When it comes to building production systems for your church, it’s easy to get caught up in the gear itself, but the real key to success is prioritizing the operator. Whether you’re designing a system for your worship team or for a youth ministry, thinking about the people who will use the equipment every week is essential for creating a smooth and sustainable experience.

When designing systems, especially for environments with lots of volunteers, the goal should be to make operation as simple as possible without sacrificing quality. For example, if you’re setting up an audio console, consider gear that allows you to set up routing and compression in advance so your volunteers only need to focus on basic tasks like adjusting faders. This makes the system accessible to someone with little to no experience, while still offering advanced features for those who know what they’re doing. It’s an investment in your team’s ability to learn and grow.

A training plan is crucial for long-term success. Choosing gear that has training resources available can make a huge difference in how effectively your team operates. If you’re investing in a complex system, ensure there are manuals, videos, or online resources to help your volunteers get up to speed. It’s also worth considering gear that stays consistent across different levels. For example, if your youth ministry is using a smaller version of the same audio console you use for Sunday services, it creates a seamless learning path for volunteers as they grow into larger roles.

Prioritizing the operator isn’t just about today’s needs. It’s about setting up your church for long-term success. When you make decisions based on the operator’s experience and growth potential, you ensure that your systems are built to last—both in terms of technology and the people who will use them.