How?
Because I spend a few hours a week reading magazines and web sites devoted to sound and live production.
Right now, I get 5 technical magazines (all free) delivered to my house each month.
I’ve also taken on-line classes on sound engineering (all free). There are numerous classes and seminars you can attend that are not free, but very good.
When training is offered at your church, do you attend?
Are you willing to show up when it’s not your weekend to watch over the shoulder of someone else and maybe learn something?
See, here’s the thing: What we do is very difficult, and it’s not for everyone.
Making great sound in an imperfect room even with good equipment is every bit as difficult as playing piano.
Creating compelling and effective lighting effects that enhance not interfere with worship is just has hard as singing a solo.
So, why would we think we can hop in there once a month (or once a week) and “just do it?”
I once had a conversation with a sound tech (a few churches back) about music. I had just finished running camera for a Christian music festival. I was listing off some of the bands we shot that week, the Newsboys, Third Day, Michael W. Smith.
After each one, he said, “Hmm, not familiar with them…” Really? So what kind of music do you listen to? “I don’t really listen to music much.” And he was a sound tech!? Nope, that’s not good folks.
Remember, we’re serving here. He didn’t skimp and give us seconds when he gave it all for us. How can we give our best to our earthly employers during the week, then come in and give leftovers to God? Call me a fanatic, but I don’t think we can.
How do you find ways to keep current and practice the technical arts? Let me know in the comments below!
Mike Sessler is the Technical Director at Coast Hills Community Church in Aliso Viejo, CA. He has been involved in live production for over 20 years and is the author of the blog, Church Tech Arts . He also hosts a weekly podcast called Church Tech Weekly on the TechArtsNetwork.