Archives for June 2016

LEGO Theology: Stewarding & Cultivating with Interlocking Blocks

June 16, 2016
by Phil Schneider

LEGO are amazing. I don’t think I need to explain or defend that statement because it should go without saying.

Yet, I have said it. This is getting a bit circular. Let’s just move on because I have a lot to say otherwise.

And, actually, I feel like I’ve been saying a lot of the same thing when it comes to the issue of creativity, creating, and so on, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth repeating.

You see, there’s so much going on in culture with regard to these topics that I feel compelled to repeat this message, so long as I can find a new metaphor. This time, it’s LEGO.

10 Podcasts to Enhance Your Ministry

June 15, 2016
by Meghan Howard

I am often on the go, so sitting down to read something for an extended period of time is difficult some days. Enter the podcast. I love listening to podcasts. The podcast is not a new phenomenon, in fact podcasts have been around since the early 1980’s (back then it was known as audioblogging and came with the advent of broadband internet), but really took off in 2004 with the release of the Apple iPod – hence the term pod-casting.

Thank You for Subscribing [Infographic]

June 15, 2016
by Jeremy Smith

Does your ministry, organization, or blog have an email list?

I highly encourage it because many studies show it is the second most important communication tool for individuals, second only to texting. So let’s say you have done the hard work of getting people to sign up and look to engage with them. But you have missed an important step that can be immediate as well as powerful: your thank you for subscribing email.

Certainly do not waste your subscribers’ time, but make the most of this immediate opportunity.

The B-Team: Planning for Church Tech Vacations

June 14, 2016
by Phil Schneider

How do you plan for vacation? Are you a compulsive list-maker? My wife and I are. (We are so much fun to travel with.) Or are you more likely to just hit the road without a particular destination or purpose in mind, except to make memories and fun?

Here’s another question for you: when you plan for your vacation do you plan for someone to take on your responsibilities at church? Do you have a B-Team ready to go when a scheduling conflict occurs?

This became very real for me this past week as I ended running our screens this past Sunday and the sound and screens on Wednesday. Thankfully, I knew this was going to happen because we have a very contentious tech team who are quick to find subs and make plans.

Can you say the same for your team?

If not, here are few thoughts that might help.