The Monochrome

In this episode, Dr. Andrew Johnston joins the conversation to unpack one of the most pressure-filled responsibilities of leadership: hiring. He challenges leaders with a simple but powerful principle, "Prefer the pain of an open position to the pain of a bad hire."

When teams are stretched thin, it's tempting to move quickly and fill a role just to relieve the pressure. But rushing the process often leads to long-term cultural, relational, and performance costs that far outweigh the short-term discomfort of waiting.

This conversation explores why hiring is one of the most consequential decisions a leader makes, how urgency can cloud discernment, and what it looks like to lead with patience and conviction. If you're building a team, feeling the strain of an open role, or trying to protect the health of your organization, this episode offers grounded, practical wisdom to help you hire well... and lead better.

Discussing the data of bias, speed, and human involvement:

• Pew

• SHRM

• Forbes

• PSG research

Real World Stories:

1. Sirius XM AI lawsuit

2. San Francisco tech startup AI lawsuit

AI Tools

1. HireVue - hirevue.com

   • AI-assisted resume screening and structured assessments.

2. Greenhouse - greenhouse.com

   • ATS (applicant tracking system) with automation rules and structured hiring workflows.

3. Textio - textio.com

   • Helps write inclusive job descriptions and communication.

4. Calendly - Calendly.com or GoodTime - goodtime.io

   • Designed for assistance with scheduling

JOIN THE COMMUNITY → http://SALTCommunity.com

SALT 2026 → https://www.salt2026.com

Instagram: @salt_community

Facebook: facebook.com/theSALTCommunity

X: @SALT_Community

YouTube: youtube.com/@SALTCommunity_

Training for creative teams is hard, but it doesn't have to be.

In this episode, we talk about the next chapter for SALT Community and why it will be a game-changer for you and your team.

Luke shares the origin story of SALT—not as a conference, but as a conviction about creativity, formation, and the role of art, media, and technology in the local church. From a late-night moment of clarity to years of leading teams, this conversation reframes why so many churches struggle to turn vision into sustained growth.

You'll discover:

• What SALT Community has been working on over the past year, and how it can reshape your team's growth

• How this tool makes training easier and faster for your creative and techinal ministry teams

• How SALT Community can help you say, "I've found my people." Let's get you connected with others who do what you do to make Sunday happen each week.

If you've ever felt the tension between excellence and encounter… If you've wondered why momentum fades after a great conference… If you're responsible for forming creatives, technicians, or leaders in the church...

This episode will help you rethink what real training actually requires.

Ready to dive in? Check out saltcommunity.com

SALT 2026 → https://www.salt2026.com

Instagram: @salt_community

Facebook: facebook.com/theSALTCommunity

Twitter: @SALT_Community

YouTube: youtube.com/@SALTNashville

In this special episode of The Monochrome Podcast, Katelyn, Luke, and JoeAngel pull back the curtain on SALT 2025. From this year's theme to behind-the-scenes planning, they'll walk you through what to expect, how to prepare, and a few insider details to make your experience unforgettable.

If you're joining us in Nashville (or online), this is the must-listen guide to get the most out of your time at SALT 2025.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY → http://SALTCommunity.com/join

SALT 2025 → https://www.salt2025.com

Instagram: @salt_community

Facebook: facebook.com/theSALTCommunity

Twitter: @SALT_Community

YouTube: youtube.com/@SALTNashville

In this Bonus Episode of The Monochrome Podcast, we're diving into the wild world of church construction, tariffs, budgets, and making the most of unexpected challenges.

Luke is joined by Zach Carringer and Josh Auman, leaders with deep experience in church systems design, to talk about how to plan when prices change overnight, what teams often overlook, and why relational trust is more important than ever during a building project.

If your church is dreaming, designing, or knee-deep in a facility project, this episode is loaded with wisdom you can't afford to miss.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY → http://SALTCommunity.com/join

SALT 2025 → https://www.salt2025.com

Instagram: @salt_community

Facebook: facebook.com/theSALTCommunity

X (Twitter): @SALT_Community

YouTube: youtube.com/@SALTNashville

For our Season 2 Finale, we're joined by Troy A. Miller, President & CEO of NRB and NRBTV, for a timely conversation on the future of Christian media.

Troy unpacks insights from the latest Barna + NRB study and shares what's shifting in the Christian communications landscape from how Americans engage with faith-based content to why Christian media is more trusted than ever.

Plus, the Monochrome team reflects on favorite moments from the season and what's ahead for Season 3.

📥 Fill out our [https://forms.gle/d2zyeFLJFYgEdSQ5A] to win SALT swag and help shape Season 3!

🎧 Read the articles discussed:

• Most Americans Engage with Christian Media (https://nrb.org/most-americans-engage-with-christian-media-nrb-and-barna-report/)
• Christian Media Reaches Younger, Spiritually Committed Audiences (https://nrb.org/christian-media-reaches-digitally-engaged-spiritually-committed-younger-demographic/)
• Most Americans Trust Christian Media (https://nrb.org/most-americans-trust-christian-media-nrb-and-barna-study-finds/)
• Motivators & Benefits of Christian Media (https://nrb.org/not-just-an-alternative-new-data-reveals-motivators-benefits-of-christian-media/)
• Christian Media & the 2024 Election (https://nrb.org/christian-media-leaders-had-notable-role-in-shaping-2024-presidential-election-barna-reveals/)

🎙️ Thank you, Troy, for joining us and sharing your vision for Christian media.

To learn more about NRb visit, https://nrb.org/

⛳️ Big Thanks to Amplio Systems

Amplio Systems is a team of church leaders and design-build integrators helping churches create distraction-free, future-proof worship environments. Meet the team at The Worship Classic on October 7th, the day before SALT.

Register at theworshipclassic.com (http://www.theworshipclassic.com/)

🎟️ SALT 2025 | Oct 8–10, 2025 in Nashville

Use code MONOCHROME to get $20 off tickets → https://www.salt2025.com

🎉 Premium+ tickets are almost gone! Masterclasses included.

📥 Fill out our [https://forms.gle/d2zyeFLJFYgEdSQ5A] to win SALT swag and help shape Season 3!

JOIN THE COMMUNITY → http://SALTCommunity.com/join

SALT 2025 → https://www.salt2025.com

Instagram: @salt_community

Facebook: facebook.com/theSALTCommunity

Twitter: @SALT_Community

YouTube: youtube.com/@SALTNashville

Thanks to Josh Spear for editing Season 2!

In this episode of The Monochrome Podcast, we're joined by worship leader and songwriter Maryanne George for a beautiful and honest conversation about creativity, calling, and the personal side of worship leadership.

Known for her work with Maverick City Music and her solo projects, Maryanne shares how she stays grounded in her identity, creates from a place of overflow, and handles the weight of platform and purpose.

Whether you're leading worship, managing a creative team, or trying to find your voice in ministry, this one is for you.

Learn more about Maryanne: https://maryannejgeorge.com/

Podcast Feedback Form → Win a SALT swag bundle! [https://forms.gle/d2zyeFLJFYgEdSQ5A]

⛳️ Big Thanks to Amplio Systems

Amplio Systems is a team of church leaders and design-build integrators helping churches create distraction-free, future-proof worship environments. Meet the team at The Worship Classic on October 7th, the day before SALT.

Register at theworshipclassic.com (http://www.theworshipclassic.com/)

🎟️ SALT 2025 | Oct 8–10 in Nashville

Use code MONOCHROME for $20 off → https://www.salt2025.com

🛠 Resources and Mentions

• 4 Lists Download: https://saltcommunity.s3.amazonaws.com/4%20Lists%20Evaluation%20Tool.png
• Podcast Feedback Form: https://forms.gle/d2zyeFLJFYgEdSQ5A

💡 More SALT

JOIN THE COMMUNITY → http://SALTCommunity.com/join

SALT 2025 → https://www.salt2025.com

🔗 Social Links

Facebook: facebook.com/theSALTCommunity

Instagram: instagram.com/salt_community

X (Twitter): twitter.com/SALT_Community

Questions or feedback? Email: [email protected]

In this episode of The Monochrome Podcast, we go behind the scenes with Jason Stafford, a seasoned First Assistant Director who has worked on major Christian films. From tight schedules to large crews, Jason breaks down the logistics of movie-making and why every second on set counts.

If you've ever wondered what it's like to run the engine behind a film set—or how those skills apply to church creative teams, this episode is a goldmine of insight, inspiration, and practical takeaways.

🎬 A true masterclass for filmmakers, church creatives, and anyone building great stories with limited time and a tight crew.

Follow Jason: https://www.instagram.com/jaydogmac/?hl=en

Podcast Feedback Form → Win a SALT swag bundle! [https://forms.gle/d2zyeFLJFYgEdSQ5A]

AMPLIO SYSTEMS

⛳️ Amplio Systems is a team of church leaders and design-build integrators helping churches create distraction-free, future-proof worship environments. Meet the team at The Worship Classic on October 7th, the day before SALT.

Register at theworshipclassic.com

🎟️ SALT 2025 | Oct 8–10 in Nashville

Use code MONOCHROME for $20 off tickets → https://www.salt2025.com

🚨 Tech Tour and Creative Process Masterclass are SOLD OUT - Only 12 Premium+ tickets left!

🛠 Resources and Mentions

SALT Blog: 10 Creative Ways to Honor Dads on Father's Day [https://saltcommunity.com/articles/10-creative-easy-ways-to-honor-dads-on-fathers-day/]

Podcast Feedback Form → Win a SALT swag bundle! [https://forms.gle/d2zyeFLJFYgEdSQ5A]

💡 More SALT

JOIN THE COMMUNITY → http://SALTCommunity.com/join

SALT 2025 → https://www.salt2025.com

🔗 Social Links

Facebook: facebook.com/theSALTCommunity

Instagram: instagram.com/salt_community

X (Twitter): twitter.com/SALT_Community

Questions or feedback? Email: [email protected]

In this episode of The Monochrome Podcast, we're joined by powerhouse vocalist, worship leader, and creative leader Sarah Benibo. After leading a standing-room-packed workshop at SALT, Sarah sat down with us to talk about what it means to pour into your team, raise up others, and stay grounded in gospel-centered creativity.

Whether you're leading from a platform or the background, Sarah's words will challenge and inspire you to develop leaders, not just volunteers, and to never underestimate the power of consistent encouragement.

Follow Sarah: https://www.sarahbenibo.com/

Podcast Feedback Form → Win a SALT swag bundle! [https://forms.gle/d2zyeFLJFYgEdSQ5A]

AMPLIO SYSTEMS

⛳️ Amplio Systems is a team of church leaders and design-build integrators helping churches create distraction-free, future-proof worship environments. Meet the team at The Worship Classic on October 7th, the day before SALT.

Register at theworshipclassic.com

🎟️ SALT 2025 | Oct 8–10 in Nashville

Use code MONOCHROME for $20 off tickets → https://www.salt2025.com

🚨 Tech Tour and Creative Process Masterclass are SOLD OUT

Only 12 Premium+ tickets left!

• SALT Blog: 10 Creative Ways to Honor Dads on Father's Day
• Staff Meeting Tip: Building budgets that work for the whole team
• Podcast Feedback Form → Win a SALT swag bundle! [https://forms.gle/d2zyeFLJFYgEdSQ5A]

JOIN THE COMMUNITY → http://SALTCommunity.com/join

SALT 2025 → https://www.salt2025.com

Facebook: facebook.com/theSALTCommunity

Instagram: instagram.com/salt_community

X (Twitter): twitter.com/SALT_Community

YouTube: youtube.com/@SALTNashville

Questions or feedback? Email: [email protected]

In this episode of The Monochrome Podcast, we sit down with Jay Kranda - Innovative Tech Pastor at Saddleback Church and author of Online Church is Not the Answer - to explore what online church can do, what it can't do, and how to use it wisely in today's ministry landscape.

Jay brings years of experience leading digital ministry at scale and offers practical advice for churches looking to engage more meaningfully online without replacing real-world community. If your church is navigating hybrid, livestream, or digital outreach strategies, this is the episode for you.

Thank you, Jay, for your insight and leadership in this conversation!

Follow and Learn more about Jay: https://www.jaykranda.com/story

⛳️ Join us at The Worship Classic!

Amplio Systems is a team of church leaders and design-build integrators helping churches create distraction-free, future-proof worship environments. Meet the team at The Worship Classic on October 7th—the day before SALT.

Register at theworshipclassic.com

🚨 SALT 2025 | October 8–10 in Nashville

Use code MONOCHROME for $20 off → https://www.salt2025.com

• Jay Kranda's Book: jaykranda.com/mybook Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/31CuZx2
• Building a Story Brand -https://storybrand.com/building-a-storybrand-book-new/
• Unreasonable Hospitality-inspired staff meeting tips - https://a.co/d/6r9obOA

JOIN THE COMMUNITY → http://SALTCommunity.com/join

SALT 2025 → https://www.salt2025.com

Facebook: facebook.com/theSALTCommunity

Instagram: instagram.com/salt_community

X (Twitter): twitter.com/SALT_Community

YouTube: youtube.com/@SALTNashville

Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected]

In this episode of The Monochrome Podcast, we sit down with Warren Davis, Central Team Leader of Broadcast Support at Life.Church, to talk about his journey from doer to leading teams. From humble beginnings to overseeing large-scale broadcast operations, Warren shares the lessons he's learned about servant leadership, growth, and staying faithful through every season.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling unseen or wondering if their behind-the-scenes work really matters. (Spoiler: it absolutely does.)

Thank you to our guest Warren Davis for sharing your story and wisdom.

Follow Warren: https://www.instagram.com/warrendotdavis/

Check out Amplio Systems!

Amplio Systems is a team of church leaders and design-build integrators helping churches create distraction-free, future-proof worship environments. Meet the team at The Worship Classic on October 7th, the day before SALT.

Register at (http://www.theworshipclassic.com/)

Join us at SALT 2025 | October 8–10

Use code MONOCHROME to get $20 off → https://www.salt2025.com

• DollyPLUS: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIja9RSNRdo/?igsh=eGJkY2dpNDU0Zmw1

JOIN THE COMMUNITY → http://SALTCommunity.com/join

SALT 2025 → https://www.salt2025.com

Facebook: facebook.com/theSALTCommunity

Instagram: instagram.com/salt_community

X (Twitter): twitter.com/SALT_Community

YouTube: youtube.com/@SALTNashville

Questions or want to sponsor an episode? Email: [email protected]