Whether you’re battling a seasonal cold like Steve Lacy or you’re in full-throttle “Easter Prep” mode, the struggle for church tech volunteers is real. In Episode 507 of the Church Solutions Podcast, hosts Phil Thompson and Steve Lacy sat down to discuss the upcoming 2026 Easter season (April 5th!) and how to fill those empty seats in the tech booth.

If you’re feeling the pressure of a big production with a small team, here are 10 battle-tested ideas for recruiting and retaining the tech volunteers your ministry needs.

Why Tech Volunteering Is Ministry (Not Just a Staffing Problem)

One of the strongest points in the conversation was this: volunteering forms people.

People connect.
They build friendships.
They feel valued.
They grow in confidence.
And often, God uses serving to shape their character and faith.

Phil and Steve even talked about a current volunteer who lives alone and has become a key part of the tech team. Serving isn’t “extra work” to him, it’s a meaningful part of his life and community.

So when you recruit, your message matters:

✅ Don’t recruit from desperation
✅ Recruit from invitation and purpose

1. Clearly State Your Expectations

No one likes to sign up for a “quick task” that turns into a 20-hour-a-week commitment.

Be Realistic: Tell people exactly what time they need to arrive and what they’ll be doing.
The Shadow Phase: Encourage newcomers to “shadow” a current volunteer for a service. This is a zero-pressure way for them to see the reality of the role before they commit.

2. Offer Consistent Training and Support

Don’t just throw someone into the deep end of a digital mixing console.

Hands-On Learning: Let them push the buttons during a commercial break or a low-stakes rehearsal.
Ongoing Support: Make sure they know they aren’t alone. Whether it’s a monthly check-in or a quick coffee, ensure your team feels equipped, not just “used.”

3. Make the “Discovery” Easy

Many people don’t realize they have a knack for tech until they try it.

The Gift Test: Use classes (like the classic “Class 301”) to help people discover their spiritual gifts.
Remove the Hoops: If someone is interested, don’t make them jump through ten bureaucratic hoops just to get a tour of the booth.

4. Leverage Your Current Team

Your best recruiters are your happy volunteers.

Referrals: Ask your current team, “Who do you know that might enjoy this?”
Pairs: Many people are more likely to volunteer if they can do it with a friend or spouse.

5. Utilize Your Church Website

Your website is often the first point of contact for new members.

The “Get Involved” Tab: Keep it simple. List tech opportunities with a clear “I’m Interested” button.
Scalability: Ensure it doesn’t look like a plea for help, but rather an invitation to a community.

6. Don’t Sleep on Social Media

Social media isn’t just for sermon clips; it’s a window into your team culture.

Action Shots: Post photos of your tech team having fun behind the scenes.
The Value Prop: Frame the post around how volunteering benefits the person, not just the church’s needs.

7. The Power of the Bulletin

Yes, the paper bulletin still works. Keep a small, consistent mention of tech needs in your weekly program. You never know who is sitting in the pews with an IT background just waiting to be asked.

8. Get Creative with Signage

Phil shared a classic tip from the restaurant industry: The Bathroom Poster. * Strategic Placement: A creative, well-designed sign at eye level in the lobby or even the restrooms can catch people when they have a moment to actually read it.

9. Host a “Tech Open House”

Think of this as a low-commitment tour.

No Pressure: Invite people to the back room after the service.
Show and Tell: “This button controls the stream, this one handles the slides.” Once the “mystery” of the equipment is gone, the fear usually goes with it.

10. Give Them the VIP Treatment

If people are giving their time, make sure they feel like part of an elite team.

Morale Events: Whether it’s an axe-throwing competition or a Texas-style smoked BBQ at the worship leader’s house, community happens outside the booth.
Appreciation: Make them feel like the VIPs they are. A little gratitude goes a long way in preventing burnout.

“Volunteering isn’t just about getting a job done; it’s about the person growing in their walk and becoming part of something bigger than themselves.” — Phil Thompson

Your Easter Tech Team Challenge (Simple Next Step)

If Easter is coming fast and you need help, don’t start with panic. Start with clarity:

✅ Pick 2 roles you want to recruit for (camera, lyrics, audio, streaming, etc.)
✅ Create a “Shadow This Sunday” pathway
✅ Ask your current team for 1 referral each
✅ Follow up within 48 hours

Small steps. Big payoff. Easter calm. 😌

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