1. Selecting the Right Technology That Serves the Congregation:

Job one in the Audio Visual Worship Ministry is simple: help the congregation worship. Selecting the right technology is best matched when tailored to the needs of your congregation for service configurations. Selection starts with the end in mind. Here are a few spring board questions to help jump start your vision in upgrading your technology: Where do you want to end up as a church, as a mission, as a ministry, and as a worship service? What is the target generation and demographic you are trying to reach? What kind of technologies will they best respond to? What are the architectural limitations and/or benefits that will affect people to see and hear? What do you desire and/or currently use in your worship services (music, reading, choir, media, band, video, dance, drama, visual art, lights and camera) that require adequate A/V provisions? Instead of first resorting to the latest and greatest, or to the frugal survivor-island concept; it is better to properly access your service needs. Remember, "you get what you pay for." Purchase quality equipment that will leave you a few years to "grow-in-to," in both product and knowledge; your headaches and budget committees will thank you. Overall, make sure that your intent in selecting equipment defers to the congregation's needs aside from personal preferences; this will foster sincere implementation as well as encourage a positive response. The best approach is to consult with a verified and reputable A/V installation consultant.

2. Be A Light in the Darkness:

The Visual Tech Team, or as I like to refer as the Visible Team, handles lighting, media, video and other auxiliary tools. The goal of the Visual Team is to illuminate and make vision clear. Front lighting is the first step in illuminating the stage areas, up-front persons, art designs and/or fixtures. Back stage lighting is responsible for adding contrast, depth and dimension for space.There are wide varieties in stage lighting from PAR cans, Pars, Fresnels, Ellipsoidals and Intelligent lighting. Light Operators use multiple light sources to draw the congregation in, as they bring specific stage features out. Color lights evoke mood and tone to the staging elements; they can dramatically change the mood of the room. Warm colors such as red, yellow and orange move toward you; they convey notions of intimacy, sunshine and/or energy. Cool colors such as blue, green and purple move away from you; they convey power, truth and coolness, they also enhance emotions ranging from calming to cheerful. Colors add significance to story, music, drama and other art forms. In addition, color lights can be used in services to highlight seasons of the Church calendar. Above all, be sure to keep your lighting schemes simple, friendly and intentional.Proper lighting will help avoid washouts and overproducing colors.Another word of caution, keep lighting patterns away from projector screens as it will also washout screen visibility.

Other great tools for enhancing worship services are found in Media and Video. A few quick notes for each tool: Rear screen projectors work best because they are brighter, but are more expensive and require depth for installation. Matte White is the most versatile and popular fabric for projector screens. Above all, when accounting for room projection, your equipment needs to match the room size and viewable area that you are trying to achieve. Media software and hardware are other key components for smooth and reliable projections of lyrics, messages, video and graphic art. Try before you buy: you can usually find free demo versions of media projection software on the internet. Find a product that is user friendly and agile, along with a reliable computer. In producing media content for a service, here's a buzz phrase: make it clear! Whether displaying lyrics or video, make sure that fonts, backgrounds and images are readable, contrasting and eye-friendly.Operators on the media/projection equipment are to remain focused, relaxed and proactive as this will encourage participation among the congregation. A word on cameras:make sure they are eye-level on the upfront leaders/pastors. Fixed lenses that are angled downward or upward convey a sense of inferiority or superiority of the speaker/leader. Multiple video cameras are ideal, whether robotic-controlled (very stream-lined) or having additional operators for various head shots, stage angles and profiles keep live video fresh. Booms are great as long as they do not distract the congregation. One more thing, leave the handi-cam for vacations and family functions - not for worship services - A/V use. For best filming and lighting results, encourage speakers and leaders to avoid wearing all white (except under jackets) as it reflects too much light, all black absorbs too much light. Cool colors and blues usually work the best.

3. Hear No Evil:

Audio: the Invisible Team. The goal of the Audio Team is to be unnoticed, where the sound is uncompromised and enables what the ear really needs to hear. The Audio Team is truly the Fifth Beatle of the worship band, choir and/or keyboard instruments. Their job is to add dynamic, range, shape and signal to all aspects of stage and media activity. Simply, they are to make the sound source audible while remaining invisible. If you step in a service and did not notice any level changes, unfavorable popping and interfering frequencies, then, the team has done their job (provided the quality of equipment).A quality sound system that can evenly cover the entire congregation will be inviting and clearly understood. Acoustical paneling, carpet, sound tiles and other dampening material are great tools to sound proof and control reverberations and run-away frequency levels. If you are using drums, it is best to use a variety of enclosed shields with or without top lids. This will properly contain drum noise, which competes with main and monitor volumes (having trained drummers also helps). Quality sound begins with having quality mikes and cables. UHF Wireless unit mikes are great to rid the spaghetti mess; make sure batteries are replaced frequently and frequencies are adjusted properly by manufacturer specifications. Proper handheld mic use deems no more than a fist away between the mouth and the mic head. Wireless mikes have a variety of adjustments depending on if you are dealing with lapels or headworn applications. Each mic should clearly pick up the sound source without sounding far away or too bristly close. About speakers: all main speakers need to adequately cover the listening area with balanced highs and lows. Some churches like having sub speaker units; they add sonic and depth. It is more effective to use subs for dynamics rather than for volume. The topic of main speakers versus monitors is another world with its own hurt. Overall, make sure that the monitors do not compromise the main levels; monitors are used to identify not to amplify. In Ear Monitors (IEM's) are ideal for monitoring the band (rhythm sections) as they minimize stage volume. From a congregation standpoint, if sound levels either by the band or by the main speakers are not properly controlled (variably between 85db and 100db) people may lose focus, stop participating and/or eventually leave. Keep in mind, knowledge behind the technology will make your visual and audio presentations a success, not by the mere products alone.

4. The Importance of Education and Team Work:4. The Importance of Education and Team Work:
The role of education is paramount for our Audio and Visual Teams. There is a difference between those who show up and flip a
switch versus those who actively facilitate a worship service; like trained musicians, they know how to effectively create
beautiful music. Knowle

The role of education is paramount for our Audio and Visual Teams. There is a difference between those who show up and flip a switch versus those who actively facilitate a worship service; like trained musicians, they know how to effectively create beautiful music. Knowledge and teamwork is power. When harnessed with professional will and seasoned with personal humility, a synergy will develop as it renders confidence and trust within yourself and your team. As we grow in our talent and skill, we also learn how to draw upon each other's strengths and weaknesses. Just as the Body has many members, so do our worship and A/V ministries deserve the nurturing and fostering of healthy relationships.

Because technology is created by imperfect people, something will go wrong. In reality, when technical problems arise, tempers and emotions will range in various responses. When anxiety kicks in, the thunder and lighting of flared verbal exchanges can strike. The absolute worst response is to personalize the issue and call people down, especially in front of a group. This drastically changes the emotional temperature in the room, while it draws attention to the negative. One great recovery in moments such as these, would be to set the emotions and blame-game aside, objectively access the situation, recall your action plan (always have a plan B), and communicate effectively to work together in resolving the issue. Afterwards, if the situation merits a discussion, speak alone to the individual or group and amicably arrive at a mutual solution. The worship service is neither the time nor place to prove who's right or wrong. Also, it is important to hold debriefing meetings on another day apart from your worship service. Be sure to thank your team members and share kudos where appreciation is due. Your relationships come first. The concept of true unconditional teamwork is proven when the congregation and other church leaders take notice; it honors God as it edifies the church. Like you, I have seen many fallouts and discords among teams. One shuddering question: who really suffers? The congregation. Real authentic teamwork rings true when you, as Phil. 2:3 says, "esteem others better than himself". Our common goal is to serve the greater good; we serve to engage others.

5. Introduce Change Slowly:

"Change," is the most feared word in the Church. "Patience," is the most feared word in A/V and Worship Ministries. When we introduce new technologies in our congregations, it can be one of the greatest triumphs or hindrances in the ability for the people to connect. Audio and Visual technology should always serve the congregation, not to scare. In preaching to the choir here, people arrive to church with multiple expectations; one of them is the familiarity of the worship facility. Once the room is changed sonically or by appearance, it greatly alters how the congregation responds in worship. If the sound is too loud or intrusive, people will stop singing and participating. If the lighting and media is blinding, too dark or confusing, people will lose interest and stop engaging. No matter how great your newly cellophane wrapped eye or ear candy may be, it may not be as tasty as you think to others. Apply it this way; instead of loading a plate full of "goodies" at one sitting, introduce one bite at a time. Even at the slightest change, people will notice - good or bad. Sometimes, if a good solution is in place, people may or may not notice at all. The goal is to enhance and to solve problems without drawing attention. The outcome is for all people to easily engage in worship unto the Lord. As you climb that ladder each week in steps, your results will be evident if they either build on each other or if they collapse. In the event that one step collapses, at least it was only one step rather than the entire staircase and balcony. As you slowly and patiently introduce new technologies, the congregation will positively adapt and so will their trust in you and your team. The best words of advice I ever received in ministry: be patient and consistent in your progression of doing good. My encouragement for you: let patience have its perfect work, have fun and keep raising the bar in your service to the Lord. I pray the best for you and your teams as you help people worship.