I want your opinion. I was asked this question and I believe it's the same question as "How is your particular ministry important to the church's body of believers?" The point in answering this question isn't to defend the audio ministry. The point is to develop a proper outlook on your work.
I’ve joked with my wife that in order for me to stay humble, I remind myself that it was Jesus and the twelve disciples, not Jesus, the twelve disciples, and the sound guy. If the spirit wants to work, it doesn’t matter how good or bad the audio production. However, with that in mind…
I believe there are three primary benefits of audio technologies (when used properly) in churches;
- They provide sound reinforcement of the pastor/preacher/teacher so the spoken word is heard crisply and clearly by the congregation so the message can be heard without confusion due to audio clarity or volume.
- They provide an excellent music mix to the congregation so they can experience the worship environment without distraction and can worship fully to music that’s been created by people using their talents in a way that is pleasing to God (this goes for musicians and the audio team). Part of this includes working with the musicians to provide them the best monitor mixes, properly working equipment, and working with them as a team to create the best sound.
- They provide a framework which promotes the process of an orderly and predictable service. For example, as the sound guy needs to know what will happen throughout the service, there needs to be a schedule. As there is a schedule, people know when and where they need to be on the stage. This predictability leads to a service typically devote of distraction commonly caused by the uncertainty of church service participants.
Question(s): Agree? Disagree? What would you say?
Thought? Questions? Comments?