What the band hears during worship with an MD (Music Director) // Battle Belongs IEM Mix

[@worshiptutorials]

Regarding the MANY comments saying "What about the Holy Spirit"... This video actually demonstrates us being led by the Holy Spirit. In the beginning, Caleb talks about the song, and what he said was 100% inspired by God/Holy Spirit. The band was able to give him space to lead in that moment, and then we played the song. Regarding the song itself, I’ve found that most churches play the songs in the arrangement that they were recorded. We have space to repeat things at the end or linger in a moment if we’d like, but the click track and MD mic just let us all stay on the same page. And if we do decide to repeat something, it allows us to effectively communicate that to everyone in the band. To suggest that planning (and then executing that plan) is somehow squelching the Holy Spirit is foolish, in my opinion. The Spirit lead in our planning just as much as the Spirit leads in the moment. We believe that effective worship leadership calls upon the Holy Spirit's guidance both in the planning stages and in the execution.

[@DJC955]

The Bible does say play SKILLFULLY, so organization is a divine thing that keeps the audience from getting distracted due to technical difficulties. People that criticize the structural tools have probably never been part of an advanced production. What I wouldn't give to have this kind of setup for the actors and band, when I play musicals with the local theater companies in my city. Anyways awesome work!

[@rznmsc5495]

My church over the last few years has slowly grown from wedges and vocal cues to clicks and MD’s. As a musician, I initially found the click very helpful but the guide restrictive. Now as a growing and learning leader and MD, and someone who is creating the Ableton projects and structuring the service, I see how it’s about creating an opportunity and environment of worship for the congregation, and how the only limitation on spontaneous worship and opportunities in this structure is now my ability to interact with the project and create that space as well. It has been incredibly helpful in so many ways

[@jonathandeleon2417]

Love it! When people tell me tracks and planning a service is not allowing the Holy Spirit to move I ask them to give me an explanation how that is biblical. When they have no answer to me I give it to them straight and say it’s an excuse to be lazy and unprepared. I say that with confidence because that was me 😬. God is a God of order. it literally says in the first chapter of the Bible. 😆

[@DontLetTheOldManIn]

I think what concerns many is not planning but the seeming rigidity of the execution. I’ve never done it and doubt many of the detractors have either so it’s total speculation! Obviously it works for many. If people are worshiping for real then more power.

[@sirtreebeard]

I think comments like that are often spoken out of fear, its like switching from using wedges to using IEMs, I know some who wont but in truth it actually helps. I get it can be scary or feel weird but it truly helps and really adds to what you can do.

[@harveygitarista1600]

In our band, we just look at each other, and we know what's up.

[@choppies6044]

Same, let the spirit lead🔥🙌

[@rajivkathar3761]

Same ✋

[@newsnowcarolina6409]

that's called being a musician

[@trishoaletha5468]

hahahaha sameee

[@Kv7333]

Yeah these in ear mixes feel like too much to me. I get the desire for tightness but this feels restricting and unnatural

[@frankb.7640]

"give me an F....yyyeeaahhhhh stay there."

[@bobbycraig8083]

Underrated comment.

[@frankb.7640]

@@bobbycraig8083 I watched the video again just to hear Bradford say "give me an F....yeahhhhhh stay there." lol

[@pucksheet4456]

Hhahahaha

[@hallowdepths]

F

[@worshiptutorials]

He meant play an F major chord...

[@JuanCastro1005]

I’m just over here like what this dude is saying about God fighting our battles is fire 😭🔥

[@dylanpope6196]

Song is Battles Belong by Phil Wickham

[@fisayoblessingojo8874]

Truly

[@jonathanvasquez1925]

nah fr i forgot i was watching to learn to be a better MD, over listening to the worship leader introducing the song like dang bros giving a mini sermon

[@robrdavis]

As a fellow guitarist, this mix is perfect and should be sent straight to front of house.

[@tylerfred7514]

As a drummer I say bring down a touch and mean JUST A TOUCH not off...and drums up a touch, kick and snare more than anything. Singers can go away though lol, they take too much of the guitar space anyways

[@wdiv]

As a guy who plays guitar and sings in the front... this wasn't balanced at all 😂 #LeaveFoHAlone 😂😂

[@martyfleszar5950]

This has to be Brian’s mix haha bc you can’t hear the acoustic at all haha

[@Tejoz]

🤣🤣🤣

[@some1namedfriedchickenlemo593]

As a bassist and drummer, to each their own lol

[@gdiaz9689]

the amount of focus and musicianship to follow the track and also be aware of everything going on is impressive

[@justabout30something]

It actually gets easier overtime to the point where you don’t even hear it anymore even though it is the loudest in the mix.

[@Blokfluitgroep]

I wonder if you still need to listen to each other, if this is so loud, then it's like playing with youtube instead of feeling what other people do.

[@Tatted-ne7tu]

Hi all, I found Jesus one day by guesting at a rather large church one Sunday. As a musician it was the fantastic music from the band, the production and the level of musicianship that hooked me at first. I hadn’t been in a church since I was a kid but I kept going back to see the music. I just wanted to say that sometimes God works in completely obvious ways. Thank you Jesus.

[@OMIMreacts]

Sometimes God works in completely obvious ways 🙌

[@manofculture8666]

It's weird, as a drummer I've played at churches like this with in-ears and this kind of organisation. But I've also played at churches where all you have to rely on is a speaker/monitor and hand signals or a look lol. While I love the organised feel and I feel more content with my performance. I prefer the latter, with the hand signals haha. It just feels more natural. It also keeps you on your toes for any surprises, like when the Pastor is in the spirit and sings a song non of the musicians have heard of before 😂. We've all been there lol. All in all, ministering for God is always good.

[@Carlos-sy7ye]

Totally agree

[@mattalvarez4500]

yea i agree 100%

[@vladymartinez1232]

I have had some really bad experiences with pastor wanting me to follow up with a song unknown to me haha

[@brothad9302]

Yes, I agree as well! I think the click track is a sort of a crutch/ or excuse for not really knowing the tune. It’s difficult for me to immerse myself into the worship with a voice in my ear telling me where to go. Our team uses it, but I go without it and be sure I’m in time with the drummer. I play bass. On the other hand, I can see the benefit of adding orchestration to a small ensemble with the aid of track. Anyway, ✌🏾 Brother!

[@shuna.]

In our church, it's also hand signals. I'm not a musician and once I learned what their hand signals mean, it's fun looking at them when they get so into it that they almost missed a signal haha I stopped paying attention to it later on though because it's distracting me from worship lol

[@jethreeandrade897]

In our church, we often use hand signals. But most of the time, we just let holy spirit take over.

[@brothad9302]

YES!!

[@yohaneschrist23]

Hand signal still the lethal weapon for our team. Just look careful to the MD. 😅

[@lydiageibob3990]

Exactly.

[@antekliyue9874]

yeah i can relate with that since my church use the very same method. but on the serious note, systematical method like this is good for church that rent building and they want to finish on time and continue to prepare for the next service. and also being led by holy spirit means you still have control of your body,

[@JoeCastellon]

How was this NOT led by the Holy Spirit ??

[@hendreackermann9389]

This was so interesting to see what goes on behind the scenes. Really appreciate all the hard work that all worship teams put in. And you can clearly see that they are still lead by the Holy spirit and feeling God's presence even though there is an MD talking them through the song! (For everyone commenting you don't understand how they still feel the Lord's presence while worshipping) Thank you for sharing. May God bless you all.

[@BMTwarrior]

This is a GREAT video for MDs & WLs who want to move forward and grow. I would love for my team to hear this to get a glimpse of our next step. I've read thru many of the comments and some almost sound judgmental, but we have to remember where they are currently. It's like going through the transition of the Praise & Worship era all over again. With the, "I don't like it" and "I prefer the fly by the seat of my pants worship". It's all good and I get it. I am 50 yrs old and very much accustomed to 'organized' worship with tracks and spontaneous worship with no clicks or tracks as well. You simply conform to your surroundings and what is able to be done. God is STILL God and He will move where He wants, when He wants. As long as we are in tune with His Spirit, that's all that matters. As the song says, NOTHING ELSE. LoL.

[@bmitchellmusic]

Thanks Matt! People just make assumptions as they wish. What they don’t know is this was only the second time playing that song that day and I was merely providing guidance so we can play the song well. But that’s not as fun of a story so instead we get told that we are an abomination to God and are going to hell 🤷🏻‍♂️😂

[@indradipdutta9059]

I had no idea this is how a bigger church worship operates.... Ours is a smaller congregation. I usually play the piano and sometimes I play the Cajon. Since its a small band, we can communicate with our eyes LOL. I am self taught, and I want to be a good pianist one day. I play at a very basic level currently. Hopefully with God's blessings, I will make this year a much more productive year, and learn a lot more about music and piano.

[@thelvadam2358]

Yeah bro, keep it up. I'm sure that you'll become a better pianist if you keep practicing diligently. I've been playing the piano for 11 years now, and I'm also mostly self taught lol. But then our band needed a guitar around 5 years ago so I got to learn within a month (just imagine the first time I played the guitar in a service, spoiler: I forgot most of the chords). However I managed to improve although I still need to learn more, so be constant and you'll see great improvements.

[@RMS12.2]

As long as you do it for God's glory

[@chadrackard3700]

Lots of the smaller churches are going to this also. It eliminates a music pastor coming in w/a caffeine or sugar high and rushing the music.

[@clarrrrk8691]

Praise the LORD for your Heart! Playing the cajon to for our small church 😇😁 May GOD bless your Soul!

[@noname47032]

Not all of them do. At my last one I was on the worship team for services upwards of 2,000 people. We used hand signals and a metronome... and we knew our music by heart as a band.

[@TheRosepal]

Wow what musicianship and sensitivity to what’s going on! 😲 I don’t know how he can speak so freely with the metronome in his ear in the beginning 😆 What an interesting set of tools to facilitate worship!

[@nashvillefanuel3333]

Yeah! 😆 it's really amazing, isn't it?

[@westhessalonians]

WOWW! It is my first time to hear what musicians can here on an earpiece wow.. wow... soo amazinggg

[@jmtims1]

This is why I never got into playing worship music. Songs can go on forever and ever. 7 lines, eleven times.. but to each his or her own. But they are are great at their craft! Bravo!

[@-maxx-]

I mean, it's pretty terrible congregation-side too tho. By about the 10th time of the 2nd line it's kinda hard to stay in worship to me, at least on stage you've got something to do other than feel guilty about that ;) Some worship teams can pull it off which is why I think this became so prolific in the last 10-15 years particularly (e.g. personally I think hillsong is fantastic at this, rarely overdoing it, rarely missing chances to drive things home). But most... it just feels really forced and distracting to me :\

[@timturner7866]

We find freedom in it. Almost like a locked in band during a jam session even though you’re playing the “same thing” there is still room for creativity and craftsmanship. I will say many times we’ll drop click and just go. I do believe there’s a balance too. We just try to serve the Lord through our crafts and let him handle the rest.

[@buddinishashikala6411]

Woah!! Never knew this is what happens behind the scenes! 😮 I kinda wondered how the whole band knew what to play and when to play at some points of the worship ...even being so apart from each other... So this technique helps to tackle the sudden changes make with music in the middle of the song! Thanks a lot for sharing this! 😊 God bless you and your church!❤

[@matthewbeckett6649]

You're such a good MD bro, I been one for a year or so in South Africa for our Hillsong campuses in Cape Town. I'm only 19 so it's a bit weird telling older, more experienced musicians what to do and where to go but I'm thankful for the position. Been growing a lot as a musician and a servant of God. This video was really insightful.

[@bmitchellmusic]

Glad to hear that! Thanks :)

[@SpaceSpud96]

Eyy, keep on keeping on man, maybe I'll mix your mons if you ever come to London 👌🏼 or if I ever go over to SA with HS I'll be sure to visit!

[@GEN47-27]

That transition to “raise a hallelujah” is just “chefs kiss”

[@Lettemhearpodcast]

Not gonna lie that metronome would drive me crazy lol (Before anybody goes off on my comment I understand the importance of it)

[@dariuscottingham9034]

Definitely feel like there's a time and a place for it. We use click tracks at my church. It's was easier on the ears lol

[@Lettemhearpodcast]

@@dariuscottingham9034 Yeah those are much easier.. but that cow bell on here is over powering.. So between that and the MD talking I give them props for playing as well as they do..

[@kenbrooks5242]

The problem with their click is they count in quavers instead of crotchets, that would drive me crazy also. Quarter notes is where I put the click.

[@SpaceSpud96]

I mix monitors all the time and you get so used to it, that when I mix FOH or broadcast I miss it and want to add it in 😂😂

[@rhnstjegilrhkscvn1djhrj969]

@@dariuscottingham9034 that's what drummers are for

[@SteveKuban]

I’ve led worship over 4,000 times, with all kinds of audiences, from one to a million people. My most powerful experiences are those amazing times when God creates songs spontaneously, even entire albums “on the fly.” That’s when God ‘shows up’ the most. I’ve recorded many live worship albums (about 15) and none were rigidly planned, including several which went on to touch millions of lives (esp the gold and platinum ones). My greatest desire while leading worship is to be a prophetic conduit through whom God sings and plays, and the resultant music touches the people’s lives during their own individual worship experience. I can appreciate the technical excellence of what’s going on behind the scenes in this video. But speaking as a prophetic spontaneous song creator and worship leader, if I had to listen to a click track and follow a music director’s voice-instead of being able to flow with the Spirit, adjusting song forms and chords and keys as He leads me, and giving spontaneous chord changes to the band by hand signals or by musical feel, it would be a very restrictive experience. Form is good, but the ability to flow around that form, as the Spirit leads, spontaneously, repeating sections of the song at will depending on what is ‘catching fire’ in the congregation at that moment, is even better. And creating the Song of the Lord spontaneously, is the best. I hope your band also practices that. Talented musicians like yours should be encouraged to create new songs on the fly, which thanks to modern technology, would not only bless the live worshipping congregation, but through live-streaming and playback-on-demand, could go instantly around the world and end up becoming worship anthems in themselves. Go guys! May many new songs come forth as the Spirit guides and inspires you all.

[@graceangela5218]

having IEM MD and click doesnt mean that you can't experience the same presence, that doesn't mean that you're not being led by Spirit. Praise and Worship team is the one who lead the whole Praise and Worship, so it would be great that everything is also as good as possible, as we're giving Him the best one we got :)

[@jstandhh]

Moreover, it humbles the workers, so we gonna realize that we are not the perfect ones, we need something and someone to lead us, keep us on track. In the end of the day, we realize it's all done not because of our strength, but because of The Creator Himself. Without MD that keep us on track, we would have played it off track. The only perfect being is The Creator Himself, He's the one that doesn't need any MD, because He's the Director of all directors Himself. 🙌🏻

[@mmmmdddd2267]

​@@jstandhh I disagree friend. The click tracks create a barrier of "exactness" for newer musicians, and it's distracting from the actual worship in your ear. It certainly helps them as a tool, but you better believe they're not worshipping, they are laser focused on IE and click cues. Sure, experienced musicians can handle live direction, loud ticking, fake voice cues and stay in the moment.... But can they? I've been a leader for 15 years. Sure, tech can be helpful for some churches, but to say a manmade object keeps us "on track" and humble? Like God wouldn't love a bunch of worshippers bellowing "amazing grace" with slightly out of tune guitar.... Sounds like pride and a need to have a perfect " performance" to me.

[@jstandhh]

@@mmmmdddd2267 Click tracks can also worship God, worshipping is not only from singing and playing music, but from how much your heart want to give the best quality for Him. He understands us. And the one who needs to worship in this case is audience, we as servers in the stage should provide them the best service. It's a sacrifice we should hear loud CLICK noise, but audience would be served the best with it. If we keep off track, audience could be confused and distracting them from worshipping (been experiencing that as one of the audience of some church. Bad experience) It's a sacrifice my friend, a sacrifice. Thats our worship and gift to The Creator as the servers of stage in church. Been serving 10+ years as one of instrument player on some local church. We just used CLICK several months now, and the audience says it's BETTER and NEAT compared to before using click. Thats our sacrifice, thats our sacrifice, so audience can be served with the best quality we can provide, and they can worshipping and praising God freely and happily without being distracted of instrumental that being off track/tempo.

[@charlescarmichael1124]

⁠@@mmmmdddd2267 Sorry bro but you don't know the culture of that worship team. Worship is an act of faith. I've led worship and "felt" nothing and afterwards when the team walked off the stage and people were just crying backstage .. "that was so anointed!" We had several people report healings during worship. Also it's the responsibility of the team member to pray before and make sure they are "there".

[@marol1996]

We aren’t using this at the moment in my church because we’re very small and also we aren’t professional musicians, but I think it’s amazing that some churches can use these type of tools to make their worship sound better. It’s good to try and perfection our talents and what we give to God because he deserves THE BEST. So congrats to that church for doing such a professional job!! God bless you guys ♥️♥️

[@kennbart]

I'm glad you guys OOPS and LOL just like the rest of us.

[@worshiptutorials]

Ha thanks - my playing gets a bit sloppy in this.

[@garygsp3]

Even vocalists have a derp moment occasionally. At least I do. I'll go into auto pilot mode while I'm queueing for a change my in ear monitor. Then I'll occasionally find myself going oh crap where are we.

[@Kentril2112]

the best part of this whole thing was the "yeeeeah..." love the concept of this vid man. Not often do us smaller bands get to experience something like this. Very cool. God Bless!

[@thewellofnashville]

Great work guys! Using the tools and training of our times to serve the Lord and His people. Press on!! Salute! Carl & Leann.

[@joshuabenton3785]

This is one of the best videos for what to expect for an in ear mix! Great job guys

[@Bassplayer_1981]

Very familiar to me because I’m also part of a worship team as a bassist but it’s really nice to hear. Also great for those that don’t know what it’s like behind the scenes and how everything comes together so perfectly

[@worldtraveleratheart]

It's like conducting an orchestra without being up in front! So cool! Thank you for sharing!

[@nathaniellarson8]

This would be perfect because I have that "where are we again?" thought go through my head multiple times a service, lol.

[@boogeen1]

For those new songs with lots of chord changes and with not enough time to practice, the direction is a life saver.

[@phoebus1503]

that 'oops' at 6:00 was actually pretty cool. it became a cool little dissonance with that octave B on the guitar resolving to the octave C.

[@tuwhitcombe]

nice recovery hehe

[@dwaynealexander8637]

I am in the video production side of our church services. It was a great experience to hear the audio side of the production. Thanks for sharing. Dwayne Alexander FUMC Murfreesboro Tn.

[@ZachT]

Are you a video switcher too or a camera operator?

[@dwaynealexander8637]

Zach I do both but mainly running a camera now. I seem to get more enjoyment out of it. Dwayne

[@richardtrue5900]

I love this. Being prepared, smooth and having a high level of excellence can really aid in taking people on a journey worship. Great

[@EdMelendez]

If they were truly prepared, would they really need a third party in their ear walking them through every step?

[@liv2praz]

i love Caleb’s lead line under the last big chorus. ripping, big, present, yet tasteful and not dominating. killer.

[@ernieakazmb]

The talkback is also great for dealing with unexpected songs from the pastor or for calling out spur-of-the-moment chord progressions when the Spirit is leading the worship a certain way. This way the whole band knows what to do next.

[@rhymeskill]

Real talk, the pastor just needs to pastor and not try to lead worship also. If he wants he can get up there and sing then do whatever he wants. If not, you have a worship leader and you trust them to lead worship.

[@mmmmdddd2267]

And, why can't you nod or holler across the stage? What, the congregation don't know you? You have to be some sort of polite perfection when the Holy Spirit speaks? It's not ok to worship God as humans, fluid in the moment, we have to structure it and pipe it directly into our ear canals? And when you do this, you have to realize that most organic communication and Holy Spirit leading between active live band members goes away... They're all expecting input, so nobody has a real feel or ownership over any moment.

[@SaintLewisMusic]

Guys - this is such a great resource! Fantastic, educational video. Thank you!

[@Joseph-zm6sy]

I don't think I'd be able to get into it like this. I would want to hear what everyone else is hearing.

[@elittercero9898]

You get used to it, but I guess it’s different for everyone

[@bmitchellmusic]

This mix doesn’t account for what you still feel/hear from the stage and the room :)

[@SimpleRanch]

That's so awesome. So glad that God is able to not just work with us in the moment but also in the planning. He never leaves us!

[@MrAndrewpederson]

I MD for most of the bands and churches I play in while drumming. Click\Guides have made my life much easier. LOL Suggestion for Caleb. Run both IEM's in. I saw ambient mics on the stage; push those up to get the room. Friends of mine have hearing loss from years of running one in\one out. Take the time to dial in and pan your ears and it will make a huge difference and save your hearing.

[@virtus12ful]

Caleb sure brought the 80s with that chorus effect and strat to sunday worship!

[@bitznpiecez9747]

Our bass player usually is on the talk back during worship. When he’s not there it’s our keyboard player and I swear he sings the cues to us on beat. It’s pretty funny to hear.

[@JoseMendoza-jg4we]

Yes! Keep doing what you do brother! Ain’t nothing wrong with being organized!!!

[@56davidwright]

Just play the click through front of house so everyone knows whats up.

[@worshiptutorials]

We’ve done that before! (on accident)

[@AlleyhandroeValley]

Ha this made me chuckle “So everyone knows what’s up” lmao

[@justinkelly1981]

Tightens that sloppy congregation clap right up!

[@RinaldoJonathan]

So they can clap on time.

[@PlanusPiano]

@@RinaldoJonathan hahah true

[@lucytan9761]

It remind me, one of my church that I served during my college. Now, I am back from my hometown still continue to serve in worship team. What I found out was, we don't have the ear in monitor plus budget, planning to have this to bless the worship team. Pray that, everyone continue to serve in one heart to glorify Him.

[@musicmanlfp890]

Sounds pretty close to what I'm used to in my in ears too. Incidentally, we just did this song Sunday as well.

[@sergiolopez3965]

I've played guitar in a worship group for more than 10 years, but we recently got a new sound system. The drums are mic'd up, bass, guitar and piano are all finally in front of house. We got in-ears to hear whatever we need. I started using pedals which was much needed. The overall sound changed dramatically for better.

[@JustenHarden]

Epic song! Came from a church that didn’t use tracks and we sure could’ve used them sometimes. Hahaha. Those guitars sound killllerrrr

[@MrBrianscaplen]

Hi, to the community: If you were classically trained as a musician, this is not a far stretch from a traditional conductor, or even a choir director. Much of music expresses deep emotion, and some of the best performances out there are hearts and souls poured out in a performance. Whatever we decide to do as a culture in musical expressions, should always have mind, soul and strength in each worship event. Too heavy on any one of these and we are out of balance, that will be those times when you left saying something was off. You can’t please everyone, so make sure you are pleasing God with all that you do. 39 years of performing live has helped calm my heart, years ago this video might of fired me up, not anymore! Thanks guys for the video! 😎

[@pucksheet4456]

I'm a guitarist in our local church so this is what professional musician be like

[@fredgoh]

Dun think the professional musicians to be managed to this micro level........

[@samuelpaulkeys9357]

Yep, this is how it will be :)

[@OnBendedKneeMusic]

Nah, too contrived and leaves a musician uninspired.

[@frankspikes7858]

Feels very scripted.

[@adamg314]

No its nothing like this. Professional musicians learn the songs and don't need to be directed. We spend time as a band and actually become a tight unit. Sometimes not even click

[@kevinematic]

Thank you for posting this! It's really helpful.

[@premierguitar]

Love the shirt!

[@worshiptutorials]

We love Premiere Guitar!

[@kennewton5877]

Shirt? How did you see that in context to this video.

[@lorenwright85]

I appreciate this so much. To hear the nuances of live playing and how it’s never perfect. Refreshing. Human. Thanks. Great tips here.

[@ParamotorLife]

Wow, that's a lot going on! Seems detracting but you pull it off beautifully. Its cool to see the mistakes and know that no one would ever know unless you point out out. Well done, thanks for sharing! Gives me something to aspire toward as an MD.

[@johnrehbein8077]

It really becomes background and gives freedom to worship. Tracks are easy to change, even on the fly and it frees you from directing the band.

[@MarkHerediaMusic]

His voice is so soothing! The problem with me is that I tend to get excited and sometimes raise my voice...but this is such an amazing example!

[@matthewkraus8939]

"Get ready, let's punch it!" 3:23 I *love* this enthusiasm! For those thinking this is distracting or over-produced, I can testify as an EG player, a good MD keeps the band tight and guides the energy 7:50. Psalm 33:3 teaches us to, "Sing unto Him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise" (KJV). To play "skillfully" is a matter of *excellence* that we bring to our Lord.

[@bmitchellmusic]

Really REALLY appreciate this. Not that we think what we do is the only way or best way. But the amount of people getting pretty much pharisaical on us is hurtful 😕

[@guitarplayerforgod4544]

I play Bass guitar at our Church and the Pastor's wife is our singer and worship leader and she'll give hand signals for verse, bridge, chorus or keep playing what we are currently playing!! Works great!! Blessings!!

[@joelibironke8101]

I love this..... I wish to implement this in my church someday... It's so orderly. I'm a fan of order and I believe God is too❤️

[@mmmmdddd2267]

God IS a God of order. I've been a worship leader for a long time -- be careful. This is very orderly, and gives the impression to the congregation of flexibly following the Spirit while exactly on tempo. It squashes all connection between musicians and congregation, often drowns out the actual music in the Team's ear, they just hear clicks and cues, and it's all extremely performative. God is also creative, and allowing freedom of soul bearing worship is important, so be wary of "ordering" yourself into pre-fab worship.

[@worshiptutorials]

@mmmmdddd2267 are you just responding to everyone you disagree with here as a form of asserting dominance? What you are doing is saying one form of worship is bad and your form is better. There is room for both. And you are also making a lot of assumptions here. There is no squashing of connection. If anything it allows for better connection because the click is helping us all stay together and we are able to separate ourselves from that element and engage with one another more because of it. We aren’t the ones saying your preference is wrong. But you are.

[@mmmmdddd2267]

@@worshiptutorials Im sorry, I should have thought more carefully before replying. I thought I was just sharing an opinion, but I was too assertive. I have no dominance. I'm frustrated with many aspects of modern worship and have virtually no outlets. I should have sought something more positive.

[@DJC955]

This is really cool. I'm used to just jumping on stage with skilled & unskilled musicians and playing. But I can see how necessary this is for big production worship, especially if you're recording the set to listen to and you can't afford to have pointless mistakes from simply forgetting parts.

[@keithconville5460]

I would have loved to hear Bradford's mix as the MD as well since he's directing the whole band. Would be interested to hear the difference between the two mixes. I found it interesting that you had the click but very little drums. Our drummer and I play off each other so much.

[@worshiptutorials]

We tried to get both of our in-ear mixes but we didn't have enough channels free to record them. I actually hear the drums more live on stage (acoustically), so what is in this mix isn't exactly the same as what I actually hear.

[@bmitchellmusic]

Honestly mine weren’t all that different haha I did have more keys tho.

[@larrytrejo1882]

Too much going on it's all distracting. Its distracting just listening to this.

[@bmitchellmusic]

@@larrytrejo1882 and you are entitled to your opinion :)

[@OnBendedKneeMusic]

@@larrytrejo1882 Exactly. How can you worship and be inspired with all that micro management??

[@rockalliance8815]

That was amazing! Pretty cool having a music director. 😎

[@worshiptutorials]

Also - how good is Caleb's setup for this song?! That's how you do it! If you're introducing this one to your church, steal what Caleb said. In Jesus' name! :).

[@Benwenzl]

That dude spoke like he had something to say with confidence in Christ. Cool to see him pastor with a guitar in his hands.

[@bishopcalebvlogs1508]

make a video please on how to set up ang ear monitor

[@larrytrejo1882]

Steal in jesus name?

[@worshiptutorials]

@@larrytrejo1882 It's just a joke - I mean people should feel free to basically copy (steal) what Caleb said in their churches if they want to, because its all to glorify Jesus.

[@larrytrejo1882]

Chill out bro maybe he should have said copy not steal

[@nat2057]

This is actually so smart, no wonder it sounds so good

[@CodyPyper]

Whenever I run camera and see him talking, I always wonder what Brad is actually saying haha. But for real, that was a really cool behind the scenes look at the MD position

[@worshiptutorials]

You should just assume that he’s telling us about what kind of cheeseburger he’s planning to have for lunch 😂 Also - hi Cody! 👋🏻

[@juanvillanueva2848]

@@worshiptutorials when myself or others are MD for the week at our locations, that’s pretty much speaking truth haha.

[@thabodennis]

This is a very organised and beautiful co-ordination... the skill the listen and act swiftly and accordingly... great team work gguys

[@ludlow555]

If any of our MDs talked this much I’d rip my in-ears out.

[@bmitchellmusic]

You’d love it.

[@kaleym1040]

I’m a drummer for my church, I love it. It helps staying on time and what comes next-it’s never messed me up or affected me personally!

[@OnBendedKneeMusic]

@@kaleym1040 How about having weekly rehearsals and actually learning the song as a band?

[@kaleym1040]

@@OnBendedKneeMusic yes that would be nice but I’m assuming other churches do this aswell, our YTH starts at 630 so all the musicians come in at 5 to practice, it’s plenty enough time considering all the musicians are expected to learn their music as a responsibility of being on the team, practice before hand is just another thing that helps

[@realjonathankim]

@@OnBendedKneeMusic Bro having an MD doesn't mean they don't practice. I don't think you understand what the role of the MD is buddy.

[@ColeDavilaWorship]

I’ve played places where we don’t have any clicks or cues, I’ve played where the cues are built in to the track so there is no room for error. This is my favorite style of you have a team who’s all on board and who can adjust very easily. This is my favorite way of running in war mixes

[@thedunzshaxie2903]

How i missed this. Its like a battle ground you're wating your chief commander (md's) to command. When he says run,run when he says attack we attack. All the emotions all the intense all the joyfullness all are mix up togather to bring down God's presence/atmosphere of worship and his kingdom down.

[@caitlynmcox]

The beat at our church is more like a knock, but the rest is very accurate! This is so cool, because when your on stage all you can hear is the click, and so hearing both at the same time is pretty cool.

[@malachiskelly]

That transition at the end was good!

[@thesundreamers8423]

Thank you for this video. It perfectly highlights why after 20 years of being a contemporary worship drummer, I quit and went back to traditional worship services. I wish I could show everyone this video who has asked me why I made this peculiar choice that's seems so strange to them.

[@samuelelgueta3973]

the biggest surprise was that instead of calling numbers you are calling the actual chords

[@bmitchellmusic]

I did both ha some people don’t know numbers super well so I do both to do some immersion therapy 😂

[@jessemathews5502]

I appreciate that, though I'd be chuckling everytime you say "yeahhhh"

[@bmitchellmusic]

@@jessemathews5502 it seems weird here. But live it makes things feel more human and not as robotic. It’s more my style to be laid back too :)

[@Roddo731]

Clearly don’t know the Nashville system....so much easier

[@bmitchellmusic]

@@Roddo731 actually was doing both numbers and chords here.

[@jonpoon3896]

MD’s voice is so soothing

[@GregSummersMusic]

It's all fun and games until something happens and the track queues come through the mains unexpectedly. We've had the PRIME app suddenly do this to us 2 weeks in a row. I'm guessing the congregation somehow is reminded of the "Milli Vanilli" incident

[@worshiptutorials]

Oh no! We've had that happen before but always due to user error - never because the software did it on its own.

[@GregSummersMusic]

@@worshiptutorials well...they dont really know. We just know it only happened in one of the services and didnt happen in the previous one so they can't figure it out so we are blaming software lol

[@worshiptutorials]

😂

[@jayl5941]

If you know the songs you don't need the directions and then no worries on Milli Vanilli incidents.

[@GregSummersMusic]

@@jayl5941 yea personally I have queues turned down pretty low but for weekend warrior folks and especially singers coming and going, it really helps them.

[@RyanUybengkee]

i was a drummer back in '89 to early 2000s. All i had were floor monitors and hand signals. We played at many venues, different numbers (from 30 to 800 attendees), different church services (youth, young adult, sunday, Bilingual, outreach, evangelistic outreaches, and home set ups) and that worked for us. Trusting in IEMs requires a lot of preparation. I loved the old school style where you came in, Prayed, played, and listened and looked at each of the members of the team. It was all feel. It was all chemistry. Listening to your instrument and listening to your team mates and the worship leader. But most of all, it was about feel. We may have had a planned set list, but sometimes when the worship takes over, we would play for 2 to 4 hours straight. I can't imagine Heaven with IEMs. That's just me of course. It's all feel.

[@allghilliedup21]

A bassist leading the behind the scenes worship?? What era is this?!?! Loving it!!

[@mushrm.studios]

A while ago our new worship leader brought in clicks and tracks. It was a long time before I got used to them, but I love them now. It has made worship so much more of fun experience (for me anyway). If you go off on a spontaneous moment most of the time it is easy to get off tempo the click has help me greatly in that respect. I used to have panic attacks from nerves before going onstage because there was nothing to fall back into, when you messed up you messed up big. Having the clicks has made me so much more comfortable on stage. I play rhythm acoustic and it is just so nice to have the click to fall back into. Before the click I would follow the drums, but they weren't reliable 100% It makes it a lovely experience to bring your best to God and to make the worship not distracting to the congregation.

[@Eric-dd8bk]

Awesom. I wish my church had such system. All I hear during worship is the drums and the singers. lol Best recipe for getting crapped on by a keyboardist for not matching the following spontaneous chord voicing changes or lines.

[@mondayworship390]

Someone loves that cowbell 😂

[@worshiptutorials]

I’m tellin’ ya FELLA’s. You’re gonna want more of that cowbell!

[@tylerfred7514]

@@worshiptutorials I prefer wood block , but yes, you are going to want that lol

[@frankspikes7858]

Oh the click track.... not my cup of tea. Gave me a mild headache after a few measures.

[@joseisrael8988]

needs more cowbell, not enough yet

[@djabroni_brochacho4644]

MORE

[@dochort21]

That’s absolutely amazing. A wonderful team! God bless!

[@treeee7936]

In our church, the worship leader gives us hand signals

[@FaithPalcon]

same

[@FennecFoxMedia]

As an MD on my church's worship team, you might be interested to know that we use hand signals too! The platform is pretty wide and musicians on the sides--especially the front row--would have a hard time catching all of the hand signals from the worship leader, so instead, the worship leader gives hand signals to me (MD) which I then communicate to the rest of the team. That way, the rest of the team doesn't have to divert their attention away from the congregation or their instrument. Even more importantly, the MD mic goes to the lighting, sound, and camera team so that they can be on top of last minute changes too. There's no way they would catch all of the worship leader's hand signals. There's nothing wrong with leading worship without an MD. It's just that it's just another tool to help create a distraction free environment for the congregation :)

[@rahasia877]

me too, in Indonesia

[@marcelaalvarenga3315]

Yes!

[@HapitNaJod]

same

[@struong57]

Glad to see that I’m not the only one who makes mistakes when I play with the worship team on Sundays. 😊

[@dingusmoped]

I would transfer the click track to just a live cowbell. After all, never enough cowbell.

[@ianbfitzgerald]

Wow, awesome insight into what its like to be in your shoes on stage. Thanks heaps for sharing 👍

[@crackdog45]

For those comments about too rigid, too structured, etc, you are doing the same thing with visual cues. A lot easier to give and receive cues when you aren't constantly having to watch someone which can take your focus away. Second, about those that say this doesn't leave room for the Holy Spirit, read in the Bible and study how worship was done in the Temple and Tabernacle when the Levites and Priests were literally in the visible presence (in the case of the Tabernacle especially, as much as one can be) of God. It was very orderly and structured. You couldn't just do what you wanted at any time. Also, worship isn't singing, it's literally getting on your face before the Most High and how we live our lives in obedience and reverence of Him through our Messiah everyday! This is corporate prayer and praise, getting into His presence. Let's see a bit more unity, understanding, and wisdom and stop all this "my way is better than yours" garbage please. Let's grow up in the image of Messiah and love one another.

[@KennethL1022]

Perfectly said Brother 🙌

[@bananabreadtan4124]

Amen brother 🙌🏿

[@JesusIsComing1111]

Very well said. Amen

[@bmitchellmusic]

Man. I’m gonna a be honest - some of you are saying some really judgemental and hurtful things. And it sucks to hear that about a gift we/I are/am offering the Lord. The irony. Our channel’s mission statement is that people would have excellent and authentic worship in their churches. We haven’t lost site of that. All of this is done to that end. We aren’t saying this is the only way to lead worship. It’s how *we* do it. And, furthermore, you are only seeing/hearing one song. We are on the same team. Let’s encourage one another in their ministries. Or at least not be buttholes to others and how they serve :)

[@worshiptutorials]

You should see all the comments I’ve deleted... 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@jholmgren5]

Yes!! Just because some churches don’t have a click and monitor wedges, or others have an MD, tracks, a click, etc (I’m the TD at our church, and we started with the former 14 years ago, now we have the latter), doesn’t mean God can’t move and bring people into the Kingdom! I’ve seen people give their lives to Jesus at a church with none of that production, and I’ve seen people come to Jesus at our church, yours, and many others with higher production value. From a TD perspective, I LOVE having all that production, because it keeps everything rolling during a service, and then some. As a musician, I thought it would confuse me, but the first time I played with all that going on in my ears, it just melts into the background, and gave me more confidence, which then allowed me to worship more freely, not dwelling as much on the music, but the worship. We are the Church, and I feel like so many people forget that. And I give major props to all the MD’s out there!

[@frankspikes7858]

Hey Brad not trying to be a buttmunch, but when I see these types of videos I think it's overkill on the production, and very scripted. I grew up in church and have played with some great choirs and worship teams. Truly the spirit of the lord can move anywhere. Having gone to a mega church for a few years it felt more like a show/concert and not a church service. Just my humble thoughts and experiences. Be blessed.

[@JGort]

@@frankspikes7858 Would love to see your biblical support for how a well planned experience with great production creates less of a connection to God or in some way dissatisfies God or delegitimizes our worship? Spontaneity and your view of "overkill on the production" has nothing to do with connection to Jesus Christ and providing an atmosphere to worship.

[@frankspikes7858]

@@JGort Are you having a worship service or shooting a movie? The best worship experiences I've had was an unscripted service. There is an order to everything. God is a god of order true. But when I see videos like this, and visit some churches that do the same thing it restricts the holy spirit to a script. Anybody can Meet God anywhere as long as the heart and mind is ready to accept truth of the gospel. I remember doing street ministry. It was me on drums, and a brother on acoustic guitar. No p a system. People walked by, stopped and started asking my pastor questions. I came up at a time before sound shields, everyone had an amp on stage, and no direct boxes or in ears.

[@brad8710]

Bro! Caleb! What you thought was a mistake at the end of the lead line was actually super dope! Sometimes it sounds sick when to slowly bend into it a tad bit late haha 😎 you’re killing it dude.

[@justinfry6153]

This is just my observation: Drummer behind a plexiglass cage, a click track, someone in your ear telling you verse bridge chorus ... Then you have everyone going direct into the mixer and getting “in ear monitors”. Not a single amp on stage and no monitors. This might not be for everyone but I applaud the efforts. God bless your ministry

[@bmitchellmusic]

I assure you it’s with a ton of intentionality. Appreciate that, my friend.

[@kaleym1040]

My church does this aswell, I’m a drummer at mine. We do this same thing. Makes things a whole lot easier

[@justinfry6153]

@@kaleym1040 Gone are the days when you had to practice and learn to blend with the rest of the musicians and singers. Back in my day we had to practice for hours and days to get everything right. Now, it’s like having a choir just sing as loud or soft as they wanted, putting them behind a wall and fixing it in the mix. But believe me I understand. I use to work running sound in a casino back in the late 90s. We were one of the first to make all the bands go through the mixer and we used VDrums. For me it is so unnatural and I never thought the church would do it but I agree it’s much easier. If it helps the word of God go forward I’m all for it.

[@kaleym1040]

@@justinfry6153 yeah I agree too! I play on Sunday’s aswell and for the specific service I’ve been doing there is no click track or voice/track telling us what comes next so you just have to go with it, everyone is different and I get what you’re saying- me as a perfectionist I practice for hours on my own too trying to perfect it for Wednesday youth services even if a few people don’t notice, but yes I 100% get what you mean

[@justinfry6153]

@@kaleym1040 God not only see’s our efforts but he rewards us. He gave you those talents. Keep practicing, push yourself and God will open new doors for you

[@Decati132]

Can I just point out that the mistake you made during the bridge transition was actually really nice and tbh I actually can't unhear it when I play/listen to the song because it's so awesome.

[@AmbroseLiu]

For those who think the Holy Spirit can't move because they're using tracks and an MD, you may want to check yourself and wonder if your view of God is too small. Also, it doesn't have to be excellence or worship. It can be both.

[@amielterence]

👌👌 exactly. Worship and quality of music are not mutually exclusive

[@vanheath5382]

The question is whether it’s Leading Worship or Performing. There are many many Worship Leaders that don’t lead, but rather perform on Sunday mornings. A worship teams job is to play and sing in a predictable way so that people can sing along or meditate on the Lord and be one in spirit. When worship teams change arrangements, go off in ad-libs or solo it distracts from the heart of worship and focus is taken away from God and placed on the performance. You are correct that it can be excellence and worship at the same time. But it should never be a performance during worship

[@candersonll]

The presentation of the song can always contain the Holy Spirit even secular songs no doubt! This worship teams preparation to play is the same as any other worship teams… learn and arrange the song. The only difference is the actual presentation in where one type of worship band hears the spirit filled song along with the congregation the other is listening to someone talking and a horrible clicking sound to keep everyone on time. But maybe if the musicians require this than sweet. I couldn’t play in this band though personally because hearing and singing along with the congregation while I’m playing which is big tie of community that I do not want to miss out on. I’m more concerned about the worship teams ability to worship in what is a huge part of community and the church which is corporate praise. The congregations experience is worship with you, the band. but as member of this team I’m not sure you could experience this important part of life while this talking and clicking is happening at least I don’t think I could

[@onfire4Jesus2]

The Holy Spirit can most certainly move! God has no limits!

[@catherinegrace2366]

Agree. That’s crazy to think Holy Spirit says oh hey! They’re using that annoying clicker thing. 😁 People are worshipping God. That’s the point and I know bands use this and Holy Spirit shows up beautifully. If it’s good enough for Him? It’s good.

[@TheShyMusician]

That was very interesting! I never knew that's what people using these in-ear monitors hear. I was suspecting that there could be a metronome but I never thought there's also someone guiding. Cool stuff!

[@nathanmontgomery5535]

I feel like we need a little more COWBELL

[@andrewwadey8718]

This guy knows what's up! 😂

[@LettheRiverflow]

If Bruce Dickinson is our worship director, then I think we need to give him more cowbell!!

[@MegaDoug]

Don’t fear the reaper! 😉

[@IsimplyWill]

This is fascinating. I grew up playing in churches small enough to fit in a trailer. Just a 3-piece set with washboards, tambourines, harmonicas, and a good ol stompnclap. So yeah, there were no clicks, monitors, MD's or even hand signals. Someone started singing and you jumped in. If one of the musicians starts feeling it, you play along. Totally organic jam.

[@JoeRoganPodcastirl]

I thought this was just going to be a click track and the pastor saying “turn it down, The Wiliams are going to complain again!”

[@josh_nj]

I like how this keeps everyone in tune. We definitely need this in some churches😂😅 but would still need some time to get used to

[@xiv_tm431]

Playing in smaller youth worship groups I've always just used nods and mouthing words to everyone else to communicate but this definitely helps production value for such a large church

[@EmunStudio]

New respect for the work behind the scenes.

[@SocialAutism]

I've played at some of the largest churches in my state using only physical cues and chemistry. This is foreign to me.

[@theS4V0Y]

This is good for people to hear. Nothing prepares you for the sounds of in ears. Totally different world… But it is so much better than wedges. Great MD, too.

[@BLINK-kh1ht]

Your videos are very helpful 😄

[@worshiptutorials]

Thanks!

[@andrewgoulson]

I couldn't imagine playing live with that little amount of vocals in my ears. Good on you kid. haha

[@worshiptutorials]

Kid? I'm in my 40's. But if that's how you talk to adults, then more power to you 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@moufuzz2759]

Bruh wut?

[@moufuzz2759]

@@worshiptutorials to a 60 year old you might seem very young

[@worshiptutorials]

Well I would assume a 60 year old would have enough wisdom and maturity to not condescendingly say ‘Good on you, kid’ to another grown man. But maturity and wisdom seem to be in short supply these days.

[@moufuzz2759]

@@worshiptutorials why the passive aggression dude?

[@Freakingbad89]

How do you even focus on worshiping with all this stuff in your ears..i mean i'm all for being organized but at this point we'll end up being invested in just the music but not the object of our worship.

[@japhetruatfela5894]

Yeah exactly

[@worshiptutorials]

Once you get used to it the click and everything kind of fades into the background. Losing focus of the object of our worship is a heart issue and has little to do with the kinds of technologies that we use to create music.

[@viktor4174]

I think you can focus more on worshipping if you don't have to remember if you are supposed to play the tag again there or repeat that chorus here. And in this case, where they don't seem to have any chords or sheet music on stage, the guide in your ear is extra helpful.

[@JonathanGrahamVideo]

I would argue that doing the music with excellence is part of the worship bands’ job to guide the congregation into a more worshipful experience, which sometimes means the worship band might have to sacrifice some of what personally brings them more into worship. That’s why they are a “worship leader” not just a “worshiper.” It’s not really about what the band wants, but more about them helping guide the crowd into worship. If they were just focused on worshipping and not leading, they wouldn’t be on the stage, they would be in the crowd because that’s an intimate moment. But worship leading on the other hand is a public service. I think a lot of Christians don’t make that distinction between the two.

[@barisax96]

@@JonathanGrahamVideo yes doing music with excellence is important, everyone should be practicing, and learning their instrument and improving all the time. Personally I have played music from 3rd grade and have been through the military school of music and I can tell you I have never played with a click track. a good drummer will drive the band, and if you have a bad drummer the bass will help them out. but if I am leading worship and don't enter into worship myself. where am I leading others to? they are following me, so if I don't go there neither will they. the time to work on perfection is in the practice sessions and rehearsals. once you are playing for God, you let that go and focus on him and present him everything you worked on, enter into praise and worship and bring your congregation with you. I would much rather musicians that made a couple mistakes but truly had their hearts on God then the absolutely greatest polished performance ever.