5 Qualities of My Favourite Production Volunteer
By
Bertie
·
2 minute read
In church tech, we rely on volunteers. Our pursuit for great tech in church can sometimes cause us to overlook our team. We can easily slip into thinking we’ll achieve our goals by upgrading X or changing Y. As I work alongside more and more churches, I am increasingly convinced that good production comes from good volunteers not good gear.
Yes.. having a well designed and implemented system is a great help, but it won’t serve and support our church if our team aren’t good at what they’re there to do. I firmly believe in practical training. But I don’t think that should be our priority for volunteers.
I’ve been reflecting on our team at church and while I know it’s not good to have favourites, there’s one volunteer that blows me away every time he’s on. He’s technically able and builds a great mix, but it’s his approach to the role and those he’s serving that stands out.
Here’s my analysis of what makes his service so special:
He’s selfless in service
With his time and his energy, he generously gives to our church. He treats our church members with humility and works hard to serve the band so they can do the best job they can. Even when it’s busy and things are going wrong, he’ll help the MD move the keyboard and stay calm as the singer tries to explain the problem with his in ears. He pours himself out to enable his church to worship their saviour.
He’s joyful in worship
Whether it’s the early mornings, faulty equipment or a lack of encouragement, serving in church tech can sometimes be a real struggle. This volunteer’s love for Christ and his church flows out so visibly in his positive attitude to the ministry. He’s not just changing settings or fiddling… he worships as he serves. It’s a real treat to look to the back during the service and see him serving with joy.
He’s perceptive
When serving with production, it’s so easy to become totally absorbed in our own role. We can forget we’re part of a team seeking to provide a coherent experience. Something I love about when this guy mixes is how involved he becomes in the moment. He’s careful to keep a keen eye on the stage for the next slot on the running order, but is also very aware of how the service feels in the room. He is constantly looking around and reviewing the experience, and how well it’s serving the congregation.
He’s interactive
His engagement in the service allows him to make wise and appropriate tweaks in his mix as the session develops. He doesn’t stand with his arms folded behind the mixing console ignoring what’s going on around him. He doesn’t spend the whole service fiddling with settings or researching the desk capabilities. Adjustments in the mix are driven by what he has seen in the room and what he can do to communicate and support the pastor/band’s vision.
He’s dedicated to development
As a team leader, it’s just the best thing when a volunteer gets excited by the vision. This guy is committed to supporting and furthering our ministry as a church. He works hard to love and encourage those around him. His desire to see the church grow, both in number and maturity, is so clear in the way that he serves on a Sunday. There’s a great humility with how he approaches the role, keen to develop his own skills and grow in his service. He’s always looking to bring others onto the team and for ways to improve our work to support the church.