There is a special calling for a person who operates the sound board for worship. Many people simply assign someone to the “job”, and that’s unfortunate. A true sound engineer for worship needs to be someone who understands the vital role they play in worship.
When worship truly breaks out, or we see the movement of the Holy Spirit, this is not the time for the sound engineer to be in their own state of worship bliss. So many times in churches I look back and see the sound engineer lifting hands, singing, or otherwise participating in congregational worship. During these critical times of our worship service is when the sound engineer needs to be MOST focused.
It’s in these moments that a sound mistake (missed mic cue, feedback, etc.) can really detract from what’s going on. A good sound engineer should be focused and use his or her talents at the sound board to worship THROUGH the mix. This position is truly a key position on the worship team. It’s really important to focus on the service and allow the Holy Spirit to use you through your gifts while you are conducting your ministry.
This is one reason I’m a proponent of trying to build deep teams so team members can alternate. We all need to be able to freely worship and not always be “at work”.
I urge you to consider this as you take your post on Sunday behind the console. Allow your talents to be the vessel that creates a transparent environment that doesn’t hinder the Holy Spirit.
