Multimedia Use in Church

From football to the olympics,
from home and garden to cooking how-to’s,
from movies to shopping from home,
from concerts to catastrophes, and
from news, weather and sports, to nothing-much-on channel surfing,

It’s a given. Video images, complete with sound, are part of our daily lives.

We watch the news, then catch streaming weather, traffic and sports information on our way out the door. We check in again from our cell-phones when we’re away. “What’s it doing now? Let me see.”

We laugh at coffee-breaks when we tell about a favorite commercial we’ve seen. We talk about the movies we’ve seen and compare perspectives or share best moments.

At work, teams study images on screens, an agenda, spreadsheet or PowerPoint image, in lieu of (or in addition to) printed copies for everyone. After the meeting, presentations and notes can be emailed to all, even those who missed the meeting.

Screens and thumbs work together, pushing a skill and chance to a favorite video game’s limits — to the very edge, without tripping the dreaded “GAME OVER” screen.

Toddlers watch small-screen images from their car seats while Mom totes older siblings to and from soccer and baseball — and school.

I remember a when our family visited Cornerstone University several years ago, prior to our son enrolling there. Part of our orientation included visiting an Introduction to Philosophy lecture. The professor’s notes were projected from overhead to the screen behind him. His class  had his outline, having downloaded his notes to their notebooks from the campus blackboard.  Mid-lecture, a student in front of me jumped to the internet (the campus is Wi-Fi) to learn more about someone the professor mentioned in answer to a question. In 30-seconds or so he found a short bio  and photograph. I watched as he silently copied and pasted it into his notes, closed his browser and turned his focus back to the lectern. I was impressed. I would have scribbled a note: “Find out more about so and so.” Today’s technology puts the world at our fingertips.

And it’s coming to a church near you – maybe yours. When tastefully and skillfully utilized, projected images bring life to content and setting. When done poorly – well you’ve been there a time or two, so have I.

Is multimedia something you should consider?  Done well, technology can add significantly to your church’s ministry! Done poorly… well, never-mind. You don’t want to do it poorly.

With computer and projector available at church, here’s some of what you can do!

• Sermon notes, maps and illustrations
• Scripture for public reading, or to follow along in the message
• Video clips or pictures from youth trips and camps
• Missionary updates from those you support, short term mission trip updates and report-backs
• Congratulations moments for weddings, baby dedications, confirmations, graduations, significant anniversaries
• Appreciation events for ministries and people in your local fellowship, parish, congregation.
• Announcements about church activities (often presented in a scrolling loop before services)
• Enjoy pictures of recent church events.
• Video clips to illustrate a point
• Images or scenes with Scripture for silent prayer or meditation at quiet moments in the service.
• Seasonal backgrounds for special days of the year
• Photographs by people in your congregation as backgrounds (These are some of my favorites)
• I-Mag (image magnification) in larger venues or to broadcast via close-circuit TV to overflow venues, can see your speaker’s face better
• Teacher’s main points in the classroom
• Lyrics projected for group singing, using different styles and techniques for different age-groups
• Pop-quiz or quick review at end of class
• Maps and illustrations in Christian Education
• Step by step instructions in training
• How-to and How-NOT-to examples (ex: teaching methods, evangelism, counseling)
• Spreadsheets for budgeting, reporting, planning – entire committee can see changes and updates, along with their results
• Time-use and charting for planning purposes
• Humorous clips and photos for ministry team, staff and volunteer morale
• Seasonal and patriotic productions or emphases.

….Get the idea? If it’s more than you think you’ll ever need, start with what you know you CAN do and you can grow from there.

Choose your equipment carefully so it matches the characteristics of your room — or rooms if yours will be a portable unit — and make sure you don’t cut corners.  (You’ll regret it later).

Encourage your multimedia team to always share what they’ve just learned with others on the team.  Those who already know it can celebrate that another has grasped a new technique, those who haven’t caught that technique will be encouraged to keep learning and growing. There’s nothing worse than feeling alone when you’re new at something, especially with the entire congregation looking on! But there’s quiet confidence in knowing you’ve been trained and are doing this right.

It’s a great adventure – enjoy!

Phil —

God – A Prolific Artist.

Here in Nebraska I’ve found I can see the morning’s sunrise from the sofa in the front room when I have my quiet time. The variety of God’s creation amazes me:  with clouds / without clouds.  vibrant colors  / subtle hues.   long previews / rapid sunrises.

The other morning I found myself wondering “How many sunrises do you suppose God has painted?  I mean, each one’s different from the next . . .

I picked up my little calculator on a whim.   365 days per year times 10,000 years  (2,000 years since Christ, maybe 8,000  years before) – that’s 3,650,000 sunrises, for what is now the corner we live on; our latitude and longtitude.  Hmmm…

There are 360 degrees east to west; that’s 1,314,000,000 but the last two zeros are missing on my screen, There’s an “E” in the corner where they should go.  I’ve overshot its capability.

and 360 degrees vertically too…

473,040,000,000  – and that’s just sunrises. Moments in the day when guys like me notice His pallete and His skill and think “how beautiful”.

There’s no denying it.  God is a prolific artist. What’s more, His love is boundless. He loves mankind. He sent His Son – His ONLY Son – to die for us so we could have life abundantly.  He rose from the dead to demonstrate once for all, He’s qualified to offer life to all who will place their faith in Him.

We sang “Indescribable” in church yesterday.  I teared up a little.  I always do, it seems.  “You are amazing, God!”

Worship Leader’s Prayer

I read a brief prayer again this morning  and my heart said “Amen”

Lord let us not become singers of trite songs, let us proclaim with powerful verse your holiness.

Let us not be speakers of cavalier words, let us declare your glory with every breath.

It’ the conclusion of a post by one of my favorite critical thinkers
(does it count that he’s also my son?) 

Read the full post and see if your heart doesn’t agree with his prayer – and say “Amen”.

I Love Optimism, Don’t You?

Today was a great day.

I got a lot done, much of which wasn’t on my list for today, but oh-well!

Today started bright and early with coffee at 7AM for an  idea and planning session with Brandon, a young, devoted husband and dad in our church who’s headed for full-time ministry. We met to discuss the best approach for making Love and Respect available at Calvary early next year.  An hour and a half later when we each headed into our day we were both optimistic about the best ideas we had on the table, and eager to talk through them with our wives.

I loved Brandon’s optimism this morning.  Real, but optimistic. Hopeful. Thinking outside our own four walls.  Another possibility thinker.  Our conclusion:  Why do we need to limit this?  Let’s position the study where the most can benefit from it …and let’s do things with excellence.

When I got to the church, I learned that the kids in the cast for the program I wrote last week liked it when they read through it yesterday, and smiled or laughed at the right places. They had trouble with some of my grown-up words, though; I wrote a little over their heads here and there. No-problem, we’ll re-write wherever we need to so it makes sense and is easy to present.

The ladies who’ll be decorating for Christmas this year stopped by and before we knew it we were walking around out in the foyer picturing how things might look – and work – through December.  More possibility thinking; not a “we-could-never” in the whole conversation.  A while after they left one of them called and said “We’re still talking and planning.  Can you and Brenda join us for lunch?”   Like I’m going to turn that down.  Absolutely!

Over the weekend I’d proposed a solution to one of our crowded classrooms, that of switching to seminar tables instead of the 30-inch deep tables we’re using now.  This morning Gary and I reviewed it briefly and he said  “we’ve talked about that before but we’ve just not gathered the info and found the best price.  Round up some numbers, let’s do it.”

Last week I took a chance and asked Adrian, a member of our church, and one of the busiest young men in our congregation, if he could maybe help us with a little surprise I have in mind for early December.  He was in town this morning and stopped in at the office. We spent half an hour talking through the idea I have.  He’s going to help.  He could have said “I really don’t have the time” and I’d have believed him, no problem, but he’s in.  And the result is going to be fun. A neat little something.  (I’d tell you more, but I could ruin the surprise for our locals. You’ll have to wait.)

In looking for a solution to a video “hurdle” we’d need to overcome in getting ready for our children’s Christmas program, we learned from our church treasurer that there’s money available to solve that problem, and it won’t impact the budget.   When was the last time you heard a church treasurer say “Here’s money you could use for that” ?    Doesn’t happen every day, believe me 

I love optimism.  Don’t you?
I looked up and saw it smiling at me several times today.

Tonight as I wrap up the day and thank the Lord for all He’s doing, I’m asking myself,  “Am I consistently encouraging optimism? Realistically?  With faith in motion?”    I hope so.

How’re you doing?   Something to think about.

Sunday Morning and a Psalm on My Mind…

I’m thinking about the opening lines of Psalm 40 this morning:

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
[2] He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
[3] He has given me a new song to sing,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see what he has done and be astounded.
They will put their trust in the Lord.
[4] Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord…

…looking forward to a great day with God’s people in His house.  My heart is full and overflowing with gratitude this morning.

The Key is in Your Pocket

Do you want your life to be one people remember in a positive light?

Do you hope people remember you as one who looked at what might be with hope and optimism?

Would you like to see what God is doing around you and say to a friend “Look what GoD just did!”  and thank Him for it?

Would you like your ministry to be more than you could ever accomplish on your own?

Would you like to see God’s influence and provision in abundance? More than you dared to imagine at first, but here it is?

Do you like the idea of knowing where to send the credit when people compliment you on a job well done (even though it really wasn’t all you)?

Would you like to see money, time and skill go further than you thought were possible?

You hold the key.  It’s in your pocket:

Regard prayer as your first resource.
Ask. Seek. Knock.
It’s that simple.

Lift the key out of your pocket and put it to use.
God intended for us to use it.

Selah —  think about it.

Titus: September “Community Devotional”

Titus

Paul, a bond-servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, [2] in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, [3] but at the proper time manifested, even His word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior; [4] to Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

[5] For this reason I left you in Crete, that you might set in order what remains, and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, [6] namely, if any man be above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. [7] For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, [8] but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, [9] holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, that he may be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.

[10] For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, [11] who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach, for the sake of sordid gain. [12] One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” [13] This testimony is true. For this cause reprove them severely that they may be sound in the faith, [14] not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. [15] To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled. [16] They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient, and worthless for any good deed.

Ch. 2

[2:1] But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. [2] Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. [3] Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips, nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, [4] that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, [5] to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be dishonored. [6] Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; [7] in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, [8] sound in speech which is beyond reproach, in order that the opponent may be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. [9] Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, [10] not pilfering, but showing all good faith that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect. [11] For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, [12] instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, [13] looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus; [14] who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

[15] These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

Ch. 3

[3:1] Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, [2] to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. [3] For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. [4] But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, [5] He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, [6] whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, [7] that being justified by His grace we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. [8] This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. [9] But shun foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law; for they are unprofitable and worthless. [10] Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, [11] knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.

[12] When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. [13] Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them. [14] And let our people also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, that they may not be unfruitful.

[15] All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all.

An Invitation –

We’ve done this on occasion here on Vibrance, with Philippians and the Proverbs -  it’s time to give it another go.  The idea came to me in church today.

We’ve been thinking about the fruit of the Spirit this summer at Spring Creek Church, and today Pastor Chip concluded the series, talking about self-control.  When he took us to Titus to further explain and describe the concept, I thought to myself,  “It’s been a long time since I camped out in Titus for any length of time; it’s such a short and a quick read, I don’t usually explore it like I could.“   A moment later I made a note to myself – I should invite the regulars at Vibrance to read-in and share their observations here too.

So here’s your invitation.    It’s very simple, actually.

1. The next post will include the text from Paul’s letter to Titus  (I like the NASB, so that’ll be the version posted).  You can print it out and take it with you to work or school if you’d like.
2. Read it once a day, through the month of September.  Remember to ask the Lord to point out something each time you read it.   It may be something new each day, or He may impress something on you for a few days in a row – His call.
3. Make notes, and share them with us here.

Others will read-in, be encouraged and share what they’re gleaning from Titus.

Enjoy -
Connect -
Grow -

No Splash. None.

I respect and admire athletes who can dive.  The strength. The grace. The supreme concentration. The split-second execution after endless training, nearly perfect.

And no splash.

Maybe one of the reasons I admire these athletes so much is that their skills are so far beyond mine, admiration is all I can come up with.  In junior-high I tried for six weeks straight to get the hang of a simple front hand-spring — sans water.  It never happened.

So to see an athlete leave the high-dive, execute with grace and strength on the way down, then slip into the water without so much as a splash leaves me speechless.

I respect the skill and finesse of athletes who can do this:

This week finds me focusing my energy and attention on the ministry that begins soon in my role in western Nebraska.   It looks like the start is going to be more like a 10-meter high-dive than a wary toddler wading into the surf.

God has done SO much in setting things up, some of which has happened fast. This almost feels like a Reverse 2.5 – in my mind anyway.

Focus.

Remembering all I’ve learned.

Release.

Entry.

And no splash.

In a spiritual sense, no splash is a bit like John the Baptist’s perspective:
“He must increase, but I must decrease.  (John 3:30)

So I’m diving in.

We and our belongings will arrive mid-to-late week.  We’ll unload the truck, and Sunday morning I’m teaching a Sunday School class and leading worship.  My third Sunday I speak.   I really hope I just slip into the flow of things.

If someone mentions a few weeks after our arrival “It almost seems like you’ve always been here”, I’ll know God answered my prayer for —

No splash.  None.

Faith, Hope and Gratitude

Faith.  Hope.  Gratitude.

They travel together, these three, and riding with them can be a sweaty-palmed, white-knuckle ride!

-=-=-=-

Asking his girlfriend’s dad permission to marry his daughter was personally historic. Now to ask her face to face.  He carefully chose the best scenario that would make it easy for her to say yes, and be a great story to tell for years to come.  Today’s the day.  He believes she will say yes.  He’s confident she will.  But he’s a bundle of nerves.  Only after he hears her “Yes!” will he dare to relax.

“Thank you for saying yes” will be a recurring theme from that moment forward.

Faith, followed by hope, ending with gratitude.

-=-=-=-

In these challenging times when many are looking for work, we who look for employment find ourselves applying for everything we know we’d enjoy, and for jobs be believe we could do well if given the opportunity (even those not all that exciting).  We’re hopeful as we move through the interview process.  And when that future boss extends a hand and smiles “Welcome to the team,” we hear ourselves say two words before any others.

Thank you.

It’s Faith, Hope and Gratitude -

-=-=-=-

It’s been uphill and challenging.  Recovering from the pile up early in the race has taken every ounce of energy he can muster.  Skill, strategy and sheer determination have urged him through the other cyclists and he’s now ready to challenge the leader.  He pedals harder than he’s ever pedalled, silently begging his bike not to let him down.

Pushing the limits of strength and physics, “it’ll never happen” becomes reality.  The odds give way to victory!

TV cameras and reporter’s microphones ready, we’re not at all surprised to hear him say “I’m so thankful . . . “

Faith.  Hope.  Gratitude.

-=-=-=-

When you’re sitting in the waiting room longer than you expected, you pace.  You can’t help but pace.  It’s not that you’re worried,  it’s just that the energy and expectation won’t let you sit still.

The family looks up expectantly as the surgeon walks into the waiting room.  Everyone’s reading her eyes, her body language, searching for non-verbal confirmation that all is well as they wait for her to speak.

She smiles, “She’s doing fine, the blockages were more serious than the pictures showed on one artery, but we took care of them all, including that one.  She’s going to be fine. She’ll be in recovery for another hour and a half or two, then we’ll bring her back to her room.”  Then to her husband she smiles “You married a fighter, Sir.  She’s going to be fine.”

“We’ve been praying like crazy.  Doctor,”  he extends his hand, “thank you.  Thank you so much.”

Faith.   Hope.   Gratitude.

-=-=-=-

Are you at the beginning of one of life’s adventures?  Maybe one imposed on you?
Have faith.

In the middle, wondering how this is all going to end up?
Hold on.  Don’t lose hope.

Coming to the end of one of life’s wild rides?  Amazed at what God just did?
Don’t forget to say “Thanks” before you say anything else.

Faith.   With  Hope.  And  Gratitude.

Don’t be afraid to ride with them – life with these three is a rush!