The argument forever burns on as to whether or not a church should be run like a business.
Regardless of which side you’re on, one thing is for certain, the church is primarily a volunteer-oriented organization.
Unfortunately, that can lead to a poor volunteer mentality.
Let’s overcome that!
Recently I was thinking about all of the negative mind-sets related to volunteer work in audio ministry.
“He’s just a volunteer. He *will* make the band sound like I want.”
“I’m a volunteer, I can do what I want; it’s my time and energy.”
Perhaps you’ve felt similar feelings either as a volunteer or felt “controlled” by someone in leadership.
For the audio volunteer, there is the Negative Volunteer Mentality:
1. I’ll do what I want because they aren’t paying me.
2. When I don’t feel like showing up, someone else can take my place.
3. I will mix the way I want.
4. I can do as little as I want.
5. I can tell musicians what to do.
6. I can say “no” to the pastor.
7. I get keys to the building.
8. I have the position of unchecked authority.
We must not take those views. Instead, should have a Positive Volunteer Mentality:
1. The church leaders trust me; therefore I will do my best.
2. I’m not the only one volunteering and therefore I respect the time and energy of my fellow volunteers.
3. I will produce the best sound for creating an environment for worship (or the mood the worship leader or pastor wants established).
4. The more I do, even coming in mid-week if it calls for it, the more the church body benefits.
5. Musicians are also volunteers and we are on the same team. We support each other.
6. I’m in the position of saying “no” to audio requests from people in leadership and therefore need to take that position seriously and make those decisions appropriately.
7. Keys to the building…to those much is given, much is expected.
8. Authority has been given to me. Just because I’m a volunteer, it doesn’t mean I’m not under church authority myself.
