AV Team Handbook

Minnesota Family Church — Worship Ministry

Welcome

Welcome to the AV team! This handbook is your guide to serving in technical ministry. Whether you're new to AV work or experienced, this resource will help you understand our systems, procedures, and the heart behind what we do.

Our Mission:
Every word heard clearly, every visual that serves the message, every smooth transition—that's worship. Your technical excellence creates space for people to encounter God without distraction.

How to Use This Handbook:
Don't memorize everything at once. This is a reference guide—come back to it as you learn and grow. Start with the sections relevant to your role, then expand from there.

1. Getting Started

1.1 Your First Sundays

Phase	Focus
Phase 1	Shadow & observe. Learn where things are. Ask questions.
Phase 2	Hands-on training (weekday session with Kenei or experienced member). Shadow Thursday rehearsal and Sunday.
Phase 3	Run your role with someone next to you for guidance.
Phase 4	Run your role independently with backup nearby. Debrief afterward.

After Phase 4, you're ready to serve confidently. Continue growing through practice and feedback.

1.2 Cross-Training

We encourage learning multiple roles so the team can flex when needed.

Entry Level: Stage Manager, Camera Operator
Intermediate: ProPresenter, Streaming Coordinator
Advanced: FOH Audio

Goal: Everyone comfortable in at least 2 roles, and familiar with all roles at a basic level.

2. Sunday Morning Overview

2.1 Timeline

Time	What's Happening
8:30am	AV team arrives. Begin setup.
9:30am	Tech/worship overview meeting (Sunday School area)
9:45am	Final tech checklist
9:50am	Countdown timer starts
10:00am	Service begins
10:05–10:20am	Worship set
10:20am	Sermon
10:45am	Announcements/Benediction
10:50am	Closing song, service ends
Post-service	Teardown and debrief

2.2 Setup Checklist

2.3 Teardown Checklist

Stop streaming (Zoom and Vimeo)
Close ProPresenter (save any changes)
Transfer camera files to computer
Break down camera and tripod
Store camera and tripod in cage backstage
Store walkies and wireless mics in booth
Brief debrief with worship leader if needed

3. Role Guides

3.1 ProPresenter Operator

What you do: Control what the congregation sees on screens. Advance slides smoothly so people can follow along without distraction.

Setup:

Launch ProPresenter
Load Sunday's playlist (should be ready from Thursday)
Verify all songs have complete lyrics
Check announcements slides
Load sermon slides if provided
Test output to projector/screen

During Service:

9:50am: Start countdown timer
Advance slides in sync with service
Stay one step ahead—know what's coming next
Display sermon slides as directed by pastor
Stay focused throughout

Tips:

Learn the songs beforehand so you know when choruses repeat
Watch the worship leader for cues
If you make a mistake, fix it quickly and keep going

3.2 FOH Audio (Front of House)

What you do: Mix the sound the congregation hears. Balance vocals, instruments, and spoken word so everything is clear and serves the worship experience.

Equipment: Allen & Heath Qu-32 digital mixer
Current preset: "Ableton Test" (this will change over time)

Setup:

Power on Qu-32
Load Sunday preset
Check wireless mics— swap batteries
Verify wired mics are connected and unmuted
Walk through sanctuary and listen to speakers

During Service:

Maintain balanced mix—vocals clear but not overpowering
Adjust levels smoothly during transitions
Monitor for feedback
Watch worship leader and pastor for signals

Mixing Basics:

Start with kick and bass, then layer instruments around them, then vocals last
Use EQ to cut mud (200–400 Hz) and add clarity (2–5 kHz for vocals)
Aim for peaks around -10 to -6 dB (dip the mustard)
Less is more with effects

Note: Band handles their own monitor mix via IEM and app. You focus on house and stream (mix 9/10) sound.

3.3 Camera Operator

What you do: Frame shots for the online congregation. Help remote viewers feel connected to the service.

Setup:

Set up camera on tripod next to tech booth
Frame initial wide shot of stage
Connect to streaming computer via HDMI/SDI
Test video feed in streaming software
Adjust white balance and focus

During Service:

Record for extra footage
Adjust framing as needed (less is more)
Coordinate with Streaming Coordinator (they zoom in and out)
Keep movements slow and smooth
Anticipate transitions

Storage: Camera and tripod go in the cage backstage.

3.4 Streaming Coordinator

Often combined with Camera or ProPresenter when team is small.

What you do: Manage the livestream so online viewers have a good experience.

Setup:

Launch Vimeo streaming software on Windows computer
Start Zoom meeting for remote attendees
Verify audio feed from Qu-32 is coming through, especially to Vimeo
Verify video feed from camera is displaying
Test stream quality before service

During Service:

Start stream at 10:00am
Monitor stream health (connection, audio/video sync)
Make note of who's watching zoom to count attendance
Address issues quietly

Important: Turn on streaming software before iMac. The iMac is a source input and won't be recognized if it's already running when streaming software starts.

3.5 Stage Manager

What you do: Help with physical setup, assist tech roles, observe and learn.

This is a flexible role: great for new team members learning the ropes or experienced members who want to support the team.

Setup:

Arrive at 8:30am
Help with chair spacing
Set up mic stands, music stands (band handles instruments)
Assist other tech roles as needed

During Service:

Observe service flow—take notes on what works and what doesn't
Assist in stage transitions
Handle last-minute needs discreetly
Learn by watching other roles

Post-Service:

Help with teardown
Share observations with worship leader

4. Communication During Service

Current System: Walkie-talkies with earphones

Protocol:

Keep chatter to a minimum during service
Be clear and concise: "Audio, singer's mic is choppy, resync"
Acknowledge messages: "Copy" or "Got it"

5. Equipment Reference

Audio

Mixer: Allen & Heath Qu-32
Wireless mics: Shure GLXD4R w/ UA846Z2 receiver
Wired mics: Shure SM58 with switches

Video

Camera: [placeholder]
Tripod: [placeholder]

Streaming

Streaming computer: Windows PC (dedicated)
ProPresenter computer: iMac (separate feed into streaming computer)
Software: Vimeo streaming, Zoom
Platforms: Vimeo, Zoom

Storage Locations

Camera & tripod: Cage backstage
Walkie-talkies & wireless mics: In booth
Mic accessories: In booth

6. Getting Help

You're not expected to know everything.

Ask in Zulip — the whole team benefits from shared questions
DM Kenei for private concerns
Schedule a training session if you need hands-on help
Shadow an experienced member on Thursday or Sunday

There are no dumb questions. We'd rather you ask than guess.

Contact

Worship Ministry Lead: Kenei
Email: worship@minnesotafamilychurch.com
Phone: 319-290-5056

This handbook is a living document. As we learn and grow, we'll update it together.

Last Updated: Jan 18, 2026