Cheasters. You know, the people who come to church on Christmas and Easter? It?s the two holidays that people tend to invite family members, friends, and others who would not normally come to church. And those folks show up for one reason or another.
One thing that is almost always the case is that there?s extra weight and work resting on the shoulders of the technical team from those special events.? Unfortunately, the rest of your responsibilities don?t let up or slow down. And the pressure could easily crush or kill even the best techs unless you?re prepared. Here are some ways to prevent losing your mind next year during the church Christmas crazy time:
Be Prepared
Maybe you?re new to your position or maybe you?ve been there for a few years. Regardless, you need to do all you can to set yourself up for success before the insanity hits. From time to time, I hear people complaining about how late they hear about details and parts of the events they?re working on.[quote]You need to do all you can to set yourself up for success before the insanity hits.[/quote]
Sometimes, there?s actually nothing you can do. But other times, you don?t have the information because you weren?t proactive in making sure you had the details you needed. Get ahead and be proactive in asking questions and getting the information you need so you aren?t scrambling later. If you?re new to your position, the calendar is your best friend. Do your best to ask about what level of effort and involvement you will be required to contribute to an event before you?re behind the 8-ball.
Be Gracious
The relationship is worth it. Things get tense. Everyone?s stressed. It?s hard to keep yourself calm, cool, and collected. But you honestly need to. In a month, this will be behind you and you?ll be through it. But the results of a bad relational problem will haunt you for longer than any technical mistake will.[quote]The results of a bad relational problem will haunt you for longer than any technical mistake will.[/quote]
Even worse, it drives a wedge between two people who are doing all they can to dedicate their time, talent, and resources to helping people encounter Jesus and hear His voice. It?s totally fine to disagree with someone on how to do something artistically. It?s also fine to make your point in a direct and strong way. But make sure your disagreements stay purely on that topic and stay away from comments aimed at someone personally.
Likewise, if someone makes arguments against you that begin to attack you as a person, it might be a good idea to diffuse that situation and revisit the topic at a later point. Or if it?s something that needs to be dealt with immediately, gently guide the conversation toward the topic at hand and away from personal insults. Put your personal pride and any sense of entitlement aside. Then take it on the chin for the sake of unity.
Be Rested
There is only so much one person can take. Taking time for a break and rest is essential and should be part of your typical healthy rhythm. The Christmas holiday can suck the life out of you if you?re part of a church. There will always be something else to do, something else to start, or some other email asking for your help and expertise. Don?t worry; those will all be waiting for you when after you take some time away.
Sometimes you do physically need rest. Make sure you do that. But if you?re taking time off, you don?t necessarily have to lounge around and do nothing. You might love what you do so much that resetting how you think might mean using your skills in a totally different setting, or maybe doing ministry in some other way than what you?re typically accustomed to. Sometimes, we forget that God and ministry exist outside of our specific skill set.
We?re blessed to get to do this. Press on and be encouraged. And if you missed the mark this Christmas, print this article out and start preparing for next year. You don?t have to feel this way next year.
