Blog | Tips & Tricks for Planning Summer Outdoor Services at Your Church
Tips & Tricks for Planning Summer Outdoor Services at Your Church
There’s something special about worshiping outdoors—whether it’s under the morning sun or in the cool of a summer evening. People tend to relax a little more, families come out in larger numbers, and the fresh air brings a sense of openness that can’t be replicated indoors.
But hosting an outdoor service also comes with its own unique challenges.
From sound systems to song lyrics to unpredictable weather, here are some tried-and-true tips to help your church plan outdoor services that are simple, effective, and spiritually impactful.
1. Build a Reliable, Portable Sound Setup
Outdoor audio can be tricky—but with the right prep, it doesn’t have to be a disaster.
Here’s what you need to consider:
- Wind screens (foam or furry) on all microphones. Wind noise will ruin your mix faster than anything.
- Powered speakers (like QSC, JBL, or Mackie) that are easy to transport and have built-in amplification.
- Use a small digital mixer that can be controlled from an iPad. This allows FOH control from wherever your tech person is sitting.
- Run a basic monitor setup if needed—but in a smaller setting, a single floor wedge or in-ear system may suffice.
- Secure your cables with gaffer tape, rugs, or mats to prevent tripping hazards.
- Test your setup in the exact location at least a day in advance, if possible.
The goal isn’t a concert-level production—it’s clarity, simplicity, and reliability.
2. Plan for Lyrics Display (or Not)
People sing more confidently when they know the words. But projecting lyrics outdoors can be complicated. Here are your options:
- Large TV monitor or LED screen – Brightness can be an issue in full sun, so test for visibility.
- Lyric handouts – Simple, low-tech, and very effective.
- Church app with lyrics – Just let people know in advance so they can pull it up.
- Encourage songs people already know – Familiarity goes a long way, especially with guests.
If you use a screen, be sure to test brightness, visibility, and glare at the same time of day your service will happen.
3. Make Seating Comfortable (and Clear)
Here are a few tips to manage outdoor seating:
- Encourage people to bring lawn chairs or blankets. It creates a casual, family-friendly vibe.
- Provide folding chairs for those who forget or need extra support.
- Set clear rows or visual guides to keep the space organized.
- Use shaded areas wisely. People will gather in whatever shade is available, so set your stage accordingly.
- Have umbrellas or pop-up tents on hand for emergency shade, especially for musicians or team members.
Bonus tip: If you’re on a lawn, mowing a couple of days beforehand helps keep things tidy and lowers allergy reactions.
4. Be Smart About Weather
Weather is the wildcard. Here’s how to plan ahead:
- Always have a rain plan. Whether it’s moving indoors or rescheduling, communicate clearly and early.
- Watch the forecast early and often. Start checking daily a week out.
- Have tarps, pop-up tents, and plastic bins for quick gear protection.
- Provide water or cooling towels if it’s going to be hot. Consider sunscreen or bug spray stations, too.
- Consider wind. Mic stands and music stands can blow over. Weigh them down or anchor with sandbags.
5. Don’t Forget the Small Stuff
Sometimes it’s the small touches that make the biggest difference:
- Walkie-talkies or radios for your team to communicate across a wide outdoor area.
About the Author
Josh Tarp is a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and worship leader from Minneapolis with over 15 years of experience in church & worship leadership. Josh serves as the Director of Marketing at Motion Worship, helping to write various blog posts, managing social media, designing graphics, and handling customer service.