Greg Atkinson

I’m at the airport in Atlanta. Yesterday was a LONG day. I met with Clark ProMedia all day long (they have a great team) and then went from their office to North Point for 7:22. My friend Brad from ProPresenter was video directing, so I got to stick with him, get a quick church tour, ate with the 7:22 worship and tech team and then got to hear the Digidesign VENUE in action. WOW. Just…wow. My friend Jake met me at the church. We stayed out in the worship center for half the service and went back in the video control room for the other half. It was a great end to a long day of meetings. Gotta run for now.

Remember my article in Vision Magazine entitled “Less is More”? I was looking through some of Guy Kawasaki’s old blog posts and came across his philosophy on creating PowerPoint presentations. He calls it the “10/20/30 Rule of PowerPoint“. I’ll let you read the entire blog on your own, but one thing he said that I totally agree with is “Ten is the optimal number of slides in a PowerPoint presentation because a normal human being cannot comprehend more than ten concepts in a meeting.” AMEN. I always get frustrated when a pastor creates like 20 to 30 PowerPoint slides to go along with his message. Pastor, do you honestly think your congregation can retain that much information? PLUS we should be about transformation not information.

EXTRA:

Have you heard of MyChurch? It might be something you’d be interested in.

PERSONAL:
Today I fly to Atlanta to meet with Clark ProMedia, who is designing my church’s new worship center. I’m excited about getting to know the team better and getting a better grasp on the entire project, as I am new to the church. I’m also looking forward to attending 7:22 at North Point on Tuesday night and catching the Digidesign VENUE in action.

For the past 5 years I have attended the Creative Church Conference (C3) at Fellowship Church in Grapevine, TX. This year, due to being so new to my church and out of town Monday and Tuesday, I missed my first C3 conference. For more detailed highlights, check out Tony Morgan’s blog. Perry Noble also posted highlights from each of the speakers. Here they are:

Ed Young, Jr. – Ed does not hold back on what he is thinking…and some of THE main points I took away from him were…

• I’ve got to carve out more time to think “what if” thoughts
• He said, “When pride walks on the stage, God walks off!”  (This was an awesome reminder to remember WHO is doing all of this AWESOME stuff!)
• I’ve got to be willing to deal with the issues that the Holy Spirit brings to my attention.
• Little people with little vision will always attack big people with big vision

Craig Groeschel – I have heard this guy speak twice now…and BOTH times God used him to challenge me and make me incredibly uncomfortable…

• “I’ve insulted God by dreaming too small.”
• You can be a full time pastor and a part time follower of Christ.
• “My kids will know me as daddy, not ‘pastor,’”
• I’ve got to “play hurt.”  People will hurt you, the ministry will hurt you…and you still have to play!
• Your ministry will never outgrow your threshold for pain.
• God uses idiots!
• Look at who Jesus surrounded Himself with–not one Scribe, not one Pharisee, not one Sadducee…they were all “idiots!”  (See Acts 4:13)
• Most churches who are looking for a pastor want someone with at least five years of ministry experience, who has a seminary degree…and at least five years of ministry experience–which means that JESUS would not be qualified to pastor most churches in the USA!!!

Mark Driscoll – this dude is a certified Jesus freak…I love this guy…he brought it…

• Jesus loves my church more than me–and when I am off–He is still ON IT!
• The Pharisees murdered Jesus because He wasn’t “good enough!”
• The religious critics are like referees, they aren’t playing the game, they aren’t putting any points on the board, but they love the jersey and the whistle and pointing out people’s problems
• Religious people care about things that no one else cares about–including God!

Dr. Ed Young (Ed’s dad) – this guy rocked my world…he is 70, has three boys in the ministry, has a solid marriage–leads a large church…and is full of life.  He is PROOF that it CAN BE DONE!!!

• If the church wants to do serious missions–it needs to reach KIDS!!!
• Reaching kids is evangelism!
• Out of the kids who are BROUGHT UP IN CHURCH–only ONE out of EIGHT are still there when they reach the age of 22.  (Maybe that’s because they were treated like second class citizens as kids and teens!!!)
• The church has a product (the good news), a mission statement (Matthew 28:18-20), a marketing strategy (Acts 1:8) and profit (changed lives!)

You Think You Got Skills?

Check out this dude.

This just in from Jeremy Paul of WingClips.com: WingClips.com, is a site where pastors can view and download inspirational clips from Hollywood, Independent, and Documentary films to use in their sermons. We have been working on this concept and obtaining rights from studios/filmmakers for a few years and felt that it was the right time to go live. We offer a Free Subscription and Premium Subscription (which has higher resolution, multiple formats, tech support, etc.). Both Subscriptions have full access to our library of clips. Also, there are no licensing problems/fees. We are in negotiations with almost every major studio right now and continue to add new clips every week. We are excited about the future of WingClips because we believe this is only the tip of the iceberg. We are creating a site that not only pastors will go to for sermon illustrations, but Christians will visit to find new inspirational films.

BONUS:

Last night I had dinner with Houston Clark of Clark ProMedia. Clark Pro is who we’re working with on our new building project at Bent Tree. I had great time getting to know him and look forward to flying to Atlanta soon to meet the rest of the team.

PERSONAL:

On a humbling and personal note: I just finished listening to a recording of a church in Minnesota singing a song I wrote called “Come”. They found it on CCLI and did it this past Sunday in their worship service. I was honored that they used it and pleased that they said they got positive feedback on it.

I just returned from beautiful Orlando. The good news is it’s a great looking day here in Dallas. I was missing my family, so it’s great to be home.

Yesterday was a full day. My morning started with me catching a little bit of a Final Cut Pro class, then heading to my classroom where I was leading a Q & A Panel on creativity and the future of Church media – that was fun. I was joined by Phil Bransom (the producer I mentioned in my last blog), Steve Reed (who works with Acoustic Dimensions and runs sound for Prestonwood) and Steve Smith (Media/Communications Pastor at First Baptist Orlando). The four of us fielded questions from trends we see in church media minisitry to philosophy of ministry, to ideas for the future and what to offer in a new college degree program where students can major in Media Ministry.

After my class, I hit the exhibit floor, as it was my last day and therefore my last chance to see some friends and check out some equipment that we’ll be getting in our new worship center. From projectors to switchers to camera, I did my homework. I got to briefly say “hi” to Phil Cooke, as he had a group around him and I didn’t want to interrupt. After chatting a bit, I hit the showroom floor and began making the rounds. I went straight to the JVC guys to see the camera that I’d like to get for our new worship center. As I was finishing up talking with the crew from Panasonic (even though I’m going to go with JVC), I looked over and saw my friends that created ProPresenter (one of my Charter Sponsors) in the booth next to Panasonic.

I ended up spending the next hour or so letting Brad Weston show me the new features of ProPresenter 3, which I blogged about a while back. If you’re already running on a Mac, ProPresenter is the way to go. My only hesitation is switching over our computer from PC to Mac. I must admit: the changes that they made when they released version 3 and the changes that are coming in the next couple of months (before NAB) are amazing. Brad, who walked me through the programs new features, is the Video Director for the Passion Conferences and the Catalyst Conference, as well as serves as a Video Director at North Point (Andy Stanley). Brad was also the Assistant Producer of the movie “Facing the Giants”.
I left Brad and Matt from ProPresenter so they could talk to others and continued making my rounds. While walking around and grabbing every free pen I could find (I love me some pens!), I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around to see Nelson Searcy (pastor of Journey Church in New York) and his worship pastor, Jason Hatley, both of which I met 7 years ago. I caught up with them for a while and am always glad to hear how God is blessing them and using them to reach New York City. They are a church to keep your eye on.

From there, I checked out several more exhibits, snatched up many more pens (I actually got 2 thumbdrives, too) and then stopped to talk with the guys from Digital Juice. I had a good conversation with them and look forward to partnering with them more in the future. I mention them from time to time in my blogs, but may start doing more reviews for them.

From there, I went down a few more rows, grabbed some more pens and came upon the Angelhouse Media booth, where I saw my friends there that so kindly send me their products to use and review. They hooked me up with a few new products that I’ll be reviewing on here soon and then I talked with their founder and owner, John Grooters, for about an hour. We talked about some cool, new ideas that I think you’ll be excited to hear about once they come out.

After talking with John, I rolled on, met some people from Russia and Israel, grabbed some more pens and then just as they announced the exhibit hall was closing, I made my way back to Brad and Matt from ProPresenter. The three of us and Orlando, from Apple, went to eat. I’m proud to say that Apple picked up the bill and Orlando was a great guy to talk to and represents their company well – that guy knows his stuff. I’m serious – he’s written manuals on programs and is a Master Trainer for Apple, that teaches people that want to become certified trainers for Apple. We had a great dinner (on Apple!) and then headed back to the hotel, where I had another meeting already scheduled.

After dinner I met with Bill Seaver, from White Post Media. I’ve mentioned Bill’s blog, MicroExplosion, several times. It’s always cool to meet someone you know via from blog world and email, in person. Bill and I got to chat for about 2 hours. He’s a cool guy with a great heart and a sharp mind. I’d highly recommend your church or ministry check him and White Post out if you are looking to improve your communications (print and web).

After meeting with Bill, I went back to my hotel and packed. Today, after my flight was delayed and I slept in the Orlando airport for 3 hours, I returned home. Tomorrow (Wednesday) I start my second week at my new church. For more thoughts on NRB and what I think can improve, check out my column on Monday Morning Insight.

I’m writing this Sunday night, after two full days of NRB/Reach. My class on Saturday went well. I showed video clips from churches around the country. Most were from churches that those in attendance hadn’t heard of – which was cool. There are so many churches doing amazing things with media.

Today’s class with Grant Guffin (from Flashlight Films) and Bobby Gruenewald (Innovation Pastor at LifeChurch.tv) was a lot of fun. We did a class on churches that are taking risks in media. I really wish we could have shown a video that we pulled at the last minute – it was highly controversial and would have probably got us kicked out of NRB (permanently). There’s no doubt: some would have enjoyed it, but some would have stoned us. Hey – it’s a class on taking risks, right?

The video was one that they showed today in worship services at LifeChurch.tv. They are in a series on sex entitled “Satan’s SexEd”. Now, we showed several graphics and videos from churches that did a series on sex – that wasn’t the issue. This particular video was a very funny video of “Satan” being interviewed (picture a guy dressed up in a red suit with horns) on his thoughts about sex. Of course, all his answers to questions being asked were bad.

The potential problem was that the questions he was being asked were not words or phrases that you’re used to hearing in church. If you want to see it, I’m sure you can watch it online – either on their website or YouTube, where most of their videos end up. If you don’t like it, remember I warned you. If you do like it, then you may be more like me than you realize – which is really scary. Like Bobby said and I agree, the Church should have a voice when it comes to tough issues; otherwise, all people have to look to is what culture or the world says.

I want to mention again the wonderful resource that LifeChurch.tv offers the world: it’s called “Open” and it’s basically them giving away all their media resources for FREE! It is an amazing model and ministry to churches around the world and something you should be aware of and utilize.

The blessing for me on this trip is getting to spend time with 2 new friends and brothers in Christ: Phil Bransom and Bobby Gruenewald. Phil, who besides being a very talented TV producer, is a great man of God, a walking testimony of God’s love and grace and a man that I have mad respect for – I mean that. He’s the real deal and has a heart of gold. Hanging out with Bobby has been a breath of fresh air. Besides being a member of the 5 person leadership team at one of the fastest growing churches in the country, which by the way, was picked as THE most innovative church in America, Bobby is just a cool guy to be around and very down to earth. He has a heart to reach the lost and it shows. By the way, and for the record, Bobby would hate that I mentioned they were picked as the “#1 Most Innovative Church in America” and doesn’t really care about “the lists”.

This morning we got to go (thanks to the sweet GPS hook-up in Bobby’s rental car) to H2O Church. We had both seen their website before and heard of them, so it was cool to visit them in person and see how God is using them to reach the lost and broken in Orlando. Grant Guffin and Orlen Stauffer (the Church Media Committee Chairman of NRB) went with us as well. I think we all enjoyed A: being free and not responsible for anything AND B: seeing how someone else “does church”. If you’re ever in Orlando over a weekend, I encourage you to give them a visit.

I’m watching the end of the NBA All-Star game now and then heading to bed. I’ve got one more class tomorrow morning to do, then I’ll be free to walk around and check out some new HD cams! Tomorrow, Len Sweet (who I’m working on a book project with) is speaking and Salvador will be in concert. Good times and good night. More later…

Though I had to get up at 0-dark-thirty, I am now in my hotel room in Orlando, FL. I’ve got to admit it’s beautiful and a nice change from the cold fronts we’ve been having in Dallas. The flight was interesting. I was one of four people without NASCAR gear on. Myself, Jack Graham (pastor of Prestonwood), his wife and the referee that Charles Barkley challenged to a race, were the only people that didn’t look like we had sponsors and logos all over our jackets.

NASCAR fans are fanatics. I don’t mean that in a negative way (kinda). I just mean they are very dedicated and colorful. How I landed on a plane that was apparently headed on to the Daytona 500, I’ll never know. It was funny to hear Jack Graham tell NBA referee Dick Bavetta to “punish Barkley”.

I’m now working on my presentation for tomorrow and then going out with some other NRB speakers tonight – looking forward to that. More later.

As I mentioned before, it’s Easter planning season. Here are some resources for you to consider:

THE WORK OF THE PEOPLE:

My friends at The Work of the People just released some new Easter resources. Travis and Justin are always pushing the envelope in the world of Church media. Check these out:

NEW LENT VOLUME
This volume includes four of TWOP’s Lent resources: From Palms to the Cross, Psalm 130, If You Had Not Been With Us, and the From Palms to the Cross Loop. You save 60% when buy these as a volume.

NEW PASSION WEEK VOLUME
This volume includes four of TWOP’s Passion Week resources: The Last Eyewitness, John 3:16, Good Friday/Psalm 22 & Cross Montage Loop 2. You save 60% when buying these as a volume.

NEW EASTER LOOP VOLUME
This volume includes four of TWOP’s Easter Loop resources: Doves Loop, One Cross, One Body Loop, Cross Montage Loop 1, and Communion Loop 1. You save 60% when buying these as a volume.

I dig both the Cross Montage Loop 1 and Cross Montage Loop 2. While you’re there, be sure to check out their FREE VIDEO OF THE MONTH, “Why Do You Obey Authority?”.

FLOODGATE PRODUCTIONS:

Continuing with Easter resources, I also encourage you to check out “I Surrender” from Floodgate Productions (also available in the WorshipHouse Easter store). While you’re checking out the fellas at Floodgate, you have got to watch and buy their video on vision entitled “Who Are We?“. At most churches, at least one time during the year, the pastor will teach on vision and present a kind of “State of the Union” message. I think EVERY church ought to purchase and use this very well done video in their main worship service. It’s the perfect combination of quality and powerful content mixed with eye-catching, edgy visuals. I love it. You know I don’t say that about everything. I’m saying it for this video: I love it!

MIDNIGHT OIL PRODUCTIONS:

Experience powerful worship this Easter season with a new volume of videos and matching graphics: Easter Loops. These subtle looping background videos capture a variety of timeless and trendy visual styles and are a great backdrop to songs, sermons, prayer, communion, and more.

Easter Loops retails for $60, but is available for a discount at the Midnight Oil store through Feb 24 for $50:

Each of the 10 videos comes with matching, customizable still images. Insert your own theme line, edit for sermon notes, and more. Easily
whip up a seamless, connected collection of media for worship and present using any presentation software. Or, download each video and/or still set individually for immediate use through Midnight Oil’s downloadable section online.

Themes include:

1. Communion
2. Crown of Thorns
3. Empty Tomb
4. Foot of the Cross
5. Glowing Tomb
6. Hammer and Nails
7. Last Supper
8. Palm Branch
9. Three Crosses
10. Three Empty Crosses

Easter Loops joins a growing collection of popular MOP Easter titles. Be sure to check out their entire Easter collection online HERE.

Yesterday I finished my second full day at Bent Tree. We’re already meeting and planning for Easter, which should be pretty cool. We’re doing some innovative and special stuff for Good Friday and Easter Sunday. If you, too, are planning and preparing for Easter, WorshipHouse Media just launched their Easter store. While you’re there, be sure to check out their new Easter store ads, which are kind of a parody of the PC and Mac ads.

Happy Valentines Day!