Auracast™ LOCATION PROFILE
First United Methodist Church of Johnson City
About this location
Key stats
Location: Johnson City, Tennessee, United States
Venue type: House of worship
Auracast™ equipment installed: HomeSpot
Installation: DIY installation
The First United Methodist Church of Johnson City is a 100-year-old congregation located in Upper East Tennessee, serving a diverse community with a mission centered on inclusion, service, and spiritual growth. As a place of worship, fellowship, and outreach, the church aims to ensure that every member of its 350-seat sanctuary can fully participate in services and feel equally valued within the congregation.
The problem statement
Prior to implementing Auracast™ broadcast audio, the church did not have any assistive listening technology in place beyond a standard public address (PA) system. While this setup was sufficient for many attendees, it created a significant barrier for individuals with hearing challenges. Important messages delivered from the pulpit were not being clearly understood by all members of the congregation, limiting engagement and inclusion. Some individuals resorted to sitting close to speakers or adjusting their physical location during services just to follow along, highlighting a gap between the church’s inclusive mission and the actual experience of its members.
The Auracast™ solution
Deployment
Motivation to address this issue came from firsthand experience. Kent Merrill, a trustee and chairman of the Assistive Listening Technology Committee, had worn hearing aids for over 25 years and learned about Auracast™ broadcast audio during a visit to his audiologist. Recognizing its potential, he ensured his own hearing aids were compatible with Auracast™ devices and sought to extend similar benefits to the broader congregation.
Rather than investing in legacy technologies such as loop systems, neck loops, or FM systems, Merrill opted for a cost-effective and future-focused approach. The church deployed the HomeSpot Broadcaster BA 210 v2 alongside Auracast™ wireless neckbands. Installation was straightforward; the broadcaster was connected directly to the church’s soundboard, enabling audio to be transmitted throughout and even beyond the sanctuary. The simplicity, affordability, and effectiveness of the solution exceeded expectations during both testing at home and deployment in the church.
Benefits
The introduction of Auracast™ broadcast audio has significantly improved accessibility and engagement within the church. Users of the Auracast™ wireless neckbands report a dramatic increase in speech comprehension — from roughly 60 percent before deployment to near-complete understanding of spoken words during services. This improvement allows individuals with hearing challenges to fully participate without needing to relocate or struggle to follow along.
One choir member who previously left the choir loft to sit nearer to the speakers can now remain in place and comfortably follow the sermon using an Auracast™ neckband. Merrill noted that it has personally improved his comprehension, which has enhanced his own attentiveness and connection to the service. Altogether, the solution has strengthened inclusivity, allowing more members to engage meaningfully with worship.
A look ahead
The church’s experience demonstrates that modern assistive listening solutions do not have to be expensive or complex to be effective. By adopting Auracast™ broadcast audio, the congregation has aligned its technology with its mission of inclusion while avoiding the costs and limitations of older systems.
For other organizations considering similar improvements, the church’s approach highlights the value of starting small and testing the technology with minimal investment. A simple, affordable setup can deliver immediate benefits and provide a foundation for broader adoption. As Auracast™ broadcast audio continues to gain wider support, solutions like this are poised to play a key role in making public spaces more accessible, inclusive, and connected for all.
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