And quite honestly, they may not really get the issue anyway. A fellow tech, however, will get the issue before you even finish tell him (or her) about it.
So how do you find these magical people to talk to?
Well, like anything else in networking, it’s best to establish your network before you need it.
If you’re a full-time TD, you could join CTDRT, the Church Tech Directors Roundtable.
That group can help connect you with people across the country, and often, right down the road. Since there’s no cost to join, you really have no excuse.
If you are involved in church tech, but not the full-time TD, you could join CTANO, the Church Tech Arts Network Online.
The idea is similar, this group will connect you with other like-minded people and often you’ll find some guys nearby.
Also, never forget the support which can be found in online communities like the Church Sound Forums here on PSW.
I would also encourage you to start reaching out to other churches in your area. Find out who the tech guys are and get to know them.
Some people are threatened by that, or don’t like it, but keep looking. Most of the tech guys I’ve gotten to know around here are very thankful to have someone to get together with once in a while.
The nature of our job as TDs means we’re constantly giving away; we’re servants at heart and we solve other people’s problems.
It’s who we are and what we’re called to do.
To keep from burning out, we need someone to walk with us and encourage us. And there’s no one better but a fellow tech guy.
So, who do you have pouring into your life? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
Mike Sessler is the Technical Director at Coast Hills Community Church in Aliso Viejo, CA. He has been involved in live production for over 20 years and is the author of the blog, Church Tech Arts . He also hosts a weekly podcast called Church Tech Weekly on the TechArtsNetwork.