Techie vs. Leadership: Communicating Effectively

Written by Anthony D. Coppedge, CTS

Originally published in the Church Media Hotlist newsletter.

Techie.  Sound guy.  Video Operator.  Lighting gal.

 I've heard those names (and others I won't mention!) used to describe the unique person that serves in the Media ministry of their church. These technically savvy individuals, however gifted with Media, can be the least-understood person in today's church. Pastors can be frustrated by them, Music Ministers can sometimes seem unable to relate to them and some church members just don't understand them.

Difficult people or just misunderstood?
There's no question that many churches face the typical problem of the Pastor and/or Minister of Music not understanding their Techies. I've worked for/with several churches where I've witnessed this first-hand.

I think the problems are generally around three areas:
1) Church leadership doesn't take the time to truly develop relationships with these sometimes socially-challenged (preferring computers to people!) folks.
2) Techies not wanting to interact with people that are non-technical and "don't get it."
3) In over 50% of the cases, the acoustics, room and technical systems cannot meet the expectation for Technical performance - not the operator.

What to do?
In each of the above scenarios, the common denominator is communication. Far too often church leaders call on their Techies only when they need something. A sound system turned on; a TV/VCR set up; a light bulb replaced; a projector reset.

It should seem obvious that Techies need personal care, accountability and respect. In the same way that other ministries shouldn't take their people for granted, Media staff and volunteers also need TLC (tender-lovin'-care).

We, too, are sometimes to blame for exacerbating the communications breakdown. As Techies, we can sometimes be more in tune with the equipment in the booth than the people on the platform. "Heads up!" is the order I give to Techies. The leaders on the platform should have eye contact (your head should be up looking at them and not buried on the console) with the people in the sound booth at all times. This is one of the first steps in opening a clear line of communication, as Techies must show that we're supporting the service by paying attention and doing all we can to provide a distraction-free environment.

I believe that over half of the time, the frustration from the Pastor or Music Minister stems from an expectation for the sound/video/lighting system or room to do something it wasn't designed to do. One of the easiest ways to address this problem is by requiring all Techs to attend all rehearsals. A good sound check, video check or lighting check will reveal that the monitor mix can't get what is wanted, a videotape has wrinkles on the tape or three lights have gone out since the last service.

Simply being proactive in dealing with these common (and sometimes unavoidable) issues will provide a less-stressed leader and a more prepared Techie. What's more, over time the limitations of the room acoustics, technical equipment or operator expertise can be addressed and corrected.

Know Thy Limits
As Techies, we enjoy learning about new equipment and finding ways to soak up knowledge in an effort to improve our abilities. I encourage that. In fact, I recommend that you read at least 12 books a year. Personally, I read around 40 books a year, but I am admittedly an avid reader. But don't just go pick up Yamaha's Sound Reinforcement Handbook (but you should have that one!) or the latest book about technology. Learn more about your faith, expand your knowledge about interpersonal communications, and increase your knowledge about church media.

Pastors and Music Ministers: Take the time to go to lunch and just visit - not talk tech - with your techs. Set up accountability systems that include log books, personal mentoring and team development. These times of interpersonal involvement will strengthen the relationship with your techs.

Techies: Submit yourselves to the authority God has placed over you and always answer with either "Yes" or "No, but we can do..." It should be uncommon for you to say "No" to reasonable requests. If T.I.M.E. (Today Isn't More than Enough) is the biggest issue, help the requestor understand that you'd love to help, but their request takes more time than they've allocated.

By responding with grace and a helpful attitude, you can help eliminate many of the communication breakdowns that occur in churches.

Anthony Coppedge provides consulting to Churches for developing and growing a Media Ministry, building teams, casting vision and even choosing the right equipment.

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