Over the past few years, the idea of becoming a consultant or at least doing some consulting work has come up in conversations I’ve had with friends, coworkers, and even some of my bosses. Every time it had been nothing more than a fleeting thought for me, and I continued on with what I do, sometimes complaining about my vocational status along the way. It’s not that I didn’t think I had the knowledge to do it, I just didn’t know where to start. Beyond that, I was afraid. Nothing is scarier than venturing out into the unknown. Why do you think most kids are afraid of the dark?

My mix tapes always had Bryan Adams and/or Goo Goo Dolls. How about yours?

Just a few months ago, the topic came up once again and I started to give it some serious thought. Church production has been my full-time job for the past 5 years, but it would not be a stretch to say that I’ve been doing it to some extent for the past 16 years. Over that time, I’ve seen technology change. Transparency projectors have been replaced by edge-blended HD video walls, iTunes Podcasts have taken the place of cassette tapes (I don’t think my kids have ever seen one), and bigger sanctuaries have been passed by in favor of smaller video venues closer to where people live.

While the technology has changed significantly, the message has not. It has been my role to find ways to use the current technology available to help the Gospel reach as many people as possible. I’ve been a part of everything from creating an atmosphere through video and lighting that helps people let down their guard and engage in worship to recording and playing sermons as big as life in other campuses where you almost forget you’re watching a video. I understand the technology that is out there, and I’m always learning the new stuff that is coming out. I know how to take systems that are in place and make them achieve more.

Beyond having a technical mindset and a natural ability to solve problems to get the most out equipment, I also have a strong artistic side and the perspective of a worship leader. I’ve been a worship leader just as long as I’ve been in the production world. This experience gives me the ability to better relate to worship leaders and pastors. I have an understanding of what they are looking for and I understand the technology and work it takes to make it happen.

Over the past month, I have been approached with three opportunities that could kickstart a possible church consulting business. So over the next few months I plan to help these churches out and get an idea of how this consulting thing might work. Hopefully I can combine what I do there with what I’ve done at my home church to create a nice portfolio for myself. I’ve already got web space for WorshipVenues Consulting (which looks a lot like my new online business card), and to have a portfolio there would help me establish myself in the world of church consulting.