Seven Secrets To A Successful Independent Christian Music Ministry

by Nate Sakany, Founder of Incubator Creative Group

Sale: $24.97 (regular $48.99)

"This will blow your mind! Nate really opens up endless possibilities to grow your ministry into something incredible. I highly recommend this book to anyone that desires to make a huge impact in a creative way." - Heather Schultz

The typical aspiring Christian artist will spend 7 to 12 years and between $8,000 and $18,000 attempting to build a viable music ministry. The majority will end up falling woefully short of their expectations and going in the hole for most of those amounts. They will spend their hope, energy, and money on recording projects, compilation CDs, conferences, seminars, press materials, equipment, music membership sites, distribution fees, radio promotions, advertising, travel expenses, photography, graphics, websites, musical and performance coaching and instruction, and pitches and promotions of all types. Some artists ferociously cling to what is an improbable pipe dream for decades. Most end up downgrading their expectations, and their ministry dream eventually expires quietly in a dimly lit room in the dark recesses of their heart. You can shatter these typical outcomes using the seven secrets revealed in this book. Your ministry can finally secure the success your heart cries for — and what your future audience members desperately need.What are you waiting for? Get your copy and start today!

Here's what others are saying...

“This will blow your mind! Nate really opens up endless possibilities to grow your ministry into something incredible. I highly recommend this [book] to anyone that desires to make a huge impact in a creative way.”
(Heather Schultz,Texas,USA)

“It was literally life changing for me. The Holy Spirit undid 20+ years of emotional pain, weariness, and bitterness, as He graciously revealed to me that I am the real gift He desires to use. The freedom in seeing my music ministry from a completely different perspective feels like God has begun restoring the years the locusts have eaten. [Seven Secrets To A Successful Independent Christian Music Ministry] gave me a new-found passion to minister to people in the ways God intended for me!”
(Diana Trinidad, Ohio, USA)

“Control, Alt, Delete everything you’ve known about music ministry before.”
(Oliver Goodloe, California, USA)

“Wow, so challenging and confirming. It reaffirms the purpose of what it is to be a Christian…and brings a focus to ministering to individuals.”
(Christopher Booth, New South Wales, Australia)

“It blew me away and just opened my eyes to the new possibilities. You don’t find this taught anywhere. It is eye opening, and an alternative model of doing music ministry from the Nashville way of thinking. Clearly most musicians perish for lack of knowledge.”
(Rose Tino, Uganda, Africa)

“If you’re satisfied with where you’re at in ministry, don’t [read this book]. If, however, you’re seeking to go deeper, and be challenged by some key biblical insights that may have a significant impact on your ministry, by all means, dig in! You won’t regret it!”
(Frank Possert, Texas, USA)

“This brought the whole music ministry concept into perspective for me. God called me to ‘go into the world and minister,’ not to ‘go put on a show.’”
(Jerry Yates, Georgia, USA)

“This will challenge you if your view is that you will enter music ministry through traditional avenues. It will be a challenge worth taking. It has been extremely beneficial in helping me to see how some of my divergent ideas can operate together and how I might do ministry in a new way.”
(Sarah Blake, Indiana, USA)

“Concise, easy to understand principles that serve to take the blinders off our eyes and open them to not only the pitfalls to avoid, but also empower us to see the unlimited opportunities that are available… in creating a successful ministry.”
(Paul Wainamo, Alaska, USA)

“This is different, in a good way. It is honest, convicting and encouraging for those with a dream for music ministry, not just a ministry of songs and performances but of depth, healing and life-change. It reveals music ministry in a new way, giving those with an artistic calling a blueprint to effectively reaching people’s hearts for God, while creating a flourishing enterprise. I was encouraged by the focus on finding your personal life message, no matter how painful, and how it has the power to impact someone’s life.”
(Julene Fleurmond Texas, USA)

“It was as if [Nate] was reading my mind! Everything I had been struggling with was addressed and I felt so encouraged. It was life changing for me, and in identifying my ministry and how to take it to the next level. I love that [Seven Secrets] is all about ministry.”
(Aimee Flanders, Missouri, USA)

“If you are struggling with your music ministry, whether it is uncertainty, weariness, funding, etc., this [book] will help ground you. It’s hard to take off if you aren’t grounded first! You’ll better understand the ‘what, why, where to, and now what?’ of developing your music ministry. It really gets to the heart of what a ministry is. It sheds light on possible misunderstandings while offering exciting new ways to look at how God intends ministry and music to work together.”
(Gina Middleton, New Mexico, USA)

“Although this is specific to music ministry, it provides valuable information to anyone in business or seeking to start a business. It’s incredibly concise and descriptive — it puts the focus where it needs to be and, in some ways, can provide relief to the struggling musician trying the carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. I’ve said many times that my ministry is right here where I am, and God can use me here in tremendous ways. I don’t have to be well known to make a difference. I just have to be well grounded in my faith.”
(TeriLyn Goins, Virginia, USA)

“It is a great tool for focusing, fine-tuning, guiding your steps in music ministry. It’s so refreshing to realize that there’s someone out there who gets that music ministry is ministry, and that we don’t have to be famous to reach people for Christ. But, we do need a plan and a helping hand to make it happen. Thanks! It is definitely a glorious light-bulb moment when you realize that following this system could help you accomplish exactly what you hope for in your music ministry.”
(Jackie Doss, Texas, USA)

“This takes the obscure dream of having a music ministry and forms it into a clear and plausible reality. It will turn your previously held ideas upside down. Be prepared to take the ride of your life!”
(Noelle Marshall, Pennsylvania, USA)

“The [book] opened my eyes to a bigger picture and allowed me to see how I could live a life of impact for the Kingdom in a very Biblical and commonsense way. I always wondered why it was a struggle to ‘break into’ the music industry. Now I am running as fast as I can in the other direction. These materials will break wide open your ideas about how ministry can happen. Very enlightening!”
(Carolyn Cates, Arizona, USA)

“Vista #1 is mind-blowing stuff. Focusing on me rather than my music is something I’ve never considered until now. God’s grace choosing each one of us to prepare the way for so many other people to receive his grace is blindingly obvious. So why did I miss it? If you’re stuck in a loop waiting for that big break that can make your ministry make a difference, then I would strongly recommend this content.”
(Steve Lowndes, Lincolnshire, England)

Sale: $24.97 (regular $48.99)

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Funk Justice: 15 Fixes For Your Ministry Funks

by Tami Rowbotham, Incubator Vice-President

Nobody likes a funk. It could be a depression or a bad mood. Down in the dumps. The doldrums. Feeling blue. Out of sorts. Can you relate? If so, this book is for you. Discover the very good news that you can actually do something about a funk. You don’t have to stay stuck. You are not powerless. You can get moving again. You just need to know some well-concealed secrets. This book reveals them. Funks debilitate, but you don’t have to let them. Dare to dream, discover, and do the unique ministry God has for you. What are you waiting for? Get your copy and start today!

Sale: $22.97 (regular $34.99)

“All of us have been taught to believe lies about ourselves and about our future, and Funk Justice will help you root them out. Failure was never in God's plan for you, and Tami shows you how you started believing (or suspecting) that it was, and how to get out of that hole. It’s practical — not just “7 Steps To Ministry Bliss” or some such nonsense. Tami writes from much experience, and you need her experience. Don't waffle now. Buy this book!”
(Don Francisco, Recording Artist)

“With humor, compassion and deep insight, Tami guides us through identifying the sources of the circumstantial “funks” that plague our spiritual growth and sap us of energy, enthusiasm and good health. She offers tools to use to chip away at the barriers we build around our funks and turn away from negative thoughts. Her stories are gripping and relatable. Can funks reoccur? Of course — but as we practice the process and renew our minds, our lights will shine and reflect in our community and ministries.”
(Lesley Craig, President, Rubicon Society of Lane County)

“The good thing about Tami's new book is that it is reusable. Funks come and go, so her book can be an essential tool to combat a ministry funk when it arises. It will keep your mind and spirit always moving in a positive direction when a nasty ministry funk arises.”
(Phillip Carter, Independent Gospel Artists Alliance Conference, Sounds of Victory Ministries)

“Whether you’re a musician, leader, pastor, working Joe or stay-at-home mom, Funk Justice is a treasure trove of tools you can’t afford to be without. Tami’s wisdom from tried and true experiences brings fresh insights into the funks that can cripple any of us from time to time. With compassion, wit and an honest look at issues buried inside us, her book teaches how to identify roots of discouragement and then provides practical tools to dig them out! In the ten years I’ve worked with her, I have personally experienced her gift of encouragement. Tami has the unique knack of zeroing in on the source of discouragement and responding with gentleness, godly love and refreshing honesty. She’s done it again with this book.”
(Tara Johnson, Recording Artist, Author: Hollow Victory)

“Funk Justice helps you recognize when you have allowed yourself to fall into a funk and gives you the tools, not only to remedy this funk but be prepared for the next one. Let's face it, we all get into a funk now and then, so why spend one minute more of your life feeling down when you can learn to gracefully embrace the changes coming in your life, focus on the light and let our Lord use you in ways you could never imagine.”
(Lynn D. Jolly, Entrepreneur)

“This valuable book helps you understand the truth behind being stuck in a funk and identifies 15 fixes. It answered questions I had about my own funk in the first three chapters. Tami Rowbotham, thank you for a great book.”
(Henry W. Harris, Administrator, Excellence in Christian Music Academy)

“Thankfully, this book is not another how-to-do-it manual of hype, cute words or misguided but sincere suggestions of how to navigate this crazy journey called ministry. Wow! I was surprisingly refreshed and uplifted by hope that overcomes regret! Tami is a gifted communicator and a mature mentor that can help you confront, navigate and repair what is broken…to keep you from quitting when ministry doesn’t seem to make sense anymore. Like a fresh pie out of the oven…each delicious slice of her insight and counsel will help you change a way of thinking that just doesn’t work. You can stop excusing, blaming and avoiding…and choose a fix instead!”
(Jerry Bryant, Worship City Alliance/Nashville)

“In Funk Justice you will find valuable tools you can immediately use in your own life and ministry. Reading this book is like sitting down with Tami and having a one-on-one discussion with someone experienced, knowledgeable, patient, understanding and encouraging. I have personally experienced her real gift for lifting people up, and that comes through in the book as well. As a “creative type” who has experienced multiple funks throughout my career, I can heartily recommend Tami’s book. I just wish she had written it 20 years ago!”
(Leon Olguin, Record Producer, Recording Artist, Author)

“Tami lives what she writes and oozes wisdom and encouragement. Funk Justice: 15 Fixes For Your Ministry Funks lays out tried and true solutions — remedies for the common, and not-so-common funks. Trust me, help is on the way as you turn each page.”
(Jeffrey Delamarter, Senior Pastor, Elmira Open Bible Church)

Sale: $22.97 (regular $34.99)

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About Incubator's Leaders

Nate Sakany (Founder/President) and Tami Rowbotham (Vice-President)

Nate Sakany

Nathan L. Sakany is the founder and President of Incubator Creative Group and author of Seven Secrets To A Successful Independent Christian Music Ministry  and The Non-Nashville Blueprint For Christian Music Ministry. He is the creator behind numerous online training courses and seminars, including The Music Ministry Adventure, Seven Surefire Ways To Lose Your Shirt In Christian Music (And What To Wear Instead), Free But Not Cheap, Five Stage Performance Faux Pas On The Church Platform (And What To Do Instead), and Five Good Reasons Making A Recording Is A Really Bad Idea. Nate is the content architect and system administrator of Incubator Creative Group’s Artist Management Modules (AMMs), which comprise more than 1,500 hours of training and coaching for Christian music ministries. AMMs provide practical systems to guide artists to effectively define, develop, and deploy their creative ministries. He has been a full-time professional in the field of emerging Christian artist development since 1979. He has founded and managed three artist development companies including his own public relations agency, a non-profit educational organization, and Incubator Creative Group (the Christian music industry’s only established incubator organization). His personal philosophy of “doing small in a big way” and a contrarian approach to problem solving make him an insightful speaker, author, and business executive. A quintessential baby boomer, Nate enjoys a booming family life, occasional boomerang children, and booming laughter with a variety of guests at Villa Ingenieux, the private estate he designed and built as home base for his life and ministry enterprises (located in the booming central Willamette Valley of Oregon). His hobbies include music, film, home improvement, and he is a moderate madman when buckled into a pair of downhill skis.

Tami Rowbotham

Tami Rowbotham is Executive Vice President of Incubator Creative Group, an innovative ministry incubator organization established in 1989, serving emerging Christian artists and communicators in the US, Canada, Europe, Africa, Australia, and Asia. She has served as the primary artist manager and director for Incubator’s roster of clients since 1990. Prior to Incubator, Tami traveled full time as a Christian vocalist who self-booked 150+ engagements per year. In addition to her professional career, she has served in leadership in various community organizations, including the chamber of commerce, community non-profits, and political committees. Tami is also the author of Funk Justice: 15 Fixes For Your Ministry Funks (Ministry Entrepeneur Press), born from her multi-decade experience in helping artists and ministry leaders. Her enthusiastic and gregarious style makes her an engaging speaker at music industry and ministry events. She is also available for conference keynotes, seminars, workshops, and retreats.

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An Overview Of Incubator Creative Group

A formal statement
(hint: The videos are much more fun!)

Incubator is Christian music's only established Incubator organization. Like the 1,600+ other business incubators around the world, Incubator Creative Group exists to provide the unique nurturing needed to facilitate the birth of sustainable indie music ministries. Incubator is a transformation experience specifically designed for the emerging Christian artist. Combining artist development, recording, booking, management, niche marketing and promotion, Incubator Creative Group provides a nurturing environment for the launch and expansion of an interdependent music ministry. The 25+ year success story of Incubator is founded upon the promotion of personhood over product and work ethic over stardom. Incubator's Ministry Entrepreneur System™ provides a revolutionary alternative to the Christian music industry — a "road less traveled" to build a sustainable part-time or full-time music ministry for Christian artists throughout North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.

Incubator Creative Group divisions include Incubator Records, Cheshire Records, Incubator Music (ASCAP), Incubator Publishing, Ministryplex, The Media Coop, Finding Your Five Voices™ System, The Patron Funding System, Songbabies™ Songwriting System, Hatch! Booking System™, The Ministry Entrepreneur™ System, The Online Ministry Office™, The Online Artist Manager™, IncubatorOnline.com, and The Music Ministry Accelerator™. The entire contents of this site are copyright 2008-2020 Incubator Creative Group, including the sound copyright on all audio or video materials. Unauthorized use is a violation of federal and international law and is subject to criminal prosecution. All rights reserved. Incubator is an innovative grouping of record label, artist management, artist development, and booking support for emerging artists in Christian music in the local church marketplace and beyond. Auditions with Incubator are offered on a limited and invitation-only basis. All graphic marks and logos contained on this page and throughout this site are the trademarks of the respective organizations.

A record label releases records... a ministry label releases ministries.

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