Training/paid

[JereNet]

I'm 18 years old, and moving off to college next Fall. Over the past 5 years, I've worked to get my church to purchase and install three systems I've designed (sound, video, control). The last system I installed, was a touchscreen control system, for controlling the sound, video, and a last minute lighting system I put in. Everything works great, and I've pretty well dumbed it down for my church. Here's my problem. Nobody really wants to take my job, or is scared of the technology. I designed the control system, that all you have to do is turn on one computer, and it does the rest via your input through the touchscreen, with hints I added. How do I train people/get them interested? I've thought about classes, and plan to do them once I get everything set up and functioning well, any ideas about content? Also, I've thrown around charging for special events such as weddings, etc. but haven't gone any farther than thinking about it. Should I bring that up at a meeting, possibly charging for special events, and maybe getting the tech (just one) for the week paid a little bit, just to spark some initial interest, and then hopefully it will start running itself? Also, should I convince my church to get a professional website instead of our current basic, my-spare-time type website? Let me know of any ideas. Thank you!

[prochlea]

If it were me, I'd be pretty blunt about it. Have someone make an announcement that you're going to be leaving, and need people to take over the reigns. When we're running short of volunteers, we make a call for them in the service, and then pass around sign up sheets. It usually nets a few helpers for each team. The last time we did it, I think I got four or five new sound guys.

[churchtech007]

I think this all depends on the size and culture of your church. Jere I'm assuming you are in a smaller church because passing anything around would never work in our church. The larger the church the easier it is for people to assume someone else will fill that role. I know smaller churches have their issues too, not saying it's easier in smaller churches, just different. If your church has a culture of serving then standing up and saying we have a need may work.

However... IMHO

The best option for "reproducing" yourself is always the personal touch. Find someone who is mildly interested and invest in them. Meet them for coffee, take them to lunch, go play golf with them, or whatever it is people in your culture do. The volunteer that ends up invested for the long term is the one that has been invested in. Once they know you care then you can show them the need (Why tech is important). Then you have a volunteer for life!

btw, don't underestimate showing the need. People need to know what they do matters and is making a difference.

It's not a simple or easy process.

[rkresge]

While you can certainly find volunteers by making a public announcement or passing the sign-up sheet, what happens when you get volunteers who have none of the skills or aptitude necessary to do the job? Are you also prepared to say "No, thanks" to those people, and do so in a way that's not hurtful or offensive?

It's something I've learned to be wary of. Not saying you shouldn't do it, but you should be prepared for how to deal with the unqualified volunteer.

Blessings, and good luck with your college work!

Roger

[tedanderson]

I would have to agree that there are times when people who answer the call are not very useful for performing the task.

It took me a few years to realize that after thoroughly training a new recruit, if they think that connecting the "IN" jack on one piece of equipment to the "IN" jack of another makes perfect sense, they probably shouldn't be in this area of ministry.

While it is good to have concerns regarding the future of your area of ministry, keep in mind that this belongs to God and your church so as you go off to college, someone will step in and take over if you never find a replacement.

When I left my old church, with the exception of the audio team, I was concerned that the media ministry would go completely down the drain...and it did.. or at least it appeared that way. But not long after I was gone, someone realized that there was a room of unused equipment just sitting there collecting dust..and they had a great idea.. and the media team resumed operation.

[prochlea]

what happens when you get volunteers who have none of the skills or aptitude necessary to do the job?

Well - luckily, we have enough work that there are places we can slot in inexperienced guys. We're basically a portable church, so we need people who can just push carts around. It's also pretty easy to train people on the basic stage setup stuff... mic cables, music stands, etc. I've already got several board operators, and about the only time I have trouble finding someone to run a service is either Christmas or Thanksgiving.