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Current Issue
Jan/Feb 2012

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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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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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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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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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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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#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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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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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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Technical Volunteers Needed for Willow Conference in Germany

"Jesus told us to go into all the world and make disciples… Over the last number of years that’s just what we’ve been doing… technically and spiritually," says Marty O'Connor, technical director for Willow's International Conferences.

Posted 08/05/2010

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Loudspeakers from InfoComm

Lots of great sounding loudspeakers could be seen and heard at InfoComm 2010.

Posted 07/10/2010

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Even More Images from InfoComm

Hardly noticed by most in the A/V press at InfoComm, Aviom's new Wall Frame 6 promises to save on labor and infrastructure costs. By digitizing audio signals at the wall connection, churches can realize huge savings by reducing costs associated with large conduit runs.

Posted 07/10/2010

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More Images from Church Production’s Experience at InfoComm 2010

Roland and Edirol introduced a range of new products that offer excellent features for small- and medium-sized churches. See photos from the Roland Systems Group press conference at InfoComm 2010

Posted 06/12/2010

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Images from Church Production’s Experience at InfoComm 2010

Products galore for houses of worship were introduced at this InfoComm 2010. Here are just a few...

Posted 06/12/2010

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Is Your Church Sound System Performing As Intended?

I once attended a church where a host of percussive, electronic and wind instruments were shoved through a loudspeaker system designed for speech-only. The result was never pleasant, and often downright painful.

Posted 05/04/2010

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Saving Money By Going To NAB, InfoComm, LDI, and of course, WFX…

Sure the best way to save money is to simply not spend it. But that mentality can only last so long --- even for a modest church technical budget.

Posted 05/04/2010

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Phil Cooke on Video Production for Easter Pageants

"Cuts and dissolves to a professional television director are like periods and commas to a writer," says writer, speaker, filmmaker and media consultant Phil Cooke

Posted 03/26/2010

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Does your senior pastor make your job easier or harder?

If you have an opportunity to speak openly, honestly (dare I say anonymously?) to your church's senior leadership about your working environment, your working relationships, the quality of your interaction, the sentiment and culture in which you work, what would you say? Are there things that need to improve, or is your situation one that you'd like to share so that other churches can grow and learn from a creative solution you've discovered?

Posted 03/23/2010

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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

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The most amazing photo from Super Bowl 44

Congratulations to Drew Brees, Sean Payton and the Saints Nation.

Posted 02/08/2010

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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

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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

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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

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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

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The Economy Is So Bad…..

A bit of levity about the current economic straits.....

Posted 01/08/2010

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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

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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

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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

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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

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“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

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Godly Humor 3

even more good stuff from reverendfun.com

Posted 03/26/2009

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Godly Humor 2

more good stuff from reverendfun.com

Posted 03/26/2009

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Godly Humor

Great stuff from reverendfun.com

Posted 03/26/2009

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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

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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

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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

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Coolest Thumb Drive Ever

Style trumps capacity as the market matures

Posted 02/04/2009

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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

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Checkers Cable Protectors Worship Facilities