In the world of church AVL, it’s easy to turn to social media for quick answers and advice. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are full of enthusiastic tech directors and well-intentioned volunteers, eager to share their latest gear recommendations and DIY solutions. While these forums can be a great resource for simple technical issues, relying on social media for actual definitive design advice can lead to more headaches than hallelujahs. Let’s explore the pitfalls of “Design by Facebook” and why churches should seek guidance from trusted sources instead.
The Immediacy of Social Media Advice
It’s Sunday afternoon, and your church’s tech director is scrolling through Facebook, desperate for a solution to a nagging audio problem. They stumble upon a church tech group where someone has posted a similar issue, followed by a flood of responses. For troubleshooting, this kind of community support can be invaluable. It’s like having a virtual team ready to offer their two cents. And if you’re patient, with a little luck, you may find a real solution. But when it comes to more complex design decisions, the limitations and risks of social media advice become apparent.
Design by Facebook?
We’ve all seen posts that read something like this, “Our leadership just approved a new sound system for our auditorium. Here are some pics. Trying to decide which line arrays to buy with our unlimited budget.” OK, I made up the unlimited budget part. A post like this will inevitably get dozens if not hundreds of responses. Many will rightfully recommend hiring a professional. There will be lots of direct messages from AV Integrators. But there will also be lots of well-intentioned, but equally ill-informed suggestions. It’s a bit like asking a crowd for medical advice—you might get a useful tip, but you’re more likely to end up with a dubious home remedy involving garlic and duct tape.
One Size Does Not Fit All
Every church is unique, with its own specific needs and constraints. Advice given on social media is often generalized and may not take into account the unique environment, budget, or vision of your church. Implementing a one-size-fits-all solution can lead to subpar results and even costly mistakes. Imagine trying to fit a square peg in a round hole—no amount of pushing is going to make it work seamlessly.
Questionable Agendas
Let’s face it: not everyone on social media has your best interests at heart. Some users might push specific brands or products because they have affiliations or receive commissions, or even a simple ego boost. This can lead to biased recommendations that prioritize profit over performance. You wouldn’t buy a car based solely on the advice of someone who stands to gain from your purchase, so why treat your church’s AVL system any differently?
Lack of Accountability
When you take advice from an anonymous user on Facebook, who do you turn to if things go wrong? Unlike trusted colleagues or professional consultants, who stand by their work, social media advisors can disappear into the digital ether, leaving you to deal with the fallout. It’s like hiring a contractor who vanishes after the first rainstorm reveals all the leaks they left behind.
Finding Reliable Advice
While social media can offer some helpful content and inspiration for troubleshooting, it should never be the sole source of AVL design advice for churches. Instead, consider these steps:
Consult with Other Churches and Industry Professionals
Seek counsel from churches with a similar vision for AVL. They may be able to recommend a trustworthy provider. Additionally, seek out seasoned AVL professionals with a proven track record of successful church projects. If you are unsure of what an appropriate budget or design would be for your church, consider hiring an independent consultant who does not sell equipment and therefore has no incentive to over-design a solution.
Invest in Proper Training and Education
Equip your tech team with the knowledge and skills they need through workshops, conferences, and training sessions. This not only builds confidence but also reduces the need to seek advice from unreliable sources. The more you know, the less likely you are to waste time on solution-by-social-media-committee.
Join Professional Networks
Engage with professional organizations and networks that focus on church AVL. These groups often provide vetted resources, expert advice, and opportunities for learning and growth. Yes, many of these have existing forums on social media, so it will take some dilligence and discernment to find the wise voices, but it’s well worth the effort.
While there’s a place for social media in the world of church AVL, it’s important to recognize its limitations. Social media forums can be a useful resource for the small day-to-day stuff, or inspiration. But “Design by Facebook” can lead to inconsistent quality, over-generalized solutions, less than ethical agendas, and accountability issues. For reliable, customized design advice, always turn to trustworthy and vetted, industry professionals who can offer personalized, unbiased guidance. When it comes to enhancing your worship experience, nothing beats the wisdom of a seasoned pro with a heart for your ministry.
I’ll see you on the forums. Until then, don’t forget to listen!