FRONT OF HOUSE
THE SECOND HALF | Kent Morris
Most of the technical energy in a worship service 1. MAKE THE SPEECH MIC A PRIORITY. 2. FIND A WAY TO GET PAST THE POST-ADRENALINE
is directed toward the music portion while the At First Baptist Atlanta, we run 96 inputs, but LOW.
spoken aspect is secondary, mainly due to the only one truly matters most: Dr. Stanley’s head When the music is pumping and the videos
belief “it’s just one input.” However, that one mic. The first thing we do on arriving before are rolling, staying alert is simple due to the
input is vital to the entire event. Mixing dozens 6:00AM is to connect and test his microphone. adrenaline rush that accompanies the task.
of channels in a high-energy environment is an If we were to focus on the impending music However, when the band walks off and the
exhilarating, adrenaline-pumping experience. rehearsal, we might never get around to fully bumper video rolls in, it is natural for the body
When combined with supportive lighting and testing his mic. So, we assemble the packs to settle into a restive state once the Pastor is
informative video, it makes a deep impression and elements and physically walk through in the core of the sermon. Drowsiness creeps
on the audience and crew. Mixing a “talking every possible position on stage he might up like a ninja and the urge to relax can be
head” on the other hand, is rather tame. utilize. From his approach at the stairs, to his overwhelming, especially in the second or third
Though the opening may have some humor seat on the platform, to his offertory position, service when we have heard the talk prior. For
and intrigue, once the sermon is in three-point to his preaching position. We test it and then some of us, a cup of coffee or caffeinated tea
mode it can become sedate and monotonous. do it a second time to be certain we have does the job while for others, keeping a fan
Once lulled into heavy eyelids and thinking performed every step correctly. If it fails, it won’t blowing on our face is the answer. If you can
about the upcoming afternoon nap is when be because we failed to check each scenario. adjust the temperature in the booth, keep it
things go wrong, and we may be ill-prepared as cold as possible. If you use intercoms, ask
to address the issue in a timely manner. Here someone in the control room to say your name
are some ways to prevent this from happening: every few minutes since we naturally respond
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August 2019
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