Thank God for Sound and Computer Techs.
The purpose of this article is to celebrate our amazing Media Techs who diligently
strive to provide a quality listening and viewing experience, thus ministering to
multitudes. Whether I am leading worship, speaking, singing in concert, or simply
listening to God’s message with the rest of the congregation, I appreciate and thank
God for Media Techs.
Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount in a location described as a natural amphitheater.
This feature caused His voice to resonate across the hillside. He was heard by more
than 5,000 people. Jesus didn’t need a sound system or a Sound Tech to electronically
enhance His voice. Everyone heard, and everyone listened.
All churches do not have the perfect structural design and acoustics to make sure
that every speaker, singer and musician are heard. So with the invention of electronics,
came the birth of new ministries: the Sound Tech who manages the sound system and
the Computer Tech who displays the words on the screen. For ease in writing this article
I will call these faithful servants Media Techs; however, when necessary, I will be
specific as to Sound Techs or Computer Techs.
What’s it like to be a Sound Tech?
Sound Techs can be unsung heroes – when everything is going right. But, when
feedback or system failure occurs, Sound Techs can get a “look” from everyone
present that could melt ice. That look only reflects the pain caused by roaring
feedback or the disappointment of unexpected silence. (Probably some “helpful
soul” adjusted something when no one was looking; or it just happened.) So in
desperation, the Sound Tech must swiftly locate the source of the problem and
fix it. What was an enjoyable adventure in mixing and enhancing sound has
become a nightmare. It will pass, and it will get fixed, just not soon enough for
everyone present.
What’s it like to be a Computer Tech?
Again, Computer Techs can be unsung heroes – when the right songs or scriptures
are displayed. But, when the Lord is moving, it is not unusual for a different
song or different scripture to be needed. Perhaps it is just the order of songs
or scriptures that needs to be changed. Other times it is a song that is not on
the program. And yet, the singers cannot wait, but begin to sing. Since we rarely
use hymn books anymore, we know that without the words, many will be unable to
participate. The Computer Tech races to locate the song or the scripture.
It may or may not be found in a timely manner. Although we plan the songs
or scriptures, the Worship Leader and the Pastor need the freedom to follow
God’s leading.
Know this: All areas of ministry experience challenges and unexpected things
that required following God’s leading. One of the ways Media Techs can be better
equipped to flow with the change is by practicing with the equipment, studying
the manuals, and writing down directions that may help you when a “situation” arises.
As a Worship Leader and Speaker, I always provide song lists, information and
directions in advance. And, I always say, “Watch and pray.” Pray with your Media Team
before the church service or time for ministry begins. Pray for God to direct your
ministry. All ministries require God’s leadership, provision, skills and talent,
knowledge, wisdom, diligence, and endurance. Pray for God’s anointing and that
He ministers through you.
1. I thank God for Media Techs who know that managing the sound system
or the computer displays is a Calling from God. They know that God has given
them talents and skills to effectively communicate through electronics.
They know that God uses His gifts in them to make it possible for many to
receive the Gospel and be saved.
2. I thank God for Media Techs who know that the role of Sound Tech or
Computer Tech is not their job in the church; it is God ministering through
them. They walk in faith. When unexpected things happen, like feedback or
equipment failure, they do not get frustrated. They calmly start thanking
God for His provision and His answer. They know that this is no surprise to God.
God has already gone before and prepared the way. They trust God for His help.
Wise Media Techs know from experience that when they get frustrated and angry, t
hey are not receiving the grace of God. Pride is trying to overtake them. What will
others think? Everyone sees my problem! They refuse to give into the traps of Satan.
They focus on God. They also know that becoming frustrated and angry will destroy
their testimony. They choose to trust God and calmly work through the current problem.
3. I thank God for Media Techs who do not become upset or resentful when they
are corrected by church leadership, or even by people in the congregation. They are not
easily offended. They listen and speak kindly to the person making the suggestion and
thank them for their concern. Wise Media Techs are honest with themselves and with
God. They pray and ask Him to help them accurately assess the correction and
make changes where they need to be made. Maybe no changes are needed.
Maybe many changes are needed. We all need correction throughout our lives.
Our desire must be to please God by cooperatively working with everyone and
building positive relationships.
4. I thank God for Media Techs who recognize that they “don’t know it all.”
Not only do they learn from other Media Techs, when available, they get
training. They freely share their expertise with others.
5. I thank God for Media Techs who are thankful to have God’s purpose in their lives.
They know how far God has brought them and trust God to complete His work in them.
They are faithful to the ministry in which God has placed them. And, when people
praise them, they do not boast about themselves, but honestly declare that God
deserves the glory.
6. I thank God for Media Techs who are present for music or drama practice. By
participating in practice, they ensure that they have an understanding of the
sound and computer requirements that will be needed for the upcoming church
service or ministry events.
7. I thank God for Media Techs who arrive early for practice and church service.
They know that many people are dependent upon them. They know that when
they are prepared, distractions are reduced during ministry time.
8. I thank God for Media Techs who stay focused during practice and ministry time. They
initially greet others, but keep socialization to a minimum. They know that they
can socialize after the service. They turn off all personal electronic devices
that might tempt them to engage in idle conversations. This includes electronics
that enable texting, cell phone calls, surfing the Internet, or playing video
games. They do not read books or allow themselves to daydream. They do not tell
jokes. Instead, they are continuously listening and looking for ways to help the
Speaker, Worship Leader, Singers, Drama Team or anyone else who needs assistance
with media.
9. I thank God for Sound Techs who know that the words in the songs are more
important than the music. It is the Word that will save souls, heal, deliver, cause
relationships to be restored, and so much more. They demonstrate their maturity
in Christ by making sure that the words are louder than the music. The words
must be heard.
10. I thank God for Sound Techs who know that the lead singer is not the only one
who is to be heard. Yes, the volume of the lead singer must be moderately above
the rest. They know that if all singers and instrumentalists cannot hear the lead,
they cannot follow. They will not be in one accord.
11. I thank God for Sound Techs who use wisdom and common sense when setting
the volume controls. Although Chronicles 20:19 and 30:21 both declare the use of loud
music, the electronically amplified sound of today has given “loud” a new meaning.
It cannot be compared with the “loud” in Bible times. I thank God for Sound Techs
who know the difference between loud and deafening. Please see my article located on this
website entitled, “Something You may not Want to Hear.” From this you will gain practical
understanding of how volume impacts our churches and ministry around the world.
(This article will change your perspective on sound.) The Sound Tech holds a lot of power in
his/her hands; it must be used wisely. I believe that loud is still good when worship is
driven by our passion to exalt, praise and serve God. Deafening, however, is never
good.
12. I thank God for Sound Techs who plan ahead. Wise Sound Techs not only listen and
work to blend voices, they make notes and even draw a diagram to be used when they
need to be absent. They plan ahead by providing their replacement with a visual
representation of what the sound board should look like in order to maintain a basically
good and acceptable sound. Hopefully, upon the Sound Tech’s return, no major corrections
will be needed. But if corrections are necessary, the Sound Tech has notes to quickly r
estore things back to their proper place.
How do these wise Sound Techs easily create a diagram? I am glad you asked.
Copy the schematic from the Owner’s Manual and write your notes on it. If there
is a blank space, create a simple chart that designates volume level and equalizer
settings. Numbers are listed by the clock. Mine looks something like this:
Name Mary Linda Vicki Barbara
Volume 4 3 3 3
Highs 3 2 1 1
Mids 3 3 3 1
Lows 3 1 3 3
This is so simple, but effective. Of course, a legible chart is always appreciated. Highlight
any main controls they will need to operate. Then place the information into a sheet
protector and keep it in a notebook in the sound booth. The sheet protector ensures that
you will be able to make changes later without recreating the entire chart. Maintenance
and system needs can also be recorded here. Every sound booth should have a notebook
where important information is stored.
13. I thank God for Media Techs who notify the AV Coordinator in advance when they
know that they will be absent during practice, church services, or ministry events. When
people know in advance, they are more likely to be able to find a substitute who has a basic
understanding of the equipment. Be willing and set aside time to train someone as your
substitute.
14. I thank God for Media Techs who are organized and make sure that all CD’s they
handle are labeled and returned to the owner at the end of the church service. They
handle the CD’s carefully, knowing that they are a valuable resource for ministry.
15. I thank God for Media Techs who do not violate copyright laws by duplicating
copyrighted CD’s. (Too often Media Techs are asked to duplicate copyrighted materials
that are owned by someone else.) With the ease of ordering ministry resources
on the Internet, CD’s and other ministry resources can be purchased. Even old
songs can be “burned” from archived resources. (I order mine from www.getfreecds.com.)
What if the person cannot afford to buy these resources? If God wants them to sing a
particular song, He will make a way for it to happen. Lately, I have pulled out my guitar
and accompanied myself. The congregation seems to really appreciate the honest
simplicity of the presentation. If you don’t play an instrument, many keyboard players
can play chords without needing a copy of the music. Think outside of the box.
It is not necessary for Christians to break the law to minister to others.
16. I thank God for Media Techs who clean up the sound booth before they leave.
They make notes of anything that needs to be prepared for the next time. If there
are repairs needed, and they are unable to do them, they notify the Pastor or AV
Coordinator when repairs are needed. They make it clear if the repair is one that will
be needed by the next service or if it just needs to be repaired soon.
17. I thank God for Media Techs who listen to the Lord during ministry time. They
worship along with the congregation and receive the Pastor’s message during the sermon.
They know that they desperately need God in every area of their lives. And, even as they
are being blessed during ministry time, they are ever vigilant to manage the sound or
computer system. Since they know that they cannot fully give themselves to worship or
hearing the Pastor speak, they set aside personal time at home to worship and read the Bible.
18. I thank God for Christians who encourage each other. May we openly express appreciation
for our Media Techs, Pastors and their Spouses, our Worship Teams, Youth Workers, and all
others who minister in some way. May we pray for each other and cooperatively work together
to see souls saved. May we be faithful all the days of our lives - until Jesus calls us home.
© Mary Willock, 2014 - 2020
You have permission to print copies of this article for use in your personal or church related ministry.
The purpose of this article is to celebrate our amazing Media Techs who diligently
strive to provide a quality listening and viewing experience, thus ministering to
multitudes. Whether I am leading worship, speaking, singing in concert, or simply
listening to God’s message with the rest of the congregation, I appreciate and thank
God for Media Techs.
Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount in a location described as a natural amphitheater.
This feature caused His voice to resonate across the hillside. He was heard by more
than 5,000 people. Jesus didn’t need a sound system or a Sound Tech to electronically
enhance His voice. Everyone heard, and everyone listened.
All churches do not have the perfect structural design and acoustics to make sure
that every speaker, singer and musician are heard. So with the invention of electronics,
came the birth of new ministries: the Sound Tech who manages the sound system and
the Computer Tech who displays the words on the screen. For ease in writing this article
I will call these faithful servants Media Techs; however, when necessary, I will be
specific as to Sound Techs or Computer Techs.
What’s it like to be a Sound Tech?
Sound Techs can be unsung heroes – when everything is going right. But, when
feedback or system failure occurs, Sound Techs can get a “look” from everyone
present that could melt ice. That look only reflects the pain caused by roaring
feedback or the disappointment of unexpected silence. (Probably some “helpful
soul” adjusted something when no one was looking; or it just happened.) So in
desperation, the Sound Tech must swiftly locate the source of the problem and
fix it. What was an enjoyable adventure in mixing and enhancing sound has
become a nightmare. It will pass, and it will get fixed, just not soon enough for
everyone present.
What’s it like to be a Computer Tech?
Again, Computer Techs can be unsung heroes – when the right songs or scriptures
are displayed. But, when the Lord is moving, it is not unusual for a different
song or different scripture to be needed. Perhaps it is just the order of songs
or scriptures that needs to be changed. Other times it is a song that is not on
the program. And yet, the singers cannot wait, but begin to sing. Since we rarely
use hymn books anymore, we know that without the words, many will be unable to
participate. The Computer Tech races to locate the song or the scripture.
It may or may not be found in a timely manner. Although we plan the songs
or scriptures, the Worship Leader and the Pastor need the freedom to follow
God’s leading.
Know this: All areas of ministry experience challenges and unexpected things
that required following God’s leading. One of the ways Media Techs can be better
equipped to flow with the change is by practicing with the equipment, studying
the manuals, and writing down directions that may help you when a “situation” arises.
As a Worship Leader and Speaker, I always provide song lists, information and
directions in advance. And, I always say, “Watch and pray.” Pray with your Media Team
before the church service or time for ministry begins. Pray for God to direct your
ministry. All ministries require God’s leadership, provision, skills and talent,
knowledge, wisdom, diligence, and endurance. Pray for God’s anointing and that
He ministers through you.
1. I thank God for Media Techs who know that managing the sound system
or the computer displays is a Calling from God. They know that God has given
them talents and skills to effectively communicate through electronics.
They know that God uses His gifts in them to make it possible for many to
receive the Gospel and be saved.
2. I thank God for Media Techs who know that the role of Sound Tech or
Computer Tech is not their job in the church; it is God ministering through
them. They walk in faith. When unexpected things happen, like feedback or
equipment failure, they do not get frustrated. They calmly start thanking
God for His provision and His answer. They know that this is no surprise to God.
God has already gone before and prepared the way. They trust God for His help.
Wise Media Techs know from experience that when they get frustrated and angry, t
hey are not receiving the grace of God. Pride is trying to overtake them. What will
others think? Everyone sees my problem! They refuse to give into the traps of Satan.
They focus on God. They also know that becoming frustrated and angry will destroy
their testimony. They choose to trust God and calmly work through the current problem.
3. I thank God for Media Techs who do not become upset or resentful when they
are corrected by church leadership, or even by people in the congregation. They are not
easily offended. They listen and speak kindly to the person making the suggestion and
thank them for their concern. Wise Media Techs are honest with themselves and with
God. They pray and ask Him to help them accurately assess the correction and
make changes where they need to be made. Maybe no changes are needed.
Maybe many changes are needed. We all need correction throughout our lives.
Our desire must be to please God by cooperatively working with everyone and
building positive relationships.
4. I thank God for Media Techs who recognize that they “don’t know it all.”
Not only do they learn from other Media Techs, when available, they get
training. They freely share their expertise with others.
5. I thank God for Media Techs who are thankful to have God’s purpose in their lives.
They know how far God has brought them and trust God to complete His work in them.
They are faithful to the ministry in which God has placed them. And, when people
praise them, they do not boast about themselves, but honestly declare that God
deserves the glory.
6. I thank God for Media Techs who are present for music or drama practice. By
participating in practice, they ensure that they have an understanding of the
sound and computer requirements that will be needed for the upcoming church
service or ministry events.
7. I thank God for Media Techs who arrive early for practice and church service.
They know that many people are dependent upon them. They know that when
they are prepared, distractions are reduced during ministry time.
8. I thank God for Media Techs who stay focused during practice and ministry time. They
initially greet others, but keep socialization to a minimum. They know that they
can socialize after the service. They turn off all personal electronic devices
that might tempt them to engage in idle conversations. This includes electronics
that enable texting, cell phone calls, surfing the Internet, or playing video
games. They do not read books or allow themselves to daydream. They do not tell
jokes. Instead, they are continuously listening and looking for ways to help the
Speaker, Worship Leader, Singers, Drama Team or anyone else who needs assistance
with media.
9. I thank God for Sound Techs who know that the words in the songs are more
important than the music. It is the Word that will save souls, heal, deliver, cause
relationships to be restored, and so much more. They demonstrate their maturity
in Christ by making sure that the words are louder than the music. The words
must be heard.
10. I thank God for Sound Techs who know that the lead singer is not the only one
who is to be heard. Yes, the volume of the lead singer must be moderately above
the rest. They know that if all singers and instrumentalists cannot hear the lead,
they cannot follow. They will not be in one accord.
11. I thank God for Sound Techs who use wisdom and common sense when setting
the volume controls. Although Chronicles 20:19 and 30:21 both declare the use of loud
music, the electronically amplified sound of today has given “loud” a new meaning.
It cannot be compared with the “loud” in Bible times. I thank God for Sound Techs
who know the difference between loud and deafening. Please see my article located on this
website entitled, “Something You may not Want to Hear.” From this you will gain practical
understanding of how volume impacts our churches and ministry around the world.
(This article will change your perspective on sound.) The Sound Tech holds a lot of power in
his/her hands; it must be used wisely. I believe that loud is still good when worship is
driven by our passion to exalt, praise and serve God. Deafening, however, is never
good.
12. I thank God for Sound Techs who plan ahead. Wise Sound Techs not only listen and
work to blend voices, they make notes and even draw a diagram to be used when they
need to be absent. They plan ahead by providing their replacement with a visual
representation of what the sound board should look like in order to maintain a basically
good and acceptable sound. Hopefully, upon the Sound Tech’s return, no major corrections
will be needed. But if corrections are necessary, the Sound Tech has notes to quickly r
estore things back to their proper place.
How do these wise Sound Techs easily create a diagram? I am glad you asked.
Copy the schematic from the Owner’s Manual and write your notes on it. If there
is a blank space, create a simple chart that designates volume level and equalizer
settings. Numbers are listed by the clock. Mine looks something like this:
Name Mary Linda Vicki Barbara
Volume 4 3 3 3
Highs 3 2 1 1
Mids 3 3 3 1
Lows 3 1 3 3
This is so simple, but effective. Of course, a legible chart is always appreciated. Highlight
any main controls they will need to operate. Then place the information into a sheet
protector and keep it in a notebook in the sound booth. The sheet protector ensures that
you will be able to make changes later without recreating the entire chart. Maintenance
and system needs can also be recorded here. Every sound booth should have a notebook
where important information is stored.
13. I thank God for Media Techs who notify the AV Coordinator in advance when they
know that they will be absent during practice, church services, or ministry events. When
people know in advance, they are more likely to be able to find a substitute who has a basic
understanding of the equipment. Be willing and set aside time to train someone as your
substitute.
14. I thank God for Media Techs who are organized and make sure that all CD’s they
handle are labeled and returned to the owner at the end of the church service. They
handle the CD’s carefully, knowing that they are a valuable resource for ministry.
15. I thank God for Media Techs who do not violate copyright laws by duplicating
copyrighted CD’s. (Too often Media Techs are asked to duplicate copyrighted materials
that are owned by someone else.) With the ease of ordering ministry resources
on the Internet, CD’s and other ministry resources can be purchased. Even old
songs can be “burned” from archived resources. (I order mine from www.getfreecds.com.)
What if the person cannot afford to buy these resources? If God wants them to sing a
particular song, He will make a way for it to happen. Lately, I have pulled out my guitar
and accompanied myself. The congregation seems to really appreciate the honest
simplicity of the presentation. If you don’t play an instrument, many keyboard players
can play chords without needing a copy of the music. Think outside of the box.
It is not necessary for Christians to break the law to minister to others.
16. I thank God for Media Techs who clean up the sound booth before they leave.
They make notes of anything that needs to be prepared for the next time. If there
are repairs needed, and they are unable to do them, they notify the Pastor or AV
Coordinator when repairs are needed. They make it clear if the repair is one that will
be needed by the next service or if it just needs to be repaired soon.
17. I thank God for Media Techs who listen to the Lord during ministry time. They
worship along with the congregation and receive the Pastor’s message during the sermon.
They know that they desperately need God in every area of their lives. And, even as they
are being blessed during ministry time, they are ever vigilant to manage the sound or
computer system. Since they know that they cannot fully give themselves to worship or
hearing the Pastor speak, they set aside personal time at home to worship and read the Bible.
18. I thank God for Christians who encourage each other. May we openly express appreciation
for our Media Techs, Pastors and their Spouses, our Worship Teams, Youth Workers, and all
others who minister in some way. May we pray for each other and cooperatively work together
to see souls saved. May we be faithful all the days of our lives - until Jesus calls us home.
© Mary Willock, 2014 - 2020
You have permission to print copies of this article for use in your personal or church related ministry.