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Thought Leader exists to facilitate conversation, sharpen leaders, and foster relationships that serve the church production community.

Leadership Starts Here

Here at Thought Leader Connect, we take leadership seriously. Experience has shown that your strength as a leader and your level of technical skill has a deep impact on your team, yourself, and your congregation.

That’s why Thought Leader Connect is full of support, know-how, proven strategies, and skill-building. Your personal and professional development matters and you can go so much further in a community than you can on your own. Come together with others in the Worship Production Community to develop skills, build relationships, and foster opportunities that can help guide you from where you are now, to where you want to go next.

Latest From Thought Leader

In Episode 2 of Perspectives, Lara Rodriguez from Church Unlimited shares key lighting strategies that enhance worship experiences. Learn how Lara effectively uses 10 lights to create impactful visuals, ensuring that the congregation can see the expressions and emotions of their worship leaders. From adapting to a curved thrust stage to implementing flexible lighting techniques, this episode provides practical advice for worship teams looking to maximize their lighting resources. =================== Subscribe now to Perspectives and be sure to not miss an episode! Subscribe HERE ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTwU9a73LM1IM0Wg-3M7j8A?sub_confirmation=1 =================== Have you joined Thought Leader yet? Come join the conversation! 🌎 http://TL-Connect.com =================== 0:00 Key Lighting Approach 0:16 Lighting Zones 0:27 Lighting the Stage 0:53 General Wash Lighting 1:05 Flexibility in Design 1:20 TL-Connect.com

In Episode 2 of Perspectives, Lara Rodriguez from Church Unlimited shares key lighting strategies that enhance worship experiences. Learn how Lara effectively uses 10 lights to create impactful visuals, ensuring that the congregation can see the expressions and emotions of their worship leaders. From adapting to a curved thrust stage to implementing flexible lighting techniques, this episode provides practical advice for worship teams looking to maximize their lighting resources.

===================

Subscribe now to Perspectives and be sure to not miss an episode!

Subscribe HERE
➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTwU9a73LM1IM0Wg-3M7j8A?sub_confirmation=1

===================

Have you joined Thought Leader yet? Come join the conversation!
🌎 http://TL-Connect.com

===================

0:00 Key Lighting Approach
0:16 Lighting Zones
0:27 Lighting the Stage
0:53 General Wash Lighting
1:05 Flexibility in Design
1:20 TL-Connect.com

4 0

YouTube Video UExzcEsxNTM4OEZ1akJlNkNiY2xIaXY3c3c2Nms0MXgxTC5DMkU4NTY1QUFGQTYwMDE3

Key Lighting for Worship: Overcoming Challenges in Design

Thought Leader Connect October 18, 2024 3:00 pm

Meet Lara Rodriguez, Broadcast Production Director at Church Unlimited, as she shares how lighting helps shape an inviting, energetic environment that supports her church’s mission. Learn how her team’s design brings energy to worship and focus to sermons in this season primer. 👉 Watch the full conversation with Lara now, and stay tuned for more insights from Perspectives Season 5 and a fascinating journey through the artistry of worship with the technical execution that supports it. =================== Subscribe now to Perspectives and be sure to not miss an episode! Subscribe HERE ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTwU9a73LM1IM0Wg-3M7j8A?sub_confirmation=1 =================== Have you joined Thought Leader yet? Come join the conversation! 🌎 http://TL-Connect.com =================== 0:00 Intro 0:12 Vision 0:26 Creating Fun Environments 0:40 Lighting the Band vs Speaker 1:05 Lighting Pastor 1:20 TL-Connect.com

Meet Lara Rodriguez, Broadcast Production Director at Church Unlimited, as she shares how lighting helps shape an inviting, energetic environment that supports her church’s mission.

Learn how her team’s design brings energy to worship and focus to sermons in this season primer.

👉 Watch the full conversation with Lara now, and stay tuned for more insights from Perspectives Season 5 and a fascinating journey through the artistry of worship with the technical execution that supports it.

===================

Subscribe now to Perspectives and be sure to not miss an episode!

Subscribe HERE
➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTwU9a73LM1IM0Wg-3M7j8A?sub_confirmation=1

===================

Have you joined Thought Leader yet? Come join the conversation!
🌎 http://TL-Connect.com

===================

0:00 Intro
0:12 Vision
0:26 Creating Fun Environments
0:40 Lighting the Band vs Speaker
1:05 Lighting Pastor
1:20 TL-Connect.com

5 0

YouTube Video UExzcEsxNTM4OEZ1akJlNkNiY2xIaXY3c3c2Nms0MXgxTC4yQUE2Q0JEMTk4NTM3RTZC

Creating a Welcoming Worship Experience with Lara Rodriguez | Perspectives Season 5

Thought Leader Connect October 6, 2024 2:45 pm

Join some of the most respected technical leaders in the worship community as they dive into essential topics to help you and your team thrive. 💡 👥 What to Expect: Building and Maintaining Healthy Teams Leadership Tips for Production Leaders Technical Execution Mastery Large Event & Christmas Production Planning

Join some of the most respected technical leaders in the worship community as they dive into essential topics to help you and your team thrive. 💡

👥 What to Expect:

Building and Maintaining Healthy Teams
Leadership Tips for Production Leaders
Technical Execution Mastery
Large Event & Christmas Production Planning

9 0

YouTube Video UExzcEsxNTM4OEZ1akJlNkNiY2xIaXY3c3c2Nms0MXgxTC5DQ0MyQ0Y4Mzg0M0VGOEYw

How to Build a High-Performing Worship Production Team | Thought Leader LIVE

Thought Leader Connect October 2, 2024 6:01 pm

"🎬 The Season 4 finale of Perspectives is here! Meet Jeff Watkins, Production Director at Without Walls Church in Mesa, AZ! 🙌 Jeff Watkins shares his thoughts on creativity, leadership, and making an impact through lighting design. Don’t miss this powerful episode that’s sure to inspire! Let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments!👇 =================== Subscribe now to Perspectives and be sure to not miss an episode! Subscribe HERE ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTwU9a73LM1IM0Wg-3M7j8A?sub_confirmation=1 =================== Have you joined Thought Leader yet? Come join the conversation! 🌎 http://TL-Connect.com ===================

"🎬 The Season 4 finale of Perspectives is here!

Meet Jeff Watkins, Production Director at Without Walls Church in Mesa, AZ!

🙌 Jeff Watkins shares his thoughts on creativity, leadership, and making an impact through lighting design. Don’t miss this powerful episode that’s sure to inspire!

Let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments!👇

===================

Subscribe now to Perspectives and be sure to not miss an episode!

Subscribe HERE
➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTwU9a73LM1IM0Wg-3M7j8A?sub_confirmation=1

===================

Have you joined Thought Leader yet? Come join the conversation!
🌎 http://TL-Connect.com

===================

4 0

YouTube Video UExzcEsxNTM4OEZ1akJlNkNiY2xIaXY3c3c2Nms0MXgxTC5DNzE1RjZEMUZCMjA0RDBB

Maintaining Excellence in Worship Production | Jeff Watkins’ Season Finale

Thought Leader Connect September 20, 2024 3:00 pm

Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, remember: the magic of what we do lies in the "why" behind it. Meet Jeff Watkins, Production Director at Without Walls Church in Mesa, AZ! Explore how to infuse every task with purpose and strive for excellence in everything you do. ⚡️ Enjoy PERSPECTIVES Season 4 - YOUR backstage pass to the world of church production! =================== Subscribe now to Perspectives and be sure to not miss an episode! Subscribe HERE ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTwU9a73LM1IM0Wg-3M7j8A?sub_confirmation=1 =================== Have you joined Thought Leader yet? Come join the conversation! 🌎 http://TL-Connect.com =================== 0:00 Intro 0:12 Focus on the Why 0:23 We get to do this 0:35 Ministry to Reach Others 0:51 Purpose and Excellence 1:20 TL-Connect.com

Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, remember: the magic of what we do lies in the "why" behind it.

Meet Jeff Watkins, Production Director at Without Walls Church in Mesa, AZ! Explore how to infuse every task with purpose and strive for excellence in everything you do.

⚡️ Enjoy PERSPECTIVES Season 4 - YOUR backstage pass to the world of church production!

===================

Subscribe now to Perspectives and be sure to not miss an episode!

Subscribe HERE
➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTwU9a73LM1IM0Wg-3M7j8A?sub_confirmation=1

===================

Have you joined Thought Leader yet? Come join the conversation!
🌎 http://TL-Connect.com

===================

0:00 Intro
0:12 Focus on the Why
0:23 We get to do this
0:35 Ministry to Reach Others
0:51 Purpose and Excellence
1:20 TL-Connect.com

2 0

YouTube Video UExzcEsxNTM4OEZ1akJlNkNiY2xIaXY3c3c2Nms0MXgxTC45NzUwQkI1M0UxNThBMkU0

Stay Focused on the "Why" - Jeff Watkins - Perspectives

Thought Leader Connect September 13, 2024 3:00 pm

What’s your Big Picture vision…? 👉 Meet Jeff Watkins, Production Director at Without Walls Church in Mesa, AZ... Hear how having the right fixture in the right place for layered light can make your stage & the people on it look 10x better both in person and online. ⚡️ Enjoy PERSPECTIVES Season 4 - YOUR backstage pass to the world of church production! 🙏 Stay tuned for a fascinating journey through the artistry of worship and the technical execution that supports it. =================== Subscribe now to Perspectives and be sure to not miss an episode! Subscribe HERE ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTwU9a73LM1IM0Wg-3M7j8A?sub_confirmation=1 =================== Have you joined Thought Leader yet? Come join the conversation! 🌎 http://TL-Connect.com

What’s your Big Picture vision…?

👉 Meet Jeff Watkins, Production Director at Without Walls Church in Mesa, AZ... Hear how having the right fixture in the right place for layered light can make your stage & the people on it look 10x better both in person and online.

⚡️ Enjoy PERSPECTIVES Season 4 - YOUR backstage pass to the world of church production!

🙏 Stay tuned for a fascinating journey through the artistry of worship and the technical execution that supports it.

===================

Subscribe now to Perspectives and be sure to not miss an episode!

Subscribe HERE
➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTwU9a73LM1IM0Wg-3M7j8A?sub_confirmation=1

===================

Have you joined Thought Leader yet? Come join the conversation!
🌎 http://TL-Connect.com

4 0

YouTube Video UExzcEsxNTM4OEZ1akJlNkNiY2xIaXY3c3c2Nms0MXgxTC4zRjM0MkVCRTg0MkYyQTM0

Creating Layers in your Lighting Design - Jeff Watkins - Perspectives

Thought Leader Connect August 30, 2024 10:01 pm

How can you bring texture to THE hardest part of the stage to light during worship? 👉 Meet Jeff Watkins, Production Director at Without Walls Church in Mesa, AZ as he explains his non-negotiables for "Connecting The Space" on stage! ⚡️ Enjoy PERSPECTIVES Season 4 - YOUR backstage pass to the world of church production! 🙏 Stay tuned for a fascinating journey through the artistry of worship and the technical execution that supports it. =================== Subscribe now to Perspectives and be sure to not miss an episode! Subscribe HERE ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTwU9a73LM1IM0Wg-3M7j8A?sub_confirmation=1 =================== Have you joined Thought Leader yet? Come join the conversation! 🌎 http://TL-Connect.com =================== 0:00 Intro 0:12 Hardest Part of Stage to Light 0:25 Backlighting Technique 0:58 Lighting Scenic Elements for Depth 1:12 Consistency 1:20 TL-Connect.com

How can you bring texture to THE hardest part of the stage to light during worship?

👉 Meet Jeff Watkins, Production Director at Without Walls Church in Mesa, AZ as he explains his non-negotiables for "Connecting The Space" on stage!

⚡️ Enjoy PERSPECTIVES Season 4 - YOUR backstage pass to the world of church production!

🙏 Stay tuned for a fascinating journey through the artistry of worship and the technical execution that supports it.

===================

Subscribe now to Perspectives and be sure to not miss an episode!

Subscribe HERE
➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTwU9a73LM1IM0Wg-3M7j8A?sub_confirmation=1

===================

Have you joined Thought Leader yet? Come join the conversation!
🌎 http://TL-Connect.com

===================

0:00 Intro
0:12 Hardest Part of Stage to Light
0:25 Backlighting Technique
0:58 Lighting Scenic Elements for Depth
1:12 Consistency
1:20 TL-Connect.com

3 0

YouTube Video UExzcEsxNTM4OEZ1akJlNkNiY2xIaXY3c3c2Nms0MXgxTC5GM0Q3M0MzMzY5NTJFNTdE

Connecting the Space - Jeff Watkins - Perspectives

Thought Leader Connect August 16, 2024 6:00 pm

Want to be a leader? First, be willing to walk the path! 🚶‍♂️ In today’s Encouraging Thought, SweetPete Wright shares how true leaders set the example by their actions. =================== Subscribe now to Thought Leader and be sure to not miss an episode! Subscribe HERE ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTwU9a73LM1IM0Wg-3M7j8A?sub_confirmation=1 =================== Have you joined Thought Leader yet? Come join the conversation! 🌎 http://TL-Connect.com

Want to be a leader? First, be willing to walk the path! 🚶‍♂️

In today’s Encouraging Thought, SweetPete Wright shares how true leaders set the example by their actions.

===================

Subscribe now to Thought Leader and be sure to not miss an episode!

Subscribe HERE
➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTwU9a73LM1IM0Wg-3M7j8A?sub_confirmation=1

===================

Have you joined Thought Leader yet? Come join the conversation!
🌎 http://TL-Connect.com

5 0

YouTube Video UExzcEsxNTM4OEZ1akJlNkNiY2xIaXY3c3c2Nms0MXgxTC4yMDhBMkNBNjRDMjQxQTg1

Be a Leader, Set the Example - SweetPete Wright

Thought Leader Connect August 13, 2024 7:09 pm

Why IS it so important to define the stage from front to back? Meet Jeff Watkins, Production Director at Without Walls Church in Mesa, AZ as he explains how lighting helps the audience to understand the PURPOSE of what they’re seeing on the stage! ⚡️ Grab YOUR backstage pass to church production and meet Thought Leader Jeff Watkins, Production Director at Without Walls Church in Mesa, AZ. Explore his lighting design and techniques for church production! PERSPECTIVES Season 4 is here! 🙏 Join us for a fascinating journey through the artistry of worship and the technical execution that supports it. =================== Subscribe now to Perspectives and be sure to not miss an episode! Subscribe HERE ➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTwU9a73LM1IM0Wg-3M7j8A?sub_confirmation=1 =================== Have you joined Thought Leader yet? Come join the conversation! 🌎 http://TL-Connect.com =================== 0:00 Intro 0:12 Why Define Stage Depth? 0:37 Defining Space with LED Wall 0:54 Backlighting Technique 1:15 Keeping Focus Where It Matters 1:20 TL-Connect.com

Why IS it so important to define the stage from front to back?

Meet Jeff Watkins, Production Director at Without Walls Church in Mesa, AZ as he explains how lighting helps the audience to understand the PURPOSE of what they’re seeing on the stage!

⚡️ Grab YOUR backstage pass to church production and meet Thought Leader Jeff Watkins, Production Director at Without Walls Church in Mesa, AZ. Explore his lighting design and techniques for church production!

PERSPECTIVES Season 4 is here! 🙏 Join us for a fascinating journey through the artistry of worship and the technical execution that supports it.

===================

Subscribe now to Perspectives and be sure to not miss an episode!

Subscribe HERE
➡️ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTwU9a73LM1IM0Wg-3M7j8A?sub_confirmation=1

===================

Have you joined Thought Leader yet? Come join the conversation!
🌎 http://TL-Connect.com

===================
0:00 Intro
0:12 Why Define Stage Depth?
0:37 Defining Space with LED Wall
0:54 Backlighting Technique
1:15 Keeping Focus Where It Matters
1:20 TL-Connect.com

6 0

YouTube Video UExzcEsxNTM4OEZ1akJlNkNiY2xIaXY3c3c2Nms0MXgxTC5ENDU4Q0M4RDExNzM1Mjcy

How to Create Depth on Stage - Jeff Watkins - Perspectives

Thought Leader Connect August 4, 2024 12:56 pm

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