The sound check is finished and the pyrotechnics are loaded. The crew does one more stage check as the doors open to an anxious crowd who dashes past the ushers to find the seat of a lifetime. The auditorium fills while the music plays just beneath the roar of energized chatting. The haze eagerly awaits the colorful display of choreographed moves from intelligent lights overhead. The air is electric as everyone anticipates the start of what will be an explosive night.

A couple of hours later you realize you have pulled off another successful production. While volunteers are cleaning, checks are doled out and a bank deposit is being prepared, you briefly think to yourself, realizing that greater profit translates into ministry, how much more you could have made if only you owned the lighting, sound, and pyrotechnic equipment? Although it’s a great thought, the belief that this is unattainable, demands that you quickly trade this outlandish hallucination for the mundane.

Does this sound familiar? Have you ever had the dream? You know, the one where all of the equipment belonged to you. Has it ever been followed by defeating thoughts like, it’s too expensive, or I wouldn’t know where to begin? Keep in mind that the money you used to rent the production could have gotten you a great start on owning the equipment. Some wonder if the dream can come true. The answer is yes, but only if the dream becomes a vision.

How do I know it’s possible? We are doing it! Before I came to World Outreach Worship Center the youth department was given $200 a month for their budget and a special contribution of $2200 from the church enabled them to purchase an American DJ Laser, two Dataflashes, and an Omni Controller for the drama team.

When I came, all I had was a young man who had vision like mine for lighting, an excited drama team, a ‘take the world’ attitude, and momentum. Believe me, we used that to our advantage. Everywhere we went, we used those lights for great lightning effects. One day the young man came to me and asked me if we could purchase more lighting? My response: “Bryan, if you have a vision for lighting and will train a crew to load it and unload it, set it up, and run it, I will help you fulfill your vision.” We bought one piece at a time. Now, almost five years later I can hardly believe what God has done.

There are five steps to creating your desired technical outcome.

First, the dream must become a vision. You can no longer think about it occasionally, you must think on it continually until you have a clear picture of what you want to accomplish. Dreams are not enough! The Bible states in Proverbs 29:18a (KJV), “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” You must know where you are going if you want to lead others there. You cannot go this journey alone. You are going to need funding, manual labor, not to mention people who support what you want to do.

Next, you must write the vision down. Again, Habakkuk 2:2 (RSV) “And the Lord answered me: ‘Write the vision; make it plain upon tablets, so he may run who reads it.'” People will want to see it on paper because they have a hard time seeing it in their head. Those that see the vision and can feel its passion will help you complete the vision.

Number three, you must acquire knowledge for the vision. What will it take to complete this task? How much will it cost? What do all of the technical terms mean? Find a reputable dealer. Check prices. Some dealers will sell you things that might take care of you now but will be no good to you when you get to the bigger picture. Isn’t it incredible how the word has an answer for everything? 2 Timothy 2:15a (KJV) “Study to shew (show) thyself approved unto God.”. I realize that this verse is about the scriptures, but it fits this situation perfectly.

Then, you have to use what you have. If people see you making an effort with what you have, they will usually help you. If they are just stubborn and won’t, God will! The New King James states in Matthew 25:21 “His Lord said to him, `Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” God will always help HIS VISION come to pass. I guess you noticed I used upper case letters for His vision. He is only obligated to fulfill His vision, not yours.

Finally, you have to start somewhere. I remember walking onto a convention center loading dock as our youth department tech crew drove up in a 25ft rental truck. They backed up to the dock, pulled the door up, and a team of about ten teens started unloading our equipment. There was another youth pastor with me. I will never forget the look on his face. He was in awe. He must have asked a thousand questions. Was this equipment rented? Did I own my own production company? How much did this equipment cost? The questions went on and on. Finally, he asked me the one question I knew would inevitably come. How did you do this? I shared with him what I have written to you along with this last step, you have to start somewhere.

So many times people want to have it all in one shot. It’s not possible unless you take out a really big loan, or someone gives you a large amount of money. Even then, if you have not already realized it, you will never be satisfied. Just when you think it is over something else comes out that is brighter, cleaner, and better than what you have.

Will it take some time? Definitely! Rome wasn’t built in a day. Buy a par 56 or two. Buy some cables here and there. Do not get discouraged. Remember it is God’s vision and Habakkuk 2:3 reads, “But these things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!” — Living Bible

I am not sure if you caught the second sentence in the fourth paragraph of this article that exclaimed we are doing it. Notice that the sentence did not say we have done it. That would mean we were through. The fact is, we have been consistently working on it for almost five years, and honestly, there is no end in sight.