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