Creative Tides

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Newberg, OR
Creative Tides

Worship & Creative Arts Ministry within the Church is a unique ministry, requiring many niche and particular skills in tandem with a humble, servant heart.

Empowering creativity to flow within the Church and ripple out to the local community by curating accessible, expert-level resources and building church-to-church partnerships. In this way, this ministry is unlike any other ministry or job and thus, can sometimes feel very isolating, confusing, or frustrating with a "sink or swim" pressure put on both those serving and those leading. We believe th

at there is knowledge and expertise among those within our local community and therefore, Creative Tides Ministry exists to build church-to-church partnerships and resource creatives in an affordable and attainable way, capitalizing on the "experts" in our own churches and community. This partnership provides a network of support, friendships, and sustainability in a ministry that once felt isolating. As resources and expertise are shared, our hope is that these skills would ripple outside the Church walls and contribute to the community. The skills honed and crafted with excellence will contribute to a thriving, local economy; the relationships forged from shared commonality and interest will develop trust and opportunity for evangelistic impact and sharing of the Gospel, outside the church walls.

08/31/2026

What does it actually take to turn an idea into something that makes an impact?

April Biondolillo, founder of Cherish Ministry, knows what it’s like to start with a vision and build it into a nonprofit from the ground up.

In this episode of the Creative Tides Podcast, we talk about the real side of creating and leading a nonprofit, from choosing the right board and asking people to financially support your mission to building a team, empowering other leaders, and deciding which ideas are right for the season you’re in.

If you’ve ever had an idea for a nonprofit, ministry, business, or creative project and wondered, “What do I actually do next?” this conversation is for you.

🎙️ The full episode drops this Friday! Follow/Like/Subscribe so you don’t miss it.

08/26/2026

We’re officially ONE MONTH away from our Creative Writing & Storytelling Workshop! ✍️📖

Whether you’re an aspiring novelist, curious about publishing, developing a story of your own, or simply looking to become a stronger and more intentional writer, this FREE workshop is designed to help you take your next step.

Join us Saturday, September 26 at George Fox University as we learn from accomplished authors Melanie Dobson, Julie Bonn Blank, and Kendy Pearson. Come ready to gain practical insight into creative writing, storytelling, publishing, and bringing your ideas to life on the page.

📅 Saturday, September 26 | 10AM - 12PM
📍 George Fox University | Ross Choir Room 208
🎟️ FREE to attend

Save your seat and join us for a morning of learning, creativity, and connection! Register now at the link in bio.

08/20/2026

Want to become a better Front of House engineer? Start by listening differently.

In this clip, Jeff Sandstrom encourages young audio engineers to practice deep listening. Don't just hear music. Study it. Pay attention to how Grammy winning records are mixed, how instruments are layered, how vocals sit in the mix, and how dynamics create emotion throughout a song.

Over time, you'll build a mental library of great sounds and production choices that you can draw from in your own church, venue, or live mix. The goal isn't to copy someone else's mix. It's to train your ears so you can make intentional decisions that best serve your team, your room, and your context.

The best sound engineers never stop listening. They never stop learning.

Watch the full conversation now at the link in our bio or listen on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

What's one album or live recording that has shaped the way you mix?

08/17/2026

The best mixes don't start at the soundboard. They start with relationships.

In this clip, Jeff Sandstrom shares why relational equity is one of the most overlooked keys to a healthy worship and production culture. When sound engineers, musicians, and worship leaders invest in each other outside of rehearsals and Sunday mornings, trust is built long before feedback ever needs to be given.

That means conversations about timing, dynamics, tone, or performance don't feel like personal attacks—they're received as opportunities to grow because the relationship came first.

Healthy teams aren't built on better gear. They're built on trust, humility, and genuine relationships.

Watch the full conversation now at the link in our bio or listen on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

How does your team build relationships outside of rehearsal?

08/13/2026

A great mix is about more than faders, EQ, and compression. It's about serving the song.

In this clip, Jeff Sandstrom explains why every Front of House engineer should approach mixing like a producer. Whether you play an instrument or not, your role is to understand the arrangement, recognize what the song needs in each moment, and help every musical element support the bigger picture.

Great live audio isn't just about making every instrument louder or clearer. It's about making intentional decisions that help lead people in worship and communicate the heart of the song.

Watch the full conversation now at the link in our bio or listen on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Do you think every sound engineer should think like a producer?

08/10/2026

If your worship team doesn't know what success looks like, they'll aim at different targets.

In this clip, Jeff Sandstrom shares why every healthy worship ministry needs a clear vision from the worship leader and lead pastor. Before musicians, vocalists, or the production team can move in the same direction, they need to know the mission, the expectations, and the "why" behind what they're doing.

Instead of trying to copy the sound or style of the latest megachurch, Jeff challenges churches to discover the unique expression God has given their own congregation and community. When the target is clear, your team can serve with greater unity, purpose, and confidence.

Watch the full conversation now at the link in our bio or listen on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

What does "success" look like for your worship ministry?

08/07/2026

The best worship and production teams aren't built by better gear. They're built by better relationships.

The full Creative Tides Podcast episode with Jeff Sandstrom is now available.

As the former front of house engineer for Chris Tomlin, a longtime engineer for Passion Conference, and co-founder of MxU, Jeff has spent decades helping churches and production teams pursue excellence. In this conversation, he shares why authenticity matters more than imitation, how healthy relationships transform worship and production culture, and what churches can do to discover the unique strengths God has given them.

If you serve as a worship leader, front of house engineer, audio engineer, musician, production volunteer, or church tech leader, this episode is packed with practical wisdom you can apply in your own ministry.

Watch the full episode now on YouTube, or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

What's one insight that challenged or encouraged you? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

08/03/2026

What if the key to a better live mix isn't found at the console?

Jeff Sandstrom has mixed front of house for Chris Tomlin, Passion Conference, and churches around the world. In this conversation, he shares why healthy relationships between musicians and production teams matter more than perfect mixes, why chasing another church's sound is a losing game, and how to build an authentic worship and production culture that lasts.

Whether you serve as a worship leader, front of house engineer, audio engineer, musician, or church production volunteer, this conversation is full of practical insights you can put into practice right away.

Watch the trailer today, and don't miss the full Creative Tides Podcast episode dropping this Friday.

07/28/2026

We're excited to announce our FREE Creative Writing Workshop happening this fall! ✍️

You may remember Melanie Dobson from last year's workshop—she's back to help us dive deeper into the craft of storytelling.

Whether you're just starting out or have been writing for years, you'll learn the eight essential elements of compelling stories—from developing a strong concept and memorable characters to creating meaningful conflict and crafting a message that resonates with readers.

We'll also wrap up the day with a live Q&A panel featuring Melanie, Kendy Pearson, and Julie Bonn Blank, where they'll answer your questions about fiction, nonfiction, indie publishing, and more.

🎉 This workshop is completely FREE (with an optional donation).

Register now—link in bio!

06/11/2026

Your church’s worship songs might be able to impact more people than just your local congregation.

In this clip from the Creative Tides Podcast, Matt McCoy talks about how churches can upload their original worship songs to the Loop Community Tracks platform, making their music available for other churches and worship teams around the world to use.

From multitracks and playback files to creating resources that help other worship leaders, Matt shares how local church songs can grow beyond Sunday mornings and become tools that serve the global church.

For worship pastors, songwriters, musicians, and creatives writing original music in the local church, this conversation is full of practical insight and encouragement.

Watch the full episode now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Address

414 N Meridian St
Newberg, OR
97132

Website

http://creative-tides.com/

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