Our Story

Built on 15 years of ministry.
Launched to serve thousands more.

Amplify Ministries was not conceived in a boardroom. It was born in the sound booth, behind the camera, and on the floor of a church... doing the work.

The Founding Story

The proof came first. Then the mission.

For over 15 years, Shannon L. Stukes has served as Media and Technology Ministry Director at Saint Matthew AME Church in Orange, New Jersey, designing, building, and sustaining a broadcast-grade production infrastructure inside an active faith community.

What started with a single camera and a few wireless microphones, grew into 11 integrated displays across campus, simultaneous streaming on three platforms, and a trained volunteer media team capable of hosting large, high-profile events at a regional scale.

That work – done quietly, Sunday after Sunday, year after year – became the proof of concept for Amplify Ministries. Because if it could be built there, it can be built anywhere.

Amplify Ministries was founded to take that 15-year proof of concept and make it available to every church that needs it, regardless of denomination, size, or budget. Structured as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Amplify pairs the rigor of a professional technology firm with the heart of a ministry partner.

How We Got Here
🎙️
2008

SLS Web Studio Founded

Shannon establishes SLS Web Studio, a professional services firm specializing in web development, photography, videography, and digital media.

2011

Partnership Begins at Saint Matthew AME

Shannon is named Media & Technology Ministry Director at Saint Matthew AME Church, Orange, NJ, beginning a 15+ year hands-on technology ministry engagement.

📡
2011–2025

Broadcast-Grade Infrastructure Built

11 integrated displays, simultaneous 3-platform streaming, a trained volunteer media team, and successful regional conference hosting. The proof of concept is built and proven.

2026

Amplify Ministries Founded

Amplify Ministries is established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving churches and faith-based organizations across New Jersey and the Tri-State Region – bringing 15 years of proven ministry technology service to churches that need it most.

What We Stand For

Identity & Values

Faith and professional excellence are not in tension. They are the same calling, pursued together.

✝️

Faith + Professional

Equally balanced in everything we do. Technology in the service of ministry and never the other way around.

🤝

Accessible

Serving churches of all sizes, denominations, and budgets. The need doesn't stop at the budget line and neither do we.

🌱

Sustainable

Building lasting capacity, not dependency. Every engagement ends with a church that can maintain and build on what was installed.

📋

Transparent

Accountable governance and financial stewardship. Conflict of interest policies, independent board oversight, and arm's-length vendor relationships.

💡

Innovative

Bringing modern technology to faith communities without the complexity or cost that typically accompanies it.

"Amplify Ministries exists to equip churches and faith-based organizations across New Jersey and the tri-state region with the technology, media infrastructure, and resources they need to expand their reach, strengthen their communities, and fulfill their mission."

Leadership

The team behind the mission

Practitioners first. Every member of the Amplify Ministries leadership team brings lived ministry experience to this work.

SLS

Shannon L. Stukes

Founder & Executive Director

Founder and principal of SLS Web Studio (est. 2008) and Media & Technology Ministry Director at Saint Matthew AME Church since 2011. Shannon brings 15+ years of hands-on ministry technology expertise — from acoustic design to broadcast engineering to digital strategy — to every Amplify engagement.

Web Development · Photography · Videography · Broadcast Engineering · Digital Media · Digital Marketing · Portfolio Management

TS

Tawauna Stukes

Director of Programs, Grants & Community Partnerships

A senior nonprofit administrator with 20+ years of experience in education, program management, and grant development. Tawauna leads Amplify's program design and grant pipeline, bringing the rigor that transforms vision into funded, sustainable programs.

MS, Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment · Grant Writing · Program Administration · Licensed NJ Real Estate Agent

Governance

Built to be accountable

Amplify Ministries is governed by an independent Board of Directors committed to mission integrity, financial transparency, and conflict of interest accountability.

Legal Structure

Nonprofit Corporation – 501(c)(3) pending, New Jersey

Board Composition

Five-member Board of Directors; majority independent as required by IRS standards

Conflict of Interest Policy

All related-party transactions governed by documented COI policy with annual disclosure requirements

Technical Delivery

Technical services delivered through SLS Web Studio under an approved arm's-length vendor agreement

Partner With Us

Let's build something for your congregation.

Whether you're starting from scratch or upgrading aging systems, we begin with a no-cost assessment. No pitch, no pressure. Just a clear picture of where your church stands and where it can go.

Request a Free Assessment