I was spent, physically and emotionally. Six Christmas community events (or was it eight?) and four Christmas Eve services—along with the normal weekend services—had left me weary. As I zipped through the lobby to pick up a laptop power cord, I saw them through the auditorium doors on the lift.
“What are you guys doing?” was all I could think to say, but I instantly wished I hadn't. While I was enjoying a couple of days off our tech team was working. As they reset the stage for the new series starting Sunday, I wondered if and when tech teams get down time? After all, Easter production planning would be around soon enough.
As tech leaders, you know the feeling. Running from one demanding event to the next steals our reserves. We love what we do, yet the grind can rob us of our joy and strip away our ability to love others well. It steals our focus, leaving us critical, impatient and annoyed at, well, everything.
For most church teams, January is a bit slower, so it's a great time to think about what's coming and prepare so you don't become that bitter snarky tech guy. Here are a few suggestions on how to refresh yourself.
Refresh spiritually. There is no substitute for time in the word and in prayer listening to the Savior of our souls. Drink deeply and satisfy the thirst for God’s presence so He can help you love the next person who says, “Why can’t we just…. ”
Refresh your heart. Doing too much for too long diminishes our capacity to care. But serving in your church without compassion is a recipe for disastrous cynicism. Have lunch with people who encourage you. Buy new music that lifts your spirits or pop in at the local homeless shelter for some perspective. Or invest a day helping another church solve some tech problems. It’s hard to feel put upon when seeing those in real need.
Refresh your body. Hit the gym. Get in a run with a friend or a massage. Bike with your kids, unless you live in Minneapolis, then just stay inside. Maybe take some vacation time because you won’t be able to again until summer.
Refresh your team. The only folks who get more worn out than you during your holiday service bonanza are your volunteers. They work their demanding jobs and then invest their nights and weekends with you. Appreciate them. Invest in them with a conference where they will get equipped and motivated, like WFX.
Slow down.
Sit by a fire.
Go skiing.
Take your spouse on a romantic date.
Read Tim Keller's The Prodigal God.
Whatever it takes, reset the stage of your life so you are prepared for the next show.
What is the best thing you have done to refresh yourself and your team between events?
(This article was originally published in 2013.)
