From Pitch to Praise Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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” - S1E7In 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.

From Pitch to Praise: “Unity in the Song: Worship That Reflects Heaven” with special guest Rob BrannonWhat does it mean to worship with one voice when the world feels divided?In this episode, Matt and Alan welcome Rob Brannon, Worship & Technology Minister at White Station Church of Christ in Memphis, TN, and baritone vocalist for Acappella from 2005 to 2011. Rob opens up about his personal connection to his favorite Acappella song "Hush," sharing how it s powerful lyrics became a source of comfort during his father’s passing—and how singing it at his father’s funeral left a lasting imprint on his heart and ministry. The conversation expands into Rob’s passion for multicultural worship, shaped by the vision of Revelation 7:9–12. He shares the importance of creating worship spaces that reflect the diversity of God’s people—where every voice, genre, and background has a place. With joy as a unifying force, Rob offers a compelling call to worship leaders: in a divided world, worship can be a healing bridge. Drawing from John 17:20–21, Rob reminds us that Jesus prayed for unity among all believers—a unity that reflects the very relationship between the Father and the Son. That unity, Rob believes, begins with relationship: knowing your people, building trust, and leading with compassion. From honoring genre diversity to staying grounded in God’s Word, Rob brings practical insight into how worship can foster deeper connection and spiritual growth. He encourages leaders to commit to daily time in Scripture, not only for personal renewal but to pour into others with intention and faithfulness. This conversation also highlights the Worship Leader Institute as a vital space for worship leaders to grow, recharge, and be equipped for long-term ministry. If you’d like to learn more check out Worship Leader Institute - Acappella MinistriesDon’t miss this heartfelt and hope-filled episode—full of wisdom, testimony, and encouragement for worship leaders at every stage of the journey.

From Pitch to Praise: "The Story in the Song: Leading with Joy, Planning with Purpose" - S1E5 with special guest Shane Coffman.What happens when worship isn't just spontaneous—but intentional? In this episode, Matt and Alan sit down with Shane Coffman, Worship Minister at Memorial Drive Church of Christ in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he has faithfully served for 19 years. Together, they explore the transformative power of worship planning—how song selection, scripture, and thoughtful transitions can tell a unified story that guides a congregation into deeper connection with God. Shane shares wisdom from years of leading through seasons of change, emphasizing the power of knowing your people and meeting them where they are.From career beginnings to navigating low-energy momentson stage, Shane opens up about a pivotal realization: "If I can go to a college football game (Go Pokes!)… and show joy and show passion and show energy, why can’t I show that same thing on Sunday?"The conversation turns to Shane’s passion for song arranging, including the moving a cappella rendition of “Goodness of God” that has inspired worshippers across the Churches of Christ. You can find this arrangement and more at fearless4you.com. Rooted in Luke 19:40, this episode challenges worship leaders to lead so boldly that the rocks never have to cry out in our place. They wrap up with a discussion on the need for worship leader trainingand highlight the impactful work of the Worship Leader Institute. Whether you're planning Sunday’s setlist or searching fornew ways to connect your church in worship, this episode is filled with practical tools, spiritual encouragement, and heartfelt insight.

What if your voice in worship does more than express faith—what if it activates something deep in others?In this powerful episode of From Pitch to Praise, Matt and Alan unpack Paul’s urgent words in 1 Thessalonians 5:19 — “Do not quench the Spirit.” Together, they explore how singing becomes a sacred tool to encourage, uplift, and awaken the Spirit in one another. Through heartfelt conversation and scriptural insight, they reflect on how our songs can fan the flame of God’s presence in a congregation.Then, they shift into the fascinating intersection of science and Spirit—examining the role of mirror neurons, the God-given design in our brains that allows us to feel and reflect the joy of others. You’ll discover how singing in community creates a powerful resonance—both emotionally and spiritually—as believers literally mirror the joy of the Lord in one another.Whether you're leading worship or singing from the pew, this episode will challenge and inspire you to see music as more than melody—it's God’s way of echoing His Spirit through His people.

Episode 3 – "Breath Given, Spirit-Moved, Joy Returned"In this episode of From Pitch to Praise, Matt and Alan explore the sacred rhythm of breath—how it's not just essential for life, but foundational to our worship. From the moment God breathed life into Adam (Genesis 2:7) to Jesus’ final breath on the cross (Luke 23:46), and the moment He breathed the Holy Spirit onto His disciples (John 20:19–22), breath has been a recurring symbol of God's presence and power.Together, we’ll reflect on the intimate connection between YHWH—the unspeakable name of God—and the very sound of breathing. We'll consider how this divine breath empowers our singing, unites our voices, and fills our worship with life. With insights from Job 33:4 (“The breath of the Almighty gives me life”) and the closing words of the Psalms (“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord,” Psalm 150:6), we’ll rediscover singing as a spiritual act that flows from the breath of God within us.In the second segment, the conversation shifts to the role of the Holy Spirit in our singing. Drawing from Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, Matt and Alan discuss the Spirit-led nature of congregational worship and its horizontal power to build up and encourage one another. They explore how singing becomes a communal expression of Spirit-filled life—marked by joy, unity, and mutual edification. The fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5 becomes a lens through which we see singing not just as praise to God, but as a wellspring of contagious joy that overflows and blesses those around us.Join us as we inhale the mystery, exhale the praise, and consider how every breath—and every song—can become an act of worship and a gift to one another.

Episode 2: "From Brainwaves to Heartstrings: Why Singing Moves Us"In this episode of From Pitch to Praise, Matt and Alan dive into the profound physiological and spiritual impact of singing—and the remarkable "fingerprints" left by our Creator. What actually happens in our brains and hearts when we sing, especially when we sing together in worship?Drawing on medical insight and scriptural truth, they explore how singing activates emotional and receptive centers in the brain, synchronizes heart rate variability, and fosters deep spiritual unity. Along the way, they reflect on passages like Matthew 22:37, Philippians 2:1–3, 1 Corinthians 14:12–15, and Psalm 108:1, illustrating how we are called to love God fully, encourage one another, and offer praise with both intellect and emotion.This episode invites you to rediscover the incredible gift of song—not just as expression, but as a transforming act of worship. You’ll be encouraged to sing with understanding, with purpose, and with joy.

In this kickoff episode, Alan Baggett and Matt Parker introduce themselves and share the story behind From Pitch to Praise and Infusion Ministries. They discuss their passion for a cappella worship, the mission of Infusion Ministries, and why they launched this podcast to encourage joyful, participatory singing in the church.