Current Issue
May 2012
Blogs
Unethically Frugal?
When trying to save the church money and be good stewards of God's money churches need to be careful to mind some important ethical rules (some obvious, others a little more abstract) and consider a wider scope of what it means to be frugal.
Posted 02/03/2011
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Making it personal
Sometimes when interacting with blogs and other social media we forget that there is an actual person at the other end of the line.
Posted 05/09/2012
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Mary and Martha were both right: A Devotion from Luke 10:38-42
Should we adore Christ or serve Him?
Posted 04/17/2012
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Gear Worship: A Devotion from Deuteronomy 4:25-31
How many projects, events, jobs, or other things have subtly taken the place of God as our object of worship? When we invest ourselves fully into something like the upgrade of technology systems or preparing the tech side of a special worship service, we must recognize that we too can "make an idol in the form of anything".
Posted 04/03/2012
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Why you might want to check out WePay…
The digital world has launched a host of online payment opportunities--many of them used by churches. WePay--a competitor to Paypal--is specifically offering a tool to raise money for a goal. Plus it is simple to set up and use making it ideal for collecting payments to fund a mission trip or go in on a shared gift.
Posted 03/21/2012
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Three trends for technology and auditoriums
While there are some exciting things on the horizon in terms of what technology makes possible, there are some cultural shifts that are driving the way technology will be used in these rooms in the future.
Posted 01/31/2012
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The Power of Faith: a Devotion from Luke 8:40-56
Jesus has the power to heal and restore. Do we live, serve, and lead like we believe this? What risks are you willing to take for your faith?
Posted 01/17/2012
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What is the one thing you plan to STOP doing in 2012?
I was inspired this week by Dorie Clark’s post in the Harvard Business Review on the “5 things you should stop doing in 2012.” It made me curious if there might be a list of things that would be beneficial for church technical teams to consider eliminating in order to make space for better, more effective practices. So I asked some of the most talented church creative and technical leadership that I know, and this is what they had to say…
Posted 01/06/2012
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Starting The New Year Right in Technology Ministry
A few thoughts about starting off the new year in technology ministry.
Posted 12/29/2011
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The Awe of Christmas
With Christmas falling on Sunday this year, it is especially important for us tech folks to be focused on the significance of Christmas
Posted 12/21/2011
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Do you know about Square?
Square allows you to accept credit/debit card payments from your mobile phone--which allows even the smallest of churches to facilitate transactions with a swipe.
Posted 12/19/2011
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Finding time to unplug during advent
While advent is a time for peaceful reflection on the birth of Christ, for church technical teams it is often just the opposite as they work to create the experience. Find the time to unplug.
Posted 12/07/2011
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Working Out Our Salvation in Technology Ministry: A Devotion from Philippians 2:12-13
Tech ministry is a great venue for us to work out our salvation.
Posted 11/26/2011
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A Thanksgiving Primer For Church Tech Servants
Is your heart ready for Thanksgiving?
Posted 11/22/2011
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WFX 2011 - Exploring the Social Media Landscape
I had the opportunity to speak at WFX this week in Dallas about the social media landscape to explore the why, how, and to brainstorm ideas for content beyond posting sermon videos.
Posted 11/11/2011
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How Does Christ Impact Your Technology Ministry? A Devotion from Philippians 2:5-11
Christ's example of humility should directly impact our service to, and part in the life of the church, His bride.
Posted 11/08/2011
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Thorny Issues: Whether or Not to Pay Audio, Video, and Lighting Techs
This is the first in an ongoing series of articles which will address topics about which there is much debate. This week's article discusses whether or not techs who serve on Sundays should be paid.
Posted 11/08/2011
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Unity Of The Body Via Humility of Its Members: A Devotion From Philippians 2:1-4
This devotion begins a series through the second chapter of Paul's letter to the Philippians. Much application can be made from Paul's teachings here on unity and humility for those who serve the church through technology. These devotions should serve to strengthen our faith and motivate our service to God in the church.
Posted 11/02/2011
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What I love about Google Voice
Google Voice bills itself as "telephony reinvented." As a reinvention it is pretty great. And in digital world fashion, it blurs the lines between computer, mobile and phone.
Posted 10/24/2011
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On Leading and Being Lead: Leading Difficult People
If our dual goals are to facilitate discipleship in a "difficult" person’s life while leading the ministry in an effective way so as to facilitate discipleship in the life of the church, how should one proceed?
Posted 10/18/2011
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Mistakes Small Churches Make: Unhealthy and Unhelpful Comparisons With Others
While we can learn from other churches and touring groups, we should avoid unhealthy comparisons with them.
Posted 10/12/2011
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SEO for beginners
There are whole firms dedicated to consulting on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) so the topic is pretty broad, but there are some simple things you can do to improve your ranking in non-paid search.
Posted 10/10/2011
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What Can We Learn From Your Church’s Story?
WFX Dallas 2011 is practically around the corner. If you're attending, we want to hear your church's story and share it with other church leaders.
Posted 09/22/2011
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On Leading and Being Lead: Five Ways to Cultivate Trust and Communication
This is the first in a series of articles about the leadership related issues that are faced by those who serve in technology ministry. The topics will relate both to leading others and being lead. Though different traditions, denominations, and churches view both leadership structures and technology differently, the goal of this series is to highlight Biblical and practical principles that will benefit technology leaders in any context.
Posted 09/07/2011
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What about a Sabbath for Technical People?
I wonder how many church tech team members (staff and/or volunteers) don’t take a Sabbath --- ever. If you’re a “church slave”, as my friend (and former technical director) Anthony Coppedge sometimes calls church staff members, you may be slowly killing your own spiritual growth, as well as the creative and professional growth of your technical team.
Posted 08/31/2011
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Servant-hood as Greatness
What does it mean to be great? For the Christian, Jesus has set out a definition for greatness that is contrary to human nature, but expresses something very important about God and our relationship to Him.
Posted 08/25/2011
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Catching up with the tools
One of the challenges of rapidly changing technology is that it takes time for the behaviors of the people using the technology to catch up.
Posted 08/22/2011
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Mistakes Small Churches Make (A Series): The Panic-Driven Band-Aid
All smaller churches face budget issues when dealing with their technology needs. When the inevitable crisis comes, smaller churches are often faced with what at the time seems a “doom and gloom” scenario: fix it as quickly and cheaply as possible. This article examines this scenario and puts forth ways to prevent it as the first part of an ongoing series.
Posted 08/11/2011
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What should we do with Google +
Chances are if you are active in social media at all you've been invited to Google+. So, are you using it?
Posted 08/05/2011
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Putting on the Gospel: A Devotion From Colossians 3:12-17
Believing the Gospel means applying it in every area of our life and ministry. In today’s devotion, we will be looking at Colossians 3:12-17 to help us do just that.
Posted 07/28/2011
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Dealing With Negative Feedback From The Congregation
We’ve all been there. Negative comments from the congregation during or after the service can be a very real, sometimes painful stumbling block for church technical servants. Our response to criticism from the congregation is important to the team dynamic, to the example we set as member of the church staff and to the outward demonstration of our personal Christian walk.
Posted 07/21/2011
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Christmas Planning?
Late July, is it really that time of year? Is it time to dig in to your Christmas production planning?
Posted 07/19/2011
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Will Your Church Play a Role in the 2030 Challenge?
"... going green will actually reduce the ongoing operational cost of the building to allow more money for the church's ministry." D. Brady Smith, American Institute of Architects (AIA) member and LEED AP
Posted 07/18/2011
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NACBA Packs Lessons for Churches Seeking Loans
Does your church need a loan for construction? WFM staff recently spoke with church lenders at NACBA in Washington, D.C., over the July 4 weekend to find out if there's money moving and, if so, how a church goes about obtaining a share for renovation or new construction.
Posted 07/07/2011
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The Social Media Audit
If you've been engaged in social media for awhile, it is probably a good idea to zoom out and look at your platform as a whole to determine which efforts are gaining traction and which are falling flat so you can refocus your efforts. This post is designed to help you do just that.
Posted 07/05/2011
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Bread, Fish, and Church Technology Matthew 14:13-21
The purpose of these devotions is to apply the natural meaning of a passage of Scripture to the lives of church technology servants. It could be a good way to start your week, or a devotion to share with your team. God bless you as you serve His church!
Posted 06/29/2011
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Apps for spiritual development
We have apps for everything from productivity to fun...but what about apps for spiritual development? The following is a list of some that may not be on your radar...yet.
Posted 06/17/2011
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No More Horror Stories
Got horror stories about hard drive crashes and lost files? It’s a disaster that is becoming easier and easier to prevent.
Posted 05/30/2011
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WFM Direction Heading into Summer 2011
The WFM staff is inspired by our readers, their engagement, and about the information we can bring to light -- together.
Posted 05/27/2011
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Serving The Body of Christ Romans 12:3-8
The purpose of these devotions is to apply the natural meaning of a passage of Scripture to the lives of church technology servants. It could be a good way to start your week, or a devotion to share with your team. God bless you as you serve His church!
Posted 05/26/2011
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How Well Do You Learn From Your Successes and Failures?
Too often our first reaction to failure is to retreat to a “known” position --- to revert back to the way we’ve always done it. But this is not the path to growth.
Posted 05/17/2011
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Next Steps for the CTDRT
As I read the Back Talk column during our magazine editing process, I was struck by the similarities with our cover story on "Church on the Move" based in Tulsa, Okla. Church on the Move needed to move ahead, but their existing tools were holding them back. This is similar to the growing process the CTDRT is going through now..
Posted 05/17/2011
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Collaboration Reaches a Higher Level at AIA 2011
Technologies and methodologies for collaborative design and building -- tools that can help refine and improve church facilities moving forward -- are cropping up everywhere.
Posted 05/13/2011
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WF Designer Debuts at AIA in New Orleans
The WF Designer staff scoured the tradeshow floor today at the AIA national convention, gathering news and ideas for church architects, designers, specifiers and builders. Take a look at some highlights of what we found.
Posted 05/12/2011
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Quick and easy websites
Sometimes you don't need bells and whistles. Just something simple. Something that doesn't require you to know HTML. Something that could be edited as easily as a Word document. Luckily, the blogging platforms know this...and they have just made it easier than ever to get what you want.
Posted 05/09/2011
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Are we all cyborgs?
It is hard to talk about technology without getting a little bit of pushback. "I prefer interacting face-to-face" Or, you might hear someone talking about their latest media fast. Anthropologist, Amber Case, explores technology and how it impacts our selves.
Posted 04/29/2011
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Twitter 102 - Using Twitter as an Organization
While many of us are using Twitter personally, there are reasons to use it for organizations as well. Here are three tips for Twitter that your church or organization may find useful...
Posted 04/14/2011
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Mr Miyagi was wrong….
I had to make sure ‘all the plates kept spinning’ in order to accomplish what needed to happen. Then it happened. I realized Mr. Miyagi was wrong. Balance in life is a myth
Posted 04/05/2011
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Applications for Managing Social Media
Social media thrives on real-time interactions and current content making management of multiple social media outlets a real challenge. Luckily, the digital world has a variety of applications to handle all of your social media streams in a unified way. Here is a look at some of the tools you might want to explore...
Posted 04/01/2011
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Garbage in, Garbage out
I have a mantra that I tell the audio guys on my tech team...my wife even knows it by heart. ‘Garbage in Garbage out.' If that amp, instrument or vocal sounds wrong take the time to make it better. That will mean working with the musician or vocalist or your producer or music director.
Posted 03/31/2011
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Yes, but…
Saying ‘Yes, but’ instead of ‘no’ allows you the opportunity to let your leadership decided the priorities of that request. It also allows you the opportunity to help educate your leadership in really what your world looks like and what it entails.
Posted 03/27/2011
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Anything Worth Doing…
Continuing with the ideas discussed in the “Things I Learned at Pixar” March BackTalk.
Posted 03/21/2011
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NFMT Insights 2011
WFM's take on the National Facilities Management and Technology tradeshow in Baltimore, Md.
Posted 03/15/2011
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Sabotoge - Guru’s of Tech
How do our church's technical artists sabotage their own ministry? A panel recently discussed it at the Guru's of Tech conference.
Posted 03/11/2011
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Using Digital World Tools to Improve Meetings
If you are part of church leadership, chances are you attend a lot of meetings. The good thing is that there are digital world tools that can help make meetings clearer, more effective, and hopefully shorter!
Posted 03/10/2011
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Sharing Technically, Relationally and Spiritually at Gurus Chicago
Designed for church technical artists, the recent Gurus of Tech event at Willow Creek's McHenry campus delivered audio, video, lighting, post production and leadership training. "We need to rise above the frustration; to be strengthened; to experience community and recognize God's purpose for what we do."
Posted 03/09/2011
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DSE 2011 Roving Report
The 2011 Digital Signage Expo in Las Vegas showcased a number or products and software solutions ideal for houses of worship, from affordable, powerful projectors to turnkey, penny-wise digital signage solutions.
Posted 02/24/2011
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Are the relationships on your technical team based around the technical execution?
Does your church's technical team feel like a team for everyone involved? If you don’t know, ask them. Is there an effort to share the workload? Not sure? Deal with the subject openly. Are the relationships on the team based around the technical execution, or are the bonds growing into becoming an A/V or technical arts ministry?
Posted 02/02/2011
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Remember & Celebrate
The other morning I was driving, reflecting on the year that has been and the year that is to come. 2011 for me is truly the start of something new as my family has moved to a new region and I start a new role with a new company so I've been finding myself frequently remembering the past 10 years and how I've gotten here, and of course about what lies ahead.
Posted 02/01/2011
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Is spring coming early this year?
Economic indicators and experts' predictions are warmer for churches and the fates of their facilities than you might imagine.
Posted 02/01/2011
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Tabletop Jerusalem
How to extend the scope of dramas and videos with blue- and green-screen effects using virtual sets.
Posted 01/31/2011
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Christmas Stage/Turntable Project
There was no room for mistakes; no time in the schedule to redo, all of us have to do our homework, to make the design and construction with precision.
Posted 01/28/2011
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Digital World Culture Shifts | From Polished to Authentic
The digital world takes away the ability to manage image. What used to be carefully crafted brands, companies, and celebrities now have their flaws revealed. And surprisingly, we love that....
Posted 01/20/2011
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#2 New Solutions for Churches Abound At Winter NAMM 2011
While NAMM Shows are often dominated by musical instruments, the annual trek to Anaheim also gives churches their first look at what’s new in the pro audio market for churches.
Posted 01/15/2011
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#5 New Solutions for Churches Abound At Winter NAMM 2011
While NAMM Shows are often dominated by musical instruments, the annual trek to Anaheim also gives churches their first look at what’s new in the pro audio market for churches.
Posted 01/15/2011
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#4 New Solutions for Churches Abound At Winter NAMM 2011
While NAMM Shows are often dominated by musical instruments, the annual trek to Anaheim also gives churches their first look at what’s new in the pro audio market for churches.
Posted 01/15/2011
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#1 New Solutions for Churches Abound At Winter NAMM 2011
While NAMM Shows are often dominated by musical instruments, the annual trek to Anaheim also gives churches their first look at what’s new in the pro audio market for churches.
Posted 01/15/2011
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#3 New Solutions for Churches Abound At Winter NAMM 2011
While NAMM Shows are often dominated by musical instruments, the annual trek to Anaheim also gives churches their first look at what’s new in the pro audio market for churches.
Posted 01/15/2011
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New Cymbal Design Could Revolutionize Sound Reinforcement
With drum shields the current primary means for churches to reduce stage noise, Avedis Zildjian’s new Acoustic Electric Cymbal could change how churches do sound.
Posted 01/13/2011
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A Tour de’ Force of Cheesy Visual Effects
Last month’s Church Christmas Presentation called for seventy digital effects shots.
Posted 01/11/2011
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The recurring theme from attendees and exhibitors at WFX Atlanta was a genuine focus on people.
The tools and technologies that are discussed and displayed at WFX are simply means for people in ministry to do their jobs more effectively—to be God’s hands and feet. Without the Holy Spirit, these tools are just electronics and empty shells.
Posted 12/15/2010
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Several major late-breaking news stories as the October issue of Church Production went to print.
The FCC announces changes that effect nearly all churches using wireless microphones or monitors. QSC announces an interesting addition to its growing product line: digital mixing consoles designed by Greg Mackie.
Posted 12/15/2010
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Meet the Cartographers | Camron Ware of VisualWorshiper.com
There is no map for the digital world. Like cartographers, those exploring ministry using new technology are writing their own. One of these digital world cartographers is Camron Ware of VisualWorshiper.com. Camron is breaking new ground using technology to create environments for a digital culture that is longing for ‘image-rich’ in the physical world.
Posted 12/08/2010
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Looking to a New Year in Church Building
McGraw-Hill's recent Construction Outlook report delivers positive building-related indicators for 2011. As for WFM, here's what to expect online and in print.
Posted 11/27/2010
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Advice for Would-Be TDs
Here are some thoughts for those thinking about jumping into a career as a TD.
Posted 11/10/2010
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Let the Kids do the Talking
A children’s church promo gets its voice from… well, children.
Posted 11/04/2010
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Digital Church 101 | Overview of the Culture Shift
Want to catch one of the presentations you missed at WFX? If so, here is the presentation on the overview of the culture shifts being caused by the digital world.
Posted 11/04/2010
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Day 2 Update: WFX 2010
News on the first Energy Star churches, architectural firm business expansions, and an awesome church tour ...
Posted 11/04/2010
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Digital Church 101 | Overview of the Social Media Landscape
As always, WFX is a fantastic place to connect face-to-face and find out what is happening on the cutting-edge of ministry. If you were able to attend the Digital Church 101 session, here is the portion of the presentation focused on the social media landscape.
Posted 11/04/2010
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Today and Yesterday, WFX Atlanta 2010
Random notes from the busy house of worship tradeshow.
Posted 11/03/2010
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The best apps to load before WFX in Atlanta
You know the drill. You go to WFX, meet tons of new people, then get back to your real world with memories of great conversations and a stack of business cards or slips of paper with scribbled phone numbers and Twitter names that sit and mock you from a pile on your desk. Luckily, the digital world offers a preemptive strike so that this year will be different. And that is just in a single app...
Posted 10/20/2010
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Planning for Crisis Communications
The digital world means that bad news can spread more quickly than ever before. Does your church have a crisis communications plan in place?
Posted 10/08/2010
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Building Identity
What happens before you build a facility? Don't you have to know who you are? You'd better.
Posted 10/07/2010
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Ready Camera Two and… Cue the Bride!
Volunteering in your church video ministry? You’ve been asked to record a wedding? Guess what! That doesn’t count as ministry so you can charge $$$!
Posted 10/07/2010
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Call to Action at Catalyst East 2010
Beyond buildings, beyond equipment ... are we doing the motions of church, or are we being the church through our actions?
Posted 10/06/2010
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This year’s Reader Survey you told us that you want more content on small- to medium-sized churche
Church Production's Annual Reader Survey asks a wide range of questions. We analyze this data over time, and use it to plan new initiatives. It's a fun, energizing exercise.
Posted 10/04/2010
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Equipment Planning and Purchasing, Gospel Stewardship and the Importance of Vision
…the most important factor to remember is that gear remains gear. It’s people who count the most.
Posted 10/04/2010
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Right-Sized Roles
I received an email recently from a volunteer video team member that included this line: "With you guys calling the shots…, my importance is less than it was." Red flags started flying in my mind, not for the volunteer, but for me as the leader of the team.
Posted 10/01/2010
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Vacation
I've not taken nearly enough time off in the last 12 months. Time to fix that.
Posted 09/27/2010
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Wanted: A Strong Community Connection
Churches are extending arms to their communities in creative ways, becoming less of a place where members-only congregate and more of a center for true outreach.
Posted 09/22/2010
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Celebrating the Hyperlocal
As effective as the digital world is in creating community in cyberspace, web applications are morphing to match the desire for tangible, local communities. This trend is intersecting with another interesting trend--the decline of the local newspaper. The result is a change in the vehicles we use for the expression and characterization of geographic communities.
Posted 09/15/2010
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Advice for New Technical Artists
If you are new to the world of Technical Arts in the church, or perhaps you've struggled to be happy in it, here are three thoughts to help you have an enjoyable and successful ministry.
Posted 09/09/2010
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Managing Image on the Web
You can't control what people post on the web...however, you can influence your own image.
Posted 09/02/2010
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Stock Footage: A Shameless Plug
Those free footage offers from Footage Firm may look like a marketing ploy, but the videos have been working pretty good for me.
Posted 08/31/2010
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Does God Need Me to Serve?
On my way to the Sunday morning services I was reflecting on the Awesomeness of God. I had had very little sleep the night before and was very tired. I thought about whether or not God needs me to serve.
Posted 08/26/2010
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The Impact of Scenic Art
Visual art is a very powerful form of communication.
Posted 08/26/2010
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Ten “Crash Landing” Strategies for Facing Down the Blinking Cursor
Blogs live and die based on consistent content. So what are you supposed to do when your blinking cursor is mocking you and you haven't a single idea at all? Well, you could test drive the following "crash landing" strategies....
Posted 08/24/2010
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