Running an A/V Ministry

Sep
01

Non-Member Church Audio Volunteers: Dealing with Policy

Comments: 12 + Tags: member, theology, volunteer, Running an A/V Ministry

Bill and Linda expressed the desire of serving our church after attending for three months.  We had become friends and I was excited for them.  One of the church volunteer opportunities they wanted to fill was the Bible Study Group Overseer.  Someone to shepherd over the different bible study groups.  But there was a big problem.  more »

Aug
16

Don't Fall Prey to the Volunteer Mentality.

Comments: 3 + Tags: learning, volunteer, Running an A/V Ministry

The argument forever burns on as to whether or not a church should be run like a business.  Regardless of which side you're on, one thing is for certain, the church is primarily a volunteer-oriented organization and that, I hate to say, can lead to a poor volunteer mentality.  Let's overcome that. more »

Aug
12

Should You Be Drawn and Quartered?

Comments: 0 + Tags: honesty, leadership, Running an A/V Ministry

On NCIS last night, Ducky gave an explanation to Jethro of the meaning of "being drawn and quartered."  My first response was "I always wondered what that meant."  Then I remembered IT WAS A TV SHOW - THEY COULD BE LYING.  This led me to thinking about being a leader.  Do I talk like I know the answers or do I really know? more »

Aug
11

Buyers Guide for Volunteer-Friendly Consoles

Comments: 3 + Tags: mixer, training, Running an A/V Ministry

Reading the newest fohonline.com e-magazine this morning, I happened on a buyers guide for "Volunteer-Friendly Consoles."  Skimming over the prices, my immediate thought was YOU'VE GOT TO BE FREAKING KIDDING!" more »

Jul
26

How I Broke My Caffeine Habit in Six Days

Comments: 4 + Tags: burnout, caffeine, stress, Running an A/V Ministry

I'm not going to knock you for wanting to drink a cola from time to time.  I'm not going to judge you for the occasional "venti-fat-free-cinnamin-half-sausage-half-pepperoni-latte." I'm sure in the near future I'll be enjoying a fountain soda myself. 

My job, your job, the whole realm of church audio has plenty of stressors and we must be able to control our emotions.  If we are medicating ourselves to "get through the morning service" then we are increasing the risk of burnout and inappropriate behavior.  

more »

Jul
16

NCIS - What a Sound Tech Can Learn from a TV Show

Comments: 4 + Tags: Running an A/V Ministry

Thanks to the USA Network, I'm now addicted to the show NCIS.  And yes, there is a direct relationship between the TV show and church worship production. 

On the show, Jethro Gibbs, played by Mark Harmon, is a leader who you can count on get the job done.  He has his own "rules" that come up throughout the series.  Here are six where you and I and others in church worship production should focus so this next Sunday we are a better team.
more »

Jun
18

Everyone on a Team Sacrifices Something on Sundays

Comments: 4 + Tags: relationships, Running an A/V Ministry

Today, I realized that all stories don't have to be shared in detail in order to educate others from what they teach.  In fact, if I shared it, I feel I'd be gossiping.  Here's the gist of it those; just because a person has a spouse and kids, it's not a reason to make others bat clean-up for you. more »

Jun
18

Building Relationships - Just as Important as Training

Comments: 0 + Tags: training, Running an A/V Ministry

The longer this site is around, the more emails I'm getting from churches who want to implement a training program for their a/v teams.  I always respond with links to training companies, books, and videos.  However, I'm finding myself talking even more about teamwork.  The more I read other church tech blogs and forums, the more I realize that teamwork isn't something we can take for granted. more »

May
21

Where is My Sound Guy?

Comments: 6 + Tags: Running an A/V Ministry

I became the last-minute sound guy when the scheduled sound guy didn't show.  I've run sound for years...no big deal, right?  That's where the perception of experience gets people in trouble. more »

May
10

Confession of a Service Schedule Junkie

Comments: 1 + Tags: Running an A/V Ministry

My plan for this article was to lead in with a perfect story from Sunday.  But this Monday, I decided the future is more important than the past.  Therefore, I'll simply say this; it pays to be a schedule junkie.  It's Monday and I'm staying with "simple" so here's a short list of how to create a good schedule; more »

Wedding Contract

Download the free wedding contract template for audio and video production.  Easy to understand and easy to modify.

Newsletter Template

Create your own church audio newsletter for your team with this simple newsletter template. (View it in Print layout format within Word)

Team Organization

Download these team documents for tracking your existing team as well as recruiting new team members.

Inventory List

Track all your audio equipment with this excel sheet.  Great way to see what you have and keep for insurance purposes.