If the TAD position is new, there’s the tendency to think that because they have been “getting the job done” with volunteers (and I quote “getting the job done” because by asking the very question above, they are admitting the job is not getting done), that there won’t really be that much for the TAD to do. They think that it’s at best a 20-hour/week position, so they look to fill up their time with other stuff.
I actually used to think that. I was wrong.
My work ethic is off the chart, I’m an efficiency maven and I have developed some really good systems to make myself as productive as possible. And I could work 60+ hours a week and still not keep ahead of my to-do list.
Developing top-notch technical teams takes a lot of work. Period. So, don’t short-change yourself by thinking that it’s not a big deal. In fact, you might find that the TAD needs a part-time assistant to handle some of the admin tasks they will be faced with.
Back to the original question, “At what point to you hire a lead tech person?” Hire them before you get to the point that you need them.
And if you missed that point, you hire them. Now.
As churches grow, they naturally add staff to keep up with the demands of the ministry.
In most churches, the worship service is a big deal and it needs to happen well. Good leadership is required to make that happen. Most see the need for paid kids ministry staff, but that really only benefits a sub-set of the church community. Same for youth, adults and seniors. But everyone is affected by the worship service.
If anything, one could argue you should hire a TAD before you hire a kids ministries director (heresy…I know…).
A good TAD will become invisible in the church. Worshipers won’t brag to their friends about how great the technical arts ministry is (like they will the kids ministry). However, a solid TAD will make a huge impact on the life of the church nonetheless.
Worship services will flow more smoothly, people will interact with God distraction-free, and there will be a sense that God is present like never before.
I know, as I’ve seen this transformation first-hand.