Perception is reality. Unfortunately, a perception of technical ministry is that of a money pit.
We've all heard this perception vocalized in these words more or less…
- All you ever ask for is money.
- Why is the solution to every problem you have involve spending more money?
- Why can't you be happy with what you have and not always ask for something more?
Sometimes this perception is earned. Sometimes it isn't. But, it is a very real perception that all those in technical ministry must deal with sooner or later. Instead of allowing this perception to handcuff the ministry God has called you to, use it as a launching pad into a new way of doing ministry.
But, how do you do this?
Fight the money pit perception by practicing Biblical stewardship. The theology of Biblical stewardship encompasses using the resources that God has given us in a way that brings glory to Him. That means that we have to look at every cable, lens, dimmer, computer, and lighting instrument differently. We have to get a new perspective on how every gel, rack, microphone, tripod, and LED has come under our care. God has entrusted us with these resources, and He expects us to use them wisely.
As we begin to practice this principle, perceptions can begin to change.
Why does the solution to every problem you have involve spending more money?
When I arrived at my current church almost nine years ago, I began my new ministry and quickly realized the very real perception of being a money pit. I began to fight this perception by practicing Biblical stewardship and introducing the following initiatives:
Look Professional
When you're working in the office, follow the regular dress code for your church's office personnel. When you are doing more manual labor, make sure you still look the part. When we're doing manual labor in our auditorium, we try to always wear jeans or cargo shorts and a black t-shirt we got from a conference or tech show. When people come around to see us working, they see a “uniform” with our tech staff and volunteers. This is a great way to fight the perceptions of a money pit, because you look the part of what you're doing.
Staging
Make sure your stage has highly organized-looking cable runs for your audio, video, and lighting. Use cable covers or gaff tape to tack down cables that go along paths where people walk. Putting spike marks (a piece of tape with a person's name or position on it like Bass, or E.G. 1) on stage helps people to see the organization of how the stage has been planned out for the weekend.
Storage and Backstage Areas
Keep these as clean and organized as possible. This shows people you care for what's been given to you to oversee even if it's not on the stage.
Identify ways to save money, then implement them right away. This could be something as simple as changing vendors for your regular expendables like tape, lighting gels, Sharpie's, haze juice, etc. It could also include buying a solder station and connectors to repair cables.
Power Management
Another great way to save money is with power management. Identify ways to cut down on your power usage. Don't turn on as many lights when you're working in the auditorium. Don't leave the audio system and power amps on all day when you do a stage reset. Finally, watch the thermostat setting in the auditorium. Of course, certain acoustic instruments are sensitive to temperature, but you can get around it by preparing the gear properly. Set the thermostat up higher than a Sunday morning in the summer, and set it lower in the winter. Wear proper clothing and save some money. It's cheaper to prepare the instruments than run the HVAC like crazy.
Repurpose Gear
Have a re-usie plan for old gear. When you purchase something new, bless someone with the old equipment that's being replaced. Handing equipment from the worship center to another ministry – like students or children – can be an amazing upgrade on their equipment. You can also give the old equipment to another church or missionary in another country. Or depending on what your church board wants to do, sell it. That way, the sale blesses your Finance Team and shows you to be a good steward.
Good, Better, Best
Finally, when you have to ask for money to solve a problem or replace equipment, always do your best to submit different money level proposals. Be sure to include short bullet points of the pro's and con's of each proposal. Showing you have a “Cadillac”, “Chevy”, and “Geo Metro” versions of solutions shows your church board you've done your homework and are mindful of the church cash flow. Also, don't always bank on the “Cadillac” proposal being the one you need. Allow it to be a want, but allow the “Chevy” and “Geo Metro” versions to cover your needs.
In practicing these concepts in my ministry, I've still had to remember one thing… trust God to bless in His timing and not yours. This blessing of God includes changing the perception of your technical ministry as a money pit. Please know this: You'll have to work hard to change the perception. It won't happen overnight, and it could take a year or more for it to work. But, take it from someone who's been doing his best to practice Biblical stewardship in his technical ministry. It is worth it. The benefits far outweigh the costs.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published at www.churchproduction.com in August, 2015.
