It seems now days you cant step foot inside a church without coming across some type of video equipment. Be it projectors, screens, cameras or edit equipment, the list goes on. The point is, today’s church as bought into video technology in one way or another. A good number of these churches are able to hire a full or part time media guy to make sure it all happens and thats where my story begins.

To all you fellow media directors and producers, we have a tremendous responsibility. Not only to make sure services go off without a hitch but to keep the big picture in mind. Are you telling a compelling story in the projects you do? Its easy to get into a rut cranking out video announcements, making dubs and taking care of the daily paperwork and forget about the big picture. Did you once come into your job with a dream to make a difference, to take the media world by storm? Its time to pull that back out!

I challenge you to take the responsibility of keeping the bar set high in producing creative, engaging content. Quality is important but without a good story its only mediocre. Its easy to copy someone else’s success. The problem is a copy is never an original, its always second best. Spark your creativity by looking at projects outside your normal sphere of influence. Its ok to get ideas from secular media. Get your Pastor thinking outside the “church” box. If you don’t, no one else will. We need more engaging content that is not from behind a pulpit and you are the ones who can make it happen!To

Take the challenge today. Begin taking steps to stir up creativity. Don’t settle where you are today! Encourage your Pastor or leader with ideas to take your projects to the next level. You are the “in house” expert, so don’t be afraid of trying new things. I’m convinced if you do these things you will get pointed in the right direction to make significant headway in improving the effectiveness of your projects.

Here is a thought. Looking back on the history of Christian TV, has it truly helped further the grow and success of the local church or has it robbed resources, money and energy? Are people more turned off by watching church on television that they may choose not to step foot in their own local church? Ok i’m throwing out alot of questions but I’m just wondering. I think there may be something to this. I want to hear your honest thoughts.

As you know most Christian programs do not sell ad time. Yes, they may have commercials in the body of the show but its promoting themself. The church or ministry pays for the full 28:30 or 58:30 air time to the station or network. This means they must raise money from YOU. Therefore telethon after telethon, tape series, oil from Israel, ect. They must have income to pay the airtime bill. Its an endless spiral.  Almost like an addiction.  Raise money to pay for airtime that is usually late, to raise money.  Lets stop this cycle!
What if we treated Christian shows the same as any other. Go find advertisers to pay for the airtime. It could work. In fact I think viewers would appreciate not being hit up for money throughout the hour. I would prefer to watch a spot for Tide, Carnival Cruise or even the Sham Wow guy then watch a telethon.   Am I the only one who feels this way? I’ve watched the same “Telethon Big Hitters” on multiple networks giving their same spill to raise money for that network.  Its getting old.  Its time to start thinking differently.

OK play along with me here.  Lets say one of your long lost relatives dies and wills you his company.  That company just happens to be NBC Universal.  Nice huh?  You now have complete control to change the programming as you see fit.  (Ok, I know this wouldn’t happen but just think for a minute.)  How would you fill the program schedule and still make money, all while keeping to your Christian values?

Option #1:  Contact your big ministries and churches and make time avail for them.

Option #2:  Find Christian programming that has been produced that fits more mainstream media (EX:  Reality Shows, Dramas, Sitcoms, ect)

Option #3:  Sell the network fast.

First of all,  if you want to bankrupt the network quickly choose option #1.  There is an overdose of the same format on Christian TV today.  There is a lack of creativity.

Second option..you might have a hard time finding shows that have been produced that fit this category.  There are not enough organizations putting money into programming that the masses want to see.

Perhaps the easiest scenerio is selling the network and pocket the cash?

My point is this…If faith based producers do not start thinking differently and creating alternative programming, we can never stand a chance to grab a main stream audience.  Not every show has to scream Jesus.  A good comedy show, drama that shows everyday issues or documentary are just a few examples that can begin to change the landscape of Christian TV.

If you are a Faith based producer, edtior, director or person in any capacity, I challange you to start using your creativity and thinking different.  How can you make a project more appealing to the masses?  Are you fitting the mold of a million other shows?  If so change it!  Its not to late.

There is alot of talk that the typical form of Christian TV will soon fall  by the wayside.  The talking head or televised Church service is not producing the same results as in years past.  Ive sat in meetings with many well known ministries that are struggling financially because their TV programs are not effective and are not producing income like before.  These ministries are having to make some fast changes or else face the possibility of not being able to pay their airtime bill (which many are already late on).

Producers, as myself, are trying new creative approaches to developing new show ideas to engage more people.   In the normal world, a network or producer will pull the plug on a non revenue generating show.  This does not happen in Christian TV but probably should. Why cant Christian TV have shows like the major networks?  Good sitcoms, comedy, drama, good music, ect.  Its time that Christian organizations start paying attention to their web and media presence.  Its time to actually connect with people rather then yell at them!  (No i’m not yelling)  Its time for us to use our God given creativity and show the world what TV should look like.

If it were left up to you, what would a Christian TV show look like?  Leave your thoughts.

I want to know what Podcasts you listen to on a regular basis and why you keep coming back to listen or view?

For the past several years I have simply found myself flouting through my career. I know the areas I am good at and I know the ones I’m not. I tend to stay away from the areas where i’m weakest. The past several months I have found I needed to re educate myself on industry trends, technology and economics in my field. Its the first time in a while I have had to start learning…and I actually like it!