Sources of sound are routed through the mixing board where signal levels are adjusted,
the “parts” are balanced and the overall volume is set. The sound check is a vital
part of the process in preparing for a show at NEIGHBORS. The more complex the set up,
the more input sources, and the more personnel in the band the longer the sound check
takes…there are just more issues with which to deal.
As Christians we need to pause and take time for a “sound check”. We need to be sure that our doctrine is sound and is line with the specifications established in God’s word. We need to know what we believe and why we believe it.
1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect”. (NIV)
This scripture starts out with the “main thing” – we must seek God first. We must relinquish control of the throne in our lives and allow Christ to take His place in that seat to accurately and effectively receive God’s revelation. Once we realize and accept who is in control (Christ) we then need to PREPARE to be able to give an answer.
Preparation requires study, spending time in God’s word, fellowship with mature believers, service in your local church, worship, prayer and listening. In a sound check the listening part is very important. I can study the manuals for all my equipment, I can pick the brains of qualified sound techs, or I can go online and find a chat room or message board where all the latest sound reinforcement techniques are discussed and those things may get me close to the sound for which I am looking. But until I actually LISTEN to what is going on in the room with the musicians and instruments playing through the PA, I can not make qualified adjustments.
Preparation is very important – we need to be ready to give an answer for the hope that we have, but remember “gentleness and respect”. There are several tactics for sharing your faith. I recently found a website that had list that included several “step plans” for salvation, creation evangelism, lifestyle evangelism, movie evangelism, web evangelism, how to use clever diagrams, gospel tracks, etc. No matter the technique you it needs to be delivered with gentleness and respect.
In the last few months I have come to know many phenomenal musicians, one rises to the top not only in his ability to deliver his music, but also in his confidence to gently and respectfully deliver the message of hope that he has in Jesus Christ.
Although you will not hear him say much about himself, Lester Estelle, Sr. has much to boast about.
He is undoubtedly one of the finest finger-style guitarists I have ever seen. He is very versatile
in his playing style – there is a heavy jazz influence in his music. Lester is routinely sought by
other Christian artists that need to have superior guitar firepower for concerts and recording projects.
Lester has played with the Gaither’s Homecoming band, Billy Graham Crusade bands and frequently assists
other Christian artists, like Lynda Randle and Lindsey Phillips in various projects. If you know
anything about guitar playing, you will be amazed at his style – although he is right-handed he learned
to play his instrument strung upside down and left handed! It is truly something you must witness.
Lester and his wife (Pat) have four children – son Lester Jr. (the drummer for “Pillar”), daughter Lakesha who attends Kansas University, son Brandon (the drummer for Superchic[k]), and daughter Kendra, who attends junior high school. They are also blessed with one grandson, Jordan. Lester serves as the worship team leader at Indian Creek Community Church in Olathe, KS.
When Lester (the musician) takes the stage at NEIGHBORS the show is a guaranteed hit. His musical ability speaks for itself. However, when Lester (the man) stops playing and starts speaking you will quickly see that he knows what he believes and why he believes it – and he is always ready to gently and respectfully give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope he has in Jesus Christ. It is evident that Lester is “listening” during his “sound check”.
To learn more about Lester Estelle, Sr. visit his website at www.lesterestelle.com. Be sure to visit when he is playing at Neighbors in Smithville (Friday, March 3, 2006 and Friday April 21, 2006). Visit www.neighborscoffeehouse.com for a complete list of performers.