Glad to have you here!  I'm trying to create a lot of technical articles while at the same time covering the "in's and out's" of being in an a/v ministry.

Something you can try if you need someone to help you face-to-face is call another church in the area (same denomination or not, it's up to you) and ask for their a/v person.  I'm sure they would be happy to vist you or you could visit their church.

I'd encourage you to read the EQ 101 article as EQ'ing seems to be the toughest area for most people. 

Also feel free to post up questions in the forum (or on related articles) and this community can answer the best we can!

Looks like you have been thrown in at the deep end, raydon!

It helps me at my Church to keep the lines of communication open  and to get the congregation to give you feedback after each service. Start with a few people you know well and gradually extend the inquiry. You don't have to do this every week, just until you have confidence in the quality of the sound you are reinforcing and recording. You will find that the comments are not always aimed at the skill of the operator but also the resonant quality of the Church interior,different microphone qualities and sound levels. It is valuable to get a range of comments.  I seem to get more inquiries about the hearing loop than the PA !

It is funny with sound ,if you are doing a good job,people will rarely comment as they really do not what to say to the sound operator!. That is what why it is good to keep the lines of communication open and be approachable.

To find a site where church sound issues can be openly discuss in forum stly is great.

I've been doing the sound at my church for 3 years now and have had to teach myself as our sound person at that time left suddenly.

The fact that I may be able to learn from other people online or possibly be able to help some one else with a problem that I have already dealt with is great.

So everybody get on board and help make this work to everybodys benefit.