Planting Partners

I know guys who have spent a lot more but most of the planters in our network seem to have spent between $9k to 20k+ on sound stuff.

Don’t neglect the sound. It is one of the most important places you will invest in the pre-launch stage. You can certainly find a huge variance in opinion but I am convinced that any churches planting in our top 10 cities will find it imperative to make a significant investment on sound. Increasingly technology is expected to work and sound good.

If you are planting in a smaller town where most/all churches have antiquated to worthless sound systems, you can pick up a used system at a local music store or on e-Bay for probably about $2k. Or beg, borrow and steal.

I just learned of a church that is spending a ton of money on an awesome drum set even though they don’t have a drummer. It is a statement of priority and direction. Some of our small towns may be able to find complete acceptance in the community with a crummy used system. Most can’t.

Look at where you’re planting and then let that help drive your sound decisions. Don’t settle for junk, and don’t get just anything that comes your way. Consult with and talked with 2 or 3 sound companies not the guy on your launch team who has been running sound at that 1^st PrespaBaptiLutheran church down the street.

Below is a list of the sound stuff that The Journey North bought before we launched:

1 Audio Technica AT8630 Joining Plate Rack Mounting 3000 Series Recievers
4 Audio Technica ATM41HE Dynamic cardioid vocal microphone
1 Audio Technica ATW-3110DDual diversity UHF wireless lapel w, channel select
2 DBX 231 Dual 31 Band 3rd Octave Equalizer
2 Furman RR-15 AC Power Conditioner Light Module
2 Gator GR-12L 12 Space Polyethylene 19″ Utility Rack
2 Mackie SA1232 Three Way Tri-Amp. 1200Watt Active Loudspeaker
1 Mackie SWA1801 18″ 900 Watt Active Subwoofer System
1 Mackie 24-4VLZ PRO 24x4x2x1 Sound Reinforcement Console
4 Mackie SRM 450 12″ 2-way high precision active speaker cabinet
2 Pro Co E143-6PB 6′ 14 AWG Electical Cord W/Powerblock
2 Pro Co E123-25PB 25′ 12 AWG Electical Cord W/Powerblock
2 Pro Co E123-50PB 50′ 12 AWG Electical Cord W/Powerblock
6 Pro Co E123-25 25′ Electrical Cord
2 Pro Co E123-50 50′ Electical Cord
5 Horizen LZ-5 Balanced Microphone Cable – 5′
5 Horizen LZ-10 Balanced Microphone Cable – 10′
10 Horizen LZ-25 Balanced Microphone Cable – 25′
10 Horizen LZ-50 Balanced Microphone Cable – 50′
4 Horizen Straightline Direct box
1 Horizen S24x4-100FS StageMaster 24×4 Fan to Box Multi-Pair Snake
2 Horizen BLC-10CS 10′ 1/4″ to MRCA Patch Cable
5 Horizen BLC-10SS 10′ TRS Balanced Patch Cable
4 Horizen BLC-10FS 10′ XLRF to TRS Balanced Patch Cable
4 Horizen BLC-10MS 10′ XLRM to TRS Balanced Patch Cable
4 Quick Lok A-344 Tripod Light Weight Microphone Stand
1 Tascam CD-A500 CD/Cass Combination Deck w/pitch control

Total $ 13,747.00 (2003 Dollars)

Good luck and have fun!