Most tech leaders that I have met seem to be more at home behind a sound console than leading a group of volunteers. Although leading volunteers may not be your main strength, it is something that you can develop, and the rewards are long-lasting. A well-led team is one that is highly motivated to accomplish great things, and if you do it right it may allow you to take off a weekend or two from time to time.
Be a Servant
It is easy to get hung up on the word “leader” and think that it means that you can just boss people around. Remember that Jesus told us in Matthew 20:26 that whoever wants to be a leader must first become a servant. Don't go in expecting your volunteers to serve you and just make your life easier with back-rubs and lattes. Your job is to serve them first.
Be an Encourager
A good leader is an encourager. To encourage someone literally means to give them courage and confidence. Are you getting ready for a big event and your team is a little nervous about it? Give them courage. Did one of your team members make a big embarrassing mistake? Don't come down too hard on them, give them courage. Is someone having difficulty learning a new piece of equipment? Give them courage.
Unless they are doing something reckless give them the freedom to experiment.
Empower Others
You may be the smartest person around, but an empowering leader is one who not only gives away responsibility, but he gives away the ability to make some of the decisions. When your team members get involved with the decision-making process they will take ownership and buy into the ministry even more. Granted, they will probably not always make the same decision that you would make, but that is fine. Unless they are doing something reckless give them the freedom to experiment.
Keep Your Word
If you say you are going to do something, do it. If your team cannot rely on you they will soon lose respect for you. As it says in Ecclesiastes 5:5 it is better not to make a promise than to make one and then break it. Plain and simple, keep your word to them.
Offer Correction
Sometimes a team member will make a mistake. That is to be expected. Don't overreact and be too harsh on them. Keep in mind that they are volunteering their time to help you and your ministry. It is fine to let them know what they did wrong and offer correction, but keep it short and sweet. No one likes to be lectured.
Show that Your Care
One of John Maxwell's most famous quotes is undoubtedly, “People don't care how much you know, until the know how much you care.” If your team knows that you really care for them, they will be willing to bend over backwards for you. If they feel that you are just using them they will be less motivated to help.
You can show them that you care by asking about their family. Sending them birthday cards. Having a ministry picnic from time to time. Getting together for a meal or coffee. The ideas for this are endless.
I hope that these tips will help you as you lead your ministry. Leading a tech team does take a lot of time and effort but it is well worth it. Your team will feel like they are really contributing to your ministry and you will be continually developing high-quality volunteers that you can depend on for years to come.
