Pray about it! - Pray before you start doing Church Sound,
Light, or Video to see if that is what God has called you to do.
If you feel it is, pray that God will give you the talents you
need to do it well.
Proverbs 21:30 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan
that
can succeed against the Lord.
Get the training you need. Look for information (like this
Sound And Light Training Manual) to read. Talk to other people who
have experience. Watch other people run Sound, Light, and Video
(not just in Churches, but other places like concerts). Look for
courses at local schools.
Be a servant - you are there to serve, not to be
served
Be humble - people love to point blame at an arrogant
sound man
Proverbs 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not
know what a day may bring forth.
Romans 12:3 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you,
live at peace with everyone.
NEVER upset the Pastor or any performer before the service or
program - your job is to SERVE!
Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension,
but
a patient man calms a quarrel.
Proverbs 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his anger,
but a
wise man keeps himself under control.
Do the job as a service to the Lord, not as a service to your
ego
Pray each time before you run sound, light, or video that you
will do it to God's glory
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
Pray afterwards, Thank God for the privilege of serving
Him!
Work as a TEAM. Support, help, and encourage each other. Give
and accept CONSTRUCTIVE criticism gracefully. SALT is NOT a place
for EGO.
Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth and do not sell it;
get
wisdom, discipline and understanding.
The Sound Technician is to serve the performer or speaker.
Help the performer to be as comfortable as possible so that they
can concentrate on the message they are delivering and not be
distracted by the sound system or Sound Technician.
Proverbs 15:30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,
and
good news gives health to the bones.
SMILE (it really does make a difference and it costs so
little)
Give out a complement or word of encouragement now and
then.
The Sound Technician is to serve the audience. Ensure that the
audience can hear the performance as well as
possible.
Determine any special needs of the performers / program and be
prepared well before the program starts (i.e. additional mikes,
monitor speakers, connection of music instruments, cassette tapes,
CDs, Video tape, etc.).
Set-up and check-out the sound system before the performance,
check every mike, check every instrument, listen to monitor
levels, queue every tape.
Check for feedback and adjust equalization if
necessary.
Obtain an agenda of what is to happen and when so you can be
prepared (ask questions if the agenda is not clear - the sound
technician doesn't need surprises!).
Instruct performers on the proper use of
microphones.
Cooperate with the performers to meet their needs, help them
feel at ease, and give them confidence that they will sound
good.
Run a sound check with the performers to set levels, tonal
quality, and adjust monitor mix for performers.
NEVER antagonize the performers!
Pay attention during the entire service or performance. Do
not allow yourself to become distracted. Take your service
seriously.
Listen, Listen, Listen,
Listen to the program and make
adjustments as needed during the program. Listen for correct
volume, blend, and tonal quality.
Watch, Watch, Watch,
Be prepared for unexpected changes.
If someone picks up the wrong mike, make sure you are there to
turn it on. If the performer moves to an area that is not lit,
make sure you are there to adjust the lighting.
Tear-down, put-away, and secure the equipment after the
performance.
Take good care of the equipment - treat it like it belongs to
God (because it does)
One final recommendation from personal experience: Choose your
friends from among people who love God.
