Church sound engineer for the first time!

[trik]

Hi,

Im Trik, a 21-year old girl who just started 2 months ago working as a Sound Engineer for church. It's my first job after studying at SAE. And honestly, I have no experience in live sound prior to working here! It's funny since I do have a degree in sound.

But I took this job because I knew there was a serious need for someone to take over this responsibility. Besides that, I was encouraged by my pastor to 'give your best years for the Lord'.

Hmm, yes.. it's pretty taxing, demanding, and tiring. Im the kinda person who usually likes being in the studio, working on my own, it's rather more peaceful and i'm locked into the 'mode'. Live sound.. feel like recording, mixing and mastering all in one (plus "consumer reviews" too?) Lol.

But I kept telling myself, that God is the only person I want to please. As long as I done it all as he pleases for His people, that'll be my job well done.

Hope this encourages you,
Trik

[Paris MkVI]

Trik, welcome and congratulations on your opportunity to serve! I am sure you are putting a smile on the face of Jesus.

[[Director] Joseph B]

Welcome and as long as you keep the Lord first, things do seem to work out.

[Mike Baker]

Hi Trik,
Here's a scarey thought (for me anyway)- I've been doing church sound for just about as long as you have been alive (20 yrs). And yes at times it can be a monumental pain in the ..... At the last church I was at we used to joke that there must be a special place in heaven for sound crew 'cause we go through a special kind of hell on earth.
But it can also be an incredibly rewarding, exciting, and fun experience - those are the times to hang on to. Best piece of advice I can offer is - above all else keep your relationship with the Lord sweet, and then keep a good relationship those you directly answer to and work with. Their support is what will get you through the rougher times.

[WORDpictures]

Congratulations on the audio job and opportunity to serve through a Christian ministry where you can continue developing your skills. As a young lady, you are so blessed to have encouragement to work in audio as I've found in the states that there are many biases against women in that field especially in the Christian community and when working with older generations who stereotype gender roles. Personally, I just had some audio encouragement as I've been hired for a stint as a sound recordist for a low budget feature film shoot. Keep up the good work sister-in-Christ!

[bpconley]

Sounds like me lol 21 just got a degree in sound first real paid job in the industry and only 2 months in also, and hey its for the lord so its even more awesome. Live sound is defiantly a job to haha a lot more stress, in the studio you can spend hours setting up one mic perfect in live sound its grab and go make sure nothing bad happens and the show runs smoothly. But you cant tell me its not 10x more exciting. Anyways im happy for ya and hope everything works out good. God Bless!

[Gracetech]

Welcome to CMN!

Try to take things in stride and not get overwhelmed. I couldn't imagine being away from live sound. I do lighting, video and even studio work but live sound just feels good to me.

crt

[trik]

Thank you all, for the advices!

I could see that my attitude towards God and people has changed a lot, and 'especially' in this ministry (as Mike Baker has pointed out) you and I can know what it is to be a 'servant' for God. Plus, the adrenaline rush and excitement (@bpconley)! Our church is using a good-ol' Yamaha analogue console. We had our new lighting board, and I got to do lights this Sunday for the 3rd service!

Hope your Sunday goes awesomely well!
Trik