THE JOB

1.  A sound operator works so the congregation can best hear what is being communicated to them. 
2.  It's not a glorious position in the sight of man.  It's a ministry. 

THE EQUIPMENT - the short list

1. Know your equipment.  If you don't know what a button on the mixer does, find out. 
2. Make sure you check all microphones before they are needed...the unexpected does happen.
3. Multiple channels in use equal a boosted volume.  So when only one channel is in use, remember to bump the volume.
4. Replace batteries in wireless devices weekly...the time you don't, it will die right in the middle of the service - murphy's law.
5. Get a volume meter for measuring how loud the music is set.  Use this to establish baseline volumes...and save people from hearing fatigue.

YOU

1. Own up to your mistakes.  Learn how to prevent it from happening again.
2. Celebrate your successes.  Pull off a flawless service with more soloists and instruments and change up's than ever before?  The congregation probably won't thank you but you should celebrate that success!
3. Ask an expert if you don't know how to do something. Learn from them.  The more willing you are to learn, the more willing others are to teach you.
4. Never be satisfied with your technical / "sound guy" knowledge.  Keep learning and reading and commit to learning something new every week. Apply what you learn!  Don't be afraid of doing something new!
5. Recognize your importance in regards to time.  Worship teams need you for a sound check and set levels.  The church needs you to start the service.  Not only do you have to be on time for these events, your definition of "on time" is not the same as everyone else's.  You will always be early so no one ever waits for you...or worries if you will be there "on time."
6. Fix stuff after the service, not right before the next one.
7. Carelessness and lack of preparation causes problems and disturbances.  Pay attention at all times. 

THEM

1. Educate users about the proper use of equipment.  They have enough to think about during a service or event, don't give them more to worry about.
2. Respect each other (worship team members, stage hands, etc.).  You are working as a team. 
3. Express creative ideas openly with church leaders, worship leaders, and pastors.  You'll be viewed as one of the team.
4. You will be viewed as the expert.  Church leaders tend to have the final word.  Understand you all want a great sounding service and are on the same team.  The next time you want a new piece of equipment, approach leaders with the perspective of "it will improve the quality of sound."