The 2010s dramatically shifted how music was recorded, produced and distributed. The development of accessible recording software and in-expensive hardware for the at-home studio means anyone can track and produce their own music.

This trend is reflected in churches as well. Recording albums was reserved for a tier of churches with the staff, vision and, of course, budget to hire the necessary personnel. In 2020, almost anyone can record a live album with a digital mixing console with a multi-track USB output. The cost of producing music today is lower than it has ever been.

Scroll through your favourite streaming service’s “Praise & Worship” section. You’ll see hundreds of artists you’ve never heard of with “Church,” “Music,” or “Worship” tacked onto their church name.

It’s clear that this creative expression, once limited to churches with the means, is now open to anyone with a bit of gear, essential music and mixing skills.

Mind you, I haven’t discussed production quality, musical excellence, or biblical lyrics, as those deserve their own discussion.

So, to return to my initial question, should churches be producing their own albums?

Here’s my answer: maybe.

I firmly believe churches should be writing their own songs. When we sing hymns and creeds, we connect ourselves with the history of the Church. When we sing newer songs, we join ourselves to the story of the global Church here and now. When we sing songs unique to our church, they connect us to what God has done in our past, what He’s doing in our present and where we know he’s leading us in the days ahead.

But writing is different than producing an album.

Here are the three considerations I have that make up my answer.

People

Yes, your musicians and vocalists are good—but are they “recording” good? As worship leaders and musicians, we get away with a lot of slopiness live. The studio recording environment exposes it all. Secondly, hours and hours are spent writing, rewriting, tracking, overdubbing, and tracking again. Are you and your team willing to spend time away from your families, work, and other obligations to see it come through?

Finances

Yes, producing and distributing music is cheaper than ever, but a cost is still involved. Even the most minimal investments in recording gear are still investments. If you have no idea what you’re doing, you’ll likely hire a recording engineer, mix engineer, mastering engineer, and producer, for starters. Those costs can get out of control quickly. Of all the areas of ministry your church is investing in, is this the most vital?

Mission

We’re called to faithfully serve our local churches, whether we’re on staff or volunteers. If producing an album is pulling you and your team away from faithfully serving your church on Sundays and throughout the week, is it really supposed to be a part of your vision?

Let’s face it: You may be compelled to write and produce an album and release it to the world because “If we don’t, who will?” But the reality is, everyone is, so is the world missing out on your music?

The most important takeaway that applies to any extra-ministry initiative is this:

If your volunteers are not being formed into better followers of Jesus who live out his mission for your church, why enter a process that can divert you from that mission?