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June 2002 Table of Contents
Special Feature
Technically Speaking
By Brad Herring
A pastor and sound engineer at a church were having conflicts regarding the Sunday morning service. The problem stemmed from the pastor failing repeatedly to turn on his wireless microphone. The pastor frequently blamed the sound operator for the problems, thus making the situation worse. Unfortunately in this case the problem did not get resolved and blew up in the worst imaginable way. During a typical Sunday morning service the pastor once again forgot to turn on the microphone. This time the sound operator had had enough. His response–he flipped on the audience paging microphone and said (over the loudspeakers) 'Pastor, I have told you time and time again–turn on your microphone. I’m tired of you making me look stupid when you can’t flip the switch.'
He held his temper until after the service and at the end of the service found the church administrative assistant and told this assistant to go and handle the problem! Now a problem between two men has involved a third person – and really, the entire church!
As a media resource company, this is a story we see all to often. What is sad about this story is that I repeat it at virtually all of my seminars, and the response I get from sound operators is a nod of similar frustration.
Unfortunately in the story above, the sound operator has been removed from participating in the audio-ministry. As a result of this incident, the sound operator is no longer attending church and has abandoned all other ministry-related tasks. Not just him, but his entire family has been ostracized because of what started as a small conflict.
It is this story and many like it that have led me to write this article. Many have asked me who was at fault. My answer remains unchanged: Both men were at fault. Their biggest fault of all is forgetting that every act in our church is (or at least should be) an act of ministry.
It’s the understanding of both sides of the argument that prompted us to take such a strong stance with the issue of ministry – in our seminars, video series, and any other public forums. It’s important to think about the needs of both full time ministers and the technical ministries in our churches today.
As a minister of worship, there are schedules, musician coordination, time restraints, and many other issues that factor into a Sunday morning. Likewise, as a technical minister there are needs such as sound and lighting checks, video cues, and other issues that must be taken into account to assure a smooth flow for worship. It is easy for either group to forget the needs and pressures on the other.
I think it is appropriate that we take a closer look at the role of the technical minister and understand that they are exactly that – Ministers of God. Given the fact that we as the modern church have decided to make our worship centers so reliant on sound, lighting, and video, I will be so bold as to say this–whenever a technical minister steps behind their equipment (be it a sound board, lighting board, spot light, computer, or any other technical device) they become as important as the pastor when he steps behind the pulpit.
Now you might think that is strong; however, think about how often the service comes to a screeching halt because of feedback or a dropped microphone. Think back to the last time the video guy got off track with the words to the music and how that affected the worship of our practitioners. We can even recall instances where a spot light operator had a moment of craziness and captured everyone’s attention! Satan will use any tool possible to disrupt people from hearing the Spirit. Given this, what easier tool than a sound operator who’s not paying attention–or one who is disgruntled.
It is critical that we begin to not only understand the crucial role of ministry that these people execute, but empower them to better exercise their ministry. I ask you, who among us would send their son or daughter out in traffic in the family car without first providing them proper instruction and practice? That would be just as foolish as expecting our technical ministers to provide smooth, fluid services without preparation (such as sound checks, light focus, and solid reliable leadership about what to expect in the day’s events).
I’d like to remind everyone that our job is not one of personal gratification but rather of reaching the lost for Christ and strengthening each other in that bond. As ministers (full time, part time, or volunteer) it is critical that we approach each Sunday with a heart of ministry and worship. With the ultimate goal being to serve the God who paid the ultimate sacrifice for each of us.
As a pastor or worship leader it is ultimately your responsibility to lead others in the form of ministry to which they are called. Like Christ instructed parents to not frustrate their children, likewise as pastors and worship leaders the task should be the same with our full time, part time, and lay ministers. Empower them for their work, and enable them for the harvest. Strive to teach that they are Ministers of God. I even encourage you to strongly consider those in technical positions and to bring up strong leaders that set Christ-like examples.
Ultimately these examples come from the pastor and worship leader. They then descend upon the leaders of each technical group, and then to those who make up that body. As we set standards of love, respect, and ministry the work of our Lord will flourish!
Likewise, our technical ministers should understand the vitality that they represent and set aside their fleshly reactions and feelings; understanding that we are all called upon by the Great Commission. As Christians we are all called to be ministers of the Gospel. With this understanding, the various participants in our technical ministries should seek the Lord with all their hearts. Each service should begin with prayer and meditation as we seek to do His will.
Ours is a time to realize that technology is shaping modern day ministry. It is up to us to embrace it to reach the masses, and in the process keep the main goal of ministry clear and untarnished. I encourage each of you to keep the faith and walk with Him daily. Remember our calling, remember our focus, and remember the needs of each other.
God Bless!
Brad Herring
CI Entertainment, Inc.
PO Box 965243
Marietta, GA 30066
(770) 422-8133 Office
www.cientertainment.com
Brief Bio:
Since 1992 Brad Herring has worked in professional theater in the areas of sound, lighting, and stage management. In 1997 he created CI Entertainment, Inc., a company with a focus on designing and installing sound systems for churches and theaters nationwide. In 2001 the priorities of CI Entertainment, Inc. began to shift as the company became more of a ministry-resource company.
Mr. Herring has recently launched a new ministry campaign entitled "Empower Your People In Technical Ministry". This includes seminars, video-tape training, as well as on-site discussions and training. The emphasis is on the MINISTRY of our technical services and helping to empower those who execute these services. The goal is that a servants heart of ministry be first and foremost and that that spirit is enhanced with quality training and resources.
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