If you've ever asked for an opinion regarding Sunday morning corporate worship sound levels, you're familiar with the vast array of statements. Some think it's too loud when the sound isn't even on, while others find it's not loud enough at 100dB. Who decides? This can be tricky. We've come to the conclusion that everyone cannot be pleased. Still, creating an acceptable atmosphere of worship for as many as possible should be our goal. Rick Munchow is the Worship Pastor for Pastor Rick Warren at Saddleback Church. In his book titled, "The Worship Answer Book" he states, "the music is too loud when the volume distracts from worship". We often say the job of a worship musician is to play so skillfully the team can get out of the way. We're facilitators of worship not the focus of worship. God alone is the focus of our worship. Further, Munchow states, "the music is too loud when it is no longer musical." High volume levels, no matter how wonderful the musicianship, is distracting. And finally, the music is too loud when it causes hearing loss. Now all of these may be open to interpretation as well. However, we have attempted to standardize our sound. The purchase of a decibel meter (found at any local Radio Shack) is invaluable. For Saddleback Church, the maximum volume limit is 96 decibels. We run the bulk of our sound at 90dB, however our spikes will go up to 96dB I'm sure. Without a meter there is no way of knowing. Our readings are taken at the most focused point of our speakers. For us that's 3 or 4 rows back from the front. This will require some to sit further away from the speakers than others. Most people will be accommodating. Remember to account for bodies that soak up sound. When our sanctuary is empty, the same place of measurement will read a higher dB level because there are no bodies to soak up the sound. This makes a difference in our less attended early service.
God bless your efforts.
Tim Covert
Tags: Christian Music, Devotional, Worship
