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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 this season finale of Perspectives, Kyle Bowman brings together the core ideas of intentional production for worship. From ambient lighting and video integration to layered programming and dynamic key light, this episode reflects on how every design decision serves a greater purpose: to create space, not distraction. This finale packs all six episodes into a single roadmap for worship production, stage lighting, and team leadership. Perspectives Season 8 is coming July 6th!! Subscribe now and be sure to not miss an episode! Play catch-up! Binge-watch the series! 👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLspK15388Fug5LryrAFptnfy2ATFQ1SVm 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 0:10 Vision and Design 1:24 Keylight 2:48 Creating Depth 4:08 Lighting the Band 5:35 Layering 6:55 You're not Superman 8:09 TL-Connect.com

In this season finale of Perspectives, Kyle Bowman brings together the core ideas of intentional production for worship. From ambient lighting and video integration to layered programming and dynamic key light, this episode reflects on how every design decision serves a greater purpose: to create space, not distraction. This finale packs all six episodes into a single roadmap for worship production, stage lighting, and team leadership.

Perspectives Season 8 is coming July 6th!! Subscribe now and be sure to not miss an episode!

Play catch-up! Binge-watch the series! 👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLspK15388Fug5LryrAFptnfy2ATFQ1SVm

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
0:10 Vision and Design
1:24 Keylight
2:48 Creating Depth
4:08 Lighting the Band
5:35 Layering
6:55 You're not Superman
8:09 TL-Connect.com

2 0

YouTube Video UExzcEsxNTM4OEZ1akJlNkNiY2xIaXY3c3c2Nms0MXgxTC44QzVGQUU2QjE2NDgxM0M4

Are You Designing Moments—or Just Turning On Lights?

Thought Leader Connect June 22, 2025 3:00 pm

Feeling like you have to carry it all in worship production? In this episode, Kyle Bowman reminds leaders that no one is asking you to be ministry Superman. Through real talk about leadership and the importance of prioritizing people over production, Kyle challenges us to lead our production team with purpose, not pressure. Perspectives Season 7 is HERE!! Subscribe now and be sure to not miss an episode! Play catch-up! Binge watch the series! 👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLspK15388Fug5LryrAFptnfy2ATFQ1SVm 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 ===================

Feeling like you have to carry it all in worship production? In this episode, Kyle Bowman reminds leaders that no one is asking you to be ministry Superman. Through real talk about leadership and the importance of prioritizing people over production, Kyle challenges us to lead our production team with purpose, not pressure.

Perspectives Season 7 is HERE!! Subscribe now and be sure to not miss an episode!

Play catch-up! Binge watch the series! 👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLspK15388Fug5LryrAFptnfy2ATFQ1SVm

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 UExzcEsxNTM4OEZ1akJlNkNiY2xIaXY3c3c2Nms0MXgxTC5ENjI1QUI0MDI5NEQzODFE

The Hidden Job of a Tech Director - Kyle Bowman - Perspectives

Thought Leader Connect June 15, 2025 3:00 pm

🎬 Church production, worship technology, and leadership took center stage in this powerful livestream — TLLIVE25! Now available to replay and packed with insight for your production journey. Missed it live? No worries — you can still watch as Daryl Sutton, Bryan Bailey, Neil Z Immerman, and Chris Pyron shared practical wisdom on leading tech teams, improving live production, and building a healthy culture in worship environments. 📌 Topics covered: – Leading with confidence under pressure – Building and developing volunteer teams – Technical execution that serves the moment – Real-world insight from top church production leaders ▶️ Replay the full conversation now and take your next step as a worship production leader. 💡 Subscribe for more from Thought Leader: leadership, tech strategy, team health, and worship production. =================== Have you joined Thought Leader yet? Come join the conversation! 🌎 http://TL-Connect.com =================== 0:00 Introduction 3:30 Favorite Podcast 8:18 Grill Griddle or Smoke 12:08 Automated Camera Robotics 18:47 Favorite Piece of Production Gear 22:40 Thought Leader 33:36 Broadcast Engineering Mascots 35:32 Recruiting for you team 44:39 Training Resources 58:00 Chauvet Professional 1:05:10 Gear Upgrade Strategies 1:07:47 Design First 1:18:45 Immersive Audio 1:20:57 Automation 1:26:38 TL-Connect.com

🎬 Church production, worship technology, and leadership took center stage in this powerful livestream — TLLIVE25! Now available to replay and packed with insight for your production journey.

Missed it live? No worries — you can still watch as Daryl Sutton, Bryan Bailey, Neil Z Immerman, and Chris Pyron shared practical wisdom on leading tech teams, improving live production, and building a healthy culture in worship environments.

📌 Topics covered:
– Leading with confidence under pressure
– Building and developing volunteer teams
– Technical execution that serves the moment
– Real-world insight from top church production leaders

▶️ Replay the full conversation now and take your next step as a worship production leader.

💡 Subscribe for more from Thought Leader: leadership, tech strategy, team health, and worship production.

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

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

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

0:00 Introduction
3:30 Favorite Podcast
8:18 Grill Griddle or Smoke
12:08 Automated Camera Robotics
18:47 Favorite Piece of Production Gear
22:40 Thought Leader
33:36 Broadcast Engineering Mascots
35:32 Recruiting for you team
44:39 Training Resources
58:00 Chauvet Professional
1:05:10 Gear Upgrade Strategies
1:07:47 Design First
1:18:45 Immersive Audio
1:20:57 Automation
1:26:38 TL-Connect.com

5 0

YouTube Video UExzcEsxNTM4OEZ1akJlNkNiY2xIaXY3c3c2Nms0MXgxTC41RTNBREYwMkI5QzU3RkY2

Thought Leader LIVE - Real-world insight from top church production leaders

Thought Leader Connect June 3, 2025 3:01 pm

Join us for an exclusive AMA-style event where you can interact directly with some of the top church production professionals in the industry. Matt, Caleb, and Geoff are gearing up to tackle all your burning questions LIVE! Whether you're looking for advice on audio, video, lighting, or anything related to church production, these experts have you covered. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and expertise. See you on March 3rd!

Join us for an exclusive AMA-style event where you can interact directly with some of the top church production professionals in the industry. Matt, Caleb, and Geoff are gearing up to tackle all your burning questions LIVE!

Whether you're looking for advice on audio, video, lighting, or anything related to church production, these experts have you covered.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and expertise. See you on March 3rd!

9 1

YouTube Video UExzcEsxNTM4OEZ1akJlNkNiY2xIaXY3c3c2Nms0MXgxTC40QzRDOEU0QUYwNUIxN0M1

Building Worship Experiences: Thought Leader LIVE

Thought Leader Connect March 4, 2025 4:24 am

What if no one noticed the lighting, and that was the point? In this episode of Perspectives, Kyle Bowman of Journey Church shares how lighting, video, and depth come together to serve the moment, not steal it. From subtle ambient lighting on the worship team to a dynamic, layered programming strategy, Kyle shows how thoughtful design supports both presence and broadcast clarity. Perspectives Season 7 is HERE!! Subscribe now 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 Layering 0:30 Side Light 0:41 Programming vs Design 1:06 Reverse Design Process 1:21 TL-Connect.com

What if no one noticed the lighting, and that was the point?

In this episode of Perspectives, Kyle Bowman of Journey Church shares how lighting, video, and depth come together to serve the moment, not steal it. From subtle ambient lighting on the worship team to a dynamic, layered programming strategy, Kyle shows how thoughtful design supports both presence and broadcast clarity.

Perspectives Season 7 is HERE!! Subscribe now 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 Layering
0:30 Side Light
0:41 Programming vs Design
1:06 Reverse Design Process
1:21 TL-Connect.com

4 0

YouTube Video UExzcEsxNTM4OEZ1akJlNkNiY2xIaXY3c3c2Nms0MXgxTC4yQUJFNUVCMzVDNjcxRTlF

Stop Turning On All the Lights! - Kyle Bowman - Perspectives

Thought Leader Connect June 1, 2025 2:52 pm

Is your stage visually empty even when it’s full of people? Kyle Bowman explains how to add visual depth through lighting design and layout strategy, enhancing worship and creating an engaging experience. Perspectives Season 7 is HERE!! Subscribe now 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 ===================

Is your stage visually empty even when it’s full of people?
Kyle Bowman explains how to add visual depth through lighting design and layout strategy, enhancing worship and creating an engaging experience.

Perspectives Season 7 is HERE!! Subscribe now 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 UExzcEsxNTM4OEZ1akJlNkNiY2xIaXY3c3c2Nms0MXgxTC4yQjZFRkExQjFGODk3RUFD

Designing with Depth: Kyle Bowman’s Guide to Worship Visuals - Perspectives

Thought Leader Connect May 4, 2025 2:30 pm

Want to unlock the power of key lighting in your church? Kyle Bowman reveals his tips on using moving heads fixtures and three-point setups to ensure every moment of worship shines. Perspectives Season 7 is HERE!! Subscribe now 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 Flexible Keylight 0:40 Message Lighting 0:56 In Room vs Broadcast 1:06 Do what's right for you 1:21 TL-Connect.com

Want to unlock the power of key lighting in your church? Kyle Bowman reveals his tips on using moving heads fixtures and three-point setups to ensure every moment of worship shines.

Perspectives Season 7 is HERE!! Subscribe now 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 Flexible Keylight
0:40 Message Lighting
0:56 In Room vs Broadcast
1:06 Do what's right for you
1:21 TL-Connect.com

1 0

YouTube Video UExzcEsxNTM4OEZ1akJlNkNiY2xIaXY3c3c2Nms0MXgxTC41MzY4MzcwOUFFRUU3QzEx

Nail Your Worship Lighting: Tips for Great Key Light - Perspectives

Thought Leader Connect April 20, 2025 2:45 pm

Can lighting be powerful without being distracting? Watch as Kyle Bowman shares how Journey Church creates a balanced worship environment by enhancing video with lighting, avoiding flashy distractions that pull focus from worship. Perspectives Season 7 is HERE!! Subscribe now 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 Journey Church 0:30 Design Approach 0:49 Lighting and Video Together 1:06 Supporting the Vision 1:21 TL-Connect.com

Can lighting be powerful without being distracting? Watch as Kyle Bowman shares how Journey Church creates a balanced worship environment by enhancing video with lighting, avoiding flashy distractions that pull focus from worship.

Perspectives Season 7 is HERE!! Subscribe now 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 Journey Church
0:30 Design Approach
0:49 Lighting and Video Together
1:06 Supporting the Vision
1:21 TL-Connect.com

6 0

YouTube Video UExzcEsxNTM4OEZ1akJlNkNiY2xIaXY3c3c2Nms0MXgxTC5DRUQwODMxQzUyRTlGRkY3

Lighting for Worship: Balancing Impact and Distraction

Thought Leader Connect April 6, 2025 3:00 pm

Have you ever wondered how art and technology unite in worship lighting? Michael Short concludes this season of Perspectives by showing how integrating every lighting element can create an atmosphere that truly resonates with your congregation. 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 Vision and Design 1:24 Key Lighting 2:42 Defining Depth on Stage 3:48 Lighting the Band 4:37 Layering 6:01 Designer's Choice 7:15 TL-Connect.com

Have you ever wondered how art and technology unite in worship lighting? Michael Short concludes this season of Perspectives by showing how integrating every lighting element can create an atmosphere that truly resonates with your congregation.

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 Vision and Design
1:24 Key Lighting
2:42 Defining Depth on Stage
3:48 Lighting the Band
4:37 Layering
6:01 Designer's Choice
7:15 TL-Connect.com

YouTube Video UExzcEsxNTM4OEZ1akJlNkNiY2xIaXY3c3c2Nms0MXgxTC5DNkMwRUI2MkI4QkI4NDFG

The Art of Worship Lighting: Michael Short Perspectives Season Finale

Thought Leader Connect March 23, 2025 2:50 pm

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