We all do technical work with lights, audio and video. We use gear. We know the science behind how much of it works. There also is an artistic side of our work, such as in how choose to mix a song, what colors to we use in lighting and how to we choose to design the lighting plot --- not to mention the artistic work that goes into video production. These are not concepts that are we typically consider as being a ministry. Certainly these aspects can be used to support a ministry. But are they a ministry in and of themselves? With out question, the answer is yes.
Why the Word 'Ministry' Makes a Difference
Paul, the apostle, wrote to the Church in Colossae saying, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Col 3:23-24) While it can be noted this passage comes from a section scholars have labeled "Instructions for Christian Households," the idea of serving the Lord is one that permeates throughout scripture. And it's for this reason you work on a Technical Ministry Team, not in a Technical Department.
The end of the Colossians passage contains the sentence, "You are serving the Lord Christ." Strip out the connection of the word ministry to ministers (pastors, preachers, priests, etc.) and there are plenty of other valid connections, such as a ministry to the homeless and a ministry to single mothers. You even minister to your friends in times of need. Our lives are filled with ministry work. The word ministry means “to serve.”
Ministering through Technology
Ministry is about serving people and you serve people every week.
Regarding church ministries that focus on people within the church, this is where the technical team enters into ministry work. You are ministering to those within the church walls. Consider these three forms of ministry in which you participate.
1. Serving others
This is the area where it's easy to see most of your ministry work. You are serving the congregation by performing technical work designed to open them up to fully worship. You are serving the musicians by giving them good monitor mixes and establishing a safe working environment on the stage. You are serving the pastor and church staff by working to support the pastor's vision. You are serving God by being His hands.
2. Caring for others
Have you ever encouraged a nervous new tech crew member? Have you ever helped another team member work through a problem? Have you ever offered a listening ear when they just needed to talk with someone?
Matthew 25:40 says, “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'”
3. Praying with others
You are serving God by being His hands.
My production director starts off Sundays by praying with the tech crew, over the headsets. This past year, I've talked with a number of technical directors who have said they have a weekly or monthly Bible study or prayer time with their team. This is ministry work and you must be together in prayer.
Is this just for the TD or for everyone in the ministry?
I'm a very independent person. But, put me with a group of church techies and I'm the biggest team player. I'm not above going and getting coffee, cola, or a glass of water, if that's what someone needs. Why am I a huge techie team player? Because the tech crew is a group of INDIVIDUALS devoted to blessing and ministering to others and we must minister to each other. This goes for technical directors and everyone on the tech team. With one caveat, TD's should "take up the staff" (Curtis Templeton) and shepherd their whole team in a way only those in leadership can do.
The Challenge
I hope you see your technical work as ministry work. If you do, take this next week and focus on how you can better serve your team and everyone else involved with the church service. Go beyond what you normally do. Be a shining light unto others.
If you don't see your work as a form of ministry, please take the next week and study the scriptures for how we are all called to serve others and serve Him. Ministry is about serving people and you serve people every week when you walk through those church doors.
