East City Church has begun a journey of worship transformation. Last week, I introduced the church and the summary of steps that would be needed. This week, I will explore the need for technology improvement to support the desired changes.

East City Church has a reasonably good audio system already in place. However, the demands on the system will be much greater as the church begins to incorporate a worship band and vocal team in addition to their current offerings. Additionally, the church does not have a video system at all in the sanctuary; so much is to be done to provide video support.

Providing the infrastructure of audio and video support can take quite a bit of time to get into place, so start this area early on in the process.

The church plans these action steps

  • cabot_largeInstall a new video system, complete with a “confidence monitor” (rear screen for worship leaders).
    • The church will designate a team to work with video contractors to get proposals for the job.
    • The team will evaluate the proposals (see post on how to determine the correct screen size for additional help) and determine which contractor can best meet the needs at the appropriate pricing.
    • A carpenter may need to be secured to conform the sanctuary to the video needs, especially in cases where original architectural aesthetics are trying to be preserved. For East City Church, there will be modification to the baptistry area to house a drop down screen that will be completely hidden when retracted.
    • The projects will be initiated to be completed prior to the proposed launch date.
  • 00208e5c_mediumPurchase computer and needed software
    • Evaluate worship software such as EasyWorship, ProPresenter, Media Shout, and SongShowPlus to determine which best serves your needs and make the purchase. Most likely, you will also need to install Microsoft PowerPoint on the computer as well since this program is so widely used by presenters.
    • Evaluate various computer vendors’ offerings and select the one that seems to best meet your needs within your budget. Make sure you select hardware that optimizes the software you have selected.
  • inputsMap out audio input needs for the new service
    • Trace out all current inputs and make sure they are working.
    • Determine if additional inputs will be needed to support the needs for the unified worship service to communicate to the professional that will be evaluating the audio system (see #4)
  • Determine and install upgrades to audio system (note: some sound systems merely need tweaking by a professional, while others may need some additional gear or a complete overhaul)
    • Contract with an expert to thoroughly evaluate your system
    • Consider needed upgrades and secure needed funding to have improvements done prior to the launch date.
    • Have the system optimized and tuned for the room
  • combo-ampAcquire any needed instruments or amplifiers needed for the band. Some instruments would, of course, be provided by the musicians, but keyboards, drums, and often amplifiers for guitars would be provided by the church.
  • Purchase additional  microphones (wireless or wired) to support the additions.

Your church may require additional or fewer steps. It is imperative that you prepare your audio and video systems to provide the needed support for your new format.

Next week, I will discuss the benefits of putting together a worship leadership team to help lead in the transformation and to plan worship services. Take a look.