Managing church AV isn’t for the faint of heart. Between volunteer rotations, tight budgets, and ever-changing tech needs, even the most dedicated teams face challenges.

The good news? Many of the most common issues are avoidable—with a little intention and the right support.

At CCI Solutions, we’ve walked alongside hundreds of churches across the country. Here are a few missteps we see often—and how you can avoid them with confidence.

1. Skipping a True Sound Check

The Mistake: Confusing rehearsal with sound check—or skipping it entirely.

It’s a common issue. Teams either jump straight into rehearsal or spend all their time tweaking individual instruments while neglecting the overall mix—especially vocals. The result? A Sunday mix that struggles to serve the moment.

The Solution:
Approach Sundays with a game plan. Set time aside for a dedicated sound check before rehearsal begins. Start with a quick line check, then build the full mix with the entire band.

2. Piling on Quick Fixes

The Mistake: Relying on patch jobs instead of addressing core issues.

Temporary fixes can get you through the weekend, but they add complexity and can make your system harder to manage down the road.

The Solution:
Build with the future in mind. A strong foundation now saves time, stress, and money later. Our expertly designed church AV solutions have supported ministries for over 20 years—because we build systems to last.

3. Lighting That Works in the Room—But Not on Camera

The Mistake: Using in-room lighting without considering how it looks online.

Streaming has made every stage a video stage. What looks great in person can appear washed out or shadowy online.

The Solution:
Design your lighting system with both in-room and online worship in mind. That might mean updating fixtures, controlling natural light, or tuning color temperatures to match your cameras.

In next month's blog we will dive a little deeper into this topic.

4. Underestimating the AV System’s Role

The Mistake: Treating AV as a nice-to-have instead of a ministry essential.

It’s easy to prioritize new instruments or decor, but forget the tech that supports every moment—from the message to the livestream.

The Solution:
Approach your church AV system like you would any other ministry investment. Know what you have, track when it needs upgrades, and plan for what’s next.

Even small, consistent investments can keep your tech serving well for years.

5. Not Training Volunteers

The Mistake: Expecting volunteers to “just figure it out.”

We love church volunteers. But without proper training, even the best gear can fall short.

The Solution:
Invest in your team. Offer regular hands-on training and make it easy for them to grow. Have a lead volunteer? Equip them to teach others.

Tools like CCI Care include support and training resources that help tech teams serve with confidence.
Because your people are your greatest asset.

6. Letting Gear Wear Out Unnoticed

The Mistake: Forgetting to maintain the gear—until it fails.

From projectors to microphones, all gear needs attention. And that backup mic in the drawer? It might not even work when you need it most.

The Solution:
Keep a simple inventory and check equipment regularly. Schedule time to clean lenses, test cables, and retire broken gear.

Preventative care keeps Sundays smooth—and budgets predictable.

7. Ignoring Room Acoustics

The Mistake: Expecting gear to fix an untreated room.

Even top-of-the-line speakers can sound poor in a space with difficult acoustics.

The Solution:
If you’re building new, bring in church AV experts early—like our team at CCI. It’s much easier to get acoustics right before the drywall goes up.

If you’re in an existing space, work with what you have. A smart system design can make the most of your room and elevate your sound.

8. No Backup Plan

The Mistake: Hoping nothing goes wrong.

What if the mixer crashes? Or power goes out mid-service?

The Solution:
Have a contingency plan. That could mean a portable sound system, backup mics, or a volunteer who knows how to pivot fast.

Emergencies don’t have to derail your service—preparation is an act of stewardship.

Need Help Navigating These Challenges?

That’s what we’re here for. Whether it’s fine-tuning your system, training your team, or planning for what’s next, CCI Solutions exists to equip churches with audio, video, and lighting systems that elevate the worship experience—and serve for the long haul.

Let’s build something great together.