Quick takeaways from this interview

• Prioritize mentorship and hands-on learning to cultivate a skilled and passionate audio ministry team.
• Encourage volunteers to actively listen, analyze, and compare different mixes to develop their “craft” of sound engineering.

How did you become involved in audio ministry at your church?

I’m John McVicker, and I’ve been serving in audio ministry at Gateway Church for about eight years. Although my background is in IT, I’ve always had a passion for music. It started back in grade school with band and vocal programs, and continued through my twenties and thirties when I attended many concerts.

When I joined Gateway, I felt a call to serve, and when the church needed an audio engineer, it felt like the perfect opportunity to combine my love for music with my desire to contribute. It was a great fit, and I was able to use my technical background and musical interest to step into the role and learn the art of mixing.

How can someone with an interest in music develop the skills needed for audio ministry?

Excellent resources like Drew Brashler’s videos and Collaborate Worship’s courses can help you learn the technical fundamentals. Our church even invested in a course from Collaborate Worship. However, these resources don’t teach the art of listening, a crucial skill. To put everything together, you hone your skills by consistently mixing and actively listening to the kind of music you want to mix. [Editor: You can find more audio ministry resources here]

How can volunteers develop the “craft” of listening?

To develop this craft, actively listen to mixes from churches you admire. Pay close attention to how each instrument sounds—its balance and clarity. Then, try to recreate those sounds in your own mixes. Doing this will grow your skill in identifying and correcting issues like distortion, clipping, and imbalances. Critical listening and the ability to discern what sounds “right” are essential skills.

What key challenges do churches face when building their teams?

One major challenge is finding volunteers who can commit the necessary time. Serving demands dedication to rehearsals, services, and ongoing self-learning. It’s also crucial for volunteers to understand that mistakes happen and to develop resilience. Mentorship is vital, especially in the first year, as it allows volunteers to gradually learn and grow in their skills.

What are some key components of effectively onboarding new volunteers?

Beyond committing time and developing the craft of listening, new volunteers should learn how to conduct virtual soundchecks. This allows them to practice without interrupting the band. They should also focus on the overall mix, not just individual channels. Understanding loudness and how it affects the congregation is crucial. And most importantly, they should find joy and fulfillment in serving the church.

What technology or features excite you most in this context?

Many churches are now using DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) for their broadcast mixes, which gives them more control over the online audio experience. There are also new hardware consoles like the Waves LV-One that offer exciting possibilities. However, I believe that mastering your existing technology is often more valuable than constantly chasing the latest gear.

If you could have any feature or capability to enhance your church’s experience, what would it be?

I wish there were tools that made it easier to train and onboard new volunteers. Technology that simplifies the learning curve would be incredibly valuable. Improving room coverage and sound absorption would also significantly enhance our church’s experience. And a strong feedback loop is essential for ongoing improvement.

Any final words of encouragement for those considering serving?

Go for it! It’s incredibly rewarding. Even if you’re shy, it’s a fantastic way to step out of your comfort zone. Remember, you’re a vital part of the ministry, serving the congregation and helping to deliver the message. Embrace the energy and find joy in the experience.

Where can people find you online?

You can find some of my mixes and original ambient music on my SoundCloud.