Current Issue
March 2010
Blogs
Much ado About Interviews
Some ideas on how to make an interview more than a talking head.
Posted 03/05/2010
read
Is Consumerism Dead?
The tough economy has forced many to re-evaluate their economic priorities. What about the spiritual priorities?
Posted 03/01/2010
read
Sound Guy as King of the World?
The biggest event of my career? Politics aside, it was fun to be on the "inside" of a Presidential Visit.
Posted 02/22/2010
read
The Year in Five Minutes
If you’ve been collecting shots of church events throughout the year, send your congregation on a walk through memory lane with a video montage.
Posted 02/22/2010
read
M3 Technology powered by TNT!
What is so captivating about a watching a brawl just as it gets ready to explode?
Posted 02/15/2010
read
Does the FCC Know Churches Exist?
The extent to which churches rely on wireless communications (microphones, monitors, inter-coms etc) is something FCC administrators in Washington may not completely grasp.
Posted 02/15/2010
read
Top 10 Reasons Linked In is Useful
Even if you are secure in your employment, chances are that a large percentage of your congregation is not. One of the ways you can help "digital immigrants" leverage the digital world in a job search is by coaching people not only how to do it, but why to do it. People use technology they find useful. So, here are the Top 10 reasons LinkedIn is useful in the current economic climate...
Posted 02/11/2010
read
Sometimes Live is just so Live!
On a sunday morning there are no retakes or do-overs. It is just plain Live!
Posted 02/08/2010
read
The most amazing photo from Super Bowl 44
Congratulations to Drew Brees, Sean Payton and the Saints Nation.
Posted 02/08/2010
read
Get on the Bus (please)
Even a promo that has to be cranked out in a couple days can have a few fun bits.
Posted 02/02/2010
read
Upside down or inside out?
In the book of acts, Paul and Silas turned the world upside down. Find out how I turned mine inside out!!!
Posted 02/01/2010
read
Day 2 and 3, and Final Wrap-up from Germany
Marty O'Connor reports in on the day two and three, at Willow Creek's Global Leadership Summit in Karlsruhe, Germany. "Your prayers have helped write the history of the church in this part of the world… thanks for being a part of the team," he says.
Posted 01/30/2010
read
Live from Germany Day 1, Willow Creek’s Global Leadership Summit
An uplifting update from Willow Creek's Marty O'Connor, technical director, international events. Day one was a great success. Read on to learn more about the day's event's and what's ahead.
Posted 01/29/2010
read
Live from Germany, Willow Creek’s Global Leadership Summit
Prayer request and a quick behind the scenes peak at Willow's Global Leadership Summit in Karlsruhe, Germany featuring Bill Hybels, John Ortberg, Craig Groeschel, Larry Crabb and more...
Posted 01/28/2010
read
NAMM Wrap-up
The showfloor was open less then half an hour before I saw the first of many products that I would consider potential “game changers” for the house of worship market.
Posted 01/18/2010
read
Meet the Cartographers | Mark Horvath of invisiblepeople.tv
There is no map for online ministry. Like cartographers, those exploring ministry using online tools are having to write their own. One of these new digital ministry cartographers is Mark Horvath of invisiblepeople.tv. Mark's vlog is having the type of impact on his community most churches strive for but few reach.
Posted 01/15/2010
read
The Economy Is So Bad…..
A bit of levity about the current economic straits.....
Posted 01/08/2010
read
Audio Needs Love, Too
Don’t short-change the audio portion of your video project. After vamping up the visuals with snappy editing and graphics, audio mixing and cleanup may seem like a chore, but it is worth the effort.
Posted 01/07/2010
read
Winter NAMM 2010 Presents First Ever “Night of Worship”
The event, sponsored by Christian Musician Magazine, Worship Musician Magazine and the Worship Arts Summit, will include an all-star line up of Lincoln Brewster, Kirk Whalum and Friends, and Paul Baloche. All artists will perform with full bands --- some including star performers themselves.
Posted 01/06/2010
read
Posterous 101
If you are using multiple media outlets to create an online presence for your church--or even if you are just maintaining your own personal lifestream--Posterous makes it easy to get content where you want it, or to simply pull all kinds of content (blog posts, 140 character tweets, images, etc) into a single stream.
Posted 12/15/2009
read
How to Get Carried Away With Multi-camera Shoots
Has a presentation been shot from different angles without being cut together live with a video switcher? Here are some suggestions on putting it all together.
Posted 12/12/2009
read
And Now for Something Completely Different
Let the pastor or the live presentation handle the serious stuff while the video department goes crazing with gags and effects to lighten the mood.
Posted 12/08/2009
read
When Children Can’t do Their Own Stunts
How green-screen technology can greatly reduce the risks involved in church video stunt work.
Posted 12/05/2009
read
Meet the Cartographers | Paul Watson of reachingtheonlinegeneration.com
There is no map for online ministry. Like cartographers, those exploring ministry in the online culture are having to write their own. One of these new digital ministry cartographers is Paul Watson of ReachingTheOnlineGeneration.com. Paul shares a few things he's learned while "Lewis and Clarking" the digital world.
Posted 12/02/2009
read
Transform the Church in Twenty Seconds
If you have a memory-card camcorder and plenty of hard drive space, you can create sensational time-lapse video.
Posted 11/25/2009
read
On communication, connection and static
One of the beautiful things about the digital world is that you have access to people you never had access to before. There is unprecedented opportunity to connect in a digital world. However, the flip side is that everyone knows this, so the volume from salesmen, marketers, old friends, business people, charities and causes is at an all time high. So given that you have this amazing opportunity being obscured by the static, how do you communicate in a way that connects?
Posted 11/18/2009
read
Pre-Show Videos: A Treat for Early Arrivals
Entertain and inform your audience before your Christmas presentation with special videos and promos.
Posted 11/17/2009
read
Simplicity With Excellence
Many “black box/performing arts center-style churches” are designed with such reliance on technology that if a church suddenly chooses to go “low-tech” for a service, the impression communicated to the audience is that “something is missing”. It’s a fascinating conundrum for churches, architects and A/V system designers.
Posted 11/11/2009
read
Silent, but Loud and Clear
How to create and efficiently maintain eye-catching motion slides that run on foyer monitors, keeping your congregation informed as they wander the halls.
Posted 11/05/2009
read
Punching up Promos
A video department with editing capabilities will inevitably be asked to make video promos for events and ministries. Here are some tips on making them impacting and snappy.
Posted 10/23/2009
read
Church in the Digital World at WFX
If you are making plans to be in Charlotte in two weeks, come explore Church in the Digital World live.
Posted 10/15/2009
read
Team-Building and the Secret of Pizza
Here are the steps we took recently to build weekly camera teams for our video ministry.
Posted 10/14/2009
read
Building a Better Montage
How to edit a snappy montage of clips into a presentation following a ministry event that will have them coming back next time around.
Posted 10/06/2009
read
Some Things About Me
Who is this guy trying to tell us how to make our videos? Here's a few details about your truly.
Posted 10/06/2009
read
Search Engines | Are you Visible?
It may come as a surprise to you that some of the most engaging church websites are completely invisible to search engines. If you've Googled your site lately and aren't happy with the results, there are some things you can do to help your site's performance and make your church easier to find by those who are looking.
Posted 09/28/2009
read
Bridging the “Technical Divide” Between Senior Ministry Leaders and Technical Personnel
Why are so many technical directors left feeling isolated from the plans of senior leaders? Why do so many senior leaders consider technology to be a money pit?
Posted 09/14/2009
read
Webinars
While desktop video conferencing is great for smaller groups with bi-directional communication, webinars are primarily one-way with a speaker presenting content to a large audience. Ever thought about hosting a webinar? Wondered which provider to use? What it takes to plan one? If so, read on...
Posted 08/20/2009
read
The Maturing A/V Sector of the House-of-Worship Market: Good News for Churches and TD’s
Conferences, seminars, a tradeshow, and other educational opportunities abound. What does it mean for church technical directors?
Posted 08/12/2009
read
Digital World Culture Shifts | Navigating Conflicts
It would be great if the world changed uniformly and at an even pace, but the reality is that we all find places where the world as it has been collides with the world as it is going to be. So, how do you handle it when a changing world presents conflict?
Posted 07/27/2009
read
Finding Inspiration
Creating content for a digital world can be artistically demanding. Here are a few things to try if you find your internal creative tank on empty.
Posted 06/23/2009
read
“Scarcity Brings Clarity” to WFX, Willow Arts and InfoComm
The current economic downturn is spurring a range of new innovations that I believe will greatly change the way we do A/V in churches
Posted 06/23/2009
read
Digital World Culture Shifts | How Real Time Interaction is Changing Everything
The ability for real time interaction is changing things and while many are writing about how this affects business, I'm curious how this shift is affecting the church...
Posted 06/03/2009
read
The Power of the Face-to-Face
One of the reasons the digital world is so powerful is that it can virtually replicate the experience of face-to-face dialogue. However, this week, at WFX--we are enjoying the real thing.
Posted 05/14/2009
read
Cultivating Clarity
We live in a complex world. (But you already knew that.) There is a growing role for people who are gifted at taking the complex and making it simple. Videographers, web designers, artists, pastors, educators and a host of other communicators with a gift for clarity are in high demand. Where do you fit in?
Posted 05/02/2009
read
Google Site Search
If you have a content-rich website, adding a search feature can be as simple and affordable as Google Site Search.
Posted 04/07/2009
read
Desktop Video Conferencing
Webcams and free applications make desktop video conferencing accessible to just about everyone. Here's what's out there that you might want to test drive.
Posted 03/14/2009
read
The Creative Destruction of Christianity
These interesting’ economic times are not an anomaly, but a natural evolution of capitalism. So why not the same for religion?
Posted 02/19/2009
read
Christian Filmmaking Project Aims to Influence Culture
World-class, Biblically based film content is being produced at the 168 Hour Film Project
Posted 02/13/2009
read
Religious Buildings Top Construction Forecasts for 2010
American Institute of Architects (AIA) data shows worship market to outpace all other segments
Posted 02/09/2009
read
Twitter 101
There is a lot of hype about Twitter lately. So, if you're asking, "What's the deal?" you aren't alone. This post explores the basics of what it is, how to use it and what it can and cannot do for you.
Posted 02/04/2009
read
Innovation3 Gathering
Leadership Network's two-day innovation fest delivers motivation, conviction, new ideas and the opportunity to meet and mingle with hundreds (maybe thousands) of incrediable church leaders
Posted 01/29/2009
read
The Web Audit
We've become so accustomed to our own websites that we barely see them anymore--if we even visit them at all. How long has it been since you viewed your site from the eyes of a newcomer?
Posted 01/20/2009
read
Digital Photography 101
When digital cameras first came on the scene, for the most part they were used like film cameras. But now digital photography has a life and language all its own. Is your church using photos to connect?
Posted 01/08/2009
read
The Word in the Palm of Your Hand
It was revolutionary back in the day when the Gideons put Bibles in every hotel room. Now Lifechurch.TV is putting it in the palm of your hand.
Posted 12/17/2008
read
Non Linear Presentations
Though tools like PowerPoint and MediaShout have the capacity to allow you to skip around, they work best in sequence. So what do you do when a linear presentation just doesn’t fit the bill?
Posted 11/28/2008
read
WFX ‘08 Final Thoughts
A wrap up of the show and listing the Solomon and New Product Award winners
Posted 11/18/2008
read
WFX Houston - Whitespace Reaction from Shure
Reaction to the White Space Ruling from the FCC Tuesday
Posted 11/07/2008
read
WFX Houston - Thursday Keynote with Dave Ferguson
God is an innovator, always at work on a new thing!
Posted 11/07/2008
read
WFX ‘08 Houston, Texas Day Two
Reflections and observations from the showfloor
Posted 11/07/2008
read
WFX Houston - First Baptist Church
Beautiful facility looks new, but was actually a renovation
Posted 11/06/2008
read
WFX ‘08 Day One
Reactions from the classes and sessions at WFX in Houston, Texas.
Posted 11/06/2008
read
Two Days to WFX ‘08, Houston
Looking ahead to some of the sessions at WFX '08 in Houston, TX.
Posted 11/03/2008
read
Heading For Houston
Hitting the Worship Facilities Expo, looking for cool new tools, tips and toys for you!
Posted 11/01/2008
read
Welcome to the WFX Houston Guest Blog
Visit this blog between November 5-7 for observations and insites from a variety of guest bloggers at the WFX show in Houstin, Texas
Posted 10/28/2008
read
Top Five Digital World Reads (for today anyway)
Some of the best "digital world" thinking out there is available simply by spending a few hours with a book in your hands. Or an mp3 player. Or a Kindle...
Posted 10/27/2008
read
The Joy of Xobni
In the world of plugins, widgets and random data, Xobni is actually pretty cool.
Posted 10/09/2008
read
Eight Ways You Can Connect beyond Sunday AM for Free
Want to connect with your congregation beyond Sunday AM? Maybe something more interesting than simply sending an e-mail? Here are eight ways you could connect digitally during the week. And the best part is it is all free!
Posted 09/25/2008
read
Managing Your Personal Profile on the Web
This new world of unlimited information is changing the rules about what is known about us. And though shredders make us feel better about protecting ourselves, the truth is, there is an awful lot out there that we simply don't have control over. And, this can be a good thing...
Posted 09/05/2008
read
A New Digital Tool for Ministry Communication and Connection
A new product by the Pursuant Group puts the power of connection and communication into the hands of your ministry leaders in true digital-world fashion.
Posted 08/26/2008
read
The Digital World in the Palm of Your Hand
While the new iPhone 3G is sleek, sophisticated and has an exponential coolness factor, its real power is in convergence.
Posted 08/05/2008
read
Hackers, Steampunkers and the Sunday AM Experience
The digital world brings with it the concept of art based on altering something existing in addition to art as something newly created. From open source software (that is continually being added to and modified), to altered books, to steampunked guitars, people aren't just leaving things as they are...they are becoming hackers.
Posted 07/24/2008
read
Adventures in Church 2.0 | Guest Blog - Kelsen Depp
I met Kelsen Depp of Countryside Church in Michigan City, Indiana via e-mail after the Church 2.0 article came out in the January 2008 issue of Church Production. I asked him to keep in touch with me on their experiences. This from Kelsen...
Posted 07/14/2008
read
Adventures in Church 2.0
For the most part, bi-directional communication in a worship service is uncharted territory. Yesterday morning at my home church; however, we gave it a try.
Posted 07/07/2008
read
So what is this whole del.icio.us thing anyway?
Del.icio.us is just one more way of trying to make sense of the miscellaneous pool of data available to us on the WWW. Luckily, it is a good one.
Posted 07/03/2008
read
A Cool Digital Find for Musicians…
Corevalus' Same Page system brings the digital world live to your music stand.
Posted 06/24/2008
read
Communication in the Digital World…Part 2
In the digital world, there are no captive audiences. How do you need to adjust your communications strategies to truly connect?
Posted 06/11/2008
read
Communication in the Digital World…Part 1
Communication in a digital world is highly visual. The great part of that is that digital communication when compared to print communication is relatively inexpensive. The bad part of that is that expectations for your print communication just jumped.
Posted 05/30/2008
read
The Wonderful World of Wikis
A look at why wikis are special and why you might want to use one in your ministry context.
Posted 05/20/2008
read
Mind Shifts
Allowing old structure to constrain your thinking about the future is a continual challenge. And it is a challenge for everyone. What mind shifts have to happen to get you where you want to go?
Posted 05/08/2008
read
Day Three at WFX Spring in Indy
It’s obvious that the WFX attendees are so engaged, and involved in trying to do new and different things to engage today’s culture for God’s purposes, but I LOVE the fact that SO MANY of the WFX exhibitors are here for the same purposes.
Posted 05/02/2008
read
Day Two at WFX Spring 2008
“Architecture shapes expectations,” just one of the many jewels we received this morning from during the Wednesday keynote address from Dr. Mark Beeson.
Posted 05/01/2008
read
The Power of 140 Characters or Less
Text messaging has power way beyond the simple act of getting information from Point A to Point B. If you haven’t fully explored your cell phone’s capability with text messaging, you might want to take some of the following creative options for a test drive.
Posted 04/30/2008
read
Day One from WFX Spring in Indianapolis
While the tradeshow floor was abuzz with set-up activity, the attendees were moving from class to class with the show’s only day dedicated to conference seminars.
Posted 04/30/2008
read
The Facebook Experiment
Digital immigrants and digital natives react to social networking applications differently. Here's what I found out while researching an article...
Posted 04/21/2008
read
Social Networking Apps
Social networking applications are changing the way we connect, communicate and collaborate. Take a look at what's out there and why you might be interested in participating.
Posted 04/14/2008
read
RSS Feeds
Keeping up with the things that interest you can be time consuming. Thankfully, the digital world came up with RSS feeds.
Posted 04/04/2008
read
Adding Your Church to the Blogosphere
A look at the risk and rewards of adding a blog to your church’s website along with some tools to help you explain the idea to your leadership team if you decide it is for you.
Posted 03/25/2008
read
Postcard from a Digital World
Church technical teams are in a unique position to help churches navigate the culture shift.
Posted 03/14/2008
read
Copyright (c) 1999-2010 Production Media, Inc.
919-325-0120 info@churchproduction.com (d1)
