TECH TEAM TAG TEAM
Given the whirlwind that 2020 has been, the Church has had to pivot and depend heavily on technology and media. More than ever, tech crew – both staff and volunteers – have become essential contributors to the online church space and have been instrumental in ensuring churches can still come together.
We chat with Sound Mentor Caleb Chan and Student Mentor Darren Fong on how it feels like to unwittingly be front and center in church as we know it this year, despite remaining hidden and faithful to their calling.
This is such a loaded first question, but how has the year been for you in your tech roles?
Caleb Chan (CC): I actually did not serve in my church when we went online. We have a team of full-timers anchoring online services and bible studies. Definitely want to honour them (and all production teams) here; it has been intense!
Darren Fong (DF): I fully agree with Chan - it has been really intense! Currently, despite a lean team and having to serve at least once fortnightly, I feel more energised and empowered to serve more effectively because of the rest that the circuit breaker period allowed. I thank God for that time to recharge.
How has it felt for you when tech crews like yourselves are suddenly hyper-essential in the whole online church space?
DF: Be it tech crews, worship leaders, or musicians, each one is essential in leading the congregation in worship; 1 Corinthians 12 reminds us that a body has many parts, but is one.
CC: Tech crews have always been hyper-essential – this season just brought about a raised awareness to the roles they play. Along with the new spotlight comes added pressure to make sure services run and work without hiccups. So if you are a church leader/member reading this, please appreciate your crews more this season!
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone."
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (ESV)
What were some of the ways you felt you and/or your church grew in navigating this year of continuous change and adaptation?
DF: There was definitely greater understanding and clarity between the tech crew and the rest of the worship team.
CC: There is also definitely a greater understanding of the overall technical process behind a production, be it virtual or live. I think this definitely (and hopefully for the future) helps create a better understanding between tech teams and leadership.
How can the church better look after tech crews who largely remain unseen and hidden?
CC: Ministry should be first and foremost people-centred. We should recognise and appreciate people first – before we even talk about what needs to be done.
DF: In this pandemic season, where we are all isolated physically, running services from our different homes, we ought to be even more attentive to the challenges faced by the tech crew.
CC: Absolutely! Our roles were not very visible to begin with, and the physical separation adds another layer of invisibility. Most, in this season, have to manage new stresses and pressures. Yet, there are so many (especially volunteers) still stepping up to serve in this new capacity!
So, this season serves as a reminder that we must pay attention to how they are doing as human beings, not just workers or crew. Whether you are a church leader or the leader of a tech/media team, I think it’s important to ask ourselves: has a desired outcome preceded the well-being of our crew? A desired outcome may not be easily achieved, but let’s learn to love the people, over the work they produce.
DF: If you know of someone who is serving as a tech crew, remember to thank them for their service, affirm and pray for them.
What are you excited/hopeful for in 2021?
DF: Live worship and live mixing (I hope!). Being able to meet and worship together in church again will be quite a sight, and something I’ve definitely missed this year..
CC: I’m excited for when larger gatherings can start resuming, coupled with what the Church has picked up in the use of technology this year. I really believe this year was not a wasted year, and I hope that churches will continue to leverage technology to help expand our reach to those around us.
(And yea, I hope to travel. Please.)
2021 applications for Sound Stream, as well as 11 other streams, are now open. In our 7th year of ministry, we have revised our fee structure heavily in faith to reflect substantial discounts. This is to help potential students mitigate the effects of the economic downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Click here to find out more and apply!
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Awaken Generation is a not-for-profit organisation registered in Singapore and we believe every year for the full funding needed to support the operational costs of running the ministry. In this season, we are organising a series of online worship rooms, revival nights, and public electives to encourage and equip the Body of Christ. Partner with us financially via the following channels:
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