I always preferred setting up in back of everyone. All the amplified music out front, it makes a great blend with the drums. Key to any situation like that is having good dynamic sense in playing. I have played with a gospel group that does really small venue playdates for several years. Sometimes we are in rooms as small as 30x30, and have people sitting less than five feet from the drums. It is a bit of work to play in that environment and leave everyone happy.

If youre gonna get a vintage kit go with a 60s rogers or gretsch,,, if youre aimin at a new one Id say go with gretsch, gretsch is the only legendary brand I can think of that still makes quality gear..

I'll probably get slammed for this but I've helped 2 churches get into a Tama Imperial-star (formerly Rockstar or Swing-star) this is a low priced kit but really solid, tunable, good hardware, honestly - better hardware and shell consistency than many vintage kits. You need something which will take a bit of a beating.

Why not sell them your gear that they already have? Save you the trouble of moving them again.

Truth doesn't change with the facts. I personally do not believe a vintage kit is appropriate for this venue.

And I completely agree on "need something which will take a beating." It seems like the moment something is not owned by a specific person, it is fair game to abuse. And in that regard, a church owned kit is about the same as a bar owned kit. Over the years I have supplied the drums for gospel concerts where multiple drummers would be playing. I know for a fact some people do believe the harder you hit the better you sound. Luckily nothing was ever broken or damaged.