. Opportunities to Serve at WAC: WAC Volunteer Position Description: PA Operator

The PA operator is one of the unsung heroes in ministry. If they get it right, no-one notices them at all. Get it wrong, and Sunday services become a nightmare - people can't hear, there's a horrible popping noise interrupting the sermon every few seconds, the guitars and deafening but you can't hear the melody or words, people are rushing around up and down the aisles, the preacher and service leaders are hoarse, people have fingers in their ears and keep shouting, We can't hear you!

WHAT AM I SIGNING UP FOR?

Because their ministry is so crucial to so many people's enjoyment and participation in regular as well as special services, it's not surprising that PA operators are asked to put in a bit more time to get it right. Fair enough: musicians train for years, then practice individually and as a group before a service; preachers put in hours of research and preparation; prayer leaders sit down for an hour or so to prepare the prayers; service leaders spend time preparing slides and deciding how to introduce elements of the service. PA operators also need to learn their craft, and then put in the time to make sure equipment is working, set up and prepared for the particular mix of speakers and musicians who are going to serve that day.

PA operators for our 9.30am service are rostered by admin. assistant, Wendy Shiels, who organises the monthly musician roster. Usually PA operators are rostered once per four or five weeks. Wendy contacts PA operators mid-month to ask when they are available for the following month. PA operators commit to responding promptly to Wendy's request for information each month, so she doesn't have to waste time repeating emails and making phone calls. Even 'I'm not sure when I'm available, put me on whenever and I'll swap if I need to' is much better than no reply.

Ideally, PA operators see themselves as part of the music team; they work with the musicians to adjust foldback and balance input and output to achieve the desired sound. For this reason, we ask PA operators wherever possible to attend music practices; practices are usually on a Saturday, either around 9.30am or 4pm for one and a half hours, and the music co-ordinator for that week will contact the PA operator early in the week to firm that up.

At minimum, the PA operator commits to arriving 30 minutes before the service, and working with the musicians as they warm up ahead of the service. They also need to consult the service leader and preacher, and possibly others (Children's Ministry co-ordinator, guest speakers, person leading communion) about what microphones will be needed and when, and test and set those up. The service runs for between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on whether there is communion or another special event, and after the service PA operators shut down the PA desk, label the recording, and pack away microphones, so on the day the commitment is for approximately 145 minutes.

During the service the PA operator adjusts sound levels to ensure that the congregation can clearly hear what is being said, that the music is at a comfortable level, there is a pleasant balance of sound, and song melodies are easy to follow. They trouble-shoot when there are odd ringing, squealing or humming noises. They also record the service, so that it can be made available for those who miss out on the day. And they ensure that before and after the service, the level of sound allows people to talk comfortably.

TRAINING AND SUPPORT:

Our PA operators undergo a training session of about 3 hours to familiarise them with the sound system and microphones, introduce them to their responsibilities, and give them hands-on practice in how to set up the PA system for a service, how to adjust it to accommodate different instruments, voices, and situations, and how to solve common problems. Training is free, and is offered periodically, as needed.

Once they are trained, PA operators can turn to our more experienced operators for help, trouble-shooting, and more information. You can also attend subsequent basic training events for a refresher; occasionally WAC may team up with other local churches to pay for an expert to come and provide more in-depth training.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A PA OPERATOR?

PA operators work closely with a range of people, so it's a great way to get to know people while you serve together. They learn a useful skill which is highly portable. It's a great ministry for people who like to be behind the scenes, but also provides helpful information for anyone who finds themselves on the other side of the microphone. You have the joy of knowing that your ministry is crucial, and that because of you people who might well miss out can hear the message of Jesus clearly.