Technical directors have a very difficult job because they tend to not be as visible as a worship leader or youth pastor is, but their expenses tend to be far greater. When a technical director needs new equipment it can easily jump to five figures or more and it is often for something that most of the congregation won't even notice.
When a youth pastor is looking to purchase a grill or basketball hoop it doesn't really cost that much and everyone sees the immediate benefit of it. When a technical director wants to purchase a new video distribution amp or subwoofer it will probably be costly and the leadership may not fully understand why they need to get it in the first place.
Since techies tend to be a quiet bunch we are not always very vocal when we are trying to make our case. To make matters worse, we tend to speak in technical jargon that pastors do not understand and seminaries have not yet begun to teach.
Every technical director should be a master at getting buy-in from senior leadership. This is not to be confused with manipulation or used-car salesman strategies. Buy-in is simply the ability to communicate the situation to your leadership in a compelling way and providing them with the information so they can make an informed decision.
1. Explain the Problem
Barging in to your pastor's office saying that you want to buy the latest and greatest projector and rattling off a few obscure specifications probably isn't the best way to get approval. It is better to emphasize the problems that you are having with your current projection system. Maybe you are having problems with ambient light because your projector is underpowered? Perhaps the resolution is low and there are visible jagged edges on the lyrics and verses? Explain this as clearly and simply as possible.
2. Offer Solutions
You are probably pretty good at presenting solutions, but before the solution is presented they need to be fully aware of the problem. Since we all like to have the newest and best it is very easy to come up with a solution that can be perceived as extravagant. This is why I suggest that you offer three solutions. You can start with your “dream solution” first, but also add in a mid-level solution. You should also a low-end solution, I call is a “band-aid solution” because it is the bare minimum to get by.
All of the solutions must have price tags on them. No leader wants to hand out a blank check. They may ask which solution you suggest and feel free to tell them, but give them the freedom to make the final decision if they wish.
3. Be Flexible
Your pastor may have many questions regarding your suggestions. Be sure to take the time to walk them through it. It is better to make sure that they are fully on-board with you rather than going along because they feel like their arm was twisted. They may want you to make some changes to the proposal or to lower the budget. Feel free to make a kind and gentle appeal if needed but don't act offended if they don't bow down and worship your technological prowess.
Above all they need to know that you are a team player and you have the organization's best interests in mind. Technology is only a means to an end. Its purpose is to help your ministry spread the Gospel more effectively. The more you can bring it back to the real reason your ministry exists the more likely you will get the buy-in that you need.
