CPM Blog: Observations From the Fast Lane http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_index/20

Observations From the Fast Lane

en info@churchproduction.com Copyright 2012 2012-01-31T18:21:24+00:00 What about a Sabbath for Technical People? http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/15376 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/15376#When:21:49:15Z 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. What about a Sabbath for Technical People? 2011-08-31T02:49:15+00:00 Christmas Planning? http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/14921 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/14921#When:10:32:06Z Late July, is it really that time of year? Is it time to dig in to your Christmas production planning? Christmas Planning? 2011-07-19T15:32:06+00:00 How Well Do You Learn From Your Successes and Failures? http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/14287 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/14287#When:22:13:15Z 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. How Well Do You Learn From Your Successes and Failures? 2011-05-17T03:13:15+00:00 Next Steps for the CTDRT http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/14286 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/14286#When:22:10:49Z 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.. Next Steps for the CTDRT 2011-05-17T03:10:49+00:00 Sharing Technically, Relationally and Spiritually at Gurus Chicago http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/13768 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/13768#When:18:17:18Z 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." Sharing Technically, Relationally and Spiritually at Gurus Chicago 2011-03-08T23:17:18+00:00 Are the relationships on your technical team based around the technical execution? http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/13423 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/13423#When:17:26:11Z 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? Are the relationships on your technical team based around the technical execution? 2011-02-01T22:26:11+00:00 #2 New Solutions for Churches Abound At Winter NAMM 2011 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/13366 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/13366#When:12:06:23Z 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. #2 New Solutions for Churches Abound At Winter NAMM 2011 2011-01-15T17:06:23+00:00 #5 New Solutions for Churches Abound At Winter NAMM 2011 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/13365 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/13365#When:03:01:06Z 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. #5 New Solutions for Churches Abound At Winter NAMM 2011 2011-01-15T08:01:06+00:00 #4 New Solutions for Churches Abound At Winter NAMM 2011 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/13364 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/13364#When:03:00:15Z 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. #4 New Solutions for Churches Abound At Winter NAMM 2011 2011-01-15T08:00:15+00:00 #1 New Solutions for Churches Abound At Winter NAMM 2011 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/13363 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/13363#When:02:55:16Z 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. #1 New Solutions for Churches Abound At Winter NAMM 2011 2011-01-15T07:55:16+00:00 #3 New Solutions for Churches Abound At Winter NAMM 2011 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/13362 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/13362#When:02:50:49Z 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. #3 New Solutions for Churches Abound At Winter NAMM 2011 2011-01-15T07:50:49+00:00 New Cymbal Design Could Revolutionize Sound Reinforcement http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/13342 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/13342#When:22:52:27Z 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. New Cymbal Design Could Revolutionize Sound Reinforcement 2011-01-13T03:52:27+00:00 The recurring theme from attendees and exhibitors at WFX Atlanta was a genuine focus on people. http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/13150 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/13150#When:11:56:53Z 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. The recurring theme from attendees and exhibitors at WFX Atlanta was a genuine focus on people. 2010-12-15T16:56:53+00:00 Several major late-breaking news stories as the October issue of Church Production went to print. http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/13149 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/13149#When:11:51:49Z 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. Several major late-breaking news stories as the October issue of Church Production went to print. 2010-12-15T16:51:49+00:00 This year’s Reader Survey you told us that you want more content on small- to medium-sized churche http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/12573 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/12573#When:14:49:57Z 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. This year’s Reader Survey you told us that you want more content on small- to medium-sized churche 2010-10-04T19:49:57+00:00 Equipment Planning and Purchasing, Gospel Stewardship and the Importance of Vision http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/12572 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/12572#When:14:44:32Z …the most important factor to remember is that gear remains gear. It’s people who count the most. Equipment Planning and Purchasing, Gospel Stewardship and the Importance of Vision 2010-10-04T19:44:32+00:00 Technical Volunteers Needed for Willow Conference in Germany http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/12115 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/12115#When:16:58:30Z "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. Technical Volunteers Needed for Willow Conference in Germany 2010-08-05T21:58:30+00:00 Loudspeakers from InfoComm http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/11887 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/11887#When:23:24:45Z Lots of great sounding loudspeakers could be seen and heard at InfoComm 2010. Loudspeakers from InfoComm 2010-07-10T04:24:45+00:00 Even More Images from InfoComm http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/11886 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/11886#When:23:10:45Z 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. Even More Images from InfoComm 2010-07-10T04:10:45+00:00 More Images from Church Production’s Experience at InfoComm 2010 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/11668 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/11668#When:16:07:55Z 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 More Images from Church Production’s Experience at InfoComm 2010 2010-06-12T21:07:55+00:00 Images from Church Production’s Experience at InfoComm 2010 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/11634 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/11634#When:12:14:05Z Products galore for houses of worship were introduced at this InfoComm 2010. Here are just a few... Images from Church Production’s Experience at InfoComm 2010 2010-06-12T17:14:05+00:00 Is Your Church Sound System Performing As Intended? http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/11260 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/11260#When:11:36:53Z 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. Is Your Church Sound System Performing As Intended? 2010-05-04T16:36:53+00:00 Saving Money By Going To NAB, InfoComm, LDI, and of course, WFX… http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/11259 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/11259#When:11:25:09Z 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. Saving Money By Going To NAB, InfoComm, LDI, and of course, WFX… 2010-05-04T16:25:09+00:00 Phil Cooke on Video Production for Easter Pageants http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/10864 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/10864#When:09:15:20Z "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 Phil Cooke on Video Production for Easter Pageants 2010-03-26T14:15:20+00:00 Does your senior pastor make your job easier or harder? http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/10854 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/10854#When:13:19:35Z 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? Does your senior pastor make your job easier or harder? 2010-03-23T18:19:35+00:00 Does the FCC Know Churches Exist? http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/10628 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/10628#When:10:02:52Z The extent to which churches rely on wireless communications (microphones, monitors, inter-coms etc) is something FCC administrators in Washington may not completely grasp. Does the FCC Know Churches Exist? 2010-02-15T15:02:52+00:00 The most amazing photo from Super Bowl 44 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/10601 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/10601#When:23:12:30Z Congratulations to Drew Brees, Sean Payton and the Saints Nation. The most amazing photo from Super Bowl 44 2010-02-08T04:12:30+00:00 Day 2 and 3, and Final Wrap-up from Germany http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/10436 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/10436#When:11:59:09Z 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. Day 2 and 3, and Final Wrap-up from Germany 2010-01-30T16:59:09+00:00 Live from Germany Day 1, Willow Creek’s Global Leadership Summit http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/10434 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/10434#When:12:36:23Z 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. Live from Germany Day 1, Willow Creek’s Global Leadership Summit 2010-01-29T17:36:23+00:00 Live from Germany, Willow Creek’s Global Leadership Summit http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/10432 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/10432#When:11:47:50Z 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... Live from Germany, Willow Creek’s Global Leadership Summit 2010-01-28T16:47:50+00:00 NAMM Wrap-up http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/10365 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/10365#When:13:02:26Z 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. NAMM Wrap-up 2010-01-18T18:02:26+00:00 The Economy Is So Bad….. http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/10227 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/10227#When:12:35:36Z A bit of levity about the current economic straits..... The Economy Is So Bad….. 2010-01-08T17:35:36+00:00 Winter NAMM 2010 Presents First Ever “Night of Worship” http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/10224 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/10224#When:11:07:13Z 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. Winter NAMM 2010 Presents First Ever “Night of Worship” 2010-01-06T16:07:13+00:00 Simplicity With Excellence http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/9885 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/9885#When:10:15:54Z 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. Simplicity With Excellence 2009-11-11T15:15:54+00:00 Bridging the “Technical Divide” Between Senior Ministry Leaders and Technical Personnel http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/9319 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/9319#When:15:22:09Z 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? Bridging the “Technical Divide” Between Senior Ministry Leaders and Technical Personnel 2009-09-14T20:22:09+00:00 The Maturing A/V Sector of the House-of-Worship Market: Good News for Churches and TD’s http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/9093 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/9093#When:13:03:40Z Conferences, seminars, a tradeshow, and other educational opportunities abound. What does it mean for church technical directors? The Maturing A/V Sector of the House-of-Worship Market: Good News for Churches and TD’s 2009-08-12T18:03:40+00:00 “Scarcity Brings Clarity” to WFX, Willow Arts and InfoComm http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/8654 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/8654#When:22:21:45Z 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 “Scarcity Brings Clarity” to WFX, Willow Arts and InfoComm 2009-06-23T03:21:45+00:00 Godly Humor 3 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/7780 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/7780#When:10:17:14Z even more good stuff from reverendfun.com Godly Humor 3 2009-03-26T15:17:14+00:00 Godly Humor 2 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/7779 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/7779#When:10:13:35Z more good stuff from reverendfun.com Godly Humor 2 2009-03-26T15:13:35+00:00 Godly Humor http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/7778 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/7778#When:10:03:14Z Great stuff from reverendfun.com Godly Humor 2009-03-26T15:03:14+00:00 The Creative Destruction of Christianity http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/7552 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/7552#When:13:42:42Z These interesting’ economic times are not an anomaly, but a natural evolution of capitalism. So why not the same for religion? The Creative Destruction of Christianity 2009-02-19T18:42:42+00:00 Christian Filmmaking Project Aims to Influence Culture http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/7538 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/7538#When:22:34:33Z World-class, Biblically based film content is being produced at the 168 Hour Film Project Christian Filmmaking Project Aims to Influence Culture 2009-02-13T03:34:33+00:00 Religious Buildings Top Construction Forecasts for 2010 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/7481 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/7481#When:10:21:20Z American Institute of Architects (AIA) data shows worship market to outpace all other segments Religious Buildings Top Construction Forecasts for 2010 2009-02-09T15:21:20+00:00 Coolest Thumb Drive Ever http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/7434 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/7434#When:23:31:29Z Style trumps capacity as the market matures Coolest Thumb Drive Ever 2009-02-04T04:31:29+00:00 Innovation3 Gathering http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/7323 http://www.churchproduction.com/go.php/blog_entry/7323#When:00:32:57Z 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 Innovation3 Gathering 2009-01-29T05:32:57+00:00