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
- Turn on Quick10 Lights
- Turn on Qu-32 mixer
- Power on streaming computer (Windows) — do this before turning on iMac
- Launch Vimeo streaming software
- Prepare Zoom meeting
- Power on iMac (ProPresenter) — only after streaming program is running
- Open ProPresenter and verify slides are loaded
- Set up camera and tripod next to tech booth
- Connect camera to streaming computer
- Test walkie-talkies and earphones
- Check chair spacing in sanctuary
- Handle stage setup needs (mic stands, music stands—band handles instruments)
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