My church sets a high priority on “…being involved with people” This means that we consider it a joy to participate in community activities. Just about every aspect of our church operates with this thrust in mind. Whether it is a 4th of July parade float or an active Small Group outreach, it is important to keep this goal in mind.
As a member of a technical team in a portable church, I initially struggled with how to make this a tangible part of our ministry. Actually, by no effort of mine, the opportunity came to us.
Since we meet in a high school auditorium it is utilized by other people, such as a local theater group that does annual summer plays and talent shows, we have the opportunity to share the facility. At first I saw this as an interruption in the well oiled machine that is our tech team. But then I realized that there was a chance to come along side this group and serve them.
It started out as just the loan of a lighting console then the list grew. We began to coordinate with them about smooth transitions between their event and ours. Soon we were providing entire systems and tech support for events.
Last night I was able to spend about four hours helping them “tech-out” the auditorium for their 2008 play Footloose. In addition to the consultation, they are using five of our wireless mics with E-6’s, compression, a CD player, a snake, two amplifiers and an entire processing rack. By the end of the evening I was able to leave them in good hands. Additionally, I was able to address the entire cast in a short class on headset mic etiquette.
What an opportunity to meet the physical needs of people that need the Lord. It is just a technician’s way of answering the Great Commission mentioned in Matthew chapter 28.
In summary, it is an honor to use the tools of our craft, as cool as they are, to advance the Kingdom. So, don’t be too caught up in the dollars behind the gadgets that you loose sight of the larger picture.