Managing sound for worship
Whether using a full band, piano, guitar, or organ for musical accompaniment in worship, sound system management can be a challenge. At NCC, we seek to steward the technology God has provided as best we can for the praises of God and the good of our congregation. We think intentionally about setting aspects like audio, video, and lighting to these ends. Each component has its primary goal of serving our church's worship, even while our congregation may possess a diversity of personal preferences or sensitivities. Our hope is to achieve the greatest common encouragement. For sound levels, here are a few specific goals:
Theologically, we want to push the volume to reflect the greatness of God and the call for "loud" music, singing, shouts and rejoicing unto him with “all our might” (Ps. 33, 150; 1 Chr. 15:28).
Functionally, we seek to set the volume levels loud enough to support the primary instrument in the church, the congregation's voice, without being too loud that it drowns our people out. The communal aspect of singing is so powerful that we want people to feel confident to sing but also be able to hear the unified congregation's voice, and not have their hearing damaged. We are always after this "sweet spot."
Technically, we monitor the audio levels with decibel meters and equalization graphs. When our levels are too low they drain us and if they are too high they distract us. We feel confident that our current average levels are appropriate for the goals we are seeking to achieve. That being said, there will inevitably be moments where sound is louder or softer as our musicians, vocalists, and technical volunteers express their gifts dynamically.
Psalm 47:1
Clap your hands, all peoples!
Shout to God with loud songs of joy!