2) Make a rule that first thing every Sunday new batteries go in the wireless mics. This takes the guess work out of the equation and also lets you use the mics during the week without wondering when the batteries will die.
Wireless mics usually last 6—10 hours on a fresh set of batteries. To be precise, check the specs of your system. So, you can simply do the math: rehearsal/first service/second service = 4 hours plus evening service = 1 hour, and then decide if you need to put in fresh batteries for a midweek event.
3) Throw away bad cables. I know that this is not eco-friendly and everyone likes to occasionally get out the soldering iron. However, in my experience, the repair never happens, or the cable accidentally gets placed back with the good ones, or a repair ends up being rather poorly done.
4) Organize mics, cables and all accessories and put a sign out sheet that details who took the item and to what room they took it to. This way everyone knows where that missing equipment should be located.
5) Hand out or post online a schedule for 6 months of who is on for a given Sunday. In the sound booth (or online) keep a master schedule with the rule being if your name is on for that day you better be there. This doesn’t mean that you can’t trade dates, what it means is that if you do trade it has to be immediately updated on the master schedule.
6) Put the burden on the worship leader to communicate with the actual person that is on for that Sunday ahead of time.
A simple email with a stage layout and instrument list will give the soundman for that week the information he needs to plan on what time he should arrive to setup.
These may sound like simple suggestions, but may churches are simply negligent in these fairly basic tasks.
If there is a no leader of the crew, volunteer to be the coordinator or facilitator that will facilitate the items above. If there is a clear leader, offer to help with organization of the ministry. And if you’re a leader and don’t think you need the help that is being offered, at the minimum it’s time to step aside for awhile, as you’re likely doing your ministry more harm than good.
Gary Zandstra is a professional AV systems integrator with Parkway Electric and has been involved with church tech for more than 30 years.