Theology Evolved?

Perhaps the most difficult job or volunteer position in any church is that of the Sound Technician (ST). When it comes to sound, there is no one who remains out of the communication circle. The ST must deal with critiques from every side. The lead pastor will have his variety of suggestions, the music director will have a sound in their head that they will work tirelessly for, the producer will have the adjustments to make the sound correct for the congregation, and the band will want their monitors perfect. Truly one needs at the least, a very thick-skinned ST.
At Neighborhood Church of Redding (NCR) I am greatly appreciative of the ST’s who volunteer each week to make all the adjustments that need to happen. I take special privilege in being the one who takes the verbal abuse from the parties, and sends the requests in a much nicer form to the ST. We have a truly dedicated staff who are open to learning and take criticism very well.
Sound has always been something that God has sought himself to be glorified through. From the very beginning God has been praised through song with the children of Israel and the Exodus (Exodus 15:1). Outside of the human voice God has also commanded that his work be done through instrumentation. The implementation of the trumpet in Exodus and the fierce implementation of it is as a tool of God’s glory in Jericho. We have hundreds of psalms which were probably but a drop in the bucket of what was actually written, many accompanied with music. There were musicians appointed by the priests who used instruments that were to say the least, not quiet, nor subtle in praising the Lord. 1 Chronicles 15:16 says: “Then David spoke to the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their relatives the singers, with instruments of music, harps, lyres, loud-sounding cymbals, to raise sounds of joy.” (emphasis added).
When being involved with the audio production at NCR I have found that it can be difficult to make everyone happy (I actually gave up a long time ago). So I made it my job to ensure that the music director/worship leader’s goal for the sound was met. It is an ongoing process where one must take the music to a point where people feel a part of the worship without being overwhelmed by it. To find a mix that encourages participation whether silent or verbal, but strikes well with the heart. It is very possible for sound to invoke feels and emotions that lead to deep experiences. Perhaps one of the most poignant instrument songs is “Taps” played in lieu of a tragic event of military personnel. Many people have been brought to tears and memories of loved ones with this song. To this day I still get goose bumps when I hear it. I have had guitar solos have the same effect on me during a musical bridge in worship. There is something powerful about music when presented in a worship sense that evokes passionate emotions. So when the ST does their job right, the music can become a portal to the congregation for participation with God in worship. People respond to the power of music, it is simply the Sound Technician’s job to facilitate that portion of worship to the best of their ability in conjunction with a attitude of worship themselves.
It is important to remember that what the ST does is an act of worship as well. While others are raising their hands and singing loudly their worship to God, the ST stoops over a board gliding the sliders to the positions that evoke those emotions that raise the hands, concentration on their face as their ears listen and the Spirit listens for God’s guiding. Like others, they may slip up in their worship, but like others, they go back. Have grace, patience, appreciation, and love for the Sound Technician.