More of a Concert Than Worship?

Recently, a piece of feedback about our team made its way back to us. It came from a church we served during a transitional season for several months — filling in while they were hiring for a worship minister. After several weeks of consistent support, this is what was said in a private message to other pastors:

“We’ve used Freedom City Collective in the past, but haven’t been impressed with some of who they have sent. They show up literally last minute and it’s more concert than worship — especially for the price.”

Reading that? Honestly, it stung.

But what surprised us even more was how we found out. Not directly. Not through a conversation. Not even through a quiet check-in or text. Just… passed along. Secondhand. Quietly. No opportunity to debrief or improve.

What Hurt the Most

What made this feedback especially disappointing was that the lead pastor did not engaged with us directly outside of our scheduled time.

We were there — week after week — leading, adjusting, and doing our best to bless their church to transition them to better days. We believed we were doing a wonderful job.

We were never given a chance to respond, to improve, or even to ask, “What would have served you better?”

Instead, that feedback was shared with pastors all across the city — not with us.

Yikes.

As ministers, that’s hard to hear. Not because we’re thin-skinned, but because we deeply value relationships, feedback, and serving well.

Who We Really Are

That said, this moment reminded us of something crucial: not everyone will see what we bring to the table — and not everyone has to.

Freedom City Collective didn’t start as a side hustle. We were birthed from the local church — for the local church.

We’re not a cover band.

We’re not a concert experience.

We are ministers first.

We’ve stepped into churches in Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and beyond. From 25 to 6000. Often in vulnerable seasons — when a worship pastor is out, when burnout hits, when staffing gets thin. And every time, our commitment stays the same:

• To lead worship that is Spirit-filled and prepared.

• To create room for people to encounter God — not us.

• To carry excellence without ego.

• To help churches transition to new staff well.

• To not be liked so the next person is cherished.

• To give creatives rest.

We’ve never been about performing. But we do take what we do seriously. We show up early, plan carefully, and pray intentionally. That’s not performance — that’s stewardship.

So Here’s What We Want You to Know

If you’ve ever been told your worship style is “too much,”

If you’ve been called “too polished” or “too intense,”

If you’ve ever been told that was “ too upbeat”.

If your team leads with both fire and order —

You’re not alone.

We’ve heard the same.

But that doesn’t mean you need to change.

It means you need to serve in the rooms you’re called to, not just the ones that are available.

That’s our lane. That’s our mission.

Moving Forward with Clarity

We don’t hold bitterness toward that pastor.

But we do wish the conversation had been different. Because when churches and leaders talk with each other instead of about each other, everyone grows.

So to every church out there: If we miss the mark — talk to us. Not to others first.

We’re ministers before anything else. We want to serve well, and we can’t do that without honest relationships.

And to the ones who’ve stood by us, believed in our team, and welcomed us in — thank you. We’re more focused than ever.

We Don’t Create Concerts. We’re Not a Show.

We’re just ministers — with open hands, humble hearts, and a deep love for the Church.

If that’s what your house needs, we’re ready.