Worship Technology Overhaul
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)
When Paul wrote those words to the Romans, he was emphasizing the need for the Word of Christ. For the Word of Christ, whether seen or heard, works faith in the hearts of people, the faith in Christ by which we are saved.
Just a few verses earlier, Paul spoke of the need for the Word in peoples’ lives: “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14) We can continue Paul’s questions for our context today: “And how can they hear the Word if the sound system is not working? Or if the feedback and popping of the speakers distracts them? And how can they see the Word if the projectors are not working properly? How can they hear and see the Word remotely if the stream is unreliable, and the sound of poor quality?”
The Need
The technology that we use in worship is in serious need of an overhaul. We have experienced poor sound quality, frequent feedback issues, and crackling and popping. Those who have viewed the stream for worship have heard the poor sound quality, as well as the inconsistency of the stream itself.
Much of the equipment that we use each Sunday in worship and Wednesday in chapel is old (for technology) and outdated. For instance, of the eight speakers installed for the sanctuary, only two are still working properly. The electronic keyboard and drums are 25 years old. These and other components have not aged well in the rapidly changing and improving technology environment.
Since COVID, streaming has become very important, not only for those unable to worship in person, but also for those who are looking for a church home and want to view the service before attending. We took big steps during COVID that enabled us to begin streaming. Now it’s time to upgrade the equipment so that our stream is reliable and of good quality.
In addition, one of the main reasons we worship so infrequently in the Faith Chapel is the difficulty of setting up and operating the technology, as well as the inability to stream.
The Goal
The goal is distraction-free worship, both for those in the sanctuary and those viewing the stream, whether it comes from the sanctuary or the Faith Chapel.
- Clear, high quality sound for both the spoken word and music, sound which is uniform throughout the sanctuary and on the stream
- Screens that are sharp and clear to read
- Equipment that works consistently and with less stress and work for the volunteer worship techs.
All of this to serve the primary goal which is the Word of Christ going forth for His glory and our edification.
The Solution
We have contracted a worship technology consultant, ChurchFront (churchfront.com), to analyze our equipment, assess our needs, and make recommendations. Their recommendations have been presented to the Board of Directors. The Board arranged for an open forum on November 12 to present the plan in detail. The open forum can be viewed here:
To summarize the recommendations:
- A new sound system and related equipment for in-person and streaming
- A new speaker system, custom-designed for our sanctuary
- New LED screens to replace the current projection system
- Upgrades to the Faith Chapel system to link it to the sanctuary, and allow streaming
- New computers for projection and streaming to improve the quality and reliability
In addition, our relationship with ChurchFront makes available to us their extensive library of training videos so that current and future worship techs can be adequately trained, and serve with confidence.
The Cost
The cost to make these goals reality is approximately $135,000. Allowing an additional amount for contingency, the Board has set a goal of $150,000 to fund this important project.
We encourage you to prayerfully consider supporting this project with your donations. Please indicate that it is for “Faith Comes From Hearing” or “Worship Tech Overhaul.”
The Sanctuary and Faith Chapel together are the heart of our campus and our church and school ministry. This is where we come together to worship, to be fed by the Lord, and to lift to Him our prayer and praise. May God bless this effort to ensure that His Word is heard, His name glorified, and His people edified.