Greg Atkinson

Something that I love and am very passionate about is using Scripture during our corporate worship times. I know of a couple of companies that are working on some cool Scripture media projects. I don’t want to call them by name, yet, but will let you know as soon as they go public. A company that is live now and one I highly recommend is called Visual Scripture. Jeff Horch, who used to live here in Dallas, started this company a little over a year ago. I’m crazy for not having blogged about him before now. I love his work and use it regularly.

I think Scripture video interludes are great during instrumentals in songs or between songs. This past Sunday at my church, we were singing one of my favorite songs, “Everlasting God” by Brenton Brown. We started the song with just a guitar playing softly under a video we downloaded from Visual Scripture. All I had to do was go to the site and type in “everlasting” in the search box. His video for “Isaiah 40″, which contains the same words as the song, came up and I hit “download”. I could download instantly and without wait because I have an annual subscription – which I suggest you strongly look into (if you desire to use more Scripture in worship).

As you know, I’m new at my church. One thing I’m very big on is recruiting and involving volunteers in ministry. (I talk a lot about that on my podcast and wrote about it recently) I mentioned yesterday in our Worship & Arts staff meeting that I had put an announcement in the bulletin, info sheets at the Information Booths and will be running an invitation to “join the Technical Arts Ministry” during the pre and post announcement slides.

Our worship pastor, Scott, reminded us that while there are various things that you can do to get the word out and find new volunteers, the main and best way to grow your team is through prayer. Prayer really produces the most fruit. It was a great reminder and a good word that I received in my spirit. Prayer should be at the center of our actions and campaigns to find and involve more people in our ministries.

EXTRA:
Speaking of “my podcast“, we are back in the studio today putting the final touches on our copyright episode. It’s coming soon!

BONUS:

My boys at WorshipHouse Media are doing something unprecedented and very nice – they are giving away their current #1 best selling video (which they could make a lot of money on) for FREE…that’s right FREE. Here me now: this isn’t just any video, it’s #1 out of over 5000 products. The video is “Are You Amazed” and is one of my favorite videos from Igniter Media Group. You can absolutely work this into your Good Friday or Easter service(s).

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…

If you know me, you know I’m a reader and all for continuing education. I love to come across cool online learning resources (which I’ll highlight from time to time). If you’d like to learn more about video basics or just want to brush up on your knowledge, I encourage you to check out this Video 101 website. I went through each category and think it can be a great overview or refresher for anyone. Check it out!

REMINDER:

I don’t know how the weather is where you live, but here in Dallas, we’re experiencing some very icy/COLD weather – which reminds me: You might want to check out my “Winter Backs”, which includes 80 winter-themed backgrounds for only $25 – that’s like 30 cents a background! And yes, that was a shameless plug – meaning, I feel no shame. The “Winter Backs” are available at Meatloaf Media, SermonAde, The Shoutable Store and WorshipHouse Media.

A PLEA TO DESIGNERS, FILMMAKERS AND ALL PRODUCERS OF CHRISTIAN MEDIA

Yesterday I received an email from an African-American pastor in Chicago. He mentioned how he had searched all over for media resources for Martin Luther King Jr.’s holiday, but could not find anything. He was frustrated and I’m guessing, hurt. Not only is this something that I’m very aware of, is close to my heart and have mentioned already to countless producers, but this is one of the projects that I, personally, (Wasteland Media) am working on – a collection of city/urban worship backgrounds.

I, once again, call on artists everywhere to become aware of the need and prayerfully consider addressing it. I was on a panel at a film festival last year and made a plea for African-American filmmakers and artists to hit the streets and start making their media available to companies like SermonSpice, the Shoutable Store and WorshipHouse Media. 99.9% of the media resources available to the Church are pictures and videos of white Americans. I invite you to join me in addressing this very real need and if you have usable media, please let the companies I mentioned know about your work.

Jack is back and I’m loving it! Last night was the return of my favorite TV show 24. My ONLY complaint was the amount of commercials. I think they went to a commercial every 3 minutes. Regardless, Jack has a gun again and the world will soon be safe. I can’t wait for tonight’s continuation of the 2 night premiere.

“BEST OF” LISTS

FaithVisuals just recently posted their “Best Of” lists and I thought I’d share them with you. FaithVisuals is the new media resource company that’s a daughter company of Christianity Today. I’m one of their regular writers/contributers, so I encourage you to explore what they have to offer. To read their 2006 Editors’ Choice Awards just click on the link. To see their Top 10 Videos of 2006, click on that link.

BONUS:
Anyone check out the SlingCatcher? What’s the word on the streeet? I think it’s worth giving a hard look at.

One of my favorite movies is “Antitrust“. In the movie, the hero, Ryan Phillipe, challenged the Bill Gates-type character, played by Tim Robbins, by offering software and code for free (open source), instead of giving it to the big company to sell. Now please know, I have nothing against companies, churches or independents that sell their resources on sites such as WorshipHouse Media and SermonSpice. I could argue strongly in their favor and know they have valid reasons for supporting their time, effort and money they invested into their projects via online sales. However, when I see examples of those that are challenging the system and doing something different, I think they are worth noting and discussing. I, Greg Atkinson, have a “Top 10 Most Innovative Churches” in America list that I keep in my head. Two churches that are on that list (in my head), as well as on other people’s list such as “The Church Report” and Tim Stevens and Tony Morgan’s list of Top 10 Innovative Churches in America are doing something different based on the open source model.

The first church is LifeChurch.tv, which I visited 2 weeks ago and blogged about last week. LifeChurch.tv is now offering FREE creative content for churches. Here’s a quote from their website: “At LifeChurch.tv, we are passionately motivated by the desire to see lives changed – across as many miles and in as many places as possible. In our pursuit of that goal, it is our intention to maximize the effectiveness of the resources with which God has trusted us. Therefore, this website is available to pastors and churches worldwide to provide access to and usage of an entire library of LifeChurch.tv creative materials – at absolutely no charge. Materials include outlines from a wide variety of message series, with corresponding promotional design graphics and videos, broadcast-quality opening videos and more. And every bit of it is free – all you do is browse through the site to find any resources that might be helpful to you and set-up a login to download those resources. In return, all we ask is that content is used in a non-commercial application in which the overall mission is to lead people to Christ. That’s absolutely it.” – Wow – that’s definitely worth your time to check out!!!

The second church is Seacoast, which I have watched since 12 years ago when I lived in the same city as the mother church. Here’s a quote from their website: The Seacoast All Access website is a collection of resources, links, and other materials produced by and for Seacoast Church. As a Pastor or church leader, we want to make sure you have access to all of our message materials, including streaming video, MP3 downloads and small group study notes for free. If you would like a hard copy or DVD that includes the Long Point campus worship service, we will have to charge you a little for that, but we will try and keep that cost as low as we can!

Open Source Philosophy: We have adopted an open source philosophy and decided to give away free stuff to other churches. If you are a church leader and know a church that might be interested in using our artwork, worship backgrounds, or our messages, please let them know about this site as well. This is another way that Seacoast would like to continue to make a difference around the world. We hope you can use these resources to help your ministry communicate the love of Jesus.” – Again, WOW! Check it out.