CreativesDefining ‘Church Media’ and 3 Questions I Ask (Or Get Asked)
There’s several different views when it comes to using (and defining) ‘media’ in the Church.
Some people don’t think we need it in the Church. Some people want some, but not all. Others exclaim, “This is Church, not a rock concert!” Some people want the lights, but not the haze. Some want the scripture slides, but not the videos. Some people want it all, even to the extent that it over powers the message.
Like everything in life, there’s a balance that needs to be kept. Here’s a few simple questions I’ve been asked and that I consider in terms of ‘Church Media’:
When is the Best Time to Try Something New?
Usually, the best time to try new things is when you have permission to try them.
If your pastor is anything like mine, he/she doesn’t like surprises. Let your pastor know what you want to do, then ask him/her if you can try it.
Most likely they will tell you when it is a good time to try it out. Even if they’ve told you to “do your thing” – they’ll appreciate you asking.
How Do I know if We’re Doing Too Much?
The great thing about trying new concepts is that you’ll always have feedback.
It may stem from generational differences, and it may stem from a person’s feeling of “appropriateness” in the Church. Measure the feedback that you receive, seek wisdom, and then when you have heard all the sides, ask yourself this; “Is the [INSERT NEW CONCEPT] worth having?”
In other words, is the larger vision of where you’re headed with this new concept bigger than a few people’s concerns, or do they make good arguments against it?
If you can’t stand behind your new concept and defend it with some passion, you probably could back it off a bit.
Choose your battles wisely. People don’t like change, especially Christian people. It can be tricky to try something new in an institution that’s been in existence for 2,000+ years (and has gotten, at times, quite comfortable with itself).
What if My Church Doesn’t See the Usefulness of It?
If this is you, take a second and read this carefully:
Throughout history, God has used the “Unlikely.” If God has given you a desire, He will help you see it. If you feel like God has more for your church, ask Him to show you a way to achieve it!
Now read it again.
I’ve been amazed so many times when God provides something I needed, or opened the heart of a decision maker. Here’s my advice to you; read the book of Nehemiah in the Bible, then invest in the book Visioneering by Andy Stanley.
What I learned from Visioneering: “Do what you can, while you can.”
Pros and Cons:
Media in the Church has a lot of pros and cons. We do our best to do it well, but sometimes we fall short. Keep focused: Your ability to create atmosphere for a willing and receptive heart is important!
Do your best to balance it, and do it well.
The last thing I want to encourage you to do is subscribe to ChurchCreate! We’re here to help you, give you ideas, help you dream, and put feet to those dreams.
We’re an online community that wants to connect with you, as you help the Church connect with the world.
Remember, whatever you do, do it with excellence!
Buzz it!
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16 Responses to “Defining ‘Church Media’ and 3 Questions I Ask (Or Get Asked)”
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How much of “church media” is brought on by a need to reach people and how much is brought on by “that’s cool” (in other words: bragging rights for churches)? I catch myself becoming very passionate about some things that are not necessary but would make our church a “notch above the rest.” I’m not saying that ministry methods are only driven or created out of necessity but it sure can get out of hand very easily.
@Ben – I hear ya, there’s a delicate balance. On one hand, you want to attract people to the church to hear the message, thus letting the Lord work in their lives. Then on the other hand, you don’t want to seem in-genuine, and all about the “cool” stuff.
I think visitors and members alike respect when a ministry wants to create things with excellence.
Either way, I find that people will deal with both lack of media, or media overload as long as the teaching is what they’re looking for.
How does what you’re passionate about fit into the overall mission statement of the church? Good luck, and keep me posted!
agreed. i think there’s a balance here.
I usually look at it as a “means” to an “end” .
If we’re truly leveraging media to introduce others to Jesus, then nothing’s “too much” in my book.
The second our motives switch & we use Jesus to introduce others to our cool media, the balance is off.
@Andrew – Don’t you think it could be possible for a ministry to have so much media that it distracts from the message? Even if it’s in the name of Jesus, it could be a step backwards.
Communication 101: “It’s not what you’re saying that’s important, it’s what they’re hearing.”
Your thoughts?
You’re right, “cool media” wont get anyone into Heaven!
One way that I’ve always looked at media/music/creativity in church is me using the gifts that God has given me. Some people are good at preaching, others are good at creating media. I believe both are gifts that can be used by God to help people grow in their walk with God.
So true! We are different parts of the body, and we all need each other for healthy function. Nicely put!
fully
Different parts doing different jobs well.
I was listening to a story the other day about this guy who came into our Church and was blown away. So much so that he kept coming back again and again. I do not know his full testimony but I know that he is a Professional production guy who does live concerts and production for a live. We won him over to Christ – starting with the excellence of the content and the presentation of it. Of course his journey with God was cemented outside of Church and the fancy media.
I have to say that with everyone of these stories there is another about how the music was too loud, the lights too dark or the media too weird.
But like you say it is about Balance and it is about a purpose.
Yeah, and not just because it is cool.
I love this story because media isn’t the destination. “Media” in itself wont change lives, but if it keeps someone interested enough to stay and hear the words of Jesus. It did its job, and that’s just as important as the teaching in that case.
Came back this evening and this guy I mentions had some of his sound crew helping us out for an event tomorrow night. An I think he needs to still make the decision to place his trust in Jesus. But he is there seeking the answers and asking the questions.
Interesting set of questions and only number 3 is one I’ve dealt with locally.
Unfortunately I don’t have an answer to that one yet.
However, when I first saw the blog title I thought great, an answer to my one question from someone else that I can point my pastor at…. and then instead of doing that you created more questions – thanks guys
So what is church media? How restrictive is that vision? Does it include print and paper or is it just online? Does it stop at the sound desk or include them? etc …
Looking forward to your forthcoming posts.
Church media is any supplementing element that helps you reach people. IT can be lights, videos, print, online, or even a skit.
The main 2 things you want to consider are:
1) What is the overall vision or/and mission statement of your church. You HAVE to know that, it will help you focus your media elements, ideas, and restrictions.*
(*Search for “Building a Media Department – Focus” over at Church Crunch)
2) Know your audience. Hymns might not attract too many young people and lights and haze might not attract too many older people. This also helps focus your media elements, ideas, and restrictions.**
(**See “The Art of Keeping It Simple (and Not Being Stupid) in Church Production” by Nick Shoemaker here at Church Create)
I know that we have certainly tried implementing various things at our church. Some with more success than others.
I think it’s a matter of trying something out, and seeing how the congregation reacts to it. Checking whether the congregation approves of such a change more often then not results in the change being made a more permanent thing.
There’s a good chance that some of the thing that we try to implement will end up on the cutting room floor. That’s what we do- we push, we try, we fail, we learn, then we push some more!
I would encourage your church to not bow to the congregation though. Your leaders should follow the overall vision of the church, if the new element fit that vision, the people will follow soon after. People don’e like change, but they don’t mind being led…