Qualities of a Church Sound Operator

Qualifications for Being a Church

Sound Operator

Taken from ‘The Ultimate Church Sound Operator’s Handbook’ by Bill Gibson

I have been reading a book all about church sound written by Paul Baloche’s sound guy ‘Bill Gibson’ (title and info mentioned above). As well as dealing with technical and practical things such as: how to mic up certain instruments; how to do a sound check; system configuration and layout etc. etc. He also deals with the theory of sound and the character of the church sound operator.

So here I will include parts from the chapter about ‘Characteristics of a Sound Operator’ as I believe these will help us all to grow and develop individually as well as understand our role within the church context more fully.

He lists a whole set of characteristics that are important for a church sound operator to have present in their life and attitude (or at the very least, to be working towards) and then expands upon each point. I will mention his list here, but will only copy down two of the expanded points. We can discuss these as well as some of the other points you may find of interest at our ‘Sound Team get-together’.

Qualifications for Being a Sound Operator

·       Listens to Music

·       Loves Music

·       Is a Proven Advocate of the Church, Pastor, Eldership, Organisational structure, and Leadership

·       Agrees with Church Theology

·       Is a Church Member, Committed to the Church Mission and Vision

·       Understands the Style and Spirit of Worship Music Desired by Church Leadership

·       Is Servant-Hearted

·       Has a Positive Outlook

·       Does Not Have an Ego Problem

·       Has a Consistent Spiritual Life

·       Is Ministry-Minded

·       Is a Lifelong Learner

·       Is a Hard Worker

·       Has a Long Attention Span

·       Has a Stable Family Life

·       Pursues Excellence

·       Is Technically Gifted

·       Has Good People Skills

·       Has a Mature Perspective

·       Likes to Help Others Succeed

·       Does Not Participate in Gossip

·       Is Determined to Become an Excellent Sound Operator

In my church one thing I think we need to work on when operating the sound desk is ENGAGEMENT. We need to be participants in the service, we need to be aware of what is happening in the room as well as in The Spirit. So let us each identify individually in our own lives and behaviours things that can distract us from participating and engaging fully with the church service, and let us work towards minimising those distractions. This is what the book says:

Has a Consistent Spiritual Life

"It is important that the sound team members are in stride with the spiritual growth and life of the church. Each service takes on its own life – a church service is not a lifeless and boring event. The ebb and flow of a spirit-led church service is important. The music and technical teams should understand and sense the natural changes and tendencies of each service. Some moments call for gentle treatment, and other moments cry out to build to a crescendo.

The sound operator is crucial to the flow of each service. When the pastor steps up to speak, his mic needs to be on and turned up to the perfect level. When the worship leader pauses to share an inspiring story, his or her mic levels need to be up to speech level instead of the level it was at the end of the previous song. A good sense of the spiritual aspect of each service will enable the sound operator to be ready for what‘s going to happen before it happens.

Church leaders should help the technical and music teams to be actively involved in the spiritual aspects of the church. Accountability is important – we all need it in one way or another. Modelling an active spiritual life is important – inviting your team members to participate is essential."

 

Does Not Participate In Gossip

"Gossip is unscriptural, unfair, destructive, immature, and unacceptable in ministry. When we have a problem with any person, we are instructed to confront that person about it – not other team members or everyone except that person.

Self-control and discipline are necessary to curb this natural tendency. Tolerance of gossip can only lead to problems and strife."

There are lots of other helpful explanations as to what each category means it detail. I discussed them with my sound team at a get-together we had last night and everyone agreed that all these qualities were vary important. We were also challenged to look at our own lives and to see which areas we personally need to work on.

It is great to be in the position to help lead and disciple such a brilliant team such as my sound team! Thank you guys!