A first glance at Nathan Vogel’s role and work at Crossroads might look like any other tech director’s—using technology to further the message, including live streaming to reach more people for Christ. But a closer examination reveals a somewhat different twist to Crossroad’s media approach. CPM sat down with Vogel to learn the details.
CPM: Crossroads’ stated main mission is connection to God and to other people. What does that look like at the most basic level at Crossroads?
Vogel: Our media ministry plays a big role in how that looks in a very tech-oriented culture. I came to Crossroads in early 2011with the goal of taking the media ministry to the next level and to continue to pursue growth and excellence. I assume [that] like most tech ministries we strive to use technology as a tool to share the Gospel.
CPM: Now tell us where Crossroads’ approach, and by extension, yours, may differ from other churches’.
Vogel: If I had to pick something potentially unique about our use of technology at Crossroads, one thing might be our focused use of technology. As an example, Crossroads has a targeted emphasis on discipleship and regular attendance, so when we think of our live streaming options we’re not thinking in terms of growing an online campus. We’re thinking in terms of meeting the online needs of our regular attenders and keeping them connected to the local church.
CPM: To keep and grow local disciples first and foremost, what technology do you find invaluable? And what process do you use to choose the right tech tools?
Vogel: What is [really] special about the technology we rely on is that we’ve made it our own. Meaning, in the past we relied too heavily on outside recommendations, assuming the experience [of others] would translate into meeting our needs. This method often left us frustrated and unsatisfied with our purchases. When we started to develop direct relationships with manufacturers and request demos of products so we could put them through real-world scenarios that matched our needs, our long-term satisfaction with our purchases increased dramatically.
A great example of this was a few years back, [when] we were looking to upgrade the cameras in our main room. We brought in four camera manufacturers to demo. Because of a good relationship we had developed with our local Fujinon rep, we were able to get a great assortment of different lenses and rear lens control options for each camera demo and make an informed decision on cameras, lens options and rear controls. I think often because we’re busy we can sometimes let an outside source be the only means of information on a product and, in general, I find that is a recipe for regret. It may be basic, but if you want your technology to be special to your ministry, you must take the time to see it in action in your specific application.
