We ask for feedback on our connection card, and we always follow up with every comment and prayer request. When people do share critiques, it’s usually centered on the volume of the music or the depth of the teaching. Here’s my usual response to the volume of the music:
Thanks for your feedback about the volume of the music…we really do appreciate your opinion. I wanted to take a quick moment to let you know why it’s as loud as it is.
Part of the reason it’s loud is because the Bible is full of examples of people worshiping at a loud level in the Bible – like Psalm 150 that describes trumpets, cymbals and pipes.
Part of the reason is that we believe we have something that’s worth shouting from the mountains. People get loud at football games, birthday parties and concerts – so the fact that Jesus is alive and working seems much more important.
We could talk about Matthew 10:27 that says that what we hear from Jesus in the quiet we should shout from the rooftops in public. Or we could talk about the millions of people that will gather around the throne (described in the book of Revelation) that will worship Jesus with loud voices.
But I guess the real reason that it’s loud is because we kind of like it that way. It may not be very spiritual, but it’s honest. We love the energy and the passion that comes from a room full of people singing to Jesus. We like that we don’t have to hear the off key person making a joyful noise, but can focus on the meaning of the words and the expression of our hearts.
Our production team does use a decibel reader to ensure that the volume level doesn’t become dangerous, and we provide complimentary ear plugs at the back of the room (right next to the complimentary Bibles) should you wish to dampen some of the volume.
Again, thanks so much for your feedback and we hope you’ll continue to worship with us.
