How to Handle Comments About Noise in Church

Its 9am, Sunday morning, you have started your worship segment and half way through you see someone walking up to you from the congregation. They give you that stumbling look of subtlness but on mission. They look at you and say "its too loud".

Its a typical Sunday morning at 9 AM. The worship service is in full swing when suddenly, a member of the congregation approaches with a concerned expression. Their message was simple yet urgent: "It's too loud."

This experience sparked a unique opportunity when a church contacted me, seeking a sound technician. Utilizing a local audio-focused Facebook group, I reached out to potential candidates. My goal was to find the ideal person for the job, which led me to pose a crucial question to each applicant:

"If someone complains about the volume being too loud, how would you respond?"

The responses varied significantly:

- First responder: Suggested lowering the volume and discussing it with the music supervisor later.

- Second responder: Recommended reducing the main volume slightly.

- Third responder: Proposed apologizing and adjusting the volume based on the church's standards.

None of these answers were inherently wrong, but they each revealed different approaches to handling feedback. Here’s my take on each:

1. Immediate Adjustment and Later Discussion: It's essential to understand the expected volume and atmosphere of the venue in advance. Asking about the desired vibe, despite seeming informal, can provide valuable insight into what's expected. Answers might vary, indicating preferences for either a powerful, engaging, or clear sound. The key is balancing these expectations with the actual volume levels, ensuring vocals remain prominent without overpowering the congregation.

2. Gradual Volume Reduction: Adjusting the volume based on a single complaint can be problematic. It assumes that one person's experience should dictate the overall sound level for everyone, which isn't practical. The focus should remain on delivering a sound experience that meets the collective expectations.

3. No Apologies for Volume or Mix Quality: While it may sound harsh, it's not advisable to apologize for the volume or mix quality based on audience feedback unless it provides constructive details. Acknowledgment is crucial, but the overall goal is to cater to the majority's experience. Apology admits you are in the wrong regardless of whether you are which some engineers would never want to admit either way. Just say I will look into it at the very least. Never lie, but don't put yourself in an unnecessary situation of guilt.

The Ideal Response to Volume Complaints involves several steps:

- Acknowledge the Complainant: Even if you’re busy, acknowledging someone’s concern is crucial. Let them know you’ll return to address their issue immediately. Their comment is not a nuisance even if you think they are wrong, or even if they are wrong.

- Understand the Specific Complaint: Asking what exactly is too loud can yield useful information, whether it's the overall volume or a particular instrument.

- Offer Solutions within Set Parameters: Explain that the volume levels are pre-approved and suggest alternative seating or refer them to a supervisor for further discussion.

In summary, handling feedback about sound levels requires a balance of tact, technical understanding, and adherence to predetermined standards. While not every response will satisfy individual preferences, maintaining a professional and considerate approach ensures that the collective worship experience remains harmonious and engaging.