Ask someone who knows, such as an expert sound technician, for advice or assistance in putting together your church's sound system.
Select microphones that fit your purpose and budget. There are many types of mics; however, most can be considered in one of two categories --- dynamic or condensor. Dynamic mics are considered all-purpose, standard mics. These mics are particularly resistant to damage and moisture. Condensor mics are typically studio mics and are very sensitive to loud sounds. In a church setup, dynamic mics are ideal for vocals, and condensor mics can be used to pick up a choir or drum set, but dynamic mics are the most cost-effective for their durability and versatility.
Select a mixer that fits your purpose and budget. A mixer, also known as a soundboard, takes several inputs (e.g., microphones) and mixes them into a single output signal.
Select loudspeakers that best fit your purpose and budget. A multi-enclosure loudspeaker system, also known as a PA (public address) speaker, is a speaker cabinet that combines sub-bass, mid-range and high-frequency units into a single unit.
Plug all microphones into the mixer's inputs using balanced lines. Lines, also known as connecter cord/cables, are used to plug the mic into the mixer. Balanced lines are more resistant to noise pollution than unbalanced or speaker lines (which tend to pick up stray radio transmissions), thus creating a cleaner mix.
Connect all loudspeakers to the mixer's outputs using balanced or speaker lines.
Place loudspeakers for optimal acoustics. Generally, loudspeakers are placed in the front of the church. There are various ways of mounting speaker cabinets, but PA systems with a sub-bass unit function best on the ground.
Test your sound system setup. When sound-checking your church's system for the first time, make sure your volume controls are turned down to prevent feedback. Slow increase the volume as you progress in testing each mic and speaker for sound quality.