We have recently completed the first calculation of coupled-channel scattering using finite volume spectra from lattice QCD. We will present this material in two parts. In this first part I will present the introductory details of the calculation. I will describe the methods used in obtaining the spectra and how those spectra can be translated into infinite volume scattering amplitudes. I will present calculations in two different quantum numbers, with and without a resonance and discuss some extensions.