Thank you for taking a moment to learn about the lighting design and audio levels used in the worship gatherings at Lake City. Our Creative Team works diligently to provide a safe and engaging environment for worship that enhances participation and reflects excellence. We strive to ensure that the lighting and audio levels are both purposeful and appropriate for a multigenerational congregation.
Here are a few common questions we receive:
Is there a 'standard' for safe volume levels?
Yes. OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Assn.) provides regulations and guidelines regarding permissible noise exposures. Noise is measured in decibels (dBA). OSHA's published standards for permissible noise exposure for a 1-hour timeframe (approx.. length of our Sunday gatherings) is 105 dBA. For a shorter timeframe of 20-minutes, which is the approx. length of the worship portion of our gatherings, 110 dBA is allowable.
Are we monitoring the level of volume during our services?
Yes we are. We systematically measure sound pressure levels (SPL) by using a dBA (decibel) meter during our services. In mixing and setting levels, we work extremely hard to find the best sound for our services.
Is it too loud?
We make sure we operate well below the OSHA noise exposure regulations. Based on the length of our gatherings, 105-110 dBA is safe and allowable. Currently we run our sound levels between 95 and 98 dBA, which is significantly below the allowable rate.
What if it is too loud for me personally?
We provide earplugs at The Hub in the lobby or on the counter behind the sound booth. Feel free to use these during our worship service. We also have individuals that enjoy worship in the lobby and then re- enter the worship center for the message.
What if I have a medical condition that makes me sensitive to louder sound?
We recognize that audio levels aren't always an issue of preference. We completely understand that some individuals have medical conditions or sensory sensitivities that make certain sound levels uncomfortable, even when they are well within safe limits. Your comfort matters to us. Some accommodations that may help include:
- Seating options in areas of the Worship Center with naturally lower SPL levels.
- Listening from the lobby, where audio is present but much softer.
- Using earplugs, provided at The Hub or behind the sound booth.
Are there 'standards' for safe lighting use?
While there are no OSHA-style regulations for stage lighting in worship environments, we intentionally follow industry best practices used in churches, professional live events, and theaters such as: avoiding strobe frequencies, minimizing harsh flashes, minimizing high-contrast light changes, using smooth transitions, and limiting direct beams into the audience. We also are careful to ensure that lights are primarily programmed to be aimed at the ceiling or floor. We program lighting cues in advance, carefully reviewing them weekly to ensure best practices are followed.
Why do we use lighting effects such as color changes, sweeps, or motion lights?
Lighting is a creative tool used to enhance and reinforce the message and atmosphere of each moment. Color, movement, and contrast help guide focus, support the dynamics of the room, and visually communicate the emotion of a song or teaching moment.
Do we use strobe or flashing lights during services?
We do not use strobe lights or any lighting that flashes rapidly enough to trigger photosensitive reactions. Any momentary lighting effects that may resemble flashing are intentionally brief and within safe, controlled parameters. We do not use patterns or frequencies known to cause discomfort or medical concerns such as repetitive flashing, deep red flickering, or rapid white-light pulsing.
Are lights ever directed toward the audience?
Occasionally, lighting may sweep across the audience. Most of the time this is due to the light moving from one position to another and is, for the most part, unavoidable. Other times lights softly illuminate the room to create unity and connection during worship moments. In those moments, lights are diffused and carefully programmed to prevent glare or harsh brightness.
What if I personally don't like the lighting effects?
Individual opinions of lighting effects is ultimately an issue of personal preference. If you do not prefer our usage of lighting, we recommend the following options:
- Seating: Areas toward the back or sides of the Worship Center often have softer lighting exposure.
- Lobby Participation: Feel free to enjoy worship in the lobby and then re-enter the Worship Center for the message.
What if I have a medical condition that makes me sensitive to light?
We recognize that views on lighting aren't always an issue of preference. We completely understand that some individuals have medical conditions or sensory sensitivities that make certain lighting effects uncomfortable, even when they are tastefully done within carefully reviewed safe limits. Your health matters to us. Some accommodations that may help include:
- Seating: Areas toward the back or sides of the Worship Center often have softer lighting exposure.
- Lobby Participation: Feel free to enjoy worship in the lobby and then re-enter the Worship Center for the message.