How do we grow a team?

Building a Strong Church Technical Arts Ministry

In today’s church, technology is vital in creating environments for folks to gather to worship and share the Gospel message. And all too common now, that gathering is shared online. From sound systems to lighting, video, and stage design, the technical arts team is essential to making this happen. In my opinion, volunteers are the most valuable resource of the local church. But how do you grow a strong, dedicated team of people to serve? It’s not just about finding people with the right skills; it’s about identifying, inviting, and instructing individuals who are passionate about serving.

Let’s look at how we can grow a church technical arts team.

1. Inventory.

The first step in building a team is understanding who your church is and your needs.  Help your team realize that they are an important part of the greater vision of your church. 

What is your church’s vision?  Don’t know? Stop reading this and start having conversations with your pastor.  If you know the vision of your church, how does your tech team serve that vision?  Once you can articulate that, communicate it all the time.  Share, teach, and remind your team of that vision and how they are a part of helping the church be the church.  

Take an inventory of the roles needed to execute your worship service successfully. Once you know what those roles are and how often they are needed, create a job description. This detail will help you and your team members understand the value of their roles and hold them accountable for the tasks that need to be completed to execute the gathering effectively.

This inventory will provide you with the team structure you need to build. You will discover how many volunteers you need because you know what roles are needed and how often those roles will serve. These tools will also be valuable as you move into inviting folks onto the team.

2. Identify.

Now that you know who you need, you can begin to recognize the people in your congregation who may be a good fit for the technical arts ministry. Don’t limit your search to those with obvious technical skills—sometimes, the best volunteers show a willingness to learn and a passion for serving. Look for those who are detail-oriented, reliable, and have a heart for supporting the church's mission behind the scenes.

You can often identify potential team members through casual conversations, observing their involvement in other ministries, or asking current team members for recommendations. Look for those who seem curious about how things work, ask insightful questions, or naturally gravitate toward technology in other areas of life.

3. Invite.

Once you’ve identified potential team members, the next step is to invite them to serve. A personal invitation goes a long way—don’t just send a general announcement. Take the time to approach individuals and explain why you think they would be an excellent fit for the technical arts team. This is a good place to share the ministry's vision and how their involvement can make a difference in the church’s ability to reach others through technology.

When extending the personal invitation, emphasize the ministry aspect of the role, not just the technical requirements. This is an opportunity to serve God by using the gifts He’s given them, whether it’s technical know-how, creativity, or simply a desire to learn. Make it clear that no experience is necessary—they just need a willing heart and a commitment to growth.

4. Instruct.

A successful team continually learns and hones its skills with the tools and training. This is where instruction comes in. Many people may seem intimidated by the technical side of things at first, but with proper guidance and mentorship, they can quickly gain confidence.

Start by offering basic training sessions covering the key elements of the role, whether running the soundboard, managing lighting, or handling multimedia presentations. Pair new volunteers with experienced team members who can mentor them and offer support as they learn. Regularly offer opportunities for continued growth, whether through workshops, conferences, or even online resources.

Equipping your team is not just about technical skills—it’s also about fostering a spirit of excellence, teamwork, and worship. Remind them that their work, though often behind the scenes, is crucial to creating an environment where people can connect with God. You’ll build a strong foundation for a thriving ministry as you instruct and invest in your team.

5. Intentionality.

Growing a church technical arts team is a journey that requires intentionality. By identifying those with the heart to serve, inviting them into the ministry with purpose, and instructing them with care, you can build a team that not only handles the technical aspects of worship but also contributes to the spiritual atmosphere of the church.

As you grow your team, remember that each member is an essential part of the church body, contributing their unique gifts for the glory of God. A well-trained and well-supported technical arts team is powerful in making the church’s vision come to life.

CALVARY JUPITER - PRODUCTION TEAM

Summary

Building a solid church technical arts ministry is essential to enhancing in-person and online worship experiences. Growing this team begins with understanding the church’s vision and how the tech team supports it. Taking inventory of the roles required ensures the right people are in the right seats and that proper training allows the team to be effective. Identifying potential volunteers is the next step, focusing on those passionate about serving, even if they lack technical skills. A personal invitation and proper training are crucial for fostering confidence and excellence in these volunteers. Finally, intentionality is key to nurturing a team that not only excels technically but also enhances the spiritual environment of the church.

Bill Swaringim | @billswaringim