Have you ever wondered what it takes to put on worship at a large church, with all the smoke and lights? For some they are not happy with this modern day worship style, for others it is just what they need to keep them going and interested. Sometimes you hear people say they don’t like the loud sound and all of those lights, and let’s not forget about the smoke, I mean what is that for?
I truly believe all of it serves a purpose, a special unique purpose in bringing those that walk into the door into a beautiful time of worship that you didn’t expect. When I started on the production team, I was a bit afraid serving “behind the scenes” would change the way I view worship.
I quickly discovered that seeing it come together, the passion in every single person, and the sacrifices made, actually enhanced it for me. To know that the people that sing on stage, the people running the lights, holding the cameras, putting up the words on the screen, mixing the music, and yes putting out that smoke, they do this all with love and passion to help everyone have the best experience they can with the Lord.
Let me now take you behind the worship for a weekend at my church where I serve as the CG operator. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to put the words on the screen. It’s 1:30pm when I arrive at church on the 4th Saturday of the month. My spot is in a room that is located back off the stage; it is filled with all kinds of technical equipment, TV screens and a switcher board. The Video director, assistant director, shader, switcher and I take our positions.
In the back of the auditorium you will find the control booth where the lighting designer, production manager, audio mixer, and one of the five cameras. There is a stationed camera, and then there are four other cameras placed to get the perfect shots to put up on the side screens. We will hold two rehearsal sessions before we go live, this helps for everyone to be right on track with the camera shots, the words, sound, and light. These rehearsals are very critical because you never know when technology will falter.
After that we have some time to decompress and get ready for the service. This time is spent connecting with everyone, snacking, or fellowshipping. On Sundays we arrive at 7:30am for our own time of worship and a small devotional. Then it’s time to go Live, this is it, this is where the excitement comes in!
We all gather in the green room for prayer, and then it’s time to go to our places. Being able to hear a worship set four to five times, for me is pretty cool, I really enjoy worship time. With being on the production team I get to see how everything works and what it takes to put worship on four times a weekend. Also, I get to see an up close and personal performance with just the team. That is where I can just watch and see the passion in the eyes of those up on the stage.
Their true heart for the Lord really shows through each note they sing, each cord they strum, each soft touch on the keys on the keyboard and each bang of the drum stick. All the while to enhance the beauty of the music is the beauty of the lighting. The lights shine down a beautiful cascade of glow on each team member, while smoke provides a soft subtle effect that softens it all. I’ve honestly not seen such passion in a team like I see in this team that I serve with.
A few other side perks to serving behind the scenes of worship are the green room talks! The friends I have made have been so genuine and fun. You are all there for the same purpose; you are all there sacrificing your time together.
One last thought I want to leave you with…if you are not serving on your worship / production team at your church, I highly recommend it. You just never know what friends will make, joy you will find, and you may even find some extra time to say, write an article or something.
Hi, I’m Jodi Hassinger. Wife to my wonderful husband, Doug. Mom to our wonderful twins, Zach and Brittney and two fur babies. My career is being a medical coder for an Orthopedic practice in St. Paul, MN, which I absolutely enjoy. My passion is serving on the production team at my church, and being a small group leader for the middle school girls at church. I also have this newfound passion for writing, I’m so curious to see how far this takes me! I’m living and loving life, following the Lord’s plan that he sets before me, which is bringing me pure joy and taking me on so many adventures, that I never thought I would ever be on. He is also bringing me some amazing friends. I cannot wait for what is around the corner for me.
Jolene Dolfay says
Awwwww I love this! I’m so grateful for you and our friendship! I’m excited to see what God has planned for you.
Jolene
Jen says
Beautiful Jodi!
Cailin says
Beautifully written Jodi! Who knew how much it takes to put on a production like that?! Great job!