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Hopefully some recall an article 2 months ago about Pastor Ben, Luke, Kai, myself, and the Faith Audio Visual (A/V) team.  The article focused on how Pastor Ben and Luke had made it their job to equip themselves with knowledge of multiple and simultaneous new computer programs, a string of cameras and a suddenly new way to bring weekly worship into the homes of our Faith family due to Covid-19. 

The story went on to tell how Pastor Ben and Luke spent time equipping Kai and myself to learn those skills and give away that part of their ministry, allowing them to continue preaching and leading worship in front of the cameras.  Faith has had a talented group of people running the A/V desk for a number of years, but like so many other areas of our lives, Covid has introduced a new set of rules which required this team to be re-trained and re-educated to take something fairly simple and produce a similar result in a not-so-simple way. Equipping Ministry has, from its inception, believed that there are 5 simple steps to training for most any position within the church: 

1) I DO IT

2) I DO IT AND TAKE YOU WITH ME

3) YOU DO IT AND TAKE ME WITH YOU

4) YOU DO IT

5) YOU DO IT AND TAKE SOMEONE WITH YOU

This is pretty much the process that was employed by Pastor Ben and Luke.  Along comes Kyle.  Kyle not only has an interest in working the A/V desk, Kyle is a natural at the sound board.  Luke started to recruit others from the “old normal” team and some new members. 

As of this writing, Cindy and Adelio have gone through 4 of the 5 steps in the process.  Kai and Kyle are now producing and training others to hone their passion for this area of ministry.  With the soon to be installed A/V system, there will again be lots to learn, but it SHOULD be easier in the end and likewise make it easier for others to become involved.  Faith has a group of volunteers that continue to amaze me. 

As far as worship goes, we have a fantastic staff, talented musicians, a dedicated Altar Guild, and dozens who work behind the scenes.  Covid has brought challenges to most of these.  I would be remiss if I did not say that without the Equipping, training, and education of these gifted volunteers, those of us who have tried to maintain some level of community by worshiping online would simply not be able to do so.  I personally know so many churches who have sadly all but shut down.  Not Faith.  Next time you find yourself able, either personally or online, please post a special “thank you” to this amazing team! 

One of the main theories behind Equipping Ministry is to give your ministry away or work yourself out of a job.  If a leader’s job is done properly, the more ministry they give away, the more ministry opportunity they will have to grow!  I cannot begin to describe how fun it has been to be the “old guy” who has been welcomed into this area of ministry and I am thankful for that.  At least temporarily, I have given away my job and get to see what is next.  Ministry leaders, my challenge to you is to consider what parts of your job can you give to someone else? Give it a try and you will be amazed by the results.

Kim Schweder, Equipping Ministry