First of all, yes, the “owner” concept is so critical. Even though all these media can and will build momentum within the community, without someone driving the bus it is not going to go anywhere.

I endorse everything you have said about the integration of video. It is the unsung, currently underutilized tool that will only continue to become more of a key media player. As portable devices expand that enable widespread use of mobile video – churches must start leveraging it because now any church absolutely can afford it.

Ah, Six Pixels…just finished reading it and am planning to write a review shortly. Church leaders will learn a lot about the importance of emerging social media though Mitch’s book. Thanks for suggesting it!

First of all, yes, the “owner” concept is so critical. Even though all these media can and will build momentum within the community, without someone driving the bus it is not going to go anywhere.

I endorse everything you have said about the integration of video. It is the unsung, currently underutilized tool that will only continue to become more of a key media player. As portable devices expand that enable widespread use of mobile video – churches must start leveraging it because now any church absolutely can afford it.

Ah, Six Pixels…just finished reading it and am planning to write a review shortly. Church leaders will learn a lot about the importance of emerging social media though Mitch’s book. Thanks for suggesting it!

First, this is a great, thought-provoking post. IMO, the most important thing I took away was that whatever happens online must have an ‘owner’.

I think video is one of the best ways to engage our people – and because until recently the technology made video production a pretty closed, exclusive (to those who have lots of money/training) field, it’s neglected.

Less than $200 can get you a great hand-held SD camera (we spend more than this on Christmas personally in most cases). You can pick up a more-than-adequate webcam for $30 or less. And with the explosion of viral video, most people don’t expect ‘professional’ quality.

Even for those churches who don’t have a staff video/arts person, doing some quick member profiles would be very do-able. Use a webcam or wetoku (which is AMAZING!!) to do an interview – Who are you? How long have you been coming? What do you love about our community? Where/how are you serving? – and throw it up once a week. About as much work as a blog and it drives traffic to your site because everyone wants to know everyone.

As for FB/Twitter, I’ve hit a generation gap: a lot of older gens are afraid to put info out there, so they shy away from the power of Social Media. I’m not sure how to address this fear (thoughts?)

I would recommend Mitch Joel’s “Six Pixels of Separation” as a great starting point (after this post, of course).

Thanks again!!

First, this is a great, thought-provoking post. IMO, the most important thing I took away was that whatever happens online must have an ‘owner’.

I think video is one of the best ways to engage our people – and because until recently the technology made video production a pretty closed, exclusive (to those who have lots of money/training) field, it’s neglected.

Less than $200 can get you a great hand-held SD camera (we spend more than this on Christmas personally in most cases). You can pick up a more-than-adequate webcam for $30 or less. And with the explosion of viral video, most people don’t expect ‘professional’ quality.

Even for those churches who don’t have a staff video/arts person, doing some quick member profiles would be very do-able. Use a webcam or wetoku (which is AMAZING!!) to do an interview – Who are you? How long have you been coming? What do you love about our community? Where/how are you serving? – and throw it up once a week. About as much work as a blog and it drives traffic to your site because everyone wants to know everyone.

As for FB/Twitter, I’ve hit a generation gap: a lot of older gens are afraid to put info out there, so they shy away from the power of Social Media. I’m not sure how to address this fear (thoughts?)

I would recommend Mitch Joel’s “Six Pixels of Separation” as a great starting point (after this post, of course).

Thanks again!!