Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not just a commemoration of a historical figure; for many, it’s a living, evolving observance that resonates with the ongoing struggles for social justice and racial equality. It encourages education, reflection, action, and unity, making it a day of importance and value in the continuous effort to create a more equitable and just society. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the strides made in the fight for civil rights and the ongoing journey still ahead.
...it is our duty as church techs to be resilient in the times of trial.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s profound incorporation of Biblical teachings into his speeches and writings offers a rich source of inspiration and guidance, particularly for those serving in church tech roles. His use of scripture can be applied to both understand and enhance the spiritual significance of their work within the church and the communities we serve. Themes Dr. King leveraged in his speeches—and our actionable response to them—can serve as tangible guides to further the work he sought to accomplish… and do so through the church itself.
One of the key verses often echoed by Reverend King—and famously in his sermon “Loving Your Enemies”—was Matthew 5:16: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." This verse itself emphasizes the importance of living one's faith through actions. This is no more important than for those who work in the church since we serve as public examples of that light. For tech directors, this has a director correlation to managing sound and visuals during services, ensuring that the message of the church is delivered clearly and effectively, without distraction. The light must be made intelligible. We further demonstrate the light within ourselves when we take the proper time and resources to train our volunteers in the craft and share how God is working spiritually in our lives.
AV techs have a reputation for being introverts in the back, but we can use that as a strength to create a family of those seeking their place of belonging, together.
In one of his most powerful speeches, “Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution,” MLK Jr. cited Romans 8:28, one of the staples of Christian life: "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called unto his purpose.” He emphasized the importance of being aware and active in the face of significant societal changes, with reference to the interconnectedness of people around the world and the necessity of addressing the tangible issues facing the people of our community. For Dr. King, he was referring to poverty and inequity. For us, we know that the lost come to our services every week. They often do not speak out, and may come and go, longing for connection. It is our role to give our people a home; it is our role to give them hope. As AV teams, we often talk about being family, but do we really know the unspoken struggles our teams face? Take that extra time to invest personally in our people, letting them know that God will reward their faith and guide them through it.
Being courageous in the face of struggle and trial is an important aspect of the Christian life. Philippians 4:13 states that, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," and is a verse MLK Jr. cited at a Jewish synagogue in 1965. The image of Christ being our strength and Savior in the midst of a Jewish audience is not a new one; in fact, Christ himself did it. While Reverend King was able to demonstrate his ability to appeal to a wide audience in the middle of unusual circumstances, it is likewise our duty as church techs to be resilient in the times of trial. We aren’t here to please, but to praise and declare. That’s the purpose of the services we produce. When we are under the pressure of perfection, we must maintain patience and perseverance, embodying faith in God from whom our strength comes, even in the face of technical difficulties, last minute changes, and unforeseen challenges.
We further demonstrate the light within ourselves when we take the proper time and resources to train our volunteers in the craft and share how God is working spiritually in our lives.
Lastly, in Dr. King’s most famous speech, “I Have a Dream,” during the March on Washington, he cited Isaiah 40:4-5: “Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.” For MLK Jr., this biblical reference encapsulates the core of his vision for racial equality and justice. The imagery from Isaiah speaks to a world where disparities and injustices are rectified, creating an equitable society where the inherent dignity of every person is recognized and celebrated: it underlines his message of hope and his belief in a future where the ideals of freedom, justice, and brotherhood are realized for all. For church techs, this has important implications from facilitating communication, bridging gaps to the communities we serve, creating inclusive environments that people to want to join and be part of, and fostering engagement. AV techs have a reputation for being introverts in the back, but we can use that as a strength to create a family of those seeking their place of belonging, together.
By applying these scriptures to our craft and tech departments, we can find deeper meaning and purpose in our roles that in turn create true societal impact.
Dr. King's use of these Biblical verses provides a solid framework for technical artists in our church settings. By applying these scriptures to our craft and tech departments, we can find deeper meaning and purpose in our roles that in turn create true societal impact. The effect is a team that is spiritually invested in, grows in the comfort of the Lord, and church that furthers the mission Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. championed sixty years ago.
