CPM: You’ve held numerous church tech positions. What are the major differences and the biggest challenges you’ve encountered?
Kumorek: The biggest differences are how technology supports (or doesn’t support) the ministry. One church we attended focuses on supplying only what is needed for worship and hearing the Word. White letters on a black screen for lyrics, few if any stage elements, but a good PA system for clarity of music and sound. It was about zero distractions from focusing on God. Another was seeker-focused, making heavy use of set design and secular music to reach non-believers. One isn’t better than the other; it’s about the mission [that] church leadership is given from God and how tech helps fulfill that mission.
The challenge everywhere is maintaining a work-life balance. The lines are very blurry in ministry.
The challenge everywhere is maintaining a work-life balance. The lines are very blurry in ministry. And because ministry should be what our lives are about, it’s easy for a church position to become very unhealthy.
CPM: You have tech’d for a Christian drama team, performing classic stories with a spiritual twist. How did you get involved and what makes it unique?
Kumorek: One of our drama volunteers said Spiritual Twist Productions was using the facility and asked could [if] I teach her to use the lighting console. It wasn’t a simple console, so I begrudgingly agreed to help. I had an attitude issue. But, I was impressed with the phenomenal spiritual growth environment they created for kids. I started volunteering, lighting shows 2-3 times a year. For one play, [the] power cut out minutes before the opening. The 40 kids in the play, unprompted by an adult, immediately and literally hit their knees and prayed. That never even occurred to me in the heat of the moment.
CPM: Tell us about your current staff position and what advice you would give others considering a ministry job.
Kumorek: Last year I contracted with Capital Production Group supporting Southbridge Fellowship Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, doing outdoor services. The church realized I had broadcast audio experience and [they] were building out a video broadcast suite. The church had me outfit the audio side. They liked what I was doing at FOH, and after building relationships I felt this might be a church that doesn’t crush their staff. They offered a part-time position. [So] I lead the audio team and mix FOH each weekend. It’s been a great experience. I also work as a full-time video editor for Varian Medical Systems, and that works because church leadership has realistic expectations of staff.
My advice, get to know the church environment before diving into a staff position. One church tech friend stepped aside when an 80-hour work week became the norm. In many churches, saying “I can’t” isn’t an option. Get in writing what hours and volunteer time is expected. At my first staff position I was informed, after starting, that the 14-hour work weekends were volunteer time. Seriously. I never thought I’d work for another church. I’m thankful to God for leading me to a healthy and sustainable environment. Thanks, Southbridge!
