AVL Budget Planning: How Much Should We Spend?
Updated: Oct 12
Don't build an AVL budget by starting with a percentage.
Start with a plan.
What equipment is approaching end-of-life?
What problems are hurting Sundays right now?
What ministry changes are coming?
What maintenance should happen this year?
What training does the team need?
Then put numbers around those priorities.
We like budgets that include more than equipment.
Training should be there.
System maintenance should be there.
Replacement reserves should be there.
Software and licensing should be there.
Consumables like batteries, cables and adapters should be there.
If every dollar goes toward equipment purchases, the church often ends up owning good technology that nobody has time or knowledge to maintain.
Your budget should support the entire system, not just the boxes in the rack.
Need help making Sundays easier?
Prioritize the improvements that solve real problems with Ignite's church AVL equipment upgrades and consulting.
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About the author
Chris Eslinger is a founder and partner at Ignite Sound + Stage and Creative Production Director at Greenwood Christian Church. A contributor to Technologies for Worship Magazine, he helps churches improve audio, video, lighting and volunteer workflows through practical, hands-on training.
Read Chris's Yamaha DM7 mixing console review in Technologies for Worship Magazine.
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