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By Luke Jackson
In our latest episode of the Churchfront Worship & Tech Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Stephen Shephard, affectionately known as “Shep,” who serves as the Broadcast Engineer at Elevation Church. Shep offered incredible insights into the intricate world of broadcast technology, volunteer development, and maintaining high production standards in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Shep has been involved in church ministry since his late teens, working across various production roles for over a decade. At Elevation Church, he oversees all aspects of the AVL systems for their broadcast campus. From leading a talented team to designing systems that balance innovation with practicality, Shep’s passion for both technology and people shines through in his work.
One highlight of our conversation was hearing about Shep’s journey into leadership. Transitioning into a supervisory role, he has prioritized building trust, clarity, and vision within his team. His approach is a testament to the importance of fostering relationships and creating a culture of collaboration.
When it comes to live-streaming, Elevation Church has set a high bar. Their live streams are consistently engaging, visually stunning, and sonically pristine. Shep shared their philosophy: focus on what enhances engagement and effectively communicates the message. While he envisions future upgrades like HDR and 1080p30 streams, the team remains committed to delivering excellence within their current setup.
One of Shep’s standout quotes: “It’s not about having the flashiest gear—it’s about stewarding what we have to present the Gospel effectively.”
One of Shep’s biggest passions is volunteer development. He shared his belief that people are often more capable than we give them credit for. At Elevation, volunteers play critical roles, from camera operation to running lyrics. Shep emphasized the importance of creating bite-sized, manageable roles and providing ample training to empower volunteers.
He also discussed how breaking complex systems into smaller, understandable parts makes it easier for volunteers to step into high-pressure environments without feeling overwhelmed. His goal for the coming year? Multiply his knowledge and raise up the next generation of leaders.
Shep shared valuable insights into balancing DIY projects with professional integration. While Elevation partners with top-tier integrators, they also maintain a deep understanding of their systems. Shep underscored the importance of documenting processes, knowing your equipment, and leveraging integrators as partners rather than crutches.
As Elevation gears up for Christmas and a new year, Shep is excited about exploring XR and AR for enhancing their online experience. He’s also planning new training initiatives for volunteers, ensuring the systems they’ve built continue to operate smoothly for years to come.
In a lighter moment, Shep revealed his go-to coffee order—an oat milk vanilla latte—and his plans to launch a YouTube channel for long-form content. He’s passionate about connecting churches with resources and sharing practical tips for AVL leaders.
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