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Blog Post: Enhancing Church Tech and Stage Design – A Journey with Anders Borg and Thomas Mailhot at Grace Chapel
By Luke Jackson
In this episode of the Churchfront Worship and Tech Podcast, I had the privilege of chatting with Anders Borg and Thomas Mailhot from Grace Chapel in Boston, Massachusetts. Anders serves as the Director of Media and Technology, while Tom is the Production Specialist. Together, they’ve been transforming Grace Chapel’s tech infrastructure and stage design to better serve their community. Here’s a glimpse into their journey and some key takeaways from our conversation.
A Tech Overhaul at Grace Chapel
When Anders and Tom stepped into their roles, Grace Chapel’s tech setup was far from streamlined. They faced cluttered workstations, outdated equipment, and undocumented systems. Their first challenge? Figuring out how everything worked and organizing their tech spaces. This included:
- Cleaning and reorganizing their front-of-house area.
- Implementing systems to make their setups more accessible for volunteers.
- Tackling outdated lighting and audio setups with a focus on modernization.
By prioritizing organization and system upgrades, they made their tech areas inviting and efficient, empowering their dedicated team of volunteers.
Rolling Out LightKey for Multi-Campus Lighting Control
One of their most impactful upgrades was rolling out LightKey, a lighting software that streamlined programming and control across all Grace Chapel campuses. After testing it successfully at their main campus—just weeks before Christmas—they deployed it to other locations. The intuitive interface made lighting accessible to volunteers and allowed for seamless service transitions between campuses.
They also integrated ProPresenter automation with LightKey, further enhancing their streamlined workflows.
Innovative Stage Design with Portable Backdrop Panels
Grace Chapel’s main sanctuary presented a unique challenge: a curved stage, cement choir risers, and a spaceship-like lighting grid. Anders and Tom partnered with Portable Backdrop Panels to create a stunning, customizable stage design. The new setup featured:
- Modular panels with custom mosaic prints.
- Pro Church Lights’ Pixel Sticks for dynamic lighting effects.
- Uniform designs across campuses for a cohesive aesthetic.
This setup struck a perfect balance between traditional and modern elements, making it versatile for both traditional and contemporary services. The ease of portability also allowed them to adapt the design for baptisms and other events.
Lessons Learned Through Churchfront’s Accelerator Program
As alumni of the Churchfront Accelerator Program, Anders and Tom emphasized the value of collaboration, strategic planning, and focusing on volunteer culture. Their journey highlights the importance of:
- Investing in tools that simplify workflows for volunteers.
- Creating a welcoming environment for tech teams.
- Embracing community and collaboration with other church tech leaders.
What’s Next for Grace Chapel?
With a new senior pastor and a season of change, Anders and Tom are dreaming big for Grace Chapel’s tech ministry. Their focus includes enhancing their online presence, reimagining their in-person experience, and continuing to build a strong culture of collaboration among volunteers.
Words of Wisdom
To wrap up our conversation, Tom and Anders shared two key insights:
- Stay Grounded Spiritually: It’s easy to get caught up in the tech and logistics. Remember why you’re serving and stay rooted in scripture and community.
- Collaborate Boldly: Don’t hesitate to reach out to other church tech leaders for advice or inspiration. The church production community is incredibly generous and willing to help.
Get Inspired
If you’re looking to revamp your stage design or streamline your tech setup, take a page from Grace Chapel’s playbook. Their journey is proof that with the right tools, collaboration, and a heart for ministry, you can transform your church’s tech infrastructure to better serve your congregation.
Stay tuned for the next episode, and as always, keep innovating for the Kingdom!
