Come Prepared

Preparation takes on many different forms, especially when it comes to serving God. You may not expect the first post on a church tech blog to be about preparing to worship. But why not? After all, this is why we do what we do. There are many reasons to volunteer in tech ministry; technology, keep skills sharp, learn something new, not to mention...video work is just flippin fun!

How often have you considered the real reason for all the lights, cameras, & action? We are here to help others enter into an experience of worship to Jesus. This is not because of some great skill that we posses. The fact is, that God chose us to serve, he allows us to use the gifts that he gave us to begin with. That's were your skills come from, God. Why then would we ever consider taking that service lightly? Yet it happens every week, every Sunday. Some of us 'phone it in'. We show up, we play with the equipment, and say, 'hey, look at my camera shot, that's the sweetest thing since the invention of the s-video cable. I'm just a STUD!'

This happened to me last Sunday, and boy did I pay for it. For a number of reasons, I got to church in a bad mood. I had not prayed, I had not even given a thought about worship or about God. My mind was on the details. I was planning on trying some new things that day so that's what I'm thinking about. Guess what. I left church that afternoon in a much worse mood, having not spent one minute using my hands, eyes, and mind in an act of worship to God. In my mind, the service tanked. So imagine my surprise when everyone that I talked to thought it was powerful and felt like God was moving in some way. In fact, as I look back in review, I can't figure out what I thought was so bad. Yes, there were a few glitches, but that's normal. I was there and had a part in it, but I missed the whole thing. Sad.

Finally, I'm about to make a long overdue point. No matter where you serve, you are serving your Lord. Do not take that lightly. Consider it a privilege and do it with all of your heart and passion. Operate that camera in the name of Jesus. Mix that video for your King. What you do behind the scenes is greatly important! God just might be using your hands at that very moment to expand his Kingdom. So do yourself a favor and come prepared.