Implementing Media
- in you church
+ (WARNING: Soap Box Moment) +
Honestly, I think there are too many churches spitting out a church service on TV. Seriously, think about this: If your content - be it a church service, Bible Study with the Pastor, whatever - is not as effective as what's being sent out on Cable and Satellite, why would you do it? More mediocrity (or worse) is not what the community in your 10 mile radius, much less the world, needs!
I've worked for a church where the TV Ministry was national - and it was good - but not great. I went to the leadership and lovingly asked how we could change the program to be more relevant. The answer: that's the way we've always done it, and we get dozens of letters each week about
the show.
I'd rather make a show that was more like "Dateline" and have life-application stories and how God and his church are reaching out in everyday situations than make another "Church Service On TV". If we saved people and we got dozens of letters about "I saw your show and that
interview of so-and-so could have been me, and I realized I need Jesus," then I'd be happy.
But, come on, letters about "your church service ministers to me - right after I was ministered to by Pastor ABC and before I am ministered to by Church of the XYZ that comes on after your show." These people, sweet as they might be, are usually already saved and are not getting
anything new! We're feeding those who are full and stuffing them with more! Why!?
There are a few exceptions to this - there always are - but man...have you seen cable TV's "Christian" line up? 90% of it is boring, ineffective and outdated.
3) PLAN
You've heard it before: "Plan your work, and work your plan." It's corny, but it's true.
The church leadership needs to budget for getting started (maybe a PC, Projector, screen. Small sound system, basic lighting, etc.) and then have an annual budget for running and operating a Media Ministry.
Here's a quick rabbit to chase (but it has meat on it): How many companies have an accounting line item called "Cost of Doing Business". The answer? Most.
The "Cost of Doing Business" for Media is one of continual upgrades, repairs and additions. Whenever technology is involved - especially computer-related items - the cost never ends.
Please hear me out: this is not a "bigger, better, faster" mentality. This is an honest understanding of the growth of technology. Additionally, any staff that becomes more efficient will need more tools to accomplish more tasks. Those tools may be software, hardware or peopleware (you like that one?).
Try this out: Put your budget together and add a line item for "Peopleware". This will allow you to outsource certain things you don't have the time/expertise/equipment for to people who do.
Media is usually an expensive ministry. However, put it into perspective: What is the cost for being outdated, boring and/or ineffective?
I guarantee you that your media budget will be far, far less.
Anthony D. Coppedge, CTS
Church Media Consultant
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