Thoughts From the Field: Bridging the Gap Between “Tech and Talent"—Tale as Old as Time

Tuesday, 29 October 2024

Jake Aseltine, Consultant, CCI Solutions

When I first started serving as a worship leader, I quickly realized just how wide the gap can feel between the platform and the sound booth. If you've ever been in either position, you probably know what I'm talking about. Worship leaders are out front, delivering (what they feel to be) heartfelt performances, while those behind the scenes on the tech team work tirelessly to ensure everything works and audio levels please everyone listening. But tension often arises when these two departments don't see eye to eye.

Why the Tension?

Once I began serving off the platform, behind the audio console, I quickly learned how often those on the tech side would only get noticed when something went wrong. Not many are thinking about how wonderful their audio engineer must be when worship sounds amazing, and the entire congregation is engaged, nor should they be. It can feel like a thankless job at times, and I’ve seen this dynamic lead to frustration, and burnout. On the flip side, those who are leading worship often feel the pressure of the entire room looking at them to lead, while they expose their vocal or musical talent, which can be a vulnerable, sensitive position. A few harsh words during a rehearsal or an uncaring exchange can quickly bring down the energy and enthusiasm of either team, and that’s not good for anyone.

So, How Do We Bridge the Gap?

It starts with mutual respect and a willingness to communicate. I encourage those on the platform to take the time to understand what’s going on behind the sound booth. Step into the audio engineer’s space and get a feel for what they’re working with, and the challenges they may be having from week to week. Recognize that their job is complex—they’re often getting feedback from every “expert” in the room on how “loud” the audio should be during any given service.

I would encourage those on the tech team to not stay hidden in your box. Get out from behind the booth and get onto the platform. Stand where your instrumentalists and singers are, listen to what they’re hearing, and meet them where they are. You might be surprised at how much clarity this brings to the situation.

Pro Tip: A little encouragement before diving into constructive feedback goes a long way.

A Shared Vision

Ultimately, both the tech and worship teams should be working toward a common goal. We’re not just here to sing pretty songs or build perfect mixes—we’re here to help the congregation connect with the presence of God. Let’s remember to be humble and keep the focus on the message we’re trying to deliver, not on ourselves.

If we can break down the walls between the platform and the sound booth, we’ll create an environment where worship is seamless, and the congregation feels the impact.

CCI Solutions is a national church technology integration company. For more than four decades, we have been using technology to empower church leaders to deliver engaging experiences and connect with their congregations. CCI Solutions partners with churches - incorporating industry-leading technologies - to design, engineer and install audio, video, lighting solutions uniquely designed for every congregation.