In a church like mine, the tech booth is bustling with people every Sunday morning.  They move sound board faders, check batteries, design slides, move lights, run cameras, stream online services, and many other jobs that many of us will never know about.  They get there early (all amped up on caffeine) and stay long after everyone else has left the building.  We love them all!

What does it take to move an ordinary tech volunteer into a SUPER tech volunteer?  

Here are 5 Steps to Making a difference in the Tech Booth? 

1.  A heart to learn and not act like a “know it all” – A lot of people that are interested in serving in the tech ministry are very knowledgeable before they ever enter the tech booth. Many have experience in computers, networking, other churches, work experience, etc.  It is extremely easy for them to bring an ego into the ministry.  We don’t need more smart people in the tech people.  We need more people with a heart to serve.  Having a pliable heart that is eager serve and learn will take an ordinary tech person and move them to a super tech volunteer!
2. A knowledge of what the end product should look, sound, and feel like – It is crucial that the people responsible for creating a visible and audible atmosphere to have a good understanding of what the end goal is.  There are tons of different methods and atmospheres of worship in the modern church.  Are they trying to make it like a concert they attended last week? Are they trying to make it like the church they grew up in last week?  If good communication hasn’t happened between the leadership and the volunteers, then there will probably always be tension and corrections made.  Take them to a conference, another church, show them youtube videos. Get on the same page.
3. The ability to prepare as much as possible – Thoroughly going over the service schedule before rehearsal is crucial. Details make ALL the difference.  Examples: Know when there is a guitar solo. Know when the video element needs to start. What kind of mood do we want the lighting to convey on song 4? What should overall band volume be when minister comes to stage?  The list goes on and on…
4. Anticipate change –  Be ready to go with the flow when changes happen.  In our environment, we sometimes need to make a change because we made a mistake in planning or mishaps/breakages/outages necessitate a change. Hardware breaks. Singers lose their voice. Lightening storm blows up a circuit.  It has all happened, and the service must go on.
5. Be alert, focus, and give it all you have got!  Sometimes, it can be monotonous in the tech booth. A long song with no changes, a long sermon, during the offering… It is tempting to get on your phone and check Facebook or Instagram.  You might even want to take a pic or send a text. Heck, you might want to catch up on your sleep by taking a catnap.  RESIST the temptation.  We need you on your toes and ready for action. You never know when you are needed to make an adjustment.

What would you add to this list?