For some time, I was privileged to serve as the “AV Tech” in our church. During this time, I sought the Lord for a spiritual understanding of the role. At one point, I noticed Psalm 150, and pondered it. Upon reading that Psalm in the context of helping to put on a worship service, I came to a new understanding of that work. I’d like to share it as an encouragement for others who serve God in this manner.

Praise the LORD!
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty expanse.
Praise Him for His mighty deeds;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.
Praise Him with trumpet sound;
Praise Him with harp and lyre.
Praise Him with timbrel and dancing;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.
Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD!
Psalm 150 (NASB95)

When I first considered the Psalm, I noticed how many different instruments were to be used for praising the Lord. Trumpet, harp, lyre, timbrel, stringed instruments, pipe, and cymbals are all called into action. Today we have even more instruments. To me, it wasn’t so much that this was an specific list, but one that illustrated the diversity of instruments that should be used to glorify God. It became apparent that the AV system could be considered in just the same way. I began to see that this system was my instrument to be played for His glory and honor.

This gave me a new perspective of doing AV work. No longer a church task, it became a work to do well for Him. It became something to be practiced, refined, and played to make beautiful sounds, just like any other instrument.

Another truth about this work is that it is a real act of worship, even when it prevents the AV worker from actually singing or otherwise participating in the service. The Hebrew word for worship includes the idea of service, and obedience to God’s will is a vital part of that. So in a sense, this work in the service of the Lord is worship when performed as an act of obedience to Him.

This changes the task of running the AV gear from a church job to an act of true spiritual worship that not only directly blesses God, but helps the performers worship Him through their service. And of course, it also helps the congregation bring praise and worship in their singing. What an honor to be able to bless the Lord in such a multifaceted way!

This leads to why it’s a privilege to be a church AV tech: because it support others. In fact, it really has no meaning without the performers, so this is truly a servant position. In the Kingdom, such humble service is a position of honor. So those working as AV techs should rejoice in the opportunity to serve, and thank the Lord that He allows us to minister in such wonderful ways.

Lord, thank you for the opportunity to serve You in such a wonderful way. May my efforts bring You glory and praise.