Behind-the-scenes service is still people service
Production and media volunteers help the congregation follow and participate in the service. Whether your assignment involves audio, screens, cameras, lighting, livestream, or another production task, your work supports the shared worship experience. Attention to detail matters, and so does the way you work with the team.
1. Schedule, shadow, and learn the room
After completing the required Sit in Class lessons, schedule a date to serve alongside the production leader. During the Shadow Serve, learn where to report, where your role is performed, how the team communicates, and what the service flow looks like. Do not operate equipment or change settings until the leader has shown you how and invited you to do so.
Ask which responsibilities belong to your position and who has authority to make changes during service. Every role has boundaries; following them helps the whole team work confidently.
2. Prepare before the service
"Let all things be done decently and in order."
Arrive at the time your leader sets. Review the service plan, rehearsal notes, media assignments, and any updates shared with your team. Check that you understand the cues you are responsible for and ask about anything unclear before the service begins.
Keep your workspace ready and orderly. Follow the team's instructions for handling, connecting, and storing equipment. Do not unplug, move, or adjust another person's equipment without permission.
3. Follow cues and communicate clearly
Stay attentive to the service and watch for the signals your leader has taught you. Follow the agreed run-of-show and make only the changes assigned to your role. If you miss a cue or notice a problem, stay calm and tell the production leader using the team's communication method. Avoid calling attention to a small technical issue from your station unless the leader directs you to speak.
During the service, keep side conversations and personal phone use to a minimum. Your attention helps the team respond smoothly to the people on stage and in the room.
4. Respond to technical problems without panic
Technical problems can happen. Do not guess, make a string of unapproved changes, or blame a teammate. Tell the leader what you noticed, follow their direction, and use the backup steps only if you have been trained to do so. Protect the congregation's experience by staying composed and focused on your assigned role.
If equipment appears damaged, unsafe, or unusually hot, do not continue using it. Alert the leader and follow the church's equipment and safety procedures.
5. Use care with media and information
Use only the service materials and media approved for your assignment. Check names, lyrics, slides, and other content against the team's source materials and communicate corrections to the leader. Do not publish, stream, photograph, or share private or unapproved content from a service. Follow the church's instructions for livestreams, recordings, photos, and storage of files.
6. Close out and hand off
After the service, wait for the leader's direction before powering down, disconnecting, or storing equipment. Return materials to their designated places, report any issues, and let the next volunteer know about anything the leader asks you to hand off. Do not leave until your role is complete and the leader has released you.
During your Shadow Serve, learn:
- Your arrival time, assigned station, and team contact.
- The run-of-show and cues connected to your role.
- How the team communicates before and during service.
- Which equipment or media tasks you may handle after training.
- What to do if a cue is missed or a technical issue occurs.
After shadowing, debrief with the production leader. Confirm any additional practice or role-specific training, then wait for the leader to confirm when you are ready to serve independently.