You can get frustrated not having the tools you need. The senior pastor can get frustrated that you are always asking for money. And things spiral out of control.
There's nothing quite as frustrating as being asked to do a job but not having the correct tools to do that job. Imagine being asked to build a house, but you don't have access to proper saws and nail guns. This is the unfortunate position that many tech directors find themselves in each week as they serve their local churches.
If you find yourself in this situation, the next logical step is to ask senior leadership for the funds to get the equipment that you feel is needed to get the job done. Although you may feel this is reasonable, it will likely be met with resistance. Now you feel frustrated not having the tools you need. The senior pastor is frustrated that you are always asking for money. And things spiral out of control.
It is easy to forget that the senior pastor has not only the weight of the tech department on their shoulders, but the weight of the entire church.
This is a very frustrating place to be in, for both the tech director and the senior pastor. It is easy to forget that the senior pastor has not only the weight of the tech department on their shoulders, but the weight of the entire church. So, here are a couple of thoughts on how to present things to your senior leader in a way that is honoring and will hopefully help you get the resources that you need.
Understand church finances
It is important for the senior pastor to realize that you understand how church finances work. Unlike a business that makes a product and sells it for a profit, your church exists based on the generosity of others.
The money that the church has to use for ministry has come from single mothers barely making ends meet, senior citizens on fixed incomes, and parents of new children just struggling to pay the bills. They all have made the decision to honor God with their resources and to give generously to support the vision of your church. This is not something to be taken lightly.
Because of this, every financial decision needs to be evaluated with the utmost care. So if a senior pastor gives you pushback on an equipment purchase, it may be helpful for you to let them know that you understand that they have an important responsibility to make wise financial decisions.
Ideally, when you ask your senior leader for resources you will begin with the problem that you are trying to fix.
Do your homework
Don't just come forward with random gear suggestions to your senior pastor. Chances are they will see right through that, even if they don't understand technology as well as you do. Most likely they are more interested in being effective than trendy, so bring practical solutions to them and not just the latest gear.
Ideally, when you ask your senior leader for resources you will begin with the problem that you are trying to fix. Explain this simply and without tech jargon. Then present your proposals to fix the problem.
Consider bringing forward these three options:
1-The bare-bones cheap option. This would be spending the absolute least amount to address the issue at hand.
2-The mid-level option. This is not cutting any corners, but not going super crazy either.
3-The Sky's the Limit option. This is what you would purchase if money was no object.
When you present these options to the senior pastor, it shows them that you have done your research and that you are considerate of the fact that the budget may be an issue.
Don't second-guess their decision
Once you have presented your case to them and your suggested solutions, let them know that you will fully trust their decision on how to proceed. If you make this decision in advance it will save you from disappointment if they don't go the direction you had hoped.
