When you run sound on Sundays, do you show up before everyone else? There’s a lot to do! You have to turn the system on, fire up the lights, change the batteries, set out all the mics, check all the monitors, and try to find where the teens put the drummer’s sticks… Again. And then, if something does go wrong, like the pastor’s wireless having some serious interference, what do you do?? I know what you’re thinking though. You’re gonna tell me you couldn’t get anyone to show up early on Sunday mornings unless it was their turn on the audio rotation.

Do you ever feel like the volume of the band on stage is louder than the house? On my first tour 8+ years ago,  we were in a very shallow room, and before I had even the first mic turned on, the band was already jammin’ on stage. I quickly got all in a huff, pulled out my dB meter, and started lecturing them as the meter was passing 105dB and I started wondering how I was ever going to get the sound system above this. I wasn’t prepared for the reaction I got, and it taught me quickly some important aspects of stage volume.

One of my core principles for being a volunteer on the audio crew, is having the right attitude. I like to call this the customer service approach. In short, you are there to help facilitate the service, supporting the band, the singers, and bridging the connection between the stage and the congregation, all with a spiritual focus!

Have you ever been to a restaurant though, where the waiter would not just leave you alone?! I’ve experienced that, and it’s very frustrating. You can’t take 2 bites of food, or get more than 3 sentences into a conversation with your company before he’s back again asking how the food is, if you need anything, and what your plans are for the weekend. How in the world does this apply to your Sunday morning service?

Today I got to help my father since he volunteers his time running sound at his church. The first service was straight forward- piano, organ, choir and worship leader. 3 hymns were sung. The pastor started his sermon a little later than scheduled, and ate into the 15-minute set change time. Having to set up and check the second service music in 15 minutes is tough. Today we had less time than that, PLUS added a southern gospel quartet! Panic insued.