Creating a Tech Team Part 1

 Part 1

What are the benefits to having a volunteer tech team?  Wouldn’t it be easier to have one person per position that was trained extremely well in their craft? They would become so good at serving in their respective jobs that it would be heaven on earth, right? 

Actually the opposite is true.  In a volunteer environment having one person for each job leads to burn out, sedentary habits and many times ownership instead of stewardship of their position.  Another big consideration is that a team rotation allows your members the opportunity to sit on the pew and be involved in service on a regular basis.  There is nothing more disturbing than seeing someone that has served so long and so often that they have lost all spiritual drive.

Leadership flows from the top down.  Pastor to administrator to department leader to team leader to team members, or something very similar.  Leadership structure is ultra important and working within that framework will allow everyone to succeed.  Leadership also involves working well with the leaders of other departments whether you serve them directly or indirectly. In my opinion a leadership position basically means that you are the lead servant of your respective department or team.  A servant's heart is crucial, especially when settling differences within your team or within the organization or when being asked to do tasks that you feel are unnecessary.  

While you are indeed the greatest servant on your team, it does not mean that you shouldn’t delegate tasks. One of the best ways to train up future leaders is to give them a piece of the pie so that they can have “skin in the game” so to speak.  Investment into the kingdom will make for better team members and more grounded saints.  For instance, team leaders can handle scheduling tasks, coordinate training specific to their team, or even help make critical decisions when the time for new equipment purchases comes around.  It should be rewarding to you as a leader to see the members of your team grow and flourish.

Look for ways to create that “spark”!  In many respects it is hard to create motivation and excitement in a volunteer environment.  Most of the time you, as the leader, are way more passionate about tech than your team members.  This is pretty typical, but you have to find ways to transfer your enthusiasm to others.  Small gift cards, candy, pats on the back, occasional get togethers all help to create a good work environment.  Also, attending off site training together as a team usually helps build that team spirit.  Another idea is to schedule 2 of your newer team members to work in tandem for a special event.  They will be nervous, but will lean on one another to accomplish a successful event, service, drama, etc.  Yes, you will be around to support them if there is a difficulty, but once they taste success in a special event format, it will make them hungry for more.

To be continued.