Sunday Morning Tech Emergency Checklist

A calm, clear checklist for when technology problems happen during service. Stay steady. Check the basics.

Technology problems during service can feel stressful. A calm checklist helps volunteers solve what they can and communicate clearly when they need help.

Step 1 — Stay Calm and Identify the Issue

Before touching anything, identify which system is affected. This helps you go to the right checklist.

No sound from speakers

Microphone not working

Projector not showing image

Livestream not starting

Camera not detected

Internet is down

Presentation computer frozen

Multiple systems failing at once

First 60 Seconds — Universal Checks

Before diving into specifics, run these universal checks. Many problems are solved here.

First 60 Seconds Checklist

0/7

Checked all power connections

Checked all cable connections

Checked all mute buttons are off

Checked correct input/source is selected

Checked batteries on wireless devices

Communicated the situation calmly to leadership

Identified which specific system is affected

Important: Do not restart critical equipment mid-service unless absolutely necessary and approved by leadership. Restart = downtime.

Sound Emergency Mini-Check

Sound Emergency Checklist

0/7

Microphone is powered on

Battery is fresh (if wireless)

Cable/receiver is connected

Mixer channel is unmuted

Channel fader is up

Main output is up

Speaker is powered on and selected correctly

Projector Emergency Mini-Check

Projector Emergency Checklist

0/7

Projector is powered on

Lens cap is removed

Correct input is selected on projector

HDMI cable is connected at both ends

Laptop display mode is set to Mirror/Duplicate

Backup cable or adapter is available

Presentation is open on the laptop

Livestream Emergency Mini-Check

Livestream Emergency Checklist

0/6

Internet connection is confirmed working

Audio source is active and levels are showing

Camera source is connected and visible

Streaming platform login is confirmed

Stream key or settings are correct

Backup local recording is started if possible

When to Escalate

Who to call

Know who your tech lead or pastor is. Have a contact method ready before Sunday.

What information to provide

Which system is affected, what you already checked, and exactly what you see.

What to stop touching

If you have done the basic checks and nothing worked, stop making changes. Additional random troubleshooting can make diagnosis harder.

When to continue without technology

Service can continue without perfect tech. The Word, prayer, and community still happen without a projector or livestream. Communicate clearly and keep going.

Know When to Call a Pro

Stop and get qualified help if:

▸You smell burning, see sparks, or hear unusual electrical sounds
▸A system failure repeats every week despite basic troubleshooting
▸Wiring, breakers, or permanent equipment appear to be involved
▸You are asked to work on something you are not trained for

See full safety guide →

This guide is designed to help volunteers prepare and troubleshoot basic issues. For permanent wiring, electrical loads, mounted equipment, rigging, livestream licensing, or safety-sensitive installations, consult qualified professionals.