- Within a few weeks of opening Elevation, the leaders of Mobberly Baptist Church in Longview, Texas knew they hit the bullseye. The organization's vision for its new youth building was to provide middle and high school-aged students with a safe, fun place to hang out. "We wanted to create the kind of atmosphere in our new building that would motivate our students to bring their friends to," said Paul Coleman, youth pastor. "Ultimately, we wanted Elevation to be a place where kids can begin a life-changing, ever-growing relationship with Jesus Christ."
"Elevation has had a huge impact on Mobberly's student ministry. We've experienced a lot of growth since the building was opened, and I think a big reason for that is because the kids finally have a fun place to call their own."
- The church wanted to integrate plenty of sensory technology into Elevation, because it knew that high-quality audio and video would attract kids. Mobberly envisioned a building with Plasma screens throughout, as well as an extensive multi-room distributed audio and video system; however, the organization knew that its staff would have difficulty operating a complicated system. Its solution? An AMX Control System.
Easy Does It
- Mobberly's systems integrator for this project, as well as others on its campus, was MediaMerge, Inc. of Birmingham, Ala. As Tim Ogletree, MediaMerge systems designer explains, "The challenge of this installation was to create a streamlined system that met Mobberly's technical needs, as well as its usage needs -- the technology needed to be simple to use, easy to control and attractive to the kids."
- At MediaMerge's recommendation, the church installed an AMX NI-3000 NetLinx® Integrated Controller to control Elevation's five Plasma screens and extensive audio/video system, as well as its wireless microphones, which pastors and volunteers wear during large gatherings. Mobberly selected an AMX 8.4-inch Modero® ViewPoint® Touch Panel (MVP-8400) as its interface device because of the panel's wireless mobility, which Coleman and his staff really appreciate.
- "Not only is it mobile, but the touch panel's graphical interface is really easy to use," said Will Hagle, associate youth pastor. "When I hand the touch panel to a volunteer that's never used it before, they can almost always figure out how to use it within a matter of minutes. It's amazing how simple the AMX system makes everything."
Greater Control
- Recognizing that music is extremely popular with students, Mobberly decided to install speakers throughout the building. The AMX system enables church staff and volunteers to distribute different music to, and adjust individual volume levels in, each room -- something they would not be able to do with a standard audio system, and a feature the kids are especially fond of. The same flexibility is also available for the building's video system. Using the MVP-8400, different content can be displayed on each Plasma screen – from movies to network programming. If overflow seating is needed, the staff can even stream live video from Mobberly's main sanctuary.
- Another feature of the AMX system that Mobberly enjoys is its customized wireless microphone automation, which was programmed by MediaMerge. During an event, if Coleman or Hagle need to make an announcement, all they need to do is turn the microphone on using the touch panel, and the system automatically silences any audio being played in the building. When they are finished addressing the crowd and turn the microphone off, the system returns all audio to its original levels.
Elevating Enjoyment
- Elevation's layout was designed to meet a variety of usage needs for the kids – all of which can be managed through the AMX control system.
- The Meeting Room provides a stage and large sitting area for gatherings such as worship services, bible studies, and concerts. The room includes two projectors and screens for displaying bible and song verses or videos.
- The Lounge offers a comfortable sitting area and two Plasma screens, making it an ideal place to watch movies, videos and broadcast content.
- The Game Room consists of two areas – one includes 19 individual videogame stations, while the other offers ping pong, air hokey and foosball tables.
- The Café offers table and booth seating, making it an ideal space for studying, playing board/card games and serving food; students also enjoy watching multimedia content on the 50-inch Plasma screen.
- The outdoor Sport Court features a basketball court and audio speakers.
- The building also includes four medium-sized rooms for smaller Bible studies, as well as several offices for church staff.
- "Elevation has had a huge impact on Mobberly's student ministry. We've experienced a lot of growth since the building was opened, and I think a big reason for that is because the kids finally have a fun place to call their own," Hagle commented.
