Greg Atkinson

Last night we had our Fall kickoff for our entire Worship & Arts Ministry (all staff and volunteers). I’m over the Technical Arts Ministry, which is one branch or part of the Worship & Arts Ministry. It was a great night of food, fun and fellowship. A surprise for most was me leading worship. I think most think of me a “the tech guy” and did not realize that I was a worship pastor for 11 years. Our worship pastor asked me to start the night off by leading worship and I was honored to do so.

Another very special part of the night was our special guest. We flew in Joe Horness (who was the worship leader at Willow Creek for 25 years). He came and spoke to our entire team. He really encouraged, ministered to and challenged us. If you’re looking for someone to bring in and work with your worship team, Joe is awesome. All in all, it was an amazing night and one that we really needed as we are gearing up for a busy Fall.

EXTRA:

Today, we should be back in the studio recording our next podcast episode!

Miss Teen USA – South Carolina Does Not Represent The Rest Of Us

Watch this video. Once you’re done laughing, please hear me. As one who was born, grew up and spent the first 25 years of my life in South Carolina, I must say that this poor girl does not represent the rest of us Carolinians, well. I really don’t know what else to say…Wow!

This past Sunday’s worship experience and message was one of those weeks when I was pumped and proud to be a small part of my church. I don’t know when the message will be posted to the web, but it should be soon. Our pastor, Pete Briscoe, is such a solid, Biblical teacher. I was fired up the whole time he was speaking. He’s preparing our church for a new season as we move into our new worship center and lots of changes start taking place around campus. Below is a picture of our worship team this past Sunday (we were trying to fit around the giant door). The other picture is of me standing next to the door yesterday. I’m 6’5″ and I come up to the doorknob.

NOTE:

So far, ProPresenter is leading the pack in the software poll. Of no surprise to me is that the top 3 are the 3 that I endorse and stand behind (my Charter Sponsors). If you haven’t voted yet, you need to represent for your company.

I’m always on the look out for good resources. Videomaker might be of help to you and your work. Check out their FREE tip sheet HERE.

My friend and co-host of our podcast, Anthony Coppedge, is now helping churches find qualified technical staff. I know there’s a great need for this because I get asked by pastors all the time who are looking for tech staff. This service is of no cost to you. Check it out HERE.

If you haven’t voted for the worship presentation software you use, please do. It takes like 15 seconds to sign up with Squidoo. You can cast your vote HERE.

Our pastor, Pete Briscoe, started a new message series last week called “Opening the Door”. Last week was kind of an intro/overview. This weeks is the official start of this series, which will last all the way up until the time we move into our new worship center (December). For his message/illustration, he asked our Visual Arts team to build him a giant door. Check it out (that’s a ladder to the right of it). To get a perspective – I’m 6’5″ and the door knob is at my eye level. I’ll try to get a picture of me next to it.

BONUS:

Be sure to download this cool new motion background at WorshipHouse Media.

EXTRA:

Check out THIS new article from my friends at Midnight Oil Productions. The article is titled, “Identifying Your Team’s Purpose”.

As Outreach magazine gears up for their second annual “America’s Most Innovative Churches” list, coming in the January/February 2008 issue, they want your help. They want to hear about the churches YOU think are innovative, the diverse churches, perhaps under their radar, that are doing ministry “out of the box.” It could be your own, or one you admire. They invite you to nominate this church for consideration by their panel of experts as they compile a list of 25 churches, both from your nominations and their own research and experience, that will be featured as “America’s Most Innovative Churches” in 2008. Nominations will be accepted until Sept. 15, 2007. My church (Bent Tree Bible Fellowship) is listed so far. I know many of you are familiar with my church and what we’re doing. I appreciate you giving us the encouragement. I truly do think we are one of the most innovative and unique churches in the county. Maybe your church is, too? Go vote HERE.

EXTRA:

Voting is now available for SermonView’s sermon title contest. They have chosen the top three finalists from pastor suggestions and now need your opinion as to which title best suits their new image. Voting is open until the 25th of the month. The winner will receive a custom graphic set for their suggestion. Give them your opinion HERE.

BONUS:

Phil Cooke blogged about our copyright podcast episode. If you haven’t listened to it, yet, you’ve got to check it out. Also, don’t worry – we will be back in the studio next week recording Episode 6!

A while back I mentioned that I’m a member of a blogger network that reviews new products for companies. Last time I reviewed a new LifeWay product. Today I’m reviewing the Chip Ingram DVD series “Five Lies That Ruin Relationships – Wrong Beliefs Produce Wrong Behavior”.

The “Five Lies” resource provides insight from James 4 & 5 that addresses five lies that can hurt relationships with people we love:

Lie 1: Sensual pleasure will satisfy my inner longings for happiness.

Lie 2: If other people would shape up, my life would work out.

Lie 3: Upwardly mobile work opportunities are automatically the will of God.

Lie 4: My significance and value are measured by the quality and quantity of the things I possess.

Lie 5: The grass is greener on the other side of the fence.

In this 10-part DVD series centered in the book of James, Chip defines the 5 most common lies that have the potential to ruin relationships with those we love. He uncovers the source of quarreling, how our words wound, how not to make decisions, and why better things don’t always make things better.

POSITIVES:

Chip Ingram is a great communicator. I always enjoy sitting under his teaching. This study is powerful and could be life-changing. The DVDs give a good visual support to a solid Bible study – they also include small group curriculum samples. The workbook is very well put together, looks sharp and has some nice features such as “Video Notes” and “Discussion Questions”.

NEGATIVE:

I think Chip’s messages could have been filmed better and more professionally. They aren’t horrible, but I would have liked to see them be a little better quality.

OVERALL:

This product is insightful, solid and a great choice for your small group or Bible study to study together.

EXTRA:

Tonight we have the 2nd installment of Tech team training. Tonight we’ll be training our camera operators (current and new ones).

In meeting with the folks at MediaShout the other week, they mentioned that out of the list of the Top 25 Most Innovative Churches in the US, 19 of them used MediaShout. I found that interesting. I’m a regular user of EasyWorship, but also have a great respect for ProPresenter and MediaShout. I’m curious as to what you use at your church…SO, I created a Squidoo poll where you can vote. Please go HERE to place your vote or.

EXTRA:

Have you heard of Sermon Cinema? Might be worth checking out.

PERSONAL:

Yesterday was a great day. We did a funny drama, great music, our pastor was back from his sabbatical and we played an in-house video we did that was hilarious. Also, we had 4 people shadowing people on the Tech Arts team and watching what was going on behind the scenes. We just did a volunteer campaign called “iServe” and it produced some great new contacts.

Also, after our last service last night, I got to sneak over to Denton Bible and catch one of my favorite artists in concert: Shawn McDonald! I love him, his music and his testimony. Wow!