James Wasem

There is one audio effect that is absolutely CRUCIAL for getting your sound to actually sound great. The funny thing is that most people don't even really think of it as an effect at all. That's why I like to call it "salt and pepper for your sound." Salt and pepper aren't necessarily considered spices, but you sure do notice it when they aren't in the mix.

The first of the year is a great time to start inviting people to join your tech team. The Christmas holiday has passed and the new year is now underway. Take advantage of this time to reflect on the past year and how your technical ministry can move forward in the coming months.

Worship distractions come in a variety of packages. Some distractions just can’t be avoided, like the baby in the back row making a less-than-joyful noise. But there are a number of distractions that can and should be completely avoided. In terms of technical system distractions, there can be many causes.

Yup, it’s a busy time of year. I get it. But don’t confuse “being busy” with being productive. And definitely don’t forget to properly prepare your tech team so that they can be productive. Sometimes the most beneficial thing we can do is step away from the hectic schedules and incessant demands for attention, and instead turn our energy to engaging with our fellow team members.

The lights dim, the background music fades, and everyone is seated as someone steps on stage to give a welcoming announcement and transition into worship. It’s at this moment that we all turn our attention to the large screen above the platform. And that’s when things fall apart.

There’s nothing quite like learning how to use a new piece of gear or practicing a new technique, and then having to train someone else on your team how to be proficient with it! The great thing about this is that it forces you to truly grasp the fundamental concepts of what you’re doing and why. In order to teach something effectively, you need to distill the complex variables of your task into manageable concepts that your student can comprehend and then put into practice.

Yes, I know December seems far away, and you might not be ready to start earnestly thinking about Christmas – but a little thought and planning now could make any upcoming Christmas tech plans go much smoother. You can start benefiting from this preparation right now! Here are seven tips to help you get started readying your worship technology for the upcoming Christmas season:

Live streaming is becoming less of a technical novelty and more a requirement for many churches--something that makes a lot of sense. Sure, online live streaming technology allows you to broadcast and distribute your message around the world, but it also allows you to reach local community members that may not be able to make it to church every week (or at all). The question is, can they hear you? You know that audio is the most important part of any live stream, right?