It’s that time of year again—the season that comes around with clockwork precision, yet somehow always feels like it sneaks up on us. For those of us in church production, the question looms: are we ready? Does the thought of another Christmas season conjure up the warm glow of festive city lights in the distance, or does it feel more like the blinding headlight of a freight train barreling straight towards you? Whether your church goes full-on “Church Du Soleil,” a simple “Unplugged-Acoustic” intimate family-style worship, or something in-between, the goal is the same: to create an atmosphere where people can experience the wonder and hope of Christmas.
Admittedly, earlier in my career, I often wondered about the modern church’s motivation for the increasingly elaborate Christmas Eve productions. Is it to evangelize, to entertain, to self-promote, to edify the congregation, or perhaps part of some greater plan beyond my pay grade? What I saw as the second-largest bait-and-switch of the modern church’s year (the first, of course, being Easter) often weighed on me.
It’s no secret that many churches go all-out for their Christmas Eve services, sparing no expense to make them unforgettable. This is when the A-list worship leaders, musicians, and technicians take center stage. Extra talent is hired, high-end gear is rented, and, in some cases, even livestock might make a cameo—because nothing says Christmas like a live camel in the sanctuary! Behind the scenes, most churches have an unspoken tier system for their talent—a sort of A-list, B-list, and so on. For Christmas Eve, only the best of the best make it to the stage, sometimes joined by “hired guns” to round out the lineup.
The result is a spectacular production, pulling out all the stops to wow the audience and, hopefully, draw in the unchurched from the community. Everything is polished, vibrant, and larger than life. But once the Christmas dust settles and those A-listers, including the lead pastor, take a well-deserved break, things return to normal. The rental gear is packed up and shipped off, and any livestock (thankfully) heads home.
So, what happens when someone who was drawn in by the Christmas Eve experience comes back on a regular Sunday? The grand production is replaced by a much simpler setup, often with B or C-list musicians on stage, and perhaps the student pastor delivering the message. The Kabuki stage reveal and elaborate sets are gone, leaving a quieter, more ordinary service in their place. It’s a stark contrast—one that raises questions about the sustainability and authenticity of using such high-caliber productions to attract new visitors. Back then, it bugged me. A lot.
Fast forward a few dozen Christmases and Easters to the present, and I’ve mellowed substantially on the subject. I no longer see it as a bait-and-switch. While I have my personal preferences somewhere between the full Trans-Siberian Orchestra experience and an intimate acoustic sing-along, I no longer judge a church’s choice on their Christmas programming. Whether you live in a modest home or a mansion, we all want to put our best foot forward for guests during the holidays. And as long as Christ is at the heart of it, I believe every church should do what they feel is best for their congregation and community.
For those of us in production—staffers, high-capacity volunteers, and contractors—who already put in more hours than most other ministries on a weekly basis, the Christmas season is particularly demanding. So, I’d like to offer some encouragement and advice as you prepare for this year’s big day.
Play tight and loose at the same time
When I was touring back in the day, some of our most memorable performances weren’t the big, anticipated shows you’d expect. You might think the album release concerts, the last show of a long tour, or a sold-out night at a favorite venue would be the ones that stand out. But, honestly, the best, most memorable gigs often happened randomly—Buffalo, NY; Wilmar, MN; or Lexington, KY. We were tight but loose at the same time, relaxed and genuinely enjoying ourselves, which made for some unforgettable performances.
There’s something liberating about an attitude that says, “Yes, this is an important event, but we do this all the time.” A friend of mine in church production likes to say, “At the end of the day, it’s still just some songs and some talking.” Easier said than done, I know. But I’ve seen plenty of church productions stumble because they got too psyched up, only to trip over themselves.
For leadership, I encourage you to consider your team’s true capabilities. Stretching is good, but pushing beyond the team’s abilities can lead to stress and burnout. Aim for that balance where everyone feels challenged but not overwhelmed. We want to be on point, confident, and “play loose.” Remember, sometimes the best performances are those that happen when we’re relaxed and not trying too hard to make an impression. Keep the atmosphere calm and focused, and your team will rise to the occasion.
Don’t be a Grinch
We all know this season can feel like a long, uphill grind, with rehearsals and the big day looming closer. But as you dig in, remember—this advice is for both leaders and crew alike—keep your cool. We’re all in this together, and the last thing anyone needs is to face down a Christmas Grinch in the control booth or on the stage.
It’s easy to let stress get the better of you, but don’t take it out on each other or on the equipment. No one needs a meltdown over a faulty cable or a last-minute set change. Keep things in perspective: at the end of the day, this is about celebrating the birth of Jesus, not about who can hit every cue perfectly. If something goes wrong, just roll with it.
A little patience and kindness go a long way, especially when you’re running on fumes. So, if things start feeling tense, take a deep breath, crack a joke, and remember that your team is doing their best. After all, this is the season of goodwill, right? Let’s bring that same spirit to the way we treat each other on the production team. A laugh, a smile, and a little empathy might just be the best gift you can give your crew this season.
Take breaks, get some fresh air and have some fun
With six rehearsals and nineteen services on the horizon, let’s face it—pacing yourself is key. Between the non-stop action in the studio or the video booth, remember to step outside, stretch your legs, and get some fresh air. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. And while you’re at it, keep hydrated.
Smart churches know the power of a well-stocked snack table. If yours provides snacks and drinks, you’re in good company. A quick snack can keep energy levels up when you’re running on fumes. And hey, if your church has a foosball or ping-pong table, take advantage. Sometimes a little friendly competition is just the thing to take the edge off and give everyone a quick mental break.
Put family first
For staffers and contractors, this is often part of the deal. We know the drill and usually have our own traditions and schedules to make the holidays work with family. But for volunteers, if the time commitment of serving during this season is putting stress on your family, consider putting family first. Especially if you have young kids, it might be wise to pass on accepting that PCO invitation this time around—particularly if you’re slated to work every service.
You only have so many Christmases with your children at home, and those moments are precious. God will honor your commitment to your family, and there will be plenty of future Christmases when you can step up to serve. Don’t miss the chance to create special memories with your loved ones—those are the times you’ll cherish and remember. Christmas is, after all, about family, love, and togetherness. Embrace it with them while you can.
Encourage each other
Years ago, I wrote a short note to encourage my fellow church production friends, a reminder of the incredible impact they have during this season. Every year, I share it on social media before Christmas and Easter, and it’s become a bit of a tradition. Feel free to pass it along to your teams—maybe it’ll be the reminder they need to keep going through the busyness and find joy in the work.
To all my friends, co-workers, clients, tech staff, volunteers, and musicians serving in churches during this special season: may I suggest finding a quiet moment today to pray for your teams and the countless others who will be spending long hours away from their families to serve God over the next several days. Serve with a grateful and loving heart. Be patient and kind to one another. Lead with a positive and joyful spirit. We have so much to be thankful for—a Savior was born to us. He is the Messiah, the Lord, and we have the privilege to host the celebration!
