Review Notes

Essential components for simple tapings include:

-Camera

-Tripod

-SD cards

-Computer and Editing Software

-Light Kit

-External Mic

-optional accessories include: Extra lenses, green screen, external hard drive

-Advertising is the practice of calling ones attention to a particular product, service, or need.

-Effective Advertising requires 

Consistency 

Matching Brand Message

The 3 month rule allows adequate time for the advertising to be heard/seen and audience familiarity.

Advertising for churches in no different in the essential principles.

Your Brand is your organization's story.

For any campaign to be successful it must have 1 Cost Justification, 2 Be distinctive, 3 "Tell me what you want me to know" message, 4 Ask the audience to take a step. (Call, visit, go online)

"Marketing is the management of perception".

One of the top forgotten steps by organizations is to Track the results.

We don't try to reach an audience, we determine who our audience is and we go reach them where they listen/watch, etc.

Static media such as billboards has become less effective in recent years with the advancement of digital advertising 

Media is the language of our culture

Using Video/Media for services

1. Brief and to the point is best.
2. Quality matters (both audio and video).
3. Don’t rely only on the video (things go wrong).
4. Just because you want a video to supplement doesn’t mean you should have one.
5. Video should never replace a sound sermon.
6. Be engaging not distracting.

Be consistent 
Look beyond you
Creative teaching is not about the latest technology.
It’s about clearly communicating in the right language for the culture.

Relationships matter

What makes your product, class, etc. something that the consumer values.
It’s the experience that matters for consumers.

Perceived value is VERY important.
Consumers don’t always understand the relevance of the church, because the value is perceived as low. 

Tell YOUR STORY!
Nothing relates the message of the Gospel better than personal stories. The Bible is full of such examples.
“A generation ago the question was, “What is truth?” Today, the question is, “What’s the point?” -Billy Graham
Relating to the community on a level that matters to them is paramount to reaching a generation that is increasingly disinterested in all things church related.

When NOT to change

Another question

If it's not broken, should it be broken anyway? I heard a very influential leader state that his organization does this every 2-3 years. Which meant even changing staff and eliminating programs. Not because they didn't work, but to avoid stagnation.

At first blush I contend that seems harsh because people depend on their job and providing for their families just to have things changed on them fairly regularly.

But I thought this. If that's the pattern when is it ok NOT to change? What's the deciding factor? Boredom? Fear of irrelevance? I think the question needs to be answered simply What is God's assignment for us? That is the test to apply to them ask about the need to change or not. 

How have you encountered the need to change programs etc or not to change with an organization or business?

Relics are for Museums

Have you ever known someone that everyone knew was afraid of change? I mean if didn't matter what it was, no matter how much money they'd save or more convenient their life could be by changing something, they would not change anything. Period.

And why is that? It could be many factors. Fear? Fear of being just stuck in a rut? Fearing a decision that might leave them commited to something or someone. So they stay stuck, thinking that it's other people and circumstances that require change or the need to evolve. 

So often this is the symptom present in a church or organization that is seemingly irrelevant, out of touch, or just plain behind the times.

Let me say I'm not referring to message or deeply held traditions. Logos and trendy imaging aside I'm talking about something much deeper. The very culture of the church or ministry.

If your organization dislikes change, it won't much like its relevance either. Relics are for museums

Not for the very communities that are to be beacons of hope.

So ok Dave what would you suggest?

I believe in asking questions to discover the truth. So ask this...

Why?

Yes why?

Why do we do this program, service, outreach, etc this way? 

Be careful. Because if the answer is

"That's just the way we've always done it" or "I'm just the facilitator not the one who makes the decisions"

Then you just might be on the road to irrelevance.

The second question and probably just as important as the first is:

What are we really trying to accomplish?

Is it reflecting Christ or people's own agenda? Is the goal about The Gospel?

Maybe it's ok to ask tough questions. 

Jesus did. 

In the coming weeks we'll ask more questions. Because change takes vision,  and an organization can't succeed if nobody knows where it's going.

 #ThinkDifferent #ChangeTakesVision

Social media preferences vary by race and ethnicity

Social media preferences vary by race and ethnicity

Re-post 5 Rules of Marketing Church Media

5 Rules of Marketing Church Media

As promised here are the 5 Rules of Marketing Church Media that I referred to in the class lecture:

     1. Research-
                 What can you get the most for your money in your situation and event promotion? You
                 won't know until you take the time to research all the pricing and possibilities.
                  Facebook ads? TV spots? Radio?

     2. Know your audience-
                 Learn the Demographics of your audience and where they get their news, info, and
                 entertainment. You waste money otherwise.

     3. Be redundant-
                 Repeat your message over and over in as many different ways possible.
                 People don't retain from the first couple of impressions alone.

    4. Be relevant-
                A message that is seemingly out of touch with your audience is a wasted one. Educate
                yourself to their likes and preferences. This means ask questions!

    5. Know your limits-
               Certainly your budget and time frame come into play here, but even more than that, what
               is it that God has called you to do specifically? Trying to be all things to all people all the
               time is not only impossible, it's ingenuous as well. Decide what's important and stick to it.

Now realize these aren't the end all rules. They are just some essential ones from my experience over the last 18 years or so. What's some that you would submit?

Class Notes 3-28-14

1. Brief and to the point is best.
2. Quality matters (both audio and video).
3. Don’t rely only on the video (things go wrong).
4. Just because you want a video to supplement doesn’t mean you should have one.
5. Video should never replace a sound sermon.
6. Be engaging not distracting.

Be consistent 
Look beyond you
Creative teaching is not about the latest technology.
It’s about clearly communicating in the right language for the culture.

Relationships matter

What makes your product, class, etc. something that the consumer values.
It’s the experience that matters for consumers.

Perceived value is VERY important.
Consumers don’t always understand the relevance of the church, because the value is perceived as low. 

Tell YOUR STORY!
Nothing relates the message of the Gospel better than personal stories. The Bible is full of such examples.
“A generation ago the question was, “What is truth?” Today, the question is, “What’s the point?” -Billy Graham
Relating to the community on a level that matters to them is paramount to reaching a generation that is increasingly disinterested in all things church related.

"First World Problems" or "First World Solutions"?

I'm always intrigued by the conversations my wife and I get into especially on date nights. Recently she was sharing with me how she had been thinking a lot about the hashtag we see a lot "First World Problems". She's an elementary teacher and in dealing with kids you hear quite a bit of situations that fit that.

She shared how she taught a Bible lesson recently about thankfulness and how that relates to us here in the developed world.

We do take much for granted. And we mostly know this. If you've traveled outside the U.S. like I have you know just how good we have it here. Clean water, opportunity to labor and be paid a decent wage, freedom to worship and free speech... All examples of how blessed we are here in the "First World".

So the discussion led to this thought. What are we doing within our First World for others? And I pose the question to my own self too.

Maybe it's just being friendly to the barista at your favorite coffee shop. Or being mindful and sensitive that God might lead you to help someone you're not even aware of is in need?

You need not be "in" ministry to be a minister.

I think it's easy to "mock" the hashtag here, but instead let's use it as a reminder for action. A reminder to "do" more then just "say".

Showing God's love and grace to our community. Being God's hands and feet in the daily world we navigate in.

THAT is how we create a different world.

Today make a point to do something positive in our first world. Pay it forward or whatever you'd like to label it.

Be a small part of what could be a big miracle for somebody else.

#FirstWorldSolutions

D

Media Ministry Resources

Great resources for Media Ministry-
Check out just some of the resources that I have come across.

Books
"Media Ministry Made Easy" by Tim Eason ebook download
http://www.scribd.com/doc/19821358/Media-Ministry-Made-Easy

"The Wired Church" by Len Wilson
"Branding Faith" by Phil Cooke

Websites
http://www.worshiphousemedia.com
http://www.ignitermedia.com
http://www.videoblocks.com
http://steelehouse.com
http://www.sermonspice.com

5 Rules of Marketing Church Media

As promised here are the 5 Rules of Marketing Church Media that I referred to in the class lecture:

     1. Research-
                 What can you get the most for your money in your situation and event promotion? You
                 won't know until you take the time to research all the pricing and possibilities.
                  Facebook ads? TV spots? Radio?

     2. Know your audience-
                 Learn the Demographics of your audience and where they get their news, info, and
                 entertainment. You waste money otherwise.

     3. Be redundant-
                 Repeat your message over and over in as many different ways possible.
                 People don't retain from the first couple of impressions alone.

    4. Be relevant-
                A message that is seemingly out of touch with your audience is a wasted one. Educate
                yourself to their likes and preferences. This means ask questions!

    5. Know your limits-
               Certainly your budget and time frame come into play here, but even more than that, what
               is it that God has called you to do specifically? Trying to be all things to all people all the
               time is not only impossible, it's ingenuous as well. Decide what's important and stick to it.

Now realize these aren't the end all rules. They are just some essential ones from my experience over the last 18 years or so. What's some that you would submit?

Lecture Notes

To everyone taking any of my 3 classes... I will be posting lecture notes weekly during the term. Check back here the end of this week for the first ones.

Keep Dreaming

The journey has much to sway us and thrill us. I recently found myself deep musing at my favorite coffee shop. I was fiercely studying for a class I teach each Spring on the Pauline letters 1st and 2nd Corinthians. Now I'm not a scholar. In fact I remind the students that at the beginning of the term. I always tell them "I'm on this journey just like you. Growing in knowledge of the awesomeness of God's word".
And that thought got me to thinking about the "journey" statement.
Deep thinking.
I'm startled sometimes by this journey.
We all have our dreams. But what stops us from dreaming about the journey forward? Yep, I think it's actually the journey itself that does. We lose hope because the disappointments are too disappointing. Or the hurt feels to deep. Something or someone causes us to sit back and say "that was the last straw!" I can't bother hoping or dreaming... It's too painful.
But actually friend its ALL a part of the greatness, of the journey. And what God is actually up to.
A mentor of mine recently told me "you can't power thru like you did when you were in your twenties Dave, God is trying to get you to focus on what HE wants to do thru you right now".
God is up to something? Yep and He uses the snares from the enemy, the hopeless feelings, probably even more then the great victories.

So back to the coffee shop...
I asked myself "what dream have I forgotten or shelved because of the noise of life?" I felt a lump in my throat because I quickly remembered things that I need to dream about again.
The journey IS hard. It wears on us when we suffer a setback or things don't go like WE planned. But, that is exactly a part of God's path being laid before our feet.
IF we are chasing His will and focusing not on the messes, but the message we need to hear in them.
If our hearts truly are humble for God's leading then we are on the road towards the dreams He set in our hearts.
The enemy of our souls is warring against God for tomorrow. God is only bringing the good for our hearts. So be encouraged. He is for us not against us. Our dreams may seem impossible now. But today we choose to hope and have faith. God is up to something.
And it's His love that's the motivation.

Entitlement epidemic

I can remember at no other point in my life where so many people around me have such an attitude of entitlement.
My Gen X has told Gen Y "it's all about getting stuff". Doesn't matter to work hard and put in the time, and sweat, and effort. No I want someone else to give me what I want.
Reminds me that as a father and leader I must practice humility, grace, and show the work ethic I want picked up by children and by others.
It's never all about us. That's the subtle lie from the enemy. It's about Jesus. Being His hands and feet.
The minute we give into the "I want what I want now" attitude it starts trickling down into the behavior of our kids and corrupts an entire generation.
We have to become the difference maker here. Or we will lose the battle.
It's up to us to teach by example and by precept. Christ already showed us how. Love others, show mercy, walk fully with our God.
He is with us.

Class Notes Repost: 10-29-12

...here are my main points from the lecture:

Regarding using video in your sermons.

1. Brief and to the point is best.
2. Quality matters (both audio and video).
3. Don’t rely only on the video (things go wrong).
4. Just because you want a video to supplement doesn’t mean you should have one.
5. Video should never replace a sound sermon.
6. Be engaging not distracting.

Be consistent 
Look beyond you
Creative teaching is not about the latest technology.
It’s about clearly communicating in the right language for the culture.

Relationships matter

What makes your product, class, etc. something that the consumer values.
It’s the experience that matters for consumers.

 
Perceived value is VERY important.
Consumers don’t always understand the relevance of the church, because the value is perceived as low. 

Tell YOUR STORY!
Nothing relates the message of the Gospel better than personal stories. The Bible is full of such examples.
“A generation ago the question was, “What is truth?” Today, the question is, “What’s the point?” -Billy Graham
Relating to the community on a level that matters to them is paramount to reaching a generation that is increasingly disinterested in all things church related.

I'm seriously working on a new and improved blog update ...look for it later this week my friends.

-D

Book Review: Living Life in the Zone

Totally geared towards the man who has an interest in sports, this devotional scores big as a great spiritual tool. Simple concepts on marriage, fathering, and more, Living Life in the Zone is a definite winner and I recommend this for a daily devo for men who want to grow in their walk with God.

Thinking Greater

What does it mean to think greater? I'm currently reading the new advance release of Steven Furtick's forthcoming book "Greater". The amazing thing about God is I have been struggling with the thoughts of what does God have in store for me and my life, family, ministry....that is greater?
I'm in the middle of reading and can only tell you that God is speaking to me on two things already.
Expectation and anticipation. What am I anticipating from God of how He wants me to see the dreams He has for me? What is my expectation level for it? Am I paying attention?
I will be blogging over the next few weeks specifically about the new release ....stay tuned my friends.

D

Time to slow down?

What exactly is going on with our society here in the US? I know that's a big question. But seriously I refer to this incredible "fill your schedule to breaking and act like you are accomplishing anything" mentality. In fact all we do is fool ourselves into thinking that we have any effectiveness. I realize that we are to do everything as unto the Lord. But, I'm not referring to your commitment level. Not at all. This isn't about hard work for your employer or volunteering for your favorite charity or church. I mean our mind set.
It's a pretty empowering thing when you feel like you make a difference in this world. And not refocusing on what's really important is part of the problem when we falter in this.
Slow down ...what is really important that you are missing out on? Your time with your kids ...dads??
What about time spent with God ...seeking His direction?
Make a list. What's really important? What isn't?
 If you write it down you might be surprised what you need to let go of. Ask God to show you ...He after all knows better than we do now doesn't He?

A New Beginning ...

Seems that no matter what we go through we learn don't we? It's no secret that I've walked a path of triumph and loss. It's through this that we develop the strength to get back up. I'm not invinsible nor easily defeated. I'm also not arrogant to think that I can't learn and move into the next step God has for me.
Life, it's made up of seasons or chapters really. Each can be horrific or magnificent. Life giving or disastrous. It's what makes up the human condition. It's what makes us who we are. I'm a dad, a son, a friend, and with God's help, a good man. Oh and as you can see lil bit of a romantic.
My close friends and family know the path I've walked. None of it a cakewalk.
Well, pages turn and a new chapter is beginning. Ms. Heather who is such a light in a dark world ...and my second chance, said yes ...
Yes... when I asked her to become my wife. This journey and adventure is just beginning! I love you Heather. I'm honored and blessed. God's faithfulness and grace is overwhelming.

I don't deserve His unmerited favor ...no one does. But, I'm truly thankful and pray that my children see in me determination and an unflinching grasp of "always hope".

Christmas, and why I'm so darn sentimental

I realized this week just how much I love Christmas. I was singing out loud in my truck carols. Really?
Yep I love Christmas. I love the smells, music, decorations....all of it.
But, most of all I love when I see my kids excited about all that too. Seems we too often as adults lose the magic. Caught up in all the gift buying and worrying about the money.
So how about this? Take a minute and remember what you felt as a kid about Christmas....just pause and take a breath. I want my kids to know that the spirit behind the giving is remembering what God did for us many centuries ago.
It's easy to lose sight of the purpose, what with all the "war on Christmas" rhetoric.
After the deep breath determine a new memory to make this year with your family. It's what they remember long after the toys are old news anyway.