This is a Guest Post by Sam Mahlstadt.
I am a member of a team that’s planting a church in Winston-Salem; we need help. Artist, Designer, Web Developer… Proceed with caution…!
That’s what I felt like when I first started this “process,” sotospeak; waving a big flashing sign: “Church plant needs help!”
Everyone knows that a church plant is strapped for cash; everyone knows they need help, and the stereotype is that they need a lot of pro-bono work. And yes, we did too. Part of my role on our team is not only making sure we have a good presence online but also a trying to cast vision and solicit help to get it done (at least for now!).
I know that pastors are known for asking people for their talent and time, and then asking for it for free. I even know how much this bothers creative types who value their art. I truly understand, but here is our bottom line: everyone is throwing in what they have, and we are hoping that God blesses the smorgasbord of time, talent and coin.
When our launch team began to talk about planning a community event that would raise awareness and cash in an attempt to help end human trafficking, we knew that it would require some major artistic contributions. I also knew that our growing online community could help us out by providing a wider talent base.
Read more after the jump:
We had some immediate needs that were accompanied with a very clear catch: We needed a website built and top notch graphic design work, all done for free. I know that every designer out there is probably cringing at that statement, and that is why I hesitated. I wrestled with the thought of asking for so much, I introduced it on a forum, and hesitated some more. Finally, I sent out a tweet (late one evening so not many would see it) and laid it out there.
I was shocked to check Twitter in the morning and see that several people had re-tweeted my plea and several more had responded. Now I am working with a graphic designer from Tennessee and a web designer from South Carolina for a community event in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I know that many would recommend using local talent, but it is difficult to find the right person with availability for pro-bono work at the right time.
And to me, there is something promising about a collaboration that spans three states for a just cause.
This situation is where Twitter and other social networking sites are ideal. There is someone out there who shares your passion, and would love to pitch in, you just need to find them. I know we are not the first to have success like this, but I hope we will serve as a reminder of the potential in online communities.
Have any similar stories?
[Image from A6u]
chrisdat says
While the ministry I work with does not make direct appeals for pro bono work (although we take it if offered:)), I can relate to your story. I have found Twitter in the Christian community to be invaluable. We have found designers, strategists, photography and more from talented professionals that share our mission and values. Because they share our vision, they catch the excitement and give far more then their hourly rate – they give their prayer-fueled best.
Through Twitter I've connected with fellow Christian professionals that extend far beyond my reginol network. Rather then pro-bono work I view Twitter as a way to get connect with mission sharing professionals and am thankful to see God working in the the "internets".
friar_don says
We have found the best way to get pro-bono work done is to go to the "secular" world. Our website is designed and hosted (for free) by an agnostic. My sister (actually a newer Christian) has been doing our art. My sister-in-law has offered to help with marketing, she is not a Christian.
I would tell readers to accept the help of non-Christians if offered. Use your facebook and twitter accounts to find these long lost friends with the special talents you need. Do not limit yourself to just Christians.
stephenbateman says
Great points my friar friend. Sometimes nonchristians get the job done better without even realizing they're advancing the kingdom!
friar_don says
I know, I kind of chuckle inside when I get help from non-Christians.
Jim says
they are sometimes more reliable and resourceful.
dave anderson says
the power of crowdsourcing!
Jim says
booyah
Sam Mahlstadt says
chrisdat, I never thought I would be soliciting pro-bono help via my social network, but we had a huge dream and meager resources.
I agree with what a few of you have pointed out; I see NO problem reaching outside our faith community.
A key to what I specifically asked was not to help a faith-based project, but simply help out with a human trafficking initiative – which crosses religious divides. Slavery is wrong. Period. This may have helped us out, that we weren't asking for a church event, although I didn't hide the fact that I was a part of a church and we were hosting the event. It is for the community of Winston-Salem, not just our own church community.