One of the fastest developing areas of ministry in the 21st century is the world of digital video and filmmaking. Unfortunately though, the evolving nature of media creation can often lead to a disconnect between executive leaders and the artists who create the content.
This disconnect can lead to frustration for church filmmakers and producers when their vision of what could be runs headlong into the reality of what currently is. Deficits of financial resources, gear shortcomings, staffing limitations, programming scarcity, and creative limitations can take a toll on the enthusiasm and engagement of film teams over time.
What are some of the best ways filmmakers can bridge that gap and get executive leadership onboard with new creative directions and initiatives? Here are some strategies.
Speaking the language
The first and most important step in freeing up resources for a film team’s ministry begins with the producer’s ability to see their ministry through the eyes of their executive leader. Whether that person is the senior pastor, executive director, creative pastor, or whomever is taking ultimate responsibility for the success or failure of the ministry, it’s crucial that a technical leader is willing and able to understand where their executive is coming from and what motivates them.
It helps to remember that [executive leaders] are continually presented with more ideas, initiatives, and needs than they can possibly say yes to, and it’s their role to balance the needs of every ministry in your church, all of which are important.
It’s often tempting to see the person who says "yes" and "no" to our requests as the gatekeeper, rather than a ministry partner who’s equally dedicated to the success of the church and is simply executing on the role they’ve been asked to play. It helps to remember that these individuals are continually presented with more ideas, initiatives, and needs than they can possibly say yes to, and it’s their role to balance the needs of every ministry in your church, all of which are important.
Another important consideration to keep in mind is what kind of season the church is currently in, and to think about this before making any requests for additional resources. There are often seasons when things are going well financially for a church, and it’s easier for executives to explore new opportunities. Other seasons call for everyone to keep their heads down and work hard through difficult times. Good tech leaders will recognize the season their church is in before making a big ask.
Good tech leaders will recognize the season their church is in before making a big ask.
Developing the deliverables
The next step in getting executive leadership onboard with new projects, gear, or staffing requests is to ensure that you, as a film team leader, are clear on exactly what you’re asking for and why. What’s the problem you’re needing to address? What is the solution you’ve identified? How will this solution solve the need? Keep in mind that a simple “more” is not a reasonable request.
Once you’re clear on what you’re asking for, make sure you’re able to articulate how your request will enhance the impact and effectiveness of the church. How will it multiply the resources of the ministry?
Once you’re clear on what you’re asking for, make sure you’re able to articulate how your request will enhance the impact and effectiveness of the church.
Keep in mind that nothing on earth communicates return on investment more effectively than video stories of impact. Nothing generates excitement in people outside your community for an upcoming outreach event like a solid promo video. These kinds of projects can have a direct impact on a congregation’s enthusiasm for tithing and giving, which is the type of impact that will help executive leaders feel more inclined to take your requests seriously.
Making the ask
Once you’re confident that you’re on the same page as your pastor or executive leader and you’re clear about what you’re asking for and why, it’s time to make the big ask. Set up a dedicated time with your executive and ensure that you value their time by coming to the meeting as well prepared as possible.
Be mentally and emotionally prepared for push-back, and keep in mind that part of a good executive leader’s job is to stress-test ideas to make sure they hold up.
Once you’re in the meeting, illustrate the problem, share your solution, and show the anticipated return on investment. Reinforcing your request with examples of how what you want to do is effectively happening at other churches will go a long way towards convincing your exec that you know what you want, and that it’s something worth wanting.
Be mentally and emotionally prepared for push-back, and keep in mind that part of a good executive leader’s job is to stress-test ideas to make sure they hold up. Set realistic expectation timeframes for fulfilling the ask you’re making, and keep in mind that the bigger the ask, the longer it will take to get the ‘yes’ you’re looking for. A great strategy is to, if possible, find a way for the resources you’re requesting to be delivered in stages in order to spread out the costs over time.
Building trust
Finally, remember that executive leaders will have a much easier time investing in ministry leaders who’ve shown themselves and their ministries to be good long-term investments. For instance, it may be unreasonable to ask for an entirely new camera rig after only being on staff for three months.
Show a willingness to invest sweat equity in building the best ministry you can with the resources you currently have.
Some great steps to build trust include maximizing the impact and effectiveness of your current assignments and going above and beyond in your current collaborations. Show a willingness to invest sweat equity in building the best ministry you can with the resources you currently have. And finally, demonstrate a pattern of faithfully executing on your current assignments, which will move the heart of an executive and oftentimes move the head to follow.
In conclusion
Ultimately, the key to getting your executive leaders on board starts with keeping your eyes on the mission of your ministry and taking a long-term view. Filmmaking is an extraordinarily powerful tool for fulfilling that vision, but making those films isn’t in and of itself the mission. Lives changed through the power of Christ is what it’s all about.
With that said, sometimes all of the wise leadership, communication, and collaboration in the world won’t convince your leadership to value video more highly, and that can be frustrating. If you’re at a church like that, just stay faithful to the work God’s called you to--and be patient for Him to reveal the next season of your ministry in the right time. Then in the meantime, simply stay faithful in what you’re doing, make the best ask you can, and celebrate the wins together with your executives as you move into the future.
