Current Tech Volunteer Status – 25 of 40 Needed – 62% Filled
25 individuals are either touring, on-boarding, training or serving.
Overview
Our church has embarked on a new initiative, a new campaign for filling the numerous volunteer positions in our church that are needed every Sunday for our services. There are many faithful members that have served for years in this capacity, and we are looking for YOUR help going forward.
A question about our status: “Are we understaffed in the areas of volunteers?” The answer is, just like almost all churches like ours, … Yes. This situation is not new or limited to just our church. COVID and the shutdowns left us in a position where few could serve, but this wasn’t the beginning of the deficit. It goes much further back than that and we needed to know why. Because of this we have invested months of research, and it has become clear to us that the following areas needed focus and attention:
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On-Boarding – A clear path to serving in the areas of your gifts
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Training – Giving proper time and attention to ensure you are equipped to serve
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Educating – Ensuring you are provided with latest practices, techniques and training in an on-going basis.
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Nurturing – Providing a family-ministry atmosphere where we lift each other up in times of need and times of praise.
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Connecting – Providing monthly/quarterly meetings where we can discuss our concerns, our needs, and our successes in a group setting
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Listening – proving a clear channel of volunteer leaders for you to use get help and answer questions
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Being Sensitive to YOUR Time – By creating the atmosphere of One Sunday a Month, this allows you to serve comfortably without the feeling of being “locked in” to a “job” at church
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Scheduling – We have developed an on-line scheduling system allowing you to serve with flexibility in a clear, simple interface.
That’s why we have created the “Give One Sunday Back” initiative. To address this need, and to provide a plan that ensures you are serving with excellence by returning your God-given gifts and talents back to Him… “Serving Jesus, By Serving Your Church Family, One Sunday a Month”.
Although this will be expanded to other ministries throughout the church, our immediate focus will be on the tech staff for contemporary worship. We will be adding other ministries in the very new future.
Please take the time to look at the current volunteer opportunities to the left, and prayerfully consider… “Giving One Sunday Back”.
PowerPoint Front
Back Confidence PowerPoint Operator
Technical Ability Level: 1 of 5
Description: Assist Service Director by running graphics and slides projected on back screens for services and events from a computer in the media area of the Tech Mezzanine. This screen is for our hosts, singers and other speakers on stage to assist with words and song lyrics.
Requirements:
1. Must possess the ability to operate a computer via the keyboard. Tasks involved are advancing slides by following the printed service/event script or on cue from the Director during a service or event by using the ENTER, BACKSPACE, ARROW LEFT, ARROW RIGHT Keys.
2. Ability to edit slides if necessary, during the rehearsals and/or services and event.
Additional Requirements: Creation of each week’s slide deck presentation is preferred but not mandatory.
Weekly Time Commitment: Two hours during rehearsals on Thursday nights from 6:30pm – 8:30pm and two hours on a Sunday morning during the service. 8:30am – 10:30am
Monthly Time Commitment: One week per month, if we have all four volunteer positions filled.
This Volunteer Reports To: The Service Director and Contemporary Worship Coordinator
Training Available? YES, in-house by one of our tech staff. Training is usually for two weeks, with the first week shadowing an operator, the second week you are operating with supervision.
PowerPoint Back
Main Service Front Screen PowerPoint Operator
Technical Ability Level: 1 of 5
Description: Assist Service Director by running graphics and slides projected on the front screens for services and events from a computer in the media area of the Tech Mezzanine.
Requirements:
1. Must possess the ability to operate a computer via the keyboard. Tasks involved are advancing slides by following the printed service/event script or on cue from the Director during a service or event by using the ENTER, BACKSPACE, ARROW LEFT, ARROW RIGHT Keys.
2. Ability to edit slides if necessary, during the rehearsals and/or services and event.
Additional Requirements: Creation of each week’s slide deck presentation is preferred but not mandatory.
Weekly Time Commitment: Two hours during rehearsals on Thursday nights from 6:30pm – 8:30pm and two hours on a Sunday morning during the service. 8:30am – 10:30am
Monthly Time Commitment: One week per month, if we have all four volunteer positions filled.
This Volunteer Reports To: The Service Director
Training Available? YES, in-house by one of our tech staff. Training is usually for two weeks, with the first week shadowing an operator, the second week you are operating with supervision.
Camera Operator
Camera Operator
Technical Ability Level: 2 of 5
Description: Enhance the service and live stream by running cameras for services and events from a fixed position either on the floor or in the Tech Mezzanine. The Service Director gives cues and instructions over wireless headsets to the operators asking for certain shots during the events. Specialized knowledge of the camera and its operation is not necessary.
Requirements:
Must possess the ability to take directions over wireless headsets and frame the shot the Service Director is asking for. This could include:
a. Moving the position of the camera and tripod
b. Picking a singer, musician or speaker to frame your shot.
c. Zooming in or out on the subject, panning left or right and tilting up or down.
Normal chatter on the intercom could be similar to this:
“Camera 1, focus on the lead singer, waist up. Zoom out a bit. Good. Ready Camera 1. GO camera 1.” (camera 1 is now live on the screens)
Additional Requirements: Powering up and shutting down the camera, securing its lens cover.
Weekly Time Commitment: Two hours on a Sunday morning during the service. 8:30am – 10:30am
Monthly Time Commitment: One week per month, if we have all four volunteer positions filled.
This Volunteer Reports To: The Service Director
Training Available? YES, in-house by one of our tech staff. Training is usually for two weeks, with the first week shadowing an operator, the second week you are operating with supervision.
Video Switcher Operator
Video Switcher Operator
Technical Ability Level: 3 of 5
Description: Enhance the service and live stream by switching video sources (cameras, PowerPoint files, videos, lyric slides and still screens) during a service or event. The operator will take directions from the Service Director via wireless headset.
Requirements:
Must possess the ability to take directions over the wireless headset and cue up and run the channel asked for by the director. This will include:
1. Cueing the next shot on the switcher
2. Running or executing that shot on the switcher
3. Changing shots by cuts or fades
Normal chatter on the intercom could be similar to this:
“Camera 1, focus on the lead singer, waist up. Zoom out a bit. Good. Ready Camera 1. (You Cue Up Camera 1) GO camera 1.” (You Run Camera 1 on the switcher)
Additional Requirements: Powering up and shutting down the switcher and its related equipment and secure its cover.
Weekly Time Commitment: Two hours during rehearsals on Thursday nights from 6:30pm – 8:30pm and two hours on a Sunday morning during the service. 8:30am – 10:30am
Monthly Time Commitment: One week per month, if we have all four volunteer positions filled.
This Volunteer Reports To: The Service Director
Training Available? YES, in-house by one of our tech staff. Training is usually for four weeks, with the first two weeks shadowing an operator and learning the equipment, weeks three and four you are operating with supervision. Additional training will also be provided outside of rehearsals or events.
Lighting Operator
Lighting Operator
Technical Ability Level: 3 of 5
Description: Enhance the service or event by providing tasteful, timed lighting scenes at various moments during the service or event.
Requirements:
Must possess the ability to follow a printed script of the service and make the lighting changes via faders on the ION Xe lighting console and follow directions from the Service Director via wireless headset.
Additional Requirements: Powering up the lighting system, setting color and moods for the service. Saving files, powering down the system and covering it.
Weekly Time Commitment: Two hours during rehearsals on Thursday nights from 6:30pm – 8:30pm and two hours on a Sunday morning during the service. 8:30am – 10:30am
Monthly Time Commitment: One week per month, if we have all four volunteer positions filled.
This Volunteer Reports To: The Service Director and Head Lighting Engineer
Training Available? YES, in-house by one or more of our tech staff. Training is usually for four weeks, with the first two weeks shadowing an operator and learning the equipment, weeks three and four you are operating with supervision. Additional training will also be provided outside of rehearsals or events.
Sound Engineer
Sound Engineer
Technical Ability Level: 5 of 5
Description: Provide pleasing audio for the services and events, by mixing all live music and vocals, audio enhancements such as videos or sound effects and running tracks.
Requirements:
Must possess the ability to follow a printed script of the service. Must understand good, pleasing sound and comfortable sound levels. Must be able to work with musicians, singers and speakers to achieve their vision of the service. Must be able to mic instruments, vocalist, hosts, pastors and guests. Must set and control all monitors. Must possess a general understanding of the live sound world (although special training can be provided).
Additional Requirements: Powering up the sound system, loading service presets, Moving monitor wedges, patching wedges, mics and instruments. Identifying failed equipment and reporting it. Saving the settings, powering down the system and covering it.
Weekly Time Commitment: 2 ½ hours during rehearsals on Thursday nights from 6:00pm – 8:30pm and 2 ½ hours on a Sunday morning during the service. 8:30am – 11:00am
Monthly Time Commitment: One week per month, if we have all four volunteer positions filled.
This Volunteer Reports To: The Service Director and Head Sound Engineer
Training Available? YES, In-house by one or more of our tech staff. Training is usually for several weeks, with the beginning being an understanding of audio flow (input/output). Next, concepts of the tools we use (compression, EQ, processing and signal flow). Extensive hands-on training during rehearsals is the next step and finally allowing you to engineer with supervision. Several classes are held off-site in a studio setting giving you the ability to truly understand what all the tools do. On-going training is also offered.
Live Stream Operator
Live Stream Operator
Technical Ability Level: 2 of 5
Description: Provide our online services and recordings weekly. This is a fairly new position that has a world of opportunities for the right person with gifts in the area of live production.
Requirements: Must be able to operate the VMix (our Streaming/Recording system) via a computer keyboard. You first name the service by its date. As the service starts, you enable the live stream by clicking one button, and then the recording by clicking a second button. There are enhancements that can be taught to be used throughout the service such as “Lower Thirds” names, callouts etc., but this is not necessary to start. At the end of the service, you simply click the End Stream button and the End Recording button.
Additional Requirements: Powering up the system, naming the file for the service. Copying the recorded service to a thumb drive after the service is over and powering down the system.
Weekly Time Commitment: Two hours on a Sunday morning during the service. 8:30am – 10:30am
Monthly Time Commitment: One week per month, if we have all four volunteer positions filled.
This Volunteer Reports To: The Service Director
Training Available? YES, in-house by one or more of our tech staff. Training is usually for two weeks, with the first week shadowing an operator and learning the equipment, the second week are operating with supervision. Additional training will also be provided outside of rehearsals or events.
Notes: With the right team in place, this could blossom into a much-needed ministry to reach outside our church walls into the community, state, country and the world.
Stage Audio, Video, Lighting Support
Stage Audio, Video, Lighting Support
Technical Ability Level: 1 of 5
Description: Provide assistance to the tech crew before, during and after the services or event. This might be moving a light on stage, removing unnecessary cables for audio or video. Replacing batteries that have gone out in the middle of the event.
Requirements: Must be willing to do a variety of non-technical tasks. Be familiar with where our gear is stored, and how to perform simple tasks such as changing batteries, or changing audio/video/electrical cables.
Additional Requirements: Assisting the tech team and worship team with simple needs during a service or event.
Weekly Time Commitment: Two hours on a Sunday morning during the service. 8:30am – 10:30am
Monthly Time Commitment: One week per month, if we have all four volunteer positions filled.
This Volunteer Reports To: Head Sound Engineer/Head Lighting Engineer/Tech Director
Training Available? YES, in-house by one or more of our tech staff. Training is usually for two weeks; additional training will also be provided outside of rehearsals or events.
Youth Sunday School Teacher
Youth Sunday School Teacher
Description: Lead combined Sunday School for grades 6-12 by teaching a pre-determined Bible lesson and connecting relationally with students (roughly 15 students weekly).
Requirements: Have a strong belief in and relationship with Jesus. Strong desire to see teenagers come to know Jesus. Teach students from pre-selected curriculum. Communicate with Youth Director with any major edits you desire to make to curriculum (if needed). Submit/maintain clearances & attend trainings as outlined in COGS’ Safe Sanctuaries policies. Attend FORGE Leader Meetings.
Additional Requirements: Previous experience working with or teaching kids/students/youth is preferred, but not required. Comfortably running slides or empowering students to run with technology prepared.
Weekly Time Commitment: 1.5-2 hours–1.25 hours during the 9:15 service (9:00 – 10:15 AM) and then additional time to prepare with curriculum ahead of time as needed.
Monthly Time Commitment: Flexible, can be monthly, biweekly, or weekly.
This Volunteer Reports To: Youth Director
Training Available? Yes, shadowing and training are available for this position. Ideally, leader would shadow one week and then leader with supervision the next. Trainings will also be given through periodic FORGE leader meetings. Additional training can be requested to the youth director.
Youth Leader | Encounter
Youth Leader | Encounter
Description: Help lead & facilitate all aspects of an Encounter Youth Night. These tasks would include connecting relationally with the students, playing/leading games & activities, worshiping with students, facilitating small group discussions, and setting up/tearing down youth night.
Requirements: Have a strong belief in and relationship with Jesus. Strong desire to see teenagers come to know Jesus. Willingness to laugh & have fun with teens. Submit/maintain clearances & attend trainings as outlined in COGS’ Safe Sanctuaries policies. Attend FORGE Leader Meetings.
Additional Requirements: Previous experience working with kids/students/youth is preferred, but not required. Willing to transport students is ideal, but not required.
Weekly Time Commitment: Usually 2.5 hours on Sunday evenings (5:30 – 8:00 PM).
Monthly Time Commitment: Usually 2.5 hours on Sunday evenings (5:30 – 8:00 PM).
This Volunteer Reports To: Youth Director
Training Available? Yes, shadowing and training are available for this position. Ideally, leader would shadow one week and then leader with supervision the next. Trainings will also be given through periodic FORGE leader meetings. Additional training can be requested to the youth director.
Youth Leader | Special Events
Youth Leader | Encounter
Description: Assist youth director and other youth leaders in chaperoning and executing special events. During the event, you would connect relationally with students, participate or help run the activity, and help facilitate group discussion when applicable.
Requirements: Have a passion to see students’ lives transform by Jesus through the Gospel, fun, and community. Submit/maintain clearances & attend trainings as outlined in COGS’ Safe Sanctuaries policies.
Additional Requirements: Willing to transport students is ideal, but not required Attend FORGE leader meeting as needed.
Weekly Time Commitment: Depends upon event, but 2-5 hours.
Monthly Time Commitment: 1 event a month if needed.
This Volunteer Reports To: Youth Director
Training Available? If desired.
Snack Team
Snack Team
Description: Provide snacks for Encounter Youth Night and/or special events. Deliver snack to Larry Berger Hall before 5:45 PM on Sunday evenings depending upon youth schedule.
Requirements: Make, prepare, and/or purchase snack supplies for Encounter. Deliver snack supplies before Encounter begins.
Additional Requirements: Communicate with youth director to ensure rough numbers and any allergies.
Weekly Time Commitment: 1 hour or less.
Monthly Time Commitment: Flexible.
This Volunteer Reports To: Youth Director
Training Available? No training is required.
Prayer Team
Snack Team
Description: Support the FORGE Student Ministry by praying for students & leaders.
Requirements: Have a desire to see students transformed by Jesus and The Gospel. Be active in personal prayer life.
Additional Requirements: Communicate with youth director to ensure rough numbers and any allergies.
Weekly Time Commitment: Flexible.
Monthly Time Commitment: Flexible.
This Volunteer Reports To: No direct reporting, but will hear from the Youth Director of prayer needs/concerns.