Future-Proof Faith Article

By: Dawn Allcot

“The church leaders didn’t want congregation members to walk in and say, ‘Are we in the dark ages?’ They wanted an audio/video experience that is better than they can get at home and what they’re accustomed to seeing in movie theaters, playhouses, virtually everywhere you go today.”

With these words, Audio Logic Systems (www.audiologicsystems.com) Senior Designer Jason Kartak pinpoints a common desire of churches investing in upgraded technology systems. In this case, the Bloomington MN, audio, video and lighting integrator was referring to the needs of Calvary Church, a Reformed Church of America organization in the Orland Park suburb of Chicago (www.calvaryop.org).

The church called on the integrator to design and install systems in its new facility, which includes an 800- seat worship center, two children’s rooms (for pre-school and elementary ages) and a youth room, along with distributed audio and digital signage throughout the hallways, and all-weather speakers in the parking lot. “When people get out of their cars, they hear the same background music they hear inside, so it’s all one seamless experience,” Kartak told Sound & Communications.

The main challenge, according to Kartak, was to provide technology for the new 800-seat worship center that would enable the church’s largely volunteer technical team, headed by Technical Director Dave Van Kley along with IT and Communications Director Matt Aggen, to create services that would both impress and move congregation members. The system had to be easy to use and also provide flexibility as the church grew.

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