It seems that friction easily develops between musicians and sound technicians in the church. Have you noticed that? The minute the sound system shows off, we begin pointing fingers at the poor sound tech. And, if he or she doesn’t own up to the sound problems and immediately fix them, well, friction builds. When that goes on for a few weeks a divisive wall begins to build between the two groups.
Now, we musicians can be a strange group to work with. We have strong opinions and distinct preferences in music styles and sounds. Then, there’s the sound technician, who not only has to run the sound system with all of its intricate technology, but also has to make the musicians happy. Now, that’s a tough job!
So, is it coincidental that there’s often friction between the musicians and the sound technicians? I believe the enemy works to cause division uses every opportunity to jump in and try to divide and conquer. We musicians and sound techs often present the opportunity.
Think about this scenario: You rehearse and prepare a song to sing in church. You meet with the sound tech for your sound check and, for some reason, you just don’t sound the way you want to. You may sound like you’re singing in a barrel or there’s a weird echo in the monitor or there’s unexplained feedback. You want your microphone volume nice and loud, but he says the volume is causing the feedback. (Insert heavy sigh.)
Well, when you stand to sing, things go from bad to worse, and by the time your song ends, you and the sound tech are both completely frustrated. Here’s when friction begins. Now, we have a fork in the road. Do you go to that sound technician and graciously thank him for his efforts and trust the Lord with the results of your song? Or, do you go to that sound technician and destroy him with unappreciative words?
You see, depending on which path you choose, you have the opportunity to glorify the Lord or respond to the enemy’s call to cause division in the Body. Hebrews 10:24 says, “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” I don’t believe in coincidences in our lives as Christians. I believe in God-given opportunities.
Let’s take Hebrews 10:24 to heart and instead of stirring up friction and division, let’s consider how to love each other and help each other do our best. Let’s make sure as we work together with our sound technicians that we don’t stir up friction, but we stir up love and good works.