I Love Jesus But I Hate Christmas: Tackling the Challenges of Being a Church Technical Artist

by W. Todd Elliott

Technical artists serving in the local church understand what it means to love Jesus—but somehow hate Christmas. By the time Christmas (or any church event) is over, technical artists have poured hundreds of hours of their lives into thankless jobs—rolling cable, taping the stage, checking mics, and other invisible jobs. They’re the first to arrive and the last to leave. They work behind the scenes and dress in black. They’re the unseen heroes who have to figure out how to do the impossible. Week after week. Unnoticed. Invisible is what they do…until something goes wrong. In "I Love Jesus But I Hate Christmas", Todd Elliott addresses the challenges every technical artist in the church—and those who lead them—has ever had. And he offers refreshing insight into learning to thrive as a technical artist; successfully collaborating with fellow artists; and building skilled teams of technical artists to be as effective as possible. Because when you’re more effective, the church is more effective.

Genres: Christian

208 pages, Paperback

Published May 6, 2020

Reviews

[Matthew Horvat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somehow I felt this book was both for me and not for me at the same point. I'm a volunteer who's a team lead for the production team at church. Most of the time the author referred to being a staff member who oversaw the entire department. As I read I could see where the advice would be beneficial to someone who was depended upon and even paid for their serving.

There was some good advice to be gleaned as far as how to approach each event/service, how to interact with other etc. However most of the advice in this book, didn't seem to relate to me at this point and some of it can be generalized to other group settings or even at my non church job.

[Dan Mingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read about tackling the tech world in church. So much truth in how to run a ministry and do it well. Much to consider and put into practice after reading this.

[Rob O'Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoughtful conversation about the technical side of developing and leading worship services. While there is a lack of any interaction with scholarly or practical resources, Elliott's experience makes up some of this difference. That aside, this is a helpful handbook for worship leaders and tech artists.

[Jason K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for church sound techs

Excellent book, giving it to my team. Deals both the practical and the spiritual side of the job. Highly recommend.

[Calum Field · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll confess - never finished it!

[Sarah Sweny]

Don't let the title fool you. This is a thorough and thoughtful look about how to be an effective tech in a church setting.

[Caleb McLean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really helpful for someone serving behind the scenes to change the way they think about their gifting

[Britton Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely amazing! I learned so much that I’ve already started implementing with my team! Every technical artists needs to read this book!

[James Eaton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read if you are part of a worship, tech, or production team at a church!