$4,000-$6,000 depending on specifications.
Running worship graphics, sermon slides, and multi-screen displays demands more than a basic computer setup. As churches grow from small gatherings to mid-size congregations of 300-500 people, the technical demands on computer graphics systems increase exponentially. Here’s a comprehensive guide to building a professional, scalable ProPresenter workstation that won’t fail during critical moments.
The Mac Mini M4 serves as the cornerstone of professional church graphics systems. Even the base model delivers impressive performance for most worship environments, handling lyrics, motion backgrounds, confidence monitors, and live streaming graphics with ease. However, churches planning to run more than three unique screens should invest in the upgraded M4 version with 10-core CPU/GPU, additional RAM, and expanded storage beyond the standard 256GB.
For churches with extensive multi-screen requirements or future expansion plans, the M4 Pro Mac Mini provides enhanced graphics processing power. While Mac Studio represents the premium tier, it’s typically overkill for most church applications where the M4 Mac Mini excels.
Professional installations require proper equipment organization. The Sonnet RackMac Mini provides a 2U rack-mount system accommodating three Mac Minis with convenient front-panel power buttons. This eliminates the awkward bottom-mounted power switch and enables remote access when computers remain powered on between services.
The rack-mount approach transforms computer management from a consumer setup into a professional broadcast-style installation, improving reliability and maintenance accessibility.
The Sonnet Echo III rack-mount expansion chassis unlocks advanced capabilities through PCIe card support. Connected via a single Thunderbolt cable, this chassis accommodates up to three PCIe cards, dramatically expanding input/output options, storage, and connectivity possibilities.
This expansion capability proves essential for churches requiring professional video outputs, additional USB ports, or specialized connectivity beyond the Mac Mini’s built-in options.
The Blackmagic DeckLink Duo 2 PCIe card provides direct SDI video outputs from ProPresenter, eliminating the need for adapters, dongles, or converters when connecting to video switchers or projectors. SDI connections excel in church environments where long cable runs are common, providing superior reliability over consumer HDMI solutions.
The Sonnet Allegro USB PCIe card adds dedicated USB ports for peripherals like Lightkey dongles without consuming the Mac Mini’s limited built-in ports.
The Sonnet DuoModo expansion chassis creates an elegant rack-mounted solution combining multiple Mac Minis with expansion capabilities. This configuration supports church growth by providing space for additional computers—typically three total for larger installations running ProPresenter, audio software, and video switching applications.
Keyboard, Video, and Mouse (KVM) extenders enable remote computer operation from tech booth positions. The AV Access KVM provides point-to-point connection between rack-mounted computers and operator workstations, extending keyboard, mouse, and monitor signals over long distances.
This separation allows computers to remain in climate-controlled equipment racks while operators work comfortably in tech booths or other strategic locations.
A quality 24-inch 1080p LG monitor provides adequate resolution for ProPresenter operation without unnecessary expense. Higher resolutions don’t improve operator performance for graphics software applications.
Stream Deck controllers add programmable buttons for ProPresenter functions, video switcher controls, and lighting cues, streamlining operator workflows during services.
Wired keyboards and mice eliminate Bluetooth connectivity issues that could disrupt services. The Matias Ergo Mouse and Large Print Backlit Keyboard provide comfortable operation with enhanced visibility in darkened tech booth environments.
Wired connections remove potential failure points—dead batteries or connection drops—that could prevent slide advancement during critical worship moments.
The Wayne Monitor Stand offers unique tilting capabilities, allowing operators to see over monitors while maintaining visibility of the worship space. This ergonomic consideration helps operators stay connected with the service flow while managing technical responsibilities.
Complete professional systems range from $4,000-$5,000, representing significant investment compared to basic computer setups. However, this professional approach prevents mid-service failures that can disrupt worship experiences and damage technical credibility.
Churches can implement components gradually, starting with basic Mac Mini setups and expanding with rack mounting, expansion chassis, and professional peripherals as ministry demands grow.
For mid-to-large churches experiencing growing technical demands, this professional approach provides reliability, scalability, and the polished integration that supports excellent worship experiences.
A Churchfront coach can help you design a custom solution for your ministry.
Join Now