From Pitch to Praise Podcast

From Pitch to Praise Podcast: “Mullets, Mixers, and Ministry: Worship Onstage and Behind the Scenes” – S1E11

How does a decade of global touring shape a heart for local ministry—and what does it mean to serve behind the scenes with excellence? In this episode, Matt and Alan welcome Gary Moyers,Worship & Technology Minister at Broadway Church of Christ in Lubbock, TX, where he’s faithfully served for over 11 years. Many listeners will recognize Gary as a longtime tenor and baritone for Acappella, touring globally with the group from 1988 to 1998—and continuing to lend his voice on albums, including their latest, Acappella 40.   The conversation opens with stories from Gary’s early days with Acappella, including how he turned down two previous invitations before finally joining in 1988 From international tours in China, Brazil, and the Caribbean to reflections on the “pajama pants” and “mullet” eras, Gary brings a mix of humor, history, and heartfelt memories from the road.   Shifting from stage to sanctuary, Gary dives into his current passion: helping churches use technology with purpose. He shares why a strong AV ministry is more important than ever, especially as livestreams and online presence often serve as the new “first impression” for visitors. Gary offers practical wisdom on budgeting, avoiding common pitfalls with outside tech help, and building a team that strives for “invisible excellence.”   The episode wraps with Gary’s thoughts on the WorshipLeader Institute—a place where he’s found not only deep training, but a lasting brotherhood. For Gary, WLI isn’t just about growing in skill; it’s about walking alongside others who share the same calling.   Whether you’ve followed Acappella for years or you’re inthe trenches of church tech every Sunday, this episode is a rich blend of legacy, leadership, and lessons learned through decades of ministry.

From Pitch to Praise Podcast: “Harmony and Heart: Forming Faith Through Song and Scripture” – S1E10

In this heartfelt episode of From Pitch to Praise, Matt and Alan welcome longtime Worship Leader Institute coach and mentor Luke Barnett for a rich conversation about raising up the next generation of worshipers. Luke shares how his first year with WLI inspired a youth singing school for 4th–6th graders—a passion project that flourished into the “Learning to Sing with Luke and Clef” series on Praise & Harmony TV. But Luke’s vision goes beyond music. With contagiouspassion, he speaks on the life-changing power of scripture memorization, reminding worship leaders that the Word of God is meant to be written on our hearts. As he quotes passages like Hebrews 4:14–16 and 1 Peter 2:9–10 with deep emotion, Luke urges us all to approach scripture—and worship—with intentionality, joy, and passion. This is an episode full of inspiration, practical wisdom, and soul-stirring reminders of why singing and scripture go hand-in-hand in forming faith—especially in the hearts of the young.

From Pitch to Praise Podcast: “Lifelong Learners and the Big Stage: Worship That Connects” – S1E9

In this episode of From Pitch to Praise, Matt and Alan sit down with Andrew Whitehouse, Worship Minister at Legacy Church of Christ in Fort Worth, TX, where he’s served for the past four years. A veteran in ministry since 2009, Andrew brings a rich perspective shaped by both local leadership and life on the road. Before his time at Legacy, Andrew sang tenor and baritone for The Vocal Union, a southern gospel a cappella group with The Acappella Company. He shares what it was like to graduate from Harding, get married, and immediately hit the road—traveling up to 35 weekends a year in full-time music ministry. What could’ve been overwhelming, Andrew remembers as a blessing. From a fateful connection in Paris, Texas to an audition at the Tulsa Workshop, Andrew’s journey into VU is both inspiring and affirming. He reflects on the deep influence of Gary Miller, the group’s bass vocalist and spiritual anchor, whose heart for songwriting and ministry left a lasting mark.   The conversation turns to the dynamics of leading worship in a large church. With a 1,500-seat auditorium, Andrew opens up about the joys and challenges of stewarding such a space: the “big sound” of congregational singing, the effort it takes to connect with the back row, and the difficulty of steering change in a large setting. They even laugh about the "quicksand” of slow tempos in big rooms—Andrew jokes he’s “happy to fight that battle.”   Andrew also shares the exciting news that Praise & Harmony will return to Legacy in 2025 to record their next album—anopportunity he and Matt both consider deeply impactful for their churches. The episode closes with a meaningful conversation about the Worship Leader Institute (WLI). As a WLI student, Andrew describes how the experience has shaped him, regardless of his years in ministry. The culture, he says, is one of lifelong learning, where everyone—from beginners to veterans—can grow. 🎧 Whether you lead from the platform or sing from the pew, this episode is a reminder that worship is a journey.

From Pitch to Praise Podcast: “Walkin’ That Line: Faith, Joy, and the Worship Leader’s Call” – S1E8

In this episode of From Pitch to Praise, Matt and Alan sit down with Kevin Schaffer, Worship Minister at Central Church of Christ in Amarillo, Texas. Kevin shares his powerful journey—from his early days as a road intern and studio apprentice to singing high tenor with Vocal Union, AVB, and Acappella. Together, they revisit the impact of songs like “Walkin’ That Line” and the unforgettable moment Kevin heard a crowd in South Africa sing it back to him. The conversation weaves through Kevin’s legacy of joy-filled worship leadership, the importance of relational ministry, and what it means to be a consistent voice in seasons of change. With insights from his time in Acappella Ministries and the Worship Leader Institute, Kevin offers wisdom, laughter, and encouragement for those called to lead worship with both skill and heart. This episode reminds us that the songs we sing—and how we live them—have the power to echo for generations.

From Pitch to Praise Podcast: “From Motion to Meaning – The Worship Leader’s Role in Interpretation” - S1E7

From Pitch to Praise Podcast: “From Motion to Meaning –The Worship Leader’s Role in Interpretation” - S1E7 In this episode, Matt and Alan welcome special guest Jules Cseszko from Melbourne, Australia. With a background that spans ministry, missions, and professional orchestral conducting, Jules brings a rare combination of musicalexpertise and spiritual insight to the conversation. Together, they explore the worship leader’s vital role inguiding a congregation—not just through tempo and timing, but through meaningful musical interpretation. Jules unpacks how thoughtful changes in dynamics, tempo, and phrasing can bring the text of a song to life, engagingthe church in more intentional and reflective worship. From the movement of the hand to the message in the lyrics,Jules encourages song leaders to go beyond routine, embracing their calling to shape the spiritual experience of the congregation. He shares the value of ongoing training and the transformational role of the Worship Leader Institute, where he helps leaders move from simply conducting music to conducting hearts. Discover the freedom that comes when worship leaders leadwith purpose, sensitivity, and artistry. For more about Worship Leader Institute, visit acappella.org/worship-leader-institute [https://www.acappella.org/worship-leader-institute/].