Editor’s Note: Luke Miller and his colleagues at WorshipHouse Media are wildly knowledgeable about church media resources. As such, we’re grateful for the opportunity share these insights, suggestions, and recommendations. Enjoy.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. What kind of lazy bum came up with that one? For sure it was someone who’s afraid to try new things. Someone who is satisfied with the way things are. Someone who wants to leave well enough alone. Some lazy, lazy bum.
Basically … me.
The truth is — though change is both inevitable and unavoidable — everyone hates it. Sure, we may tolerate it every now and then on our own terms, but generally speaking we all hate change.
That is, with one exception. Every year as the calendar flips to the next sequential digit, we all love change. We’re obsessed with it. We reflect on our lives and dream about all the changes we’ll make.
We call these changes “resolutions.”
You’ve probably already determined to get out of debt, eat better, and go to the gym more, but have you made resolutions for your ministry? What will your church try in 2012? What next steps will you take to expand your media ministry?
As you think about the changes you will make in your ministry, we have come up with a list of resources we think you should resolve to try.
Countdowns
Though one of our more popular products, many churches are still afraid to use countdowns to start their services. Most of the feedback we get is that people think countdowns are for youth groups or younger churches. But don’t underestimate the power that the timer can have on kids of all ages (from 1 to 92). The countdown primarily communicates something that might otherwise be unclear: the start time. If you don’t currently use countdowns to start your services, try it out this year and see for yourself. For more traditional congregations, start with Clean Dark Countdown. Looking for something a bit funkier? Try Epic Countdown.
Worship Intros
This genre of mini-movie has become increasingly popular in the last few years. These are great videos designed specifically to introduce a time of worship. These videos are invitational and set just the right mood. If you’ve never used one, try a couple of our favorites: My Offering and We Are Here
Song Tracks
If you use media in your services, you already understand how top-quality visuals can add to the worship experience. If you’ve never used song tracks to bring the words of your favorite worships songs to life, check out all that we have to offer here.
And if you’re looking for a more advanced option, check out FLEXX and EASYSLIDES.
Motion Backgrounds
Let 2012 be the year you finally make the jump from stills to motion backgrounds. When I began running the media at a new church, the shift from still images to motions made a world of difference. Moving backgrounds, nature or abstract or otherwise, can really enhance the worship experience, and if you’ve been waiting for an excuse, here it is.
Already using motions? Bring some (carefully selected and well-timed) stills back into the mix.
Presentation Software
One of the best things you can do for yourself and your media ministry is resolve to start using the right tools for the job. If you’re still using PowerPoint or Keynote and are continually frustrated by how limited you are, 2012 is your year. Beg your pastor, elders or committees and convince them to buy MediaShout, EasyWorship or ProPresenter this year. Take the time to learn your way around the software and you’ll see your media ministry leap decades.
Now it’s your turn. What are some of your media resolutions?
Luke Miller is the External Relations Manager at WorshipHouseMedia.com, the media guy at his church and a major history nerd.