One of the most important aspects of running a technical ministry at a church is managing the volunteers. You may be really smart and gifted at twisting knobs, but since you are only one person you will undoubtedly need to rely on the efforts of other people. These people may also be smart and gifted, but they will still need to be trained.
One of the biggest mistakes that ministry leaders can make is to put a volunteer into a role without adequate training. Even if the person has worked on similar equipment in the past you still need to train them and make sure that they can serve with skill and confidence.
Explain the Expectations
Before you get into all of the ins and outs of your system you need to make your expectations clear. How loud do you want a service mixed? How frequently do you want the cameras to change? What kind of sound are you going for? Do you prefer more traditionally styled graphics or more progressive? Are the lights part of the experience or do they just set the mood?
There isn't a right or a wrong answer to these questions, but someone will need to set the standard. You may have a brilliant sound guy, but if he has only mixed sound for a three-piece jazz band he may need some training to mix for your six-piece modern worship band.
Once the volunteer knows what they are aiming for it will be much easier for them to reach it.
Explain the System
This is where you demonstrate hands-on how to use the equipment that you have to achieve the results that you want. There isn't any need to go off on rabbit trails of how to use every feature of the system if they do not lead to filling the overall expectation. Just keep it as simple and straightforward as possible.
If you have created checklists make sure that you give your volunteers copies. Walk them through the entire process of turning on and turning off the system and everything in between.
Let them Help
Now that they have a good foundation of your system and expectations don't turn them loose just yet. Have them assist you in an upcoming service. Depending on how quickly they are grasping everything you will know if they are ready to do it by themselves or if they need more time. You can have them do as much or as little as you, and they, feel comfortable with.
You Supervise
Once you feel that they are ready to handle a service on their own you can let them run a service from top to bottom. However, don't take the weekend off just yet. You still need to be there to make sure that the know how to do everything and that nothing gets overlooked. Feel free to offer advice and comments along the way, but let them be the ones who actually do it.
Turn them Loose
Once you have taken them through this process they will be ready to serve in their position on their own. Resist the urge to just forget about them and move on to other prospects. It is important to still keep good communications with them and offer praise when warranted. You will be amazed at how far a few encouraging words will go towards maintaining the morale of the ministry that you lead.
