Don’t Let Your AV Tech Outpace Your Volunteers

Keeping the Heart of Ministry in Sync with the Tools of Ministry

We all love new gear! The newer, the shinier, the more buttons it has—the better. There’s something magical about unboxing a fresh piece of AV tech. That new-switch smell. That “we finally made it” feeling. But let me ask you this:

Can your volunteers actually use it?

You see, while the tech might be top-shelf, your volunteers might still be figuring out the bottom drawer.

Technology Should Serve the People, Not Confuse Them

Upgrading your soundboard, camera system, or streaming gear isn’t a bad thing—unless your people are left behind. We can easily fall into the trap of assuming that a better piece of gear will automatically improve the ministry. But technology is a tool, not a solution. A fancy hammer won’t build a house if no one knows how to swing it.

And churches don’t usually have a full-time AV team. They’ve got Sister Carol who “knows how to do the slides,” and Marcus, the faithful teenager who has become the de facto camera operator because he once edited a TikTok.

So when you throw a spaceship of a sound console in front of Marcus, don’t be surprised if he looks at it like it’s about to launch.

Start With Training, Not Just Spending

Before you upgrade your gear, ask:

•   Do our volunteers understand what we already have?

•   Can they troubleshoot without panic?

•   Do they feel confident or just compliant?

It’s better to have a team of trained, confident volunteers working a basic system than a confused crew standing around a $50,000 setup like it’s the Ark of the Covenant.

(You know… “don’t touch it or you might die.”)

Match the Tech to the Team

When planning your next tech purchase, think team-first:

•   Work with your trusted AV consultant. (If you dont have one, I know of one that I highly recommend.)

•   Schedule training time and budget for it. You can’t expect excellence from volunteers you’ve never equipped.

•   Scale your gear with your growth. Don’t buy for the church you want to be five years from now—buy for where you are and who’s running it now.

The Goal Is Ministry, Not Just Media

At the end of the day, media ministry is just that—ministry. It’s about helping people see, hear, and experience the message. If your tech gets in the way of that—by being too complex, too fragile, or too intimidating—it’s not a blessing, it’s a barrier.

Remember, Jesus changed the world with 12 untrained volunteers and no soundboard. The tools matter, but the team is what makes the difference.

So don’t just chase the latest gadget—invest in the people who will use it. Your volunteers will thank you, your services will run smoother, and your AV ministry will have more than just great tech—it’ll have heart.

D. Jarrett

Wired For Worship