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Why do I usually see the small group pros (country/western) playing into microphones instead of using pickups? I did a lot of surfing on it and lo and behold, the microphones are considered a superior system with many opinions also from the guitar people. One of many reference sites is:
http://adagio.calarts.edu/~chung/gear/
Honorary advisor
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Maybe they don't have enough money and/or because microphones can record more instruments/vocals. Just a suggestion.
There's lot going on. Pickups can only record that particular place where they are mounted on an instrument. Microphones hear "everything" and probably with less string noise. Pickups seem to need more electronic gadgets (pre-amps, equalizers, etc.) so the mics may be less trouble for a traveling group to deal with. Pickups are not cheap. Probably "good" ones are in the $100 plus range and maybe a lot more with related gadgets.
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The "pros" use both for recording and put everything on separate tracks to mix before final mastering. Playing live is a whole other thing. Symphony Orchestras share mics because they are acoustic instruments same as a small country fiddle band and same as a live electric rock n roll band. The soundmen mic everything for the sound of the room, hall, concert stage or where-ever. Hope that makes a little sense 
My interest is that I'm relatively new to this area of the country and am only now beginning to make acquaintances that might cause me to wind up playing with a organ, a piano, or some other country instrument(s). I have an electric (not acoustic electric) and an acoustic but the electric just won't sound right in a church/hymn setting. Besides, the electric amp must weigh at least 40 lbs. and I don't want to lug that around.
So, I'm just thinking to plan using their mic(s). The building(s) are big, seats 250 plus. I just don't know about possible feedback problems with the stand mic. (I guess if the mics work for vocal, they should work for instruments?)
The acoustic alone might be loud enough depending on the music but it really doesn't project very well under most circumstances.
Pro advisor
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Sounds like you didn't take my advise on the Marshall AS50D acoustic amp Oliver. For real if you are wanting to get a nice little set up call me and I will get you on track. The amp has lines out to the PA and you can control your own feedback. It has 2 8" speakers and a tweeter. Most combo amps have 10" inch speakers and are much heavier. This AS50D can't weigh more than 20lbs, very easy to carry around.
Not so ! I will be glad to get the Marshall but I want to be sure what it does and also check out other options that might be available right now. I think I have to get in that hall somehow and just try it out.
One thing that was new to me in Marshall specs is the inputs. I know "microphone" but what is a "phono" input ? What do you drive it with?
I have some time to look around because I don't expect any action before the holidays.
Honorary advisor
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Well if it's at a church whereby they're big enough to have an organ, it's probably one of those old churches with great acoustics. If you just played on your acoustic violin, it should be loud enough. Alternatively, you could ask the worship band/pastor if they have a mic you could use. Most pastors use a mic so if you're going to perform there I'm sure they wouldn't mind you borrowing it.
Yes they have a few mics and I think they would be OK with a musical instrument but I'm not sure and I think I just have to find a way to try it.
Of course, the real music would probably be with organ or piano so that has to blend in also.
I did play in a smaller church in another state for a few years and that was very simple, even with 3 other instruments.
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