Every Sunday is the culmination of hard work and planning. Planning that may have taken weeks to create, produce and gather. Or it may be a normal week with hymns, worship music, readings, greetings, announcements, baptisms, testimonies, etc., etc. You get the point. If you're like me, it can really create some unwanted stress and unnecessary worries. How prepared are you? How does your team react weekly? Do you accomplish all you need and at the level you desire? With some thought, guidance and tips, we can reduce the common mistakes and replace them with a powerful strategy that will ensure a more productive process.
That's why this month we will address ... HOW-iReview: Sunday Morning, the "Big" day.
First of all, I mean no irreverence by calling Sunday, the "Big" day. Truth is, it's the holiest day of the week. I even changed all my calendars (Google) to make sure Sunday is the first day of the week. It matters what you do on this day. Have you prayed for this day? I mean really taken it to God? I have created a saying that has served me well, both in application and teaching, "Don't expect great things to happen, if you haven't put in the time to make them happen." How much time do you spend on the preparation, thoroughness and testing of your systems? Do you need to wait until Sunday to find out the projection bulb is too dim, the DVD player died last week or I never received "that" email? We need to be thorough and intentional in our approach. Our value as a staff relies on how well our services go. Take the time to check and re-check your work. I have even developed a task list of 21 things I need to repeat weekly. And the last item on this list is to make sure this task list auto-repeats every Monday.
Don't Miss This: I rarely meet tech volunteers that serve in one service then attend another. They usually serve for the week, or listen to the message while they serve. Right? Recognizing this as paid staff or volunteer leader, we need to prepare each area, each station, allowing volunteers to worship through their service. It can be done. It's usually the only service they will attend; they need the ability to worship as they serve. I lay out all information, tested for accuracy in advance, to provide the opportunity for volunteers to succeed in service and personal worship. It takes thought and work, but is easily done. To those serving, it brings real joy and happiness knowing they served well. Training is an ongoing process threaded through this section. However, the same theory holds fast to training. Be prepared, be succinct, and set up your teams for success. And, of course, you'll need a bible full off patience.
How are you at accepting last minute changes? Whatever way you feel about them, they exist. Embracing them will be better than fighting them. I was allowed to set a two week look-ahead for content for a service. In application, I have rarely received work that early. Learn to not only accept this, but lead by example by saying "yes" to the tech needs of your church. You will not only earn respect from your peers, but you will model the heart and attitude of a servant.
I can go on for days about this subject. There's no avoiding the fact there is a Sunday every week. Serving through tech at your church is a tremendous way to engage in your personal ministry. Having the proper heart and attitude will validate your offering. Stay on task, give grace, and receive blessings untold. Let me know how you feel.
