Every church that I’ve ever been involved with had the same hidden dark hole of frustration and shame: The sound closet.
Unless your worship leader or tech guy is super organized, it’s probably a pile of 1987 subwoofers, various broken mic stands, and tech items that no one can identify, all covered in a spiderweb of cords.
It’s the closet door you refuse to open out of fear and embarrassment, unless suddenly kids church has no sound and you’re desperate to patch something together.
The truth is you almost never find what you need.
Churches often accumulate outdated sound equipment, computers, projectors, and other technology over many years. Leader’s fear disposing of technology just in case they might need it someday. So, with good intention it winds up in the closet wasted resources.
What should you do?
The best approach depends on whether the equipment still has value, contains sensitive data, or is simply no longer usable. Before getting rid of anything, churches should first ensure the governing board approves the disposal and that any fixed asset records are updated.
Here are the best options:
1. Donate to Another Ministry (Usually the Best Option)
Many smaller churches, church plants, missionaries, youth ministries, Christian schools, and nonprofit organizations would gladly accept equipment that no longer meets your church’s needs.
Items that are commonly appreciated include:
- Sound mixers
- Speakers
- Microphones
- Projectors
- Laptops
- Desktop computers
- Musical instruments
- Video cameras
- Networking equipment
This extends the life of the equipment and blesses another ministry. Don’t wait until the equipment is decades old. You bought the equipment to build the kingdom. Give it to someone who will do the same.
2. Sell the Equipment
If the equipment still has value, selling it can provide funds for ministry.
Popular places include:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Local church networks
- Music stores
- AV equipment dealers
- Government or school surplus auctions
- Other online marketplaces
- Yard Sale
- Pawn Shops
High-quality digital sound boards, wireless microphone systems, lighting equipment, and cameras often retain significant resale value.
3. Trade It In
Many technology vendors offer trade-in programs when purchasing new equipment.
Examples include:
- Computer manufacturers
- AV equipment suppliers
- Audio retailers
While trade-in values may be modest, they simplify the replacement process.
4. Recycle Responsibly
Electronics contain materials that should not be thrown into regular trash.
Recycle:
- Computers
- Monitors
- TVs
- Printers
- Networking equipment
- Hard drives
- Cables
- Batteries
E-recyclers often pay for certain types of items!
Many communities host electronics recycling events, and office supply retailers also accept many types of electronics for recycling.
Why not host a recycling event? I once hosted one and we had hundreds of people show up. Contact a local e-recycler and see if they are interested in partnering with you. It is a need for your community.
5. Wipe All Data First
Before donating, selling, or recycling computers or storage devices:
- Remove all church files.
- Securely erase hard drives or solid-state drives.
- Remove saved passwords.
- Log out of cloud accounts.
- Perform a factory reset where appropriate.
If computers stored donor information, payroll records, or member data, consider physically destroying the hard drive if you cannot verify that it has been securely erased.
6. Keep a Small Emergency Inventory
Sometimes older equipment still serves a purpose.
Consider keeping:
- One backup projector
- A spare wireless microphone
- Backup cables
- One older laptop for emergencies
- Extra switches or networking equipment
Just avoid filling storage rooms with equipment that has little chance of being used again. Closet space is valuable. Be a good steward of it. Keep it organized!
7. Document the Disposal
For good financial stewardship:
- Record the date of disposal.
- Note how the item was disposed of (sold, donated, recycled).
- Record any sale proceeds.
- Remove the asset from your equipment list if you maintain one.
This helps keep financial records accurate and simplifies future audits.
What to Avoid
Avoid:
- Throwing electronics in dumpsters where prohibited.
- Donating equipment that is broken beyond repair without disclosing its condition.
- Selling computers without erasing sensitive data.
- Allowing unused equipment to accumulate for years “just in case.”
A Good Rule of Thumb
Ask these three questions about each item:
- Does it still have ministry value? Donate or keep it.
- Does it have financial value? Sell or trade it.
- Is it no longer useful? Recycle it responsibly.
A great boss I used to work for would often say, “When in doubt, throw it out.” I’m not suggesting you throw away working technology. I am suggesting you find creative ways to eliminate everything you probably don’t need. Less is more!
Churches are called to be good stewards of their resources. Responsibly donating, selling, or recycling old technology allows equipment to continue serving others rather than collecting dust in a storage room.
Be brave. Open the door of that closet. Do what needs to be done.