Information technology (IT) is broadly defined as using hardware, software, networks, and other technology to manage and transmit data.
And because of the rapid rate of development within technology and ever-changing systems, IT is often viewed as a complex area that only a handful of people are capable of managing. This makes IT one of the more difficult volunteer roles to recruit for and causes many potential participants to turn away before ever trying.
While there is a learning curve involved, with the right steps, even your least likely congregants can master your church’s technology.
1) Understand Your IT Team
Understanding precisely what your tech team is responsible for is the first thing you need to do.
IT is more than a few tech-savvy people pushing buttons in the sound booth on Sunday mornings. But your congregation likely doesn’t see everything that goes into keeping the church’s technology running smoothly, like:
- Maintaining hardware and software used in every space throughout the campus.
- Operating the sound and lighting equipment during services.
- Running livestreaming and online connectivity.
- Implementing and monitoring network security measures.
- Managing processes for data backup and recovery.
- Developing and updating the website and social media pages.
- Researching and recommending technology solutions for ministry use.
- Troubleshooting and resolving issues when the tech isn’t functioning correctly.
- Supporting any other technology needs that arise.
Even that list looks small compared to all of the things IT personnel manage weekly. And the larger your congregation, the more your IT team is responsible for handling.
Just as you would when recruiting other volunteers, put together a list of exactly what this team manages. If you have full- or part-time IT staff or knowledgeable volunteers, work with them to define what responsibilities they need additional hands to help carry out.
You can’t successfully recruit IT volunteers unless you can tell them exactly what they’re signing up to do. While each person you recruit won’t be responsible for every item on the list you put together, they should be aware of what the team does so they can most effectively find their place within the team.
2) Develop Training Options
“I would, but I don’t know how to do that.”
If you’ve spent any time recruiting IT volunteers before reading this, you’ve probably encountered this phrase at least a few times.
This is a perfectly legitimate and reasonable response, but you’re missing valuable opportunities if you don’t follow that up with, “We’ll train you!”
Because of the sensitive nature of the data your IT team manages and the expenses associated with the technology you’ve invested in, training is an absolute must. Volunteers need to know not only how to work the equipment but also what your ministry’s policies are surrounding access to and sharing of data.
But before you ever get the chance to teach them those things, they need to know that you’re willing and able to train them.
Many people hesitate or decline to sign up for something they aren’t familiar with. Learning something new is intimidating, and if they don’t know that you have options available to prepare them for the task, you’ll hear “no” more often.
Work with your current staff and volunteers to develop training programs if you don’t already have some.
Since you’ve already listed areas where your IT team needs help, you know what roles will need training options.
Draft a list of things the volunteers need to know and determine who is qualified to teach them (remember this may be someone outside of your congregation).
Then spread the word. Any time you recruit, make sure your pitch includes information about training.
When someone expresses interest in helping in a particular area, tell them how long the training will take and who to contact with questions.
One of the most common reasons volunteers quit or simply avoid serving in the first place is that they lack the proper training for their roles. So, taking the time to develop training options will increase your recruitment and retention rates going forward.
3) Recruit in Unexpected Places
For the last several decades, technology has been a predominantly male field. With 73.6% of the IT positions occupied by men, it’s easy to follow that trend when recruiting for tech volunteer roles.
While it’s not bad to ask men to serve with your IT team, there are likely women in your congregation with a background in technology or simply an interest in volunteering with your tech team.
Consider recruiting your youth, as well. Older teens and young adults are significantly less likely to leave the faith if they feel connected to their local church, and training your students will open doors for them to connect more fully with the Body of Christ.
You shouldn’t limit your IT recruitment to those with experience with technology or who fit the stereotypes associated with tech-savviness.
If you understand what your IT team does and have solid training programs in place, anyone can learn to use your tech equipment successfully.
Church IT doesn’t have to be intimidating, and recruiting for it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. As with many other things in ministry, all it takes is a little bit of creativity and a lot of intentionality.
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