Checklist for your first translated church service

Before you start: who does what?

Agree on three roles. Most churches combine them, but it helps to name them:

• The broadcaster: the technician who runs the broadcast page, watches the input level and switches the speaker language if needed.
• The listener on duty: someone who listens on a phone during the first services and gives quick feedback to the broadcaster.
• The welcomer: a member of the welcome team who explains the QR code to visitors and helps those who get stuck.

What to have ready

Keep a small box or bag at the sound desk for translated services, so nothing depends on one person's memory: the USB audio interface and its cable, a spare cable for the aux output, the laptop charger, a phone charger, a few printed QR codes and a card with the broadcast login for the team. A short laminated note with the steps for Sunday morning helps a new volunteer step in.

The week before

1. 01
   Sign up and configure

   Create the church account on the sign-up page. Set the speaker language and the languages visitors may choose. Invite a second technician to the team.

2. 02
   Run the free trial service

   Use the free 10-minute trial on a weekday. One person speaks, another listens on a phone elsewhere in the building.

3. 03
   Sort out the sound

   Set up a translation feed from the mixing desk or place a microphone close to the speaker. Follow the audio setup guide.

4. 04
   Brief the preacher

   Tell them translation will be running. Ask them to speak clearly, give Bible references in full and avoid racing through the last ten minutes. See Bible names and terms.

5. 05
   Prepare the QR code

   Download the QR code from the broadcast page. Add it to the pre-service slides and the notice sheet, and print a few copies for the door.

6. 06
   Tell the people it is for

   Send a message to the newcomers or international members you are hoping to reach. Share the listener guide, translated or explained by a friend if needed.

The day before

1. 01
   Charge everything

   Charge the broadcast laptop or phone, and any radio microphone batteries. Pack chargers and the USB cable for the audio interface.

2. 02
   Check the order of service

   Note who speaks when. Is there a reading in another language, a guest speaker or a testimony? Plan when you will switch the speaker language.

3. 03
   Check the Wi-Fi

   Make sure the broadcast device can connect to a stable network, and that visitors know the guest Wi-Fi password if you share it.

Sunday morning

1. 01
   Arrive early

   Give yourself at least 30 minutes before the service. Things always take longer on the first Sunday.

2. 02
   Connect and select the input

   Plug in the audio interface or microphone, open the broadcast page, and choose the right input. Turn off sleep mode and notifications.

3. 03
   Sound check with a voice

   Ask the preacher or worship leader to read a few sentences at the front. Watch the input meter, adjust gain or boost, and listen on a phone.

4. 04
   Put the QR code up

   Show it on screen as people arrive, and make sure the printed copies are at the door.

5. 05
   Start the broadcast

   Start a few minutes before the service so early listeners can connect and settle in.

During the service

• Watch the meter, not just the slides. If it goes flat, check the microphone or the aux send.
• Pause when it makes sense, for example during a long instrumental set, and remember to resume before the next spoken part.
• Switch the speaker language with one tap when a guest speaker or a reader uses another language, and switch back afterwards.
• Keep the listener on duty close. A quick thumbs up or down helps the broadcaster react early.
• Mention it once. A short word during the notices ("if you would like to follow in your own language, scan the code on the screen") helps people who arrived late.

After the service

1. 01
   Stop the broadcast

   Stop it once the last notices are done, so you do not use credits on chatter over coffee.

2. 02
   Ask listeners

   Find the people who listened. Was the sound clear? Was the delay acceptable? Did they use audio or captions only?

3. 03
   Read the transcript

   Open the service in the history. Correct obvious errors in the transcript so it reads well for anyone who requested it by e-mail.

4. 04
   Write down three improvements

   Usually one is about sound, one about the preacher's pace or names, and one about the QR code or welcome. Fix them before next week.

After a few weeks

Look at your usage and decide whether your plan fits (see costs). Consider whether translation could also help at a wedding, a funeral or a midweek group. And think about what comes after translation: how newcomers can join a small group, serve or simply be invited for lunch. The guide building a multilingual church has ideas.

For the complete picture, read how to translate a church service.