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Tips for an Awesome Tech Team
Jonathan Sullivan - Technical Resource Group
 In a world of ever evolving technology, churches have more tools and toys available to them. These tools will only be as effective as the group of people you have operating them. Here are nine tips that can help you have an awesome tech team.
1. Actively Recruit: Many of us become complacent when we have all of our basic positions filled. It is important to always recruit and build up your team, so when a need arises - you aren't scrambling to fill a position. One of the best sources for recruits is your 14-20 year olds. Many have the time to learn and the eagerness to become a part.
2. Connect with your Team: To be a successful team, you need to connect beyond just Sunday Morning. Know each person's individual strengths and weaknesses. Build a relationship beyond the tech booth.
3. Highlight Successes: Criticism without praise is a deadly combination. Praise successes, and use mistakes as teachable moments. Many teams receive nothing but dirty looks and criticism for their well-intended efforts. A little praise when things go smoothly, is a welcome gift.
4. Provide Godly Leadership: Whether you are the tech director or a pastor, it is important that you be a Godly Leader. Remember, you can only lead to the degree you are willing to serve (Matt 23:11). Don't just be the one that issues demands, jump in and offer to help. If you aren't knowledgeable in an area of the ministry, don't use that as a point of intimidation, use it as an opportunity to gain a basic knowledge.
5. Find Outside Training Opportunities: Internal training and mentoring is important, but finding outside opportunities will only build and improve the skill set of your team. Budget conscious opportunities are available. TRG provides onsite training for your team as well as our annual Techxplosion conference.
6. Know the Limitations & Capabilities of your team AND your equipment. There will always be times that stretch these capabilities, but constantly over stretching, WILL lead to failure. Many times a little preparation provides additional capabilities. If additional or replacement equipment is necessary, provide it. If your team or equipment truly is able to do what is asked with excellence, consideration should be given to waiting until it can be done right.
7. Trust Your Team: Once you have trained your team, and they have proven that they are capable, TRUST THEM. This is the mark of good leadership. Micro-mangement or second guessing your team will stunt future growth. Remember your ultimate goal is to build future leaders.
8. Honor your Team: This is a hard one. Your team likely serves week in and week out with faithfulness and many for free. This work is done in the shadows, with humility. Honor them with recognition and gratitude for their service. You would be surprised how sometimes the smallest token of appreciation, (perhaps a gift card and a thank you note) can build further loyalty and fulfillment.
9. Grow your Team: Spiritually grow your team. Consider a bible study or annual retreats. It is easy to overlook the spiritual health of your team while trying to grow the technical health. Provide accountability to each on your team. Be sure the person sitting behind the equipment for the last number of years isn't doing so to hide from a personal relationship with Christ.
A healthy team is a team that is constantly growing and reproducing. Do you have tips that you have found to be effective? Comment on this article on Facebook, or email us at trg@trginc.net
-------------------------------------------------------------- Jonathan Sullivan has been with Technical Resource Group for more than a decade in sales and marketing. Jonathan began working with church techs as a young child in his church children's program. The tech director of his church began teaching and mentoring him at a very early age. Today he continues to work in the tech ministry, teaching and training others in Audio & Projection. | 
