We’ve all heard “Doing Life Together” or “We are better together” which are really just different ways of saying “Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:23 (NASB). That has been one of the mantra’s of the modern Christian church for many years now.
In my early career as a audio mixer and system installer, I was blessed to constantly be in contact with those I would consider my peers, other sound, lighting, and video pros that shared my passion and know-how (in their various fields), many of which, to this day, are still my good friends. As I look back on those events, I realize that camaraderie was crucial in building not only my knowledge but also my passion for tech and what would become my vocation as a TD.
When I took my position as TD at South Hills Church, of which I was at for six plus years, I found an amazing group of staff and volunteers that love God and deeply want to share His love with the community and the world, a Pastor who respected and honored my position and what I personally brought to the table, positive things to be sure. South Hills, like many churches out there, moved at break-neck speed, and much of my time there (especially during the financial down turn) was quite stressful. In the first few months I was there, I found myself gravitating back to both Mariners and Saddleback. Really wanting to hang out with my old friends and co-workers. Even though I was making new friends and settling in to my new position, I felt lonely and isolated.
In November of 2007 I received an email from Colin Burch, who produces the FaithTools podcast. Being a fan of that podcast, I was pleasantly surprised when Colin asked me to be one of the panels for an upcoming show. Also on that show was, Rick Pepper, who was also a contributor to my podcast (which only has one episode, but I am told, it’s amazing…[insert sarcastic line here]), Daniel Murphy, and Colin. Needless to say, we had a great time recording the show (via Skype, of course) and after the recording was done we talked off line for at least another two hours. The field of tech made us quick friends and I felt so energized after that recording. I have become good friends with Colin (even staying with him and his wife, Kim on a trip out to the east coast) and Daniel, who is now at Planning Center Online. Faithtools also introduced me to Mike Sessler and as they say, the rest is history.
Since then, the church tech community has come together in a way I could never have imagined. Having meet so many of you all out there and made so many friends.
So, where I once felt as if I was in sort of a professional no-mans-land, I now, once again feel energized and supported in my craft. So if you feel this way, seek out other church techs in your local area and make it a point to become friends with them, I know for many of us, that is not in our nature, I mean we are the AV geeks after all, but do it anyway, I think you will be surprised with what you might find. I was..
Van is the Church Relations guy at CCI Solutions. He has also held leadership positions in the technical Departments at Magnolia Church, in Riverside, CA, South Hills Church, in Corona, CA, Mariners Church in Irvine, CA and Saddleback Church, in Lake Forest, CA. He is Co-host of the Church Tech Weekly podcast. Van‚s blog can be found as a byline at ChurchTechArts.org and he is a frequent contributor for SundayMag.TV. With more than 30 years of audio and production experience, Van love‚s the Church & the teams that make it happen. He has a passion to see the next generation of Church leaders become their best. Van can be reached at vmetschke.com or van.org Twitter: Web: www.churchtecharts.org