellence in Church Production: Why So Many Struggle (and How to Improve)

Many churches struggle with the concept of excellence. Some believe it means flawless ex*****on, while others fear that striving for excellence leads to burnout and unrealistic expectations. However, excellence is not about being perfect—it is about being the best steward of the resources, talents, and opportunities we are given.

____________

The framework for defining excellence is found in three fundamental principles:

1. Excellence is Prepared – Proper planning and organization sets the stage for success. The more preparation that goes into an event or service, the better the outcome. Preparation includes defining expectations, planning for potential issues, and ensuring every team member understands their role.

2. Excellence is Consistent – Excellence is not a one-time achievement but a standard upheld week after week. A consistently high level of performance builds trust and credibility, both within a team and for the congregation. A church should never be unpredictable in the quality of its services.

3. Excellence is Always Increasing – If a church or ministry is doing the same thing it was doing five years ago without growth or evolution, it is failing to pursue excellence. Continuous improvement is key, whether it is upgrading technology, refining processes, or training team members.

____________

Excellence vs. Perfection
A common misconception in church ministry is that excellence means never making a mistake. However, even the most well-prepared services can have technical issues or human errors. The key is not to eliminate mistakes entirely but to minimize their impact and learn from them.

It’s important that we track and evaluate our mistakes, not to punish those responsible, but to improve processes and to understand how many mistakes we are making each weekend. It’s also equally important that we determine if the mistake was a distraction or an “audience-noticed mistake”. We should specifically focus in on these issues, allowing for future prevention and ensuring continuous improvement and refinement.

Finding Inspiration Without Imitation
Many churches look to well-known ministries like Elevation Church, Bethel Church, or Prestonwood for inspiration. While it is beneficial to learn from others, it is important that we don’t blindly copy another church’s style without considering the DNA of one's own congregation.

Each church has a unique calling and mission, shaped by its leadership, community, and resources. Before implementing new ideas, leaders must ask: Does this align with our church's vision? Rather than replicating another ministry’s methods, churches should take inspiration while staying authentic to their identity.

Balancing Creativity, Budget, and Mission
One of the biggest challenges in ministry is balancing creative ambition with budget constraints. Many churches believe they cannot achieve excellence because they lack the financial resources of larger congregations. However, true excellence is not about money—it is about stewardship.

Good stewardship is not simply about spending the least amount of money, but about making wise investments that align with the church’s goals. Whether a church has a multimillion-dollar budget or operates with minimal funds, it can still pursue excellence by making the most of what it has.

Encouraging Teams Through Excellence
A culture of excellence not only improves worship services but also motivates and empowers team members. Volunteers and staff members take pride in being part of something meaningful. When churches set high standards and provide the necessary training and support, volunteers feel valued and inspired to serve at their best.

An effective media/tech ministry should not rely solely on paid staff but should empower volunteers. Investing in training programs and creating an environment of professionalism ensures that volunteers feel equipped to contribute at a high level.

Handling Criticism and Feedback
No matter how well a church executes its vision, criticism is inevitable. Whether it comes from church members, leadership, or even personal self-doubt, the way criticism is handled determines whether it becomes a stumbling block or a tool for growth.

A key lesson: separate constructive feedback from spiritual attacks. Some criticism is meant to refine and improve, while others are distractions meant to discourage. By staying grounded and focusing on the church’s mission, leaders can discern which critiques to act on and which to ignore.

When churches set high standards and provide the necessary training and support, volunteers feel valued and inspired to serve at their best

The Future of Creative Ministry
Looking ahead, technology will continue to shape the future of church media and creative ministry. Automation and artificial intelligence are becoming more prevalent, but the importance of maintaining human connection is paramount. While technology can enhance efficiency, it should never replace the personal relationships and teamwork that make church media effective.

Churches must find ways to incorporate new technology while maintaining a volunteer culture. As an example, this might mean using robotic cameras to allow volunteers to operate multiple cameras or creating automations that help volunteers execute more tasks. But it should never mean eliminating the volunteer aspect of ministry.

Conclusion: Excellence is a Mindset
The DNA of excellence is not about achieving perfection or competing with other churches. It is about stewarding resources well, staying true to a church’s mission, and continually growing in skill and ex*****on. Whether through meticulous preparation, consistent quality, or a commitment to improvement, excellence is a mindset that transforms ministries and impacts lives.

In a world where churches face increasing challenges, those that pursue excellence will not only survive but thrive, inspiring others to do the same.

01/05/2025

You can join the Church Media Workshop live stream here:

Church Media Workshop

27/04/2025

🎬✨ FREE Church Media Workshop! ✨🎬

Are you passionate about media, sound, photography, or livestreaming?
Do you want to sharpen your skills and serve more effectively in the house of God?

Join us for a FREE Church Media Workshop — a time to learn, connect, and grow in your media ministry journey! 🙌
The training holds virtually and actually concurrently.

See the attached flyer for more details and register here: https://bit.ly/FreeMediaWorkshop

Whether you're a beginner or already serving, this workshop is for YOU!
Come and discover practical tips, hands-on training, and fresh inspiration to take your church media to the next level!

Don't miss it — invite someone too! 🎥🎙️📸

28/03/2025

Are Nigerian Gospel Artists Failing to Roast What They Have Hunted?

The Nigerian gospel music industry is filled with talented artists who have labored in the place of worship, songwriting, and production. Many have "hunted" great songs—music that carries anointing, depth, and global appeal. But the real question is: Are they roasting what they have hunted?

Proverbs 12:27 says, “A lazy man will not roast what he took in hunting, but diligence is man’s precious possession.” This verse paints a picture of someone who puts in effort to catch something valuable but fails to process and maximize it. Could this be the case with Nigerian gospel artists who record great songs but fail to release their MultiTracks, thereby limiting their impact and income?

MultiTracks are the modern-day “roasting” process for gospel music. They refine a song, making it more accessible for churches worldwide. Without them, even the most powerful songs remain underutilized, like uncooked meat that could have been a nourishing meal for thousands.

While foreign artists like Hillsong, Bethel, and Elevation Worship are not only hunting but also roasting and serving their music to the world in every possible format—live recordings, lyric videos, MultiTracks, instrumental versions—many Nigerian gospel artists are stopping at the hunting stage. The result? Their songs have a shorter shelf life, their revenue potential is significantly reduced, and their influence does not go beyond Africa as it should.

If Nigerian gospel artists do not embrace the tools available to maximize their music’s reach, they risk making the same mistake described in Proverbs: working hard to create something powerful but failing to refine and distribute it effectively. It’s time to stop leaving the harvest in the field. The global church is ready to sing their songs—but they must first “roast” them properly.

27/03/2025

The Missed Opportunity: Why Nigerian Gospel Artists Are Losing Out by Not Releasing MultiTracks

The Nigerian gospel music scene has witnessed tremendous growth over the years, with artists like Nathaniel Bassey, Sinach, Dunsin Oyekan, Moses Bliss, and Mercy Chinwo becoming household names. Their songs inspire millions and lead worship in churches across the world. However, despite their success, a significant number of Nigerian gospel artists are failing to tap into a major revenue and influence stream — MultiTracks recording and distribution.

While foreign gospel artists are building long-term legacies and enjoying financial benefits through MultiTracks, many Nigerian artists either do not record their albums in MultiTrack format or, if they do, they fail to release them. This is a costly mistake that limits their global impact, financial earnings, and influence in the gospel music industry.

What Are MultiTracks and Why Do They Matter?

MultiTracks are individual instrument and vocal stems separated from the original recording of a song. They allow churches, bands, and worship teams to customize the arrangement of a song by muting, enhancing, or adjusting different parts to fit their worship settings. MultiTracks are essential tools for modern worship teams, especially in developed countries where churches rely on them to produce high-quality worship experiences.

For example, artists like Elevation Worship, Hillsong, and Bethel Music make almost as much money from MultiTracks as they do from streaming and concerts. Their songs are heard in thousands of churches worldwide every Sunday, further cementing their legacy.

The Rewards Nigerian Gospel Artists Are Missing

By not recording or releasing MultiTracks, Nigerian gospel artists are leaving money on the table and missing out on several benefits:

1. Recurring Revenue Stream
A single MultiTrack can be sold thousands of times on platforms like MultiTracks.com, Loop Community, and PraiseCharts. On average, MultiTracks sell for $10 to $40 per download.

If just 5,000 churches worldwide purchase a Nigerian gospel artist’s MultiTrack at $20, that’s an instant $100,000.

With continuous sales over the years, an artist could make millions from their old albums alone—without any additional work.

In contrast, most Nigerian gospel artists rely solely on streaming, concerts, and endorsements, which provide one-time payments rather than continuous passive income.

2. Increased Global Reach & Worship Adoption
Most megachurches in the U.S., Europe, and Australia use MultiTracks for worship. If a Nigerian gospel artist does not release MultiTracks, their songs are less likely to be adopted by international churches.

• While artists like Tasha Cobbs, Chandler Moore, and Maverick City Music have become worship staples worldwide, Nigerian gospel artists are not as widely sung outside Africa because their songs lack MultiTrack accessibility.

3. Greater Influence and Longevity
Music fads come and go, but worship songs that are used in churches last for generations. The greatest gospel artists in history are those whose songs are sung every Sunday. By neglecting MultiTracks, Nigerian artists are reducing the lifespan of their songs.

The Mercy Chinwo vs. Eezee Concept Litigation: A Wake-Up Call?

The recent legal battle between Mercy Chinwo and Eezee Concept has further exposed a major issue in the Nigerian gospel industry— contractual disputes over royalties and ownership rights.

While artists like Hillsong and Bethel have diversified income streams through MultiTracks, Nigerian gospel artists are often trapped in contracts where they make little from their music. If more artists released MultiTracks independently, they could take control of their revenue without relying on record labels or streaming platforms.

This case should serve as a wake-up call to Nigerian gospel artists: the industry is changing, and those who fail to adapt will struggle financially.

Conclusion: The Need for a Mindset Shift

Nigerian gospel artists have the talent and global audience, but many are undervaluing their music's potential. By embracing MultiTracks, they can:

• Earn steady passive income from churches worldwide

• Expand their global reach beyond Africa

• Ensure their songs become long-term worship anthems

• Gain financial independence from record labels and streaming platforms

It’s time for Nigerian gospel artists to learn from their international counterparts and start recording and releasing MultiTracks. Worship music is not just about fame or streaming numbers—it’s about legacy and impact.

02/04/2024

Buying Church Media Assets: How to Convince “The Boss”

Aside from a few larger churches where everyone has a departmental budget, most church media teams need to convince their pastor to purchase any piece of gear or new media assets.
If you’ve been left with that role, you know the anxiety that comes before “the pitch.” He’s going to ask why you need it, how much it costs, probably stall for a second, and then ask you why you don’t consider a cheaper alternative (even though we both know you did extensive research and landed on this option because it was the best.) It’s a tough dance.

Buying Church Media Assets: Convincing Your Pastor
Remember – you and the pastor probably have the same goal: you want outstanding quality and impactful church services. At the end of the day, that remains the same. The only difference is the disagreement between what’s necessary to get there.
So, if you’re struggling with how to convince your pastor to invest in new church media assets, here are a few tips:

1. Recognize Pastors Care About Visuals
It’s easy to get carried away with describing what you want, why you want it, and how you could use it. Remember that most pastors care about visuals equally as much as you and the best way to convince them may just be to show them.
Of course, there are probably some differences in opinion between you and your pastor on what design looks best, so approach them with designs that you know will appeal to them. If you’re looking at a motion background provider like Motion Worship, show them stuff you know they will like – whether that’s more colorful, abstract, and upbeat motion backgrounds, or more traditional, slow, nature-based backgrounds.
Also, if you can find any free media from the provider you’re looking at, use that for sake of demonstration. Pastors care about visuals just like you. Don’t just describe what you need – show them if you can.

2. Do Your Research and Know Your Options
This is for a few reasons. For you, it is important that you don’t convince your pastor to purchase something you’ll regret in a year. If you’re going to upgrade, make sure you know it will last, perform the tasks you need, and become an essential piece of your workflow.
Chances are that your pastor will be skeptical of any purchase, not because they’re being frugal, but because they want to know that money put towards any aspect of your church is truly for the better. Best way to convince them? - Actual evidence from research and the word of others.
Do your research on the gear and compile a list of exactly how you would implement it. If it’s a new projector, where and how will it be mounted? Does additional stuff need to be purchased to operate it? What are the specs of your existing projector vs. the new one, and how will that impact the quality?
But after doing initial research, seek out the word of others. Call local A/V companies or email them so you have their response written. Post on Facebook groups and online forums asking others.
If you have clear evidence from research as well as the word of industry experts backing your decision, it will be much more convincing to your pastor than you simply asking him for it. It gives him an opportunity to see the benefits the way you do. Give him a clear picture.

3. Connect it to The Mission
This isn’t just for convincing your pastor – this is a good question for you to be asking yourself. How will this new piece of gear or new subscription actually benefit your church’s mission?
As someone who works on creative teams in a church, my opinion is certainly that improved quality in worship and service production helps reach people. I’d assume your pastor believes the same thing.
Describe the visual or auditory difference the upgrade will make. How will it affect the experience for the congregation? Your pastor’s priority and heart is on improving the experience for attendees and furthering the mission of your church. If you can clearly connect a media asset purchase to the congregational experience, your pastor will be more interested in helping out with the purchase.

In Summary
At the end of the day, it’s good to even remind ourselves that none of this is about us. While you may be excited about trying out a new media asset, we need to keep our eyes focused on the experience for congregation members. Does this help improve the experience for congregation members, and will it draw more people to the church to hear the Word of God?
When you think that way, you’ll better understand your pastor’s focus, which can help with talking to him/her about an upgrade or new purchase that needs to happen.
Also remember that your pastor cares about visuals, maybe even as much as you. Understand what their design preferences are and consider those when demonstrating what a new church media asset purchase may make!

Afterthought
Last year – 2023, October I approached my pastor about the need to get three new cameras for our productions, some light gears, cables etc; considering the high cost we narrowed down to two and together with the pastor we paid for it. One arrival and implement, the pastor got exited and he gave fund to get the third camera. We got this done in less than three months without taking fund from church’s purse not receiving contribution from any member.
These things I did:
1. Prayer to God about the needs
2. Approach the Pastor
3. Recognize the Pastor’s care
4. Do my research
5. Connect the needs to the church’s mission – soul winning.

03/02/2024

In case you’re feeling discouraged about your responsibilities in the house of God, there’s someone somewhere watching your services and being blessed!
You and your church are their bridge to Christ. Keep up the good work!

Never be weary of doing good for in due season you shall reap the reward if you faint not.

26/01/2024

In our quest for an appealing stage design, we initially experimented with projection backgrounds, but the challenge of a low ceiling hindered optimal results. The attempt with LED strip design proved unsatisfactory.

However, a breakthrough came when we opted for a printed sticker approach. Leveraging our existing board frame, we strategically replaced the front wash light with top spotlights, surpassing our expectations. Remarkably, this budget-friendly transformation, costing us less than $100, not only elevated the quality of our video production but also significantly increased our church's social media following.

The versatile printed sticker solution proved to be the key to a visually impressive and cost-effective stage design, leaving a lasting impact on both our in-person and online audiences.

22/08/2023

What is mastering?

Mastering takes an audio mix and brings it to distribution quality. It’s the final step to balance your mix, unify sonic elements and optimize playback response for all file formats and devices. It typically consists of a series of subtle audio processes including stereo enhancement, compression, equalization and limiting. It’s the vital connection between your hard work as a creator and radio-ready sound quality.

25/07/2023

Here are a few advantages to mixing your live stream on a DAW (digital audio workstation) instead of a mixing console.

Plugins - You can easily integrate advanced plugins like vocal tuning and drum replacement which help your stream sound "radio ready."

Multi-track Recording - You can multi-track record as you stream audio through a DAW, allowing you to play the audio back and remix it later.

Simple User Interface - A DAW gives you 100% control over your mix layout, meaning you can simplify it for volunteers new to mixing. But in just a few clicks, a more experience mix engineer can dive into the weeds.

25/04/2023

Take note

16/04/2023