4 minute read
Technically Speaking
TECHNICALLY SPEAKING Technically Speaking.
A CRITICAL LOOK AT THE LATEST
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Kent Morris lends his insight to uncover and evaluate the latest technological products and developments you need to know.
On Hearing A Jesus Movement
Woodstock defined a generation only because there was a sound system there to deliver it. As a testament to the rawness and grittiness of the event, there is a stirring photo of Bill Hanley perched on a wooden folding chair astride a table atop some scaffolding with a smattering of modest mixers at hand.
This photo encapsulates how Woodstock was captured and sent to the thousands of attendees. There is no cadre of techs in black using chain motors to rig modern line arrays and forklifts to deploy scores of digital consoles. It’s simply a man with some duct tape and a few small, rudimentary mixers at the helm of a dozen tube amps and some loud, but obnoxious, horn speakers. Yet, somehow, Woodstock is remembered half a century later when a state-of-the-art concert last month with pyro, lasers and hydraulically driven stages brought in on twenty semi-trucks is completely forgotten.
Woodstock was dependent on technology, but only to the extent of transference. The sound system conveyed the audio coarsely, but the musical art of the sound resided elsewhere. Since the attendees had not experienced modern immersive sound with its amazing clarity and digitally controlled parameters, the quality of what they heard was acceptable, but pales in comparison to what is available now. If today a Woodstock attendee were taken back to that farm in 1969 and listened to the music with modern ears, they would be appalled at the sheer nastiness of the sound and complete lack of envelopment. However, they would likely still be caught up in the moment and engage in the proceedings due solely to the quality and value of the music and its presentation. Yet, the sound system was and is vital to the performance.
In a similar vein, the impact of the Jesus Music movement of the 1970s has more to do with expression of spirit and heart than with technical prowess or extraordinary skill. Still, Love Song needed sound equipment and its associated technology to deliver the Message in their unique manner. The Pat Terry Group’s old Tapco rotary controlled mixer and Bose speakers were essential elements of their music, just as the unique snare drum sound created by Clint Aull for Bethel defines their music today. Hearing a Jesus Movement, unlike any secular equivalent, requires the interlacing of music, technology and spirituality in order to be valid. It is not enough to have great music with excellent sound; God must be integral to the proceedings and as much a part of the microphones as the lyrics and chord progression.
To that end, here are some ways to merge the technical and spiritual planes:
KNOW WHY YOU NEED A PIECE OF EQUIPMENT.
The fact new gear is cool is not enough; there must be a reason to spend Kingdom resources on something. If the pastor’s old wireless system drops out during services, there is a clear connection between buying a new professional, reliable wireless package and imbuing the Message into hearts. On the other hand, having six moving lights for the sake of six moving lights imparts no lasting value.
INVEST IN PEOPLE, NOT JUST GEAR.
With the complexity of today’s equipment, training the tech team how to use it to its full capacity is essential to success. Volunteers are more likely to remain engaged when they understand how a product works and how to use it in a given situation. Part of the human investment also includes scheduling enough downtime for techs to simply attend church on occasion without having to always do something.
EXTEND THE ON-RAMP.
When a ministry decides to transition worship style or environment, it must also develop a plan to mitigate the vagary of moving from one form to another. Having a plan which includes enough time to learn the new process without severe consequence is wise leadership.
REMEMBER THE CONCEPT OF GRACE.
Technology can fail and typically does so when needed most. Tech operators, even experienced ones, have limited control over gear that decides to go down during the Easter service. While back-ups and work-arounds should be part of the process, sometimes things just break with no recourse. Instead of bemoaning the issue and lashing out at the techs, use those moments to allow God to move in a candle-lit room when the power goes out or via unamplified voices when the sound system crashes.
FINALLY, NEVER CONFUSE GEAR WITH GOD.
Some of the most vibrant churches in the world have antiquated sound systems and deplorable lighting while the deadest churches may boast the latest tech installation. God is irrespective of technology. He doesn’t need it, but will use it when He deems appropriate, regardless of its age or condition. It’s all His anyway, so use what is available to its greatest impact.
BY KENT MORRIS
40-year veteran of the AVL arena driven by passion for excellence tempered by the knowledge digital is a temporary state.
ENCOURAGEMENT.
INTRO TO ENCOURAGEMENT
LETTERS WITH LOVE 36
