The MxU Podcast

Worship teams have never been more skilled — yet many feel thinner, more fragile, and harder to sustain. In this conversation, we unpack the unintended cost of building worship ministries around skill first, and why excellence alone can't carry the weight of leadership, culture, and discipleship.We talk honestly about when contractors help or hurt, how expectations get misaligned, and why worship leaders often feel stuck between sounding great and shepherding people well. This isn't a critique of skill — it's a challenge to lead it wisely.Check out our free Volunteer Development Toolkit: https://getmxu.com/resources/volunteer-development-toolkit?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=talentFREE RESOURCES

Church tech and worship leaders are navigating a new tension:faithfulness vs visibility.In this episode, we talk honestly about influencer culture in church tech, why social media feels louder than ever, and how easy it is to confuse platform with impact. We explore what actually builds healthy teams, how insecurity shows up in subtle ways, and why serving well in the local church still matters more than being seen.This isn't an anti-social-media conversation — it's a clarifying one.Check out our free Volunteer Development Toolkit: https://getmxu.com/resources/volunteer-development-toolkit?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=influencerFREE RESOURCES

So many worship leaders, tech directors, and church staff are wrestling with the same question:“Should I leave my church?”In this episode, we get brutally honest about the emotions, the pressure, the conflict, and the confusion that come with deciding whether to stay, leave, or step out of ministry altogether. We talk about hardened hearts, over-spiritualizing decisions, the role of the Holy Spirit, how negativity spreads, and what it actually looks like to leave a church well.If you're frustrated, burnt out, or feeling that pull to move on—you're not crazy, and you're not alone. But before you make a decision that impacts your family, your faith, and your future, slow down and listen to this conversation.Check out our free Volunteer Development Toolkit: https://getmxu.com/resources/volunteer-development-toolkit/?utm_campaign=done-ministryFREE RESOURCES

Most churches don't have a tech problem…They have a hiring problem.In this episode, we break down why so many churches choose the wrong technical leaders—and how it creates burnout, constant turnover, weak volunteer teams, and weekend chaos. Whether you're hiring a full-time tech director or trying to place the right volunteer leader, these are the red flags, the must-ask questions, and the leadership values you cannot afford to ignore.

Check out our free Sunday Morning Survival Guide: https://getmxu.com/resources/survival-guide/?utm_campaign=full-ministrySaying yes to everything in ministry might look spiritual — but it's actually dangerous. When church leaders never set limits, burnout becomes normal, families suffer, and volunteers copy the same unhealthy patterns.In this episode, we're talking about the cost of saying yes too often — and why healthy boundaries might be the most spiritual thing you can build into your leadership.FREE RESOURCES

Watch our video on serving with a servant's heart: https://app.getmxu.com/lessons/a-servants-heart?context_id=074252a6&context_type=topicSaying yes to everything in ministry might look spiritual — but it's actually dangerous. When church leaders never set limits, burnout becomes normal, families suffer, and volunteers copy the same unhealthy patterns.In this episode, we're talking about the cost of saying yes too often — and why healthy boundaries might be the most spiritual thing you can build into your leadership.FREE RESOURCES

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Book a free call with us here: https://savvycal.com/mxu/sdy?d=30&sid=efe105fc-bd45-451f-b7f3-bdabdf4da157Get the free team night guide here: https://getmxu.com/resources/team-night-guide/?utm_campaign=ripped-off-2FREE RESOURCES

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Download the 4-week devotional guide here: https://getmxu.com/resources/devotional/?utm_campaign=disqualified-leadersMasterclasses for every position in worship ministry:  https://getmxu.com/browse/?utm_campaign=disqualified-leadersFREE RESOURCES

Check out the What Is Worship course here: https://app.getmxu.com/playlists/85290dcd/?utm_campaign=right-wayDownload the free volunteer development toolkit here: https://getmxu.com/resources/volunteer-development-toolkit/?utm_campaign=right-wayMasterclasses for every position in worship ministry:  https://getmxu.com/browse/?utm_campaign=right-wayFREE RESOURCES

Get the free team night guide here: https://getmxu.com/resources/team-night-guide/?utm_campaign=tech-leadersDownload the free volunteer development toolkit here: https://getmxu.com/resources/volunteer-development-toolkit/?utm_campaign=tech-leadersMasterclasses for every position in worship ministry:  https://getmxu.com/browse/?utm_campaign=tech-leadersFREE RESOURCES

Get the free team night guide here: https://getmxu.com/resources/team-night-guide/?utm_campaign=stop-payingDownload the 4-week devotional guide here: https://getmxu.com/resources/devotional/?utm_campaign=stop-payingMasterclasses for every position in worship ministry:  https://getmxu.com/browse/?utm_campaign=stop-payingFREE RESOURCES

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Get the free team night guide here: https://getmxu.com/resources/team-night-guide/?utm_campaign=silent-conflictCheck out the the free ministry feedback guide here: https://getmxu.com/resources/ministry-feedback-guide/?utm_campaign=silent-conflictMasterclasses for every position in worship ministry:  https://getmxu.com/browse/?utm_campaign=silent-conflictFREE RESOURCES

Download your free volunteer development toolkit here: https://getmxu.com/resources/volunteer-development-toolkit/?utm_campaign=unprepared-worship-setMasterclasses for every position in worship ministry:  https://getmxu.com/browse/?utm_campaign=unprepared-worship-setFREE RESOURCES

Download your free volunteer development toolkit here: https://getmxu.com/resources/volunteer-development-toolkit/?utm_campaign=gave-you-chillsMasterclasses for every position in worship ministry:  https://getmxu.com/browse/?utm_campaign=gave-you-chillsFREE RESOURCES

Get the free ministry feedback guide here: https://getmxu.com/resources/ministry-feedback-guide/?utm_campaign=ghost-their-teamsGet the free team night guide:  https://getmxu.com/resources/team-night-guide?utm_campaign=ghost-their-teamsMasterclasses for every position in worship ministry:  https://getmxu.com/browse/?utm_campaign=ghost-their-teamsFREE RESOURCES

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Download your free volunteer development toolkit here: https://getmxu.com/resources/volunteer-development-toolkitGet the free team night guide:  https://getmxu.com/resources/team-night-guideMasterclasses for every position in worship ministry:  https://getmxu.com/browseFREE RESOURCES

Download your free volunteer development toolkit here: https://getmxu.com/resources/volunteer-development-toolkitGet the free team night guide:  https://getmxu.com/resources/team-night-guideMasterclasses for every position in worship ministry:  https://getmxu.com/browseFOLLOW Clark Beckham: https://www.instagram.com/clarkbeckham/https://clarkbeckham.com/FREE RESOURCES

Download your free volunteer development toolkit here:  https://getmxu.com/resources/volunteer-development-toolkitGet the free team night guide:  https://getmxu.com/resources/team-night-guideMasterclasses for every position in worship ministry:  https://getmxu.com/browseFREE RESOURCES

Download your free volunteer development toolkit here:  https://getmxu.com/resources/volunteer-development-toolkitGet the free team night guide:  https://getmxu.com/resources/team-night-guideMasterclasses for every position in worship ministry:  https://getmxu.com/browseFREE RESOURCES

Download your free volunteer development toolkit here:  https://getmxu.com/resources/volunteer-development-toolkitGet the free team night guide:  https://getmxu.com/resources/team-night-guideMasterclasses for every position in worship ministry:  https://getmxu.com/browseFREE RESOURCES

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Download your free volunteer development toolkit here: https://getmxu.com/resources/volunteer-development-toolkitFREE RESOURCES

Download your free volunteer development toolkit here: https://getmxu.com/resources/volunteer-development-toolkitFREE RESOURCES

Most people think worship team success is all about talent. It's not. In this episode, we break down the five skills every worship team member actually needs — from spiritual depth to musical prep to leading with humility. Whether you're brand new or rebuilding team culture, this conversation will give you a blueprint that changes everything. Let's level up your worship team.FREE RESOURCES

Leading communion during worship isn't just a transition — it's a sacred moment that carries real spiritual weight. In this episode, Spencer and Nate unpack how to lead communion with clarity, reverence, and confidence. From choosing the right Scripture and setting the tone, to avoiding common pitfalls, you'll get practical tips that help you lead well — no matter your church size or style. Whether you're new to leading or looking to grow, this conversation will help you make every communion moment meaningful.FREE RESOURCES

If your church feels disengaged during worship, the problem probably isn't your setlist — it's the relationship gap between the stage and the seats. In this episode of the MxU Podcast, Spencer and Dillan break down why relational leadership before the first song is the real key to engagement. You'll learn how to use the margin after soundcheck to connect with your church in simple, powerful ways that build trust and transform the room. Worship leadership doesn't start on stage — it starts in the lobby.FREE RESOURCES

Most worship teams don't mean to drift spiritually. It just… happens. The rehearsals, the planning, the production—it's all good until soul takes a backseat. In this video, we're talking about why so many teams lose their spiritual edge (without even realizing it) — and how to change it before your team culture goes downhill.IMPORTANT LINKS• FREE Devotional Guide:  https://getmxu.com/resources/devotionalFREE RESOURCES

How should you train background vocalists on your worship team? Most just tell them to “blend better.” Some talk about dynamics. Almost none address oversinging. But what if there was a better way to coach BGVs? Let us show you how.IMPORTANT LINKS• FREE Vocal Warmup Guide: https://getmxu.com/resources/vocal-warmup• The Essential Guide for Worship Vocalists: https://app.getmxu.com/playlists/the-essential-guide-for-worship-vocalists• Vocal Workshops with Shannon: https://shannonpinkston.mymusicstaff.com• FREE Team Night Guide: https://getmxu.com/resources/team-night-guideFREE RESOURCES

Too many worship and tech teams rely on volunteers who feel underprepared and overwhelmed. When training is unclear or inconsistent, the result is burnout, frustration, and stalled growth. But it doesn't have to be that way. This podcast gives you practical tools, systems, and real-life insight to resource your worship and tech volunteers with confidence. Whether you're starting from scratch or refining what you've built, we'll help you create a team that's equipped, engaged, and ready.IMPORTANT LINKS• How to Leave Rehearsal Energized:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYkkmaOFVPg&t=7s• Planning Center Training:  https://go.getmxu.com/planning-center-courseFREE RESOURCES

EQUIP YOUR WORSHIP & TECH VOLUNTEERShttps://getmxu.com/?utm_campaign=podcast-rehearsals-don't-have-to-drain-youFREE RESOURCEShttps://getmxu.com/resources/?utm_campaign=podcast-rehearsals-don't-have-to-drain-you1,000+ TRAINING VIDEOS FOR WORSHIP & TECH VOLUNTEERShttps://getmxu.com/training/?utm_campaign=podcast-rehearsals-don't-have-to-drain-youVOLUNTEER LEARNING SYSTEM FOR WORSHIP & TECH TEAMShttps://getmxu.com/learning-management-system/?utm_campaign=podcast-rehearsals-don't-have-to-drain-youPERSONALIZED COACHINGhttps://getmxu.com/coaching/?utm_campaign=podcast-rehearsals-don't-have-to-drain-youMxU is an online training platform for church leaders to train and equip their worship and tech volunteers.https://getmxu.com/?utm_campaign=podcast-rehearsals-don't-have-to-drain-you

Upgrade your volunteer team with MxUMxU's TEAM NIGHT GUIDE (Free Download)SUNDAY TIMESAVERS (MxU Course)

Upgrade your volunteer team with MxUSuccessful Team Nights require intentionality and a little bit of planning. Dillan and Jeff talk through our suggestions for what makes a Team Night good, and how you can implement it in your next Team Night. MxU's TEAM NIGHT GUIDE (Free Download):Other Free Resources For Your Church:FREE FOH CHECKLIST:FREE AUDIO PATCH SHEET:What is MxU?The all-in-one training platform for church worship and tech teams.Sign up at here

Get training for you and your team hereIn this episode, Shep dives into leadership, personal growth, and the challenges of serving in ministry. He shares insights from his journey at Elevation Church, discussing the importance of identity, relationships, and staying grounded in faith amidst the pressure to perform. We talk about avoiding comparison traps, defining success, and mentoring the next generation with authenticity and purpose. Whether you're in ministry, leadership, or just seeking inspiration, this conversation will leave you motivated to grow where you're planted.  Shep's Church Livestreaming 101 Course (in-Depth streaming course on MxU):What is MxU?The all-in-one training platform for church worship and tech teams.Sign up here

Get training for you and your team hereLyric operators are often viewed as having an 'easy' job in production, but if you've never tried it, you'll quickly realize how challenging it can be.Spencer and Chad Rose from Revelux dive into why running lyrics is deceptively difficult, and share tips on how to train your operators for smoother services.You can find Revelux here:https://www.revelux.com/You can watch our course on Media Displays here:You can watch our course on Running ProPresenter here:What is MxU?The all-in-one training platform for church worship and tech teams.Sign up here 

We had the chance to sit down with the Red Rocks Worship crew during their album recording week in Denver CO this summer. Hear from their crew what makes RRW tick, and how spreading their ministry outside of the 4 walls of their church has come with its own set of challenges, but is all ultimately rooted in home. We just dropped FIVE courses with RRW! We'll link them below so you can check them out! Playing Worship to a ClickMastering "Kit Mix"All-In-One Electric GuitarMusic Directing from KeysFoundation of Worship Bass Guitar

In this week's episode of the MxU Podcast, we dive deep into the concept of authenticity within the church. What does it truly mean for a church to be authentic, and how can we discern the genuine from the performative? Join the guys as they explore the nuances of authenticity in worship and community life, discussing real-life examples and personal experiences along the way.Instead of providing a checklist, we invite you to reflect on the qualities that contribute to an authentic church environment. From the heart of the worship experience to the transparency of leadership, we tackle the subtle signs that indicate whether a church is truly living out its values.Whether you're a worship leader, tech team member, or churchgoer, this conversation will inspire you to think critically about what authenticity looks like in your own community. 

In this episode, we dive into the essential skills every audio engineer needs to elevate their mixing game. Join us as we break down the Triple Threat of Mixing, covering:Gain Staging: Learn how to properly manage levels to achieve clarity and depth in your mixes.Filters: Discover the importance of high-pass and low-pass filters in shaping your sound.Volume Faders: Master the art of balancing your mix for a polished final product.Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, these three techniques are crucial for creating professional-quality audio. Tune in for insights, tips, and practical advice that will help you mix like a pro in under 40 minutes!

This is episode #181 of the MxU Podcast! Jeff and Spencer are joined by Zach and Nick from d&b Audiotechnik.Sound boards have grown vastly in technology, so why haven't we welcomed that innovation when it comes to our PA? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of immersive mixing and explore how this cutting-edge technology can revolutionize the way your congregation experiences sound.Whether you're a sound engineer, worship leader, or a church tech enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into making your audio environment more engaging and impactful. Don't miss out on discovering how immersive mixing could be the game-changer your church needs!LinksMxUMxU Pop-Upsd&b

This is episode #180 of the MxU Podcast! Spencer is joined by Max Williams and Cameron Fries from Summit Integrated in Denver Colorado. Does your churches gear follow the vision laid out for your congregation? The guys dig into this, and ask some hard questions around the reasons we might feel inclined to get that new piece of gear, even if we don't really need it. Thanks to the Summit Integrated crew for hosting us in this episode, you can find them at the link below. LinksMxUMxU Pop-UpsSummit

This is episode 179 of the MxU Podcast! Jeff and Spencer are joined this week by Toby Walters and Blake Hodges from ChurchGear. They talk everything from the "joys" of running to enneagrams and history lessons. We did discover that Spencer and Blake are more alike than you might think... at least on paper. On a more serious note, the guys discuss whether or not the companies churches work with are really looking out for their best interests. Is your church just another business opportunity for them?Service Review (04:46 - 12:49)The guys review a service from North County Christ the King Church in Washington state this week. As far as the mix goes, it's killer for one console running FOH, monitors, and broadcast. Some of the static camera angles and occasional issues with the mix are areas to improve on when it comes to making online streams more engaging and less confusing. Otherwise, great job Jason & team!Upcoming Content (12:50 - 23:58)You've asked, we've listened. Tomorrow, we're releasing a course all about the Blackmagic Ecosystem with our friend and MxU Ambassador Drake Kelch. If you currently use or have considered using any Blackmagic switchers, routers, cameras or anything else from their product lineup then this course is for you.If you're not already subscribed, head to getmxu.com and sign up for FREE today. Be on the lookout for an email with the course drop!Church Goer or Profiteer? (23:59 - 48:11)This question might hit home for those working in church worship and tech ministries. Have you ever felt a little exploited? Or perhaps unsure of where the money you're spending is actually going? It might be that the organization you're working with is just looking for a quick buck. Or, they do genuinely care about your church. There's some tell-tale signs that the guys discuss this week to know whether or not your church is just another business opportunity.LinksMxUMxU Pop-UpsChurchGear

This is episode 178 of the MxU Podcast! Michael Keith Lewis, FOH Engineer for Colony House, is at MxU HQ filming content on Allen & Heath's dLive series of consoles releasing on the MxU platform tomorrow. He joins Spencer and Nate to talk about all things volume in the church. Everyone's heard "it's too loud!" before on Sunday morning and chances are you didn't really think twice about it. This week, the guys discuss whether or not church really has gotten too loud and if so, what to do about it.Service Review (19:59 - 28:07)The team reviews a service from First Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas. Michael gives insider insight as he used to work at FBCA. They discuss the challenges of balancing an orchestra with a contemporary band and offer practical advice on how to integrate everything into a cohesive mix.Submit your service for review to support@getmxu.com or reach out to us on any of our social media platforms.Is Church Too Loud? (28:08 - 54:38)There's always been an ongoing debate about volume levels in the church. Michael, Spencer, and Nate chat about their experiences in different church settings and how they've navigated this exact challenge. It's important to find a balance that serves the congregation without overwhelming them. Sometimes, the mix gets prioritized over the message and that's just not okay. Audio should enhance, not detract, from the service.Here's our recommendation: focus on serving the church community rather than pushing personal preferences.Upcoming ContentTomorrow, we're releasing "The Allen & Heath dLive" as a comprehensive walkthrough of Allen & Heath's dLive series of consoles. From a console overview to patching, routing, scenes, effects, and so much more. Michael covers everything there is to know about the dLive. And in a couple of weeks, we're releasing an entire course from Michael where he builds a mix on the console, stay tuned in for that.Watch our social accounts and be on the lookout for an email with the course release tomorrow!LinksMxUMxU Pop-UpsMichael Keith Lewis

This is episode 177 of the MxU Podcast. Jeff and Spencer are joined by a familiar face and one of our MxU Ambassadors, Drake Kelch. Stemming from previous discussions and a post that was a tad controversial about Apple events and iPhones... the guys chat about value engineering in church and why sometimes, it's OK to get scrappy.Service Review (13:57 - 22:59)The guys review a service from Calvary Chapel in Knoxville, TN. From lighting to audio and the service as a whole, they offer feedback on how minor tweaks can make a significant impact on the overall worship experience. Spoiler: It's not about having the newest gear, it's about getting the most out of what you've got.Submit your service for review to support@getmxu.com or reach out to us on any of our social media platforms.Upcoming Content (23:00 - 25:34)Tomorrow, we're releasing "Media Manipulation with Resolume" as the third course on MxU all about Resolume. From slice transforms to generators, advanced outputs, and more... this course takes things deeper into the entire feature set that Resolume has to offer.Stay tuned in to our social accounts and be on the lookout for an email with the course release!Value Engineering for Smaller Budgets (25:35 - 55:34)Creativity can be your greatest asset when budgets are tight. Drake shares his insight on how churches can make the most of what they already own and yes, the camera in your pocket might just be enough. It's about finding practical solutions that work for your church and fit in with your church's vision without breaking the bank.LinksDrake KelchMxUMxU Pop-Ups