Thank you for your interest in the A/V ministry at Forcey. The ministry is surprisingly large, with needs for many different volunteers with specialized gifts and skills.
The following operators are needed as part of the A/V ministry each
week.
Main sound board This operator makes sure that the microphones are working before the service, and controls the volume and feedback for each mic during the service. He (or she) also queues and plays pre-recorded audio from CDs, as well as any audio feeds from the projection booth.
Projector This operator controls the image that is projected on the main screen during the service, and may switch inputs from the PC, DVD, video mixer (live image magnification), and possibly other sources. He (or she) also operates the PC (typically PowerPoint and/or EasyWorship) and DVD player, and controls the house lights.
Video mixer This operator creates a live video mix during the service using feeds from multiple cameras and the PC/DVD. During services, this mix is normally sent live to the lobby and overflow room; it is also recorded on a DVD and is backed up on DV tape (or a NAS drive). The video director directly controls one camera, and communicates with the remote camera operator.
Remote camera This operator communicates with the video director over an intercom, and controls the zoom and pan of the remote camera during the service. This allows the director to focus on creating professional transitions between all the various video inputs.
Record
ing sound board This operator controls the audio mix that is sent to the CD/DVD recorders, and to the lobby monitors and overflow room. He/she controls a separate soundboard with multiple audio inputs from the main soundboard, and from the PC/DVD sources in the projection booth.
CD/DVD duplicators After the service, this operator takes the CD/DVD masters (or disk images on a NAS drive) and makes duplicates as needed. Often, these volunteers work at the welcome desk, so they can also take orders and distribute the completed disks.
Web servers After the service, this operator “rips” MP3 files containing compressed audio of the sermon from the CD masters, and uploads them to the web, so that they can be downloaded on demand and/or to podcast subscribers.
Outreach (new position) These volunteers will take CD/DVD disks to members who are unable to attend church because of an illness or disability, and to nursing homes and retirement homes as an outreach ministry.
Other jobs are normally done apart from Sunday services, and/or intermittently throughout the year.
Digital content creation These volunteers create slides in PowerPoint and/or EasyWorship that will be used in the Sunday services (worship songs, intermission slides, etc.). They also may download, re-format, and/or edit A/V clips from the Internet, or from DVDs or other sources (with permission). In some cases, volunteers have created original content, possibly using other volunteers as cast members. Some pastors have A/V needs specific to their ministries.
Stage lighting for special events These volunteers work closely with the producer and/or director of the Christmas and Easter programs, for example. We have several stage spot lights (“lekos”), and are starting to add some DMX-controlled dimmers, etc.
Electricians and technicians There is an intermittent (1-2x/year) need to add wiring, switches, outlets, etc. or to update lighting fixtures or other “built-in” electrical appliances that require the services of a licensed electrician. Installation and/or upgrading of other cabling (DMX, Ethernet, and other A/V) is also needed. Some tasks may be done during scheduled “work parties”.
Maintenance The bulbs for the sanctuary lights need to be changed approximately every two years; this requires scaffolding and a crew of 2-3 volunteers. Projectors and other equipment must be cleaned periodically, and these bulbs must be changed also. Sometimes, help is needed to clean up storage rooms, etc. Some of these tasks may also be done during “work parties”.
A/V Engineers We typically purchase one or two new pieces of A/V equipment each year. Ministry needs must be translated into equipment specifications; equipment must be researched so that quotes can be obtained; new equipment must be installed and configured; system schematics must be updated; and training and SOPs must be provided.
Administration The A/V coordinator is primarily responsible for interfacing with the pastors, elders, and trustees; for developing and executing an annual budget; and for recruiting, training, and scheduling volunteers for services. Help is welcome in any of these areas, but particularly with the maintenance of contact lists and schedules, and with recruiting for special events (Christmas and Easter programs, weddings and funerals, etc.)
<Your idea here> You may have A/V expertise and/or interests that are not listed here. Or you may have come from another church that provided some A/V ministries that were especially meaningful to you, and/or that helped you grow in your faith. We may have all the equipment in place, but are just lacking a few volunteers to provide A/V support for non-traditional or “seeker” services, Christian movie nights, academic seminars, or small-group events. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination!
In general, training is required before operators can use the A/V equipment. This can generally be arranged on a Wednesday evening (during choir practice) or on a Sunday morning (during either service). Please contact the A/V coordinator at least 2-4 weeks in advance to schedule training. In general, SOPs and/or web resources are available for use by operators.
If you have any general comments or other feedback, please feel free to write them here:
David Hull (A/V Coordinator) 301-445-5334 davidhull@verizon.net
John Itzel (First-service Music Minister) 301.622.2200 john-itzel@forcey.org
Art Kennedy (Second-service Music Minister) 301.622.2200 art-kennedy@forcey.org
Ken Wesche (Church Administrator) 301.622.2200 ken-wesche@forcey.org
Thank you for your service to the body of Christ!