Teel Merrick found his way into worship leading because his youth pastor left him no choice. Fast forward to today — he’s the guy helping worship leaders and volunteers stop drowning in Planning Center so they can actually get to Thursday with margin left.

In this conversation Teel and I talk about:

• How God opened a door through a failed theme park purchase (yes, really)
• Why practical content beats inspirational content every time
• Periscope learning — his framework for getting better at skills without burning out
• AI in worship ministry — where it helps and where it can’t replace you
• Why less is the future of worship music
• Preferences vs. values — and why mixing them up will get you in trouble fast
• The insane volume of worship music being released and what it’s doing to local churches

Teel runs Worship Admin on Instagram and is one of those rare voices that’s just trying to help — no fluff, no paywall, just practical stuff you can use this week.

Follow Teel on Instagram

Worship Admin Spotify Playlist

Join the Called To Music Community

This week three songs showed up in the same day. Three very different experiences with AI music. And together they told a story I wasn't expecting.

One made me wish I hadn't heard it because it was so good and so fast. One made me ask what we're even doing this for. And one reminded me exactly what this calling is all about.

In this episode I process honestly what I think AI music tools like Suno can and can't do for us as faith based creatives. Not anti AI. Pro calling.

Because God didn't call us to a perfect finished product. He called us to a life of making music for our Creator.

Come join the Called to Music community on Facebook: HERE  

What if the pressure to sound like the biggest worship churches in the world is actually working against your congregation?

In this episode I sit down with Kelsey McGinnis, writer for Christianity Today, professor at Grand View University, and musicologist who studies worship culture from a genuinely unique outside perspective. We talk about the history of worship music, why we're all a little timestamped by the music that first moved us, the real cost of chasing excellence over obedience, and why writing songs for your own church might be one of the most powerful things you can do.

This one is full of honest conversation and real hope for anyone who leads music in the church.

Called to Music. For everyone God called to music.

Join the Called to Music community on Facebook: 

Have you ever felt called to more than one thing in music and had no idea what to do with it?

Me too. Let's talk about it.

This is the first episode of Called to Music and honestly it might be the most vulnerable thing I've ever recorded. I talk about a season of pulling back, what God showed me in the quiet, and why I believe the pruning seasons in our lives aren't meant to stop us. They're meant to help us grow the way He actually intended.

If you've ever felt the pressure to pick one lane, wondered if anyone would notice if you just stopped, or found yourself carrying more than you know how to hold, this one's for you.

Welcome to Called to Music. For everyone God called to music.

👥 Come join the Called to Music community on Facebook where worship leaders, songwriters, producers and indie artists go to find their people:

Join Here

In this episode of the CIAS Podcast, I sit down with worship leader and songwriter Charlie Hall.

Charlie has been writing worship songs for over 35 years, starting at age 17 when he first found God. He shares how his music has always reflected the rawness of his journey, through depression, aggression, and sin, and how he’s stayed connected to his local church community throughout.

We dive into his time with 6 Step Records, writing for Passion, and the heart of worship leadership. Charlie also opens up about the power of patience and joy in the in-between moments of life.

This one is truly inspiring and I pray that God speaks to you through it as the did to me.

To connect with Charlie Hall:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/charliehallband/

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&feature=youtu.be&v=2q9fyoJ5fRM&src=Linkfire&lId=28579758-aa8e-4604-9102-38c90095d96b&cId=d3d58fd7-4c47-11e6-9fd0-066c3e7a8751

Frontline Music on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2uxYp5lsPE9t297UIoxAJz?si=ZxPudrpDRAGSXPtRC2N0NQ

In this video, I’m breaking down some of my favorite chord shapes for worship—G, C, D, and a few others that really help fill out your sound. 

These shapes make it super easy to transition between chords and keep things smooth during worship. Whether you’re leading in a small group or on a bigger stage, these will definitely help you out!

Make sure to hit like, subscribe, and join my Facebook group for Christian Indie Artists, Songwriters and Worship Leaders—it’s a great place to connect with others and share your journey.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/684796875715831

And if you haven’t already, grab my free Nashville Numbers Chart to help you level up your worship playing!
https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/nns

In this episode, I’ll show you the 3 best chord shapes for leading worship on acoustic guitar—G, C, and D. 

These simple shapes will help you make smooth transitions between songs, free you from technical distractions, and allow you to focus on worshiping. 

I’ll also share tips on using a capo to compliment different keys and how growing as a musician can enhance your worship leading. 

Whether you’re playing behind the pastor or transitioning between songs, these shapes are a game changer! Grab your guitar, play along, and see the difference it makes.

👉 Join our Facebook Group for Christian Indie Artists & Songwriters: https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwriters

🎶 Grab your free Nashville Number System Chart: 
https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/nns

In this episode, I share 5 actionable ways to break through creative blocks and find fresh inspiration in your worship songwriting.

From changing your environment, to drawing from Scripture, and collaborating with others, these some of the things I talk about that will help you write songs that glorify God and resonate with your congregation.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments!

Join the Christian Indie Artists & Songwriters Facebook group for support and encouragement on your songwriting journey:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwriters

🎵 Download my free Nashville Numbers System chart to help with your songwriting here:
https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/nns

 

Do you ever feel short on time but still want your worship songs to resonate deeply with your congregation? In this episode, I’m sharing 5 quick yet powerful tips to make every writing session count. 

By the end of this episode, you’ll have key essentials to create impactful, spirit-filled worship songs that truly connect with your audience.

🔗 Free Resource: Want to take your songwriting to the next level? Grab your free Nashville Numbers System chart here — https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/nns it’s one of the best tools in a worship songwriter’s toolkit.

🎶 If you’re looking to build your community and find encouragement on your worship songwriting journey, join the Christian Indie Artists and Songwriters Facebook Group.  Let’s connect and grow together!

Join the CIAS Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwriters

In this episode, I sit down with Jake Gosselin, founder of Churchfront, to hear about his incredible journey from playing bass in a high school band, to leading worship, and eventually becoming a successful entrepreneur. 

Jake shares how he navigated the world of worship leading, pursued music as a career, and even went to seminary with dreams of pastoral ministry. But his story didn’t stop there, Jake leaned into the entrepreneurial world to solve problems he faced early on, and it’s led him to amazing opportunities.

We discuss how hard work and dedication open doors, the importance of character and integrity, and Jake’s belief in YouTube as the king of content. He also offers insights into balancing creative pursuits with building systems that maximize your energy and help you achieve your goals.

If you’re passionate about worship, content creation, or simply looking to take your next step, this episode is packed with valuable tips and inspiration.

Don’t miss Jake’s advice on the importance of focusing on what’s within your control and his breakdown of Alex Hormozi’s content strategy:

1.Do cool stuff.

2.Show people how you did it.

Website: https://churchfront.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchfront

Check out the Churchfront Conference for more resources to elevate your worship ministry: www.churchfront.com/conference.