The Church Sound Podcast

07/10/2025

Using AI for sermon preparation

07/10/2025

In part 3 of this AI series on The Church Sound Podcast, host Prentiss L. Thompson takes a deeper dive into how Artificial Intelligence is transforming one of the most sacred tasks in ministry — sermon preparation. Prentiss explores how pastors, teachers, and ministry communicators can harness the power of AI not as a replacement for revelation, but as a refinement tool that enhances the creative and spiritual process of crafting a message from the heart of God.

Through real-life examples and transparent storytelling, Prentiss unpacks how AI can help streamline the research process, organize ideas, cross-reference scripture, and even generate visual aids that strengthen your delivery. But the real conversation centers around balance — how to maintain spiritual integrity in a digital age where convenience can sometimes overshadow connection.

In part 3 of this AI series on The Church Sound Podcast, host Prentiss L. Thompson takes a deeper dive into how Artificial Intelligence is transforming one of the most sacred tasks in ministry — sermon preparation. Prentiss explores how pastors, teachers, and ministry communicators can harness...

01/10/2025

In Part Two of our six-part series, Understanding AI and Its Role in Ministry, host Prentiss L. Thompson explores how artificial intelligence is changing the way churches approach worship presentations. From the opening moments of service to the final benediction, technology has always been a tool to help tell the story of God, and now AI offers new ways to bring that story to life.

In Part Two of our six-part series, Understanding AI and Its Role in Ministry, host Prentiss L. Thompson explores how artificial intelligence is changing the way churches approach worship presentations. From the opening moments of service to the final benediction, technology has always been a...

23/09/2025

In this episode of The Church Sound Podcast, host Prentiss L. Thompson takes a thoughtful dive into one of the most talked-about topics today: Artificial Intelligence (AI). What exactly is AI, and why should ministries care about it? More importantly, how can churches use this powerful technology responsibly to serve people, spread the gospel, and strengthen community connections?

Prentiss unpacks the basics of AI in plain language, cutting through the confusion to show how it’s already shaping the tools we use every day—social media platforms, streaming services, worship planning software, and even audio and video production. He also explores the opportunities and challenges AI presents in ministry, from enhancing outreach and engagement to the ethical questions we must prayerfully consider.

In this episode of The Church Sound Podcast, host Prentiss L. Thompson takes a thoughtful dive into one of the most talked-about topics today: Artificial Intelligence (AI). What exactly is AI, and why should ministries care about it? More importantly, how can churches use this powerful technology...

16/09/2025

In this episode of The Church Sound Podcast, host Prentiss L. Thompson, along with guest Stephen Bent, tackles an often-overlooked challenge in church audio ministry—serving in worship environments outside of your familiar cultural or ethnic tradition. For audio engineers, it’s not just about faders and frequencies; it’s about understanding the heartbeat of the congregation, the unique flow of worship, and the cultural nuances that shape how sound supports the moment.

Prentiss explores what it means to adapt when mixing in settings that may look and sound very different from what you know. From gospel-infused worship to liturgical traditions, from Latin praise services to contemporary worship spaces, cultural context can dramatically change how audio is experienced. He shares stories, insights, and practical wisdom for engineers learning to honor these differences while still pursuing excellence in sound.

In this episode of The Church Sound Podcast, host Prentiss L. Thompson, along with guest Stephen Bent, tackles an often-overlooked challenge in church audio ministry—serving in worship environments outside of your familiar cultural or ethnic tradition. For audio engineers, it’s not just about...

09/09/2025

In this episode of The Church Sound Podcast, host Prentiss L. Thompson sits down with audio engineer Preston Russ to unpack one of the trickiest elements in live church sound—mixing guitars. From electric to acoustic, guitars can easily dominate or get lost in the mix if not handled with intention.
Prentiss and Preston break down practical strategies for shaping guitar tone in a worship setting, balancing the band with the vocalists, and creating a clear, powerful sound that supports—not distracts—the congregation’s worship experience. Along the way, they share real-world stories from ministry settings, tips for working with volunteer teams, and insights on gear, EQ, and stage volume that every church tech team can apply right away.

In this episode of The Church Sound Podcast, host Prentiss L. Thompson sits down with audio engineer Preston Russ to unpack one of the trickiest elements in live church sound—mixing guitars. From electric to acoustic, guitars can easily dominate or get lost in the mix if not handled with...

03/09/2025

As a content creator, your voice is your main instrument—and the microphone you choose can make or break how your audience receives your message. Not all microphones are created equal, and what works for one creator may not be the best fit for another. In this discussion, we’re exploring microphone comparisons specifically designed for content creators, podcasters, streamers, and online

As a content creator, your voice is your main instrument—and the microphone you choose can make or break how your audience receives your message. Not all microphones are created equal, and what works for one creator may not be the best fit for another. In this discussion, we’re exploring...

15/08/2025

On my One Two

25/07/2025

In this special episode of The Church Sound Podcast, host Prentiss L. Thompson welcomes Gordon Daily, CEO and co-founder of BoxCast, to introduce their latest innovation—Remote Mix. This powerful new tool promises to change the game for churches by enabling remote audio mixing for live streams with ease and precision.

As churches continue to adapt and expand their digital reach, the demand for reliable, high-quality audio solutions has never been greater. Remote Mix addresses this need by offering church tech teams the ability to mix sound from virtually anywhere

In this special episode of The Church Sound Podcast, host Prentiss L. Thompson welcomes Gordon Daily, CEO and co-founder of BoxCast, to introduce their lates...

22/07/2025

What separates a good worship moment from a powerful, Spirit-led experience? In this impactful episode of The Church Sound Podcast, host and audio veteran Prentiss L. Thompson shares the Top 3 Tips every praise and worship singer should know to serve more effectively—from the stage to the sound booth.
Drawing from years of working behind the board and collaborating with worship teams across denominations and styles, Prentiss reveals the often-overlooked habits that build trust with your audio team, enhance vocal presence, and eliminate the friction that can derail an otherwise powerful worship experience.

What separates a good worship moment from a powerful, Spirit-led experience? In this impactful episode of The Church Sound Podcast, host and audio veteran Prentiss L. Thompson shares the Top 3 Tips every praise and worship singer should know to serve more effectively—from the stage to the sound...

10/07/2025

In this essential episode of The Church Sound Podcast, host Prentiss L. Thompson unpacks one of the most overlooked aspects of church tech training—learning the language of an audio engineer. If you’re building a volunteer-based sound team, communication breakdowns can easily derail your service quality. That’s why developing a shared vocabulary is critical—not just for mixing and running gear, but for fostering unity, clarity, and professionalism.

Prentiss explores how terms like EQ, gain staging, compression, signal flow, feedback loops, and “flattening the board” aren't just technical jargon—they’re the core of a smooth-running sound ministry. You'll learn how to translate industry terms for volunteers with little or no experience, and how to create a training culture that empowers team members instead of overwhelming them.
Whether you’re onboarding teens, retirees, or curious congregants, this episode gives you tools to create confident communicators and competent engineers behind the board. You’ll also hear real-life examples, training tips, and how adopting this “language” boosts not only your tech output but the spiritual atmosphere in the room.

In this essential episode of The Church Sound Podcast, host Prentiss L. Thompson unpacks one of the most overlooked aspects of church tech training—learning the language of an audio engineer. If you’re building a volunteer-based sound team, communication breakdowns can easily derail your service...

10/07/2025

In this eye-opening episode of The Church Sound Podcast, host Prentiss L. Thompson tackles a hard truth in ministry: the disconnect between expectation and preparation. Many churches desire broadcast-quality sound and visual excellence but fall short in equipping their teams with the training and tools needed to deliver it. Prentiss unpacks the cultural pressures, the silent assumptions, and the behind-the-scenes frustrations that volunteer tech teams often face when expected to “just make it happen.”
Drawing from real-life scenarios, he explores how setting unrealistic standards without proper investment in knowledge or gear not only burns out volunteers, but also undermines the mission of excellence in ministry. Through insight, encouragement, and practical solutions, Prentiss offers a path toward growth, clarity, and grace—for both leadership and the people behind the board.
This episode is a must-listen for pastors, church leaders, and AV teams navigating the intersection of vision, reality, and service.

In this eye-opening episode of The Church Sound Podcast, host Prentiss L. Thompson tackles a hard truth in ministry: the disconnect between expectation and preparation. Many churches desire broadcast-quality sound and visual excellence but fall short in equipping their teams with the training and...