Behind the Scenes: Prepping a Full Church Tech Overhaul at First United Methodist Church - Elgin, IL
Hey folks! AJaytheCEO here—and I’m excited to take you behind the scenes of one of the biggest projects I’ve worked on in a while. If you’ve been following the channel, you already know we’ve been gearing up to modernize the tech infrastructure at First United Methodist Church (FUMC). Today, I want to walk you through the preparation phase of this massive upgrade and share some insights on what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and how we’re planning it all out.
📍 Why Now? The Perfect (Unfortunate) Opportunity
Sometimes, a mishap turns into an opportunity. After a sprinkler system rupture, much of the church's ceilings and walls were exposed. While unfortunate, it created the perfect window to run all new cabling and tech systems before reconstruction begins—saving time, effort, and budget in the long run.
🛠 What We're Installing (Phase One)
This project is all about future-proofing their infrastructure and making ministry operations smoother, more secure, and more efficient. Here’s a breakdown of the core systems we’re putting in place:
Unified Network Infrastructure:
Upgrading from basic internet to a full UniFi ecosystem.
Replacing Comcast modem with a UniFi modem + UDM Pro.
Installing a 48-Port PoE+ switch, with additional 24-Port and 16-Port switches for segmented areas.
Creating a 10Gb fiber optic backbone throughout the church.
Wi-Fi & Communication:
Deploying five UniFi Access Points across key locations.
Setting up VoIP phone systems using UniFi Talk for better internal and external communication.
Server Room Buildout:
Building a dedicated server room, moving systems from the old location.
Installing a Network Video Recorder (NVR) with 12TB+ drives for all security footage.
Setting up battery backup power systems (possibly Anker Solix F3800) to ensure uptime during outages.
Security and Door Access:
Implementing door access control with intercoms, magnetic locks, and Access Ultra systems.
Running cables for future security cameras, zoned access points, and smart monitoring.
Digital Signage:
Replacing thumb-drive signage with DisplayCast Light, making updates seamless via the network.
🎯 Goals for This Phase
While we’re not running every single cable or installing every final device just yet, Phase One focuses on:
Laying the full network foundation
Getting phones, internet, and Wi-Fi fully functional
Building the server room and access control infrastructure
Prepping everything for Phase Two, which will include camera installations and full door hub zoning
🧠 Smart Planning = Less Work Later
One of the biggest takeaways from this project is the value of proper segmentation and planning. By building a 10Gb backbone and placing switches throughout the church, we can keep cable runs short, optimize power usage with PoE+, and prepare each zone for easy expansion later.
🙌 Ready to Modernize Your Church?
This type of infrastructure doesn't just support the tech—it supports ministry growth, security, and effective media outreach. Whether it’s live streaming, internal comms, or digital signage, having the right systems in place is essential.
If your ministry is ready for an upgrade like this, I’m here to help. Visit AJaytheCEO.com to book a consultation. Whether it’s virtual or on-site, we’re ready to help modernize your media ministry and build the systems you need for the next level.
🎥 Stay Tuned
We’re filming everything while we work, so be sure to check out the upcoming videos where we’ll walk you through the full install, troubleshooting, and final results.
Thanks for reading—and as always, keep building for the Kingdom with excellence!
— AJaytheCEO
