TechnoPraxis™

In Advertising, It’s All About Placement

klonghofer@gmail.com (Kirk Longhofer) — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 02:59:00 +0000

Sometimes, you just can’t beat an automated algorithm when it comes to getting that ‘perfect’ ad placement!

What’s a Producer, Anyway?

klonghofer@gmail.com (Kirk Longhofer) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 17:06:00 +0000

Carlos Whittaker asks a great question this morning over at Ragamuffin Soul. Worship Pastor or Program Director? He’s served in both roles, and has some great insight on the differences between being on the platform, and being behind the scenes.

From the service programming director position I was in more of a producer role. The PRO was I saw everything from the view of the attender. The CON was I only saw the backs of their heads and not their faces.

From the worship pastor position I was in a more of a leadership role.The PRO was I saw everyone’s faces. The CON was I did not see the room from the view of the attender.

My view is that it’s not an “OR” question at all. Even in relatively small churches, someone needs to fill the stage manager / producer / program director role.

First, playing producer probably isn’t exactly in line with the gifts of a typical worship leader. It’s a detail oriented job. Not that there aren’t worship leaders who can handle that requirement, but in my experience, it’s not where their gifts usually are.

Beyond that, it’s a distraction. You won’t be at your best as a worship leader if you’re also worrying about the fact that the volunteers who take the kids to children’s church after the children’s moments aren’t there yet.

Even in a relatively small church, someone who can manage the details of getting it all put together is a huge gift for both worship leader and pastor. They have enough to manage on Sunday.

I would also argue a producer’s role is much more than just clerical. Ideally, they should be on equal footing with the other worship leaders and also viewed as a leader. A good producer is making as much a creative contribution as they are in logistics, planning and execution.

Producers and Program Directors are some of the hardest slots to fill, whether you’re putting together a Sunday morning worship service, or putting on a newscast. The job requires creative chops, the ability to manage creatives, and the ability work under pressure, quickly and efficiently. When you find someone who is great at these things, take care of them. They’re valuable!

Telling Stories – The Equipment Curve

klonghofer@gmail.com (Kirk Longhofer) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 19:45:00 +0000

Ben Arment points out a very interesting dichotomy today, noting the fact that using video to tell stories requires two very different sets of gifts and skills. He calls it “The Equipment Curve.”

“Right now, it's the cinematographers and editors who are creating projects. But they aren't necessarily the best storytellers. They simply know how to use the tools.”

A very key point here! There are two very separate skill sets involved in using video to tell stories. I can point a camera, and generally find my way around a non-linear editing system. I am NOT an editor, and not a shooter. I’m a word guy. A story teller. On the other hand, the guys I know who are gifted shooters and editors aren’t generally comfortable sitting down and hammering out a great script.

What does that mean? For a church, or any other organization seeking to use video, make sure you understand the real cost of doing it will. If you’re blessed to find someone who is the rare tech guru who is also a gifted writer and storyteller, do everything you can to keep them! If not, you’re going to need to plan on having two people for these two very different tasks.

Ebay’s Response – No 700 mHz Here!

klonghofer@gmail.com (Kirk Longhofer) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:27:00 +0000

Heard back from Ebay regarding the 700 mHz mics being auctioned. It took them 24 hours, which is not great, but OK. The response is, however, surprising to me.

“Thank you for writing in regard to wireless microphones that operate in the 700MHz band which are prohibited on eBay.

We conduct searches for wireless microphones that operate in the 700MHz band throughout the day, though if you have located specific auctions you would like us to review, please respond to this email with the item numbers.”

I have reported a few dozen auctions over the past few weeks… and NONE have been removed. There are dozens of illegal units for sale now. I’ll send them a list and we’ll see what happens.

Is Ebay Listening?

klonghofer@gmail.com (Kirk Longhofer) — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 19:44:00 +0000

Over the past month, I’ve seen an ever increasing number of 700 mHZ wireless microphone systems up for sale on Ebay. Few of them point out the fact that they are illegal to operate in the United States. I have talked with two churches recently who thought they were getting a great deal on wireless. In one case I was able to catch them before they bid on the worthless gear. For the other, it was too late. They had already made the purchase and were pretty much stuck.

Today, I sent Ebay an email asking them to clarify their position on the sale of illegal wireless in the U.S. on Ebay.

Sirs:

I would like to have you clarify your policy on sales of items that are illegal for use, for sale, or to ship in the United States.

FCC Document 10-16, adopted 1/14/2010, prohibits the manufacture, import, sale, lease, offer for sale or lease, or shipment of wireless microphones and other low power auxiliary stations intended for use in the 700 MHz Band in the United States.

At this point, there are DOZENS of these items listed for sale on Ebay, in clear violation of the law. I have reported a number of these items... but as your system allows for no follow up with the reporting member, I'm not sure if I'm simply shouting into the wind.

Is Ebay going to continue to allow illegal wireless microphones to be sold to US customers?

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Kirk Longhofer

I’m looking forward to seeing what Ebay has to say about this.

Simplify

klonghofer@gmail.com (Kirk Longhofer) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:33:00 +0000

I have done a lot in terms of ‘going simple’ in the past couple of years. I’ve significantly pared down list of causes, events and things I’m involved in. To be honest, making this change was reactive on my part, and in that way, it may not have been entirely healthy. I was running away from a time of life that far, far to complex. What I really wanted was to stick my fingers in my ears and holler ‘la la la la la’ just to block out the chaos.

I think I’ve moved back to a more healthy place today. Still, I struggle sometimes with trying to push to much into life. Much of the time, finding that balance is all about saying no. I don’t want to wear blinders. I don’t believe in looking opportunities ‘in the mouth’ as it were. So, I struggle. Picked up a GREAT tip today from Dave Kraft, the Development Pastor at Mars Hill Church.

“Never saying yes to anything over the phone, but buying time to think and pray about it.”

How simple is that. “Let me get back with you on that.” That is an easy to say phrase that I will be adding to my vocabulary. Dave actually has six more tips that you might like too.

HT to Todd Rhodes at MMI for the tip.

Mission Minded. Really?

klonghofer@gmail.com (Kirk Longhofer) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 18:00:00 +0000

My friend Anne Jackson over at Flowerdust pointed to a post from Adam yesterday that I think really calls out churches on whether or not they are truly missional. It’s focused on how a church community interacts with it’s own local community. See what your think.

If you have a building, offer a public bathroom and shower that’s open to whomever needs it during your office hours.

Ask every attendee to get in the habit of bringing a canned food item to church every week. Then start a food pantry that’s open a couple days a week for people to drop in.

Buy things for the church from local suppliers. Avoid the big box (probably cheaper) stores for ones that support a local company. Encourage your church attendees to do the same.

Encourage people who go out to lunch after church to be generous with tipping servers and conscious of how long they are staying. You want wait staffs to desire the church crowd, they are avoiding it at all costs now.

There are more suggestions and lots more to think about, here. What do you think?

Is your church community really engaged in living the missio Dei?

Private Jets and Private Lives

klonghofer@gmail.com (Kirk Longhofer) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:21:00 +0000

It’s been a rough week for the folks at Fellowship Church in Dallas. One of the local television stations produced an eight minute long “expose” of Pastor Ed Young, raising questions about his financial relationship with the church. They seem most excited about a supposed “secret” Fellowship corporate jet.

Ed and the Fellowship board responded during services over the weekend. The remaining question is how will the affect Fellowship going forward.

I’m not going to bother to link to the TV piece itself. You can find it, and Young’s response easily enough if you’re interested.

I do have a few thoughts and reactions.

First, the story itself was pretty weak. It rested on a single interview with an anonymous person who clearly doesn't like Fellowship Church.

It included inflammatory language, and unsubstantiated conclusions and statements, including stating that attendance has declined at Fellowship. I haven't been there in about six months, but the last time I did make it to Dallas, the auditorium was full on both Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Particularly outrageous was a statement that Young is perhaps “violating the covenant of honesty with his congregation.” That’s about as close to libel per se as I think you can get. To call a doctor a quack… a lawyer a shyster… or a pastor dishonest? I’m going to guess the TV station’s lawyers didn’t approve that statement ahead of time!

The interview with an SMU “expert” was interesting. He stated that the church should own the intellectual property created by the Senior Pastor. He called it outrageous that the Pastor would want to control that.

Well, he may not like it, but it is pretty common and accepted practice. Sermons become books. Do you think Max Lucado has ever used sermons to flesh out an idea that eventually became a book? Do you suppose Rick Warren used the phrase 'purpose driven' in a sermon before the book came out?

Who owns the rights to that intellectual property is more correctly part of a discussion of employment terms between the church and the Pastor.

It's the same with questions of compensation. You may not like the fact that a Pastor makes a lot of money and can afford a big house. I, personally, try to be pretty careful about attaching motivation to actions I observe. Discerning fruit is one thing. But there's also that whole judging thing, too. Be careful.

The only REAL question raised in the entire story was that of the airplane. That was addressed by Ed and two of the members of his Board of Directors at Fellowship over the weekend. Sort of.

They indicated, but did not state directly that the plane is leased.

OK.

They said that the board approved of the use of Ed's use of private aircraft, for much the same reason that corporate CEO's make use of them. Their time is quite valuable. To leverage them, and to take care of their health and family lives, a judgment is made that the expense of corporate aircraft is justified.

Again... a decision for the Fellowship BOD to take carefully.

My counsel for Fellowship and Ed Young? I have no idea what is actually happening behind the scenes. I don't know if there is actually a problem or not. Based on what I've seen and read this was a bit of a hatchet job by the television station.

I do know this. For pastors, a private life is a dicey concept. Like public officials, they have chosen a position where conduct in private has far greater impact that for the average person.

It is time for a season of radical transparency for Fellowship. Do not allow this wound to fester. Open books. Open meetings. Open minutes. Over communicate and over disclose. There should be virtually nothing under wraps. If a reporter wants to know how much you make, get in the Hummer, and drive over and meet with them.

Not at least meeting with the reporter in this case was a mistake. It carries the appearance of impropriety, and not a little bit of fear of disclosure. That is like chumming the water for a reporter. On the other hand, sitting down with them, off camera at least to start with, and talking about all of their questions will disarm all but the most rabid of reporters.

Radical transparency and telling the truth, even when it might not be comfortable is the only response going forward that will keep this from becoming a millstone around the neck of the church.

Technorati Tags: Ed Young,Fellowship Church,private jet,private life,compensation,intellectual property

Will Churches be Excluded from Wireless Interference Protection Plans?

klonghofer@gmail.com (Kirk Longhofer) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:47:00 +0000

In the wake of the recent FCC ruling that set a final date for the retirement of wireless microphones in the 700 MHz band, there’s word that churches may be excluded from the new geo-location database that will provide important protection from interference with your wireless mics.

Chris Lyons with Shure, and Doug Gould of Worship MD (formerly with Shure, too!) along with many others are working hard to get the word out on what could be a huge issue for churches. It’s another part of the complex 700 MHz, digital TV transition, white spaces issue that have been causing confusion for wireless users for the past few years.

The FCC is considering a change in licensing rules, for wireless microphone, in-ear monitors, wireless com and similar equipment operating in the television broadcast band.

Until now, only a select few, like broadcasters, and movie and TV producers could actually license this equipment. All other users, including churches, schools, theaters and other users were operating without a license. The FCC has been aware of this for years, and operation of these devices is permitted with or without a license.

However, development and testing of a new generation of portable devices and fixed location services has begun. Look forward to a lot of cool new connected toys. But, they will be operating in the same TV bands that wireless mics use.

To protect wireless mic, monitor and com users, the FCC is working to develop a geo-location database that will allow licensed wireless users to register their systems. These new TV band devices will check that database to avoid licensed wireless users. It’s an important protection to avoid having someone with a cool new connected handheld device stepping all over your wireless mic transmissions in the middle of a show.

The question is whether churches will be among those who can obtain licenses, and register in the database.

“The FCC believes that not everyone needs protection from interference, and that protecting everyone would make too much spectrum off-limits to new internet-enabled ‘white space’ devices.,” said Lyons. “They are seeking some way of classifying wireless mic users so that they can easily determine whether they should or should not be eligible for license, whether that is based on the type of facility (church, school, theater), type of activity (broadcasting, recording, live performance), number of seats, or whatever.”

And, if churches are not on that list, that could potentially leave churches wide open to intermittent and continuous interference in their systems.

So, what can you do about it?

The FCC is accepting comments on who should be allowed to get licenses until February 22nd. It is critical that they hear, loud and clear from churches about how important it is that they be allowed to register.

For guidelines on how you can submit comments on this issue, send an email message to wirelessmicrophones@shure.com. You will receive a reply message with details on information to be included in your comments and how to file them with the FCC.

In your comments, be sure to include how many systems you use, what kind of services and productions you do, and describe the impact that losing reliable wireless would have on your services.

I’ll be sending my comments later today. I hope you will, too.

HOUSEKEEPING NOTE: If you think you’re seeing double on this post, you’re correct. I also write at ChurchTechMatters.com, and it’s always been my policy not to duplicate posts between the two. I want you to read both blogs, and hope what I write at CTM has some real value. I’m making an exception with this post, because the issue is time sensitive and critical.

Technorati Tags: Technorati Tags: Churches,Interference,Chris Lyons,Doug Gould,Shure,ChurchTechMatters

The End is Near, for 700 MHz Wireless

klonghofer@gmail.com (Kirk Longhofer) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:40:00 +0000

So maybe it's not really as dramatic as all that, but as far as wireless microphone use in the so-called 700 MHz band, it is now official.

As of June 12, and possibly earlier in some cases, use of wireless mics transmitting between 695 and 806 MHz is officially illegal. The final rule was issued on January 15.

This wireless spectrum has been reallocated for use by public safety agencies, and by wireless service providers.

As we've said before, the FCC won't have a squad of 'wireless cops' cruising the streets on Sunday morning, looking for violations. What is clear, though, is that the wireless companies who have spent BILLIONS of dollars to buy up spectrum will be watching. One of those providers began sending letters to higher profile wireless users last year, warning them that they would be watching for any infractions.

So, it's time to stop using the systems. It will be against the law to fire them up after the deadline. Thankfully, church techs now have a firm date to refer to when discussing this with church boards. It would have been nice if they'd announced the date a bit earlier... say before budgets for 2010 were set, but they didn't.

Beyond the fact that it's wrong, there is actually an element of danger in continuing to use the systems. As the FCC order itself points out, your system could interfere with a public safety radio system. Is it highly likely? Probably not. But it is possible, and that would be bad.

So, where to go from here? More on that over at Church Tech Matters this morning!

Technorati Tags: wireless microphones,700MHz,Shure,Sennheiser,rebate

What’s to be Learned from a Murder

klonghofer@gmail.com (Kirk Longhofer) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:35:00 +0000

So, for the last month or so, I’ve been up to my ears in managing media for a very high profile murder trial going on here in Wichita. I was working for the courts and the trial was big, big news.

This is not the place to discuss the merits of the case, or the issue itself, but there were a few lessons learned that I thought were worth passing on.

As you can imagine, there was crazy media interest in this case. More than 150 credentialed reporters, from about two dozen organizations covered the trial. Enough satellite trucks that we had to close a lane of traffic on Main Street to park them all.

So, what are the take-aways with regard to media relations?

First, if you aren’t tracking social media,you’re entirely out of the loop. There were thousands of tweets and other social media posts regarding the trial. I live in the connected social media world, and I was still shocked by the sheer volume.

I was also saddened, and shocked by the gross inaccuracies that spread like wildfire via Twitter. Most were a result of laziness and ignorance, people repeating and retweeting, rather than checking things out. Some were intentional, leveraging repeating and retweeting to push an agenda.

Most disturbing were traditional media and ‘experts’ who didn’t do their homework, and spread misinformation via blogs and tweets.

Beyond social media, it’s clear that the definition of ‘media’ has and is changing rapidly. Because of the nature of this trial, we had a lot of folks claiming to be media who clearly weren’t. Many were just partisan players on one side of the issue or the other who knew they wouldn’t likely be able to get a seat in the courtroom (due to space limitations) and wanted a seat, or really wanted access to the media themselves. Those were fairly easy to weed out.

Harder was dealing with freelancers and those working for web only, or non-traditional but legitimate media outlets. Coming up with a fair and at least relatively objective way to identify who are ‘real media’ is going to become more and more difficult over time.

So what does that mean. Pretty simple. Get some help.

Managing media for a major event being covered by national and network level media is not an activity for an amateur or even the average PR person. There are tough calls to make, major egos to manage, and you have to be willing to make a few people more than a little bit angry. Trying to do it yourself would be a bit like watching monkeys play with guns.

It’s fun at first, but in the end, somebody’s gonna get hurt.

Technorati Tags: media relations,crisis management,Roeder

So, Where Have I Been?

klonghofer@gmail.com (Kirk Longhofer) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:29:00 +0000

Sorry for the long absence! Maybe we should cue the the theme from “Welcome Back Kotter!” I have been a busy guy since right after Christmas.

Along with all of the normal stuff, I have just wrapped up a huge assignment, managing the media relations for the local district courts in a “major murder case” here in Wichita.

There’s absolutely no need to discuss the merits of the case here, but from a communications management standpoint, it was pretty interesting.

Local media, and national media from coast to coast covered the trial start to finish. In Session Television, formerly known as Court TV televised it live. Networks in and out, with the Haiti earthquake and the State of the Union address impacting who would come to Wichita to cover the trial.

Lots of folks who were clearly not legitimate media who wanted access and media privileges. Lots of freelancers working for mainstream outlets, web only outlets, or non-traditional outlets. More than 150 media people from about two Lots of tough calls to be made within a pretty high pressure environment.

The photo above is the media workroom, actually a courtroom taken over by reporters, most of whom couldn’t get a seat in the courtroom itself. What you can’t see is the seating all around the edges of the room, full of print and radio reporters as well.

All in all, a big job, but a very rewarding assignment. I am, however, glad to be back at my desk for the first day in more than a month. In the next few days, I’ll share a few lessons learned, and things already understood that were reinforced.

Now, back to our regular programming.

Technorati Tags: media relations,Court TV,In Session TV,Roeder

A Big Number… and a Big Challenge

klonghofer@gmail.com (Kirk Longhofer) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:33:00 +0000

Think you know where the information revolution is headed?

Think again.

Trillions from MAYAnMAYA on Vimeo.

HT to Jon Edmiston!

Copyright Confusion and Simple Solutions

klonghofer@gmail.com (Kirk Longhofer) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:28:00 +0000

One of the most confusing topics to be discussed in church has nothing to do with the Trinity, or pre vs. post-millennialism, or even anything that remotely resembles theology.

It’s Copyright.

Years ago, the debate was over whether it was OK to copy music for the choir. (It’s not.) In the late 90’s the question of projecting lyrics was the hot button. Today, it’s webcasting and downloading that cause the confusion.

It’s a confusing topic, but the underlying question is pretty simple, and one worth discussing. I believe every church should have a policy, whether formal or informal, indicating their organizational intent to honor the spirit and letter of the law when it comes to copyright.

Why?

It is simply the right thing to do. It honors artists. It may not seem like a big deal to copy a CD for your worship team, but it is. I posted a while back about musician and recording artist Dennis Jernigan, who put it this way.

“I hope you understand how hurtful and harmful that is for me and my family. If I can even stammer a reply to these people offering insights into how making unauthorized copies of my CDs affects my ability to provide for my family, the retort is too often, ‘God gave you the music freely. You should be willing to give it away freely.’”

So, if we can all agree that honoring copyright is the right thing to do, how do we go about it?

Fortunately there are some easily accessible, affordable, and easy to use tools that make the process a lot simpler!

Read more on that at Church Tech Matters this morning!

“They Turned Life Into a Musical”

klonghofer@gmail.com (Kirk Longhofer) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:16:00 +0000

I am a huge fan of the folks at Improv Everywhere. Keep watching through to the end of the video!

In the end, it’s all about creating experience and telling a story.

Why Live Video?

klonghofer@gmail.com (Kirk Longhofer) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:30:00 +0000

Over the past several years, the use of video in a church setting has exploded. The use of video projection was common in the church by the early part of this decade. Most of that use was limited to outlines of sermons and the occasional movie clip or still illustration. Today, even the smallest of churches haul out a portable projector to project song lyrics and announcements on a screen, or in some cases, on a wall.

In the past few years, congregations in larger churches have suddenly been treated to (or assaulted with) the giant smiling face of the teaching pastor, and videos produced specifically to support that teaching. Other churches jumped to use video to extend the reach of their church, on broadcast or cable television, or on the Internet.

They have installed broadcast quality cameras, state-of-the-art equipment in full video control rooms, and post production suites, investing hundreds of thousands of dollars in technology.

For the church considering taking video beyond simple lyrics and Powerpoint, or making a leap into the world of live video, it can be a confusing world.

But for most, the first step toward the use of live video in a worship context has nothing to do with technology. It starts with a conversation, and a question: “Why do we want to use live video?”

Read more at ChurchTechMatters.com

Life Equals Risk

klonghofer@gmail.com (Kirk Longhofer) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:32:00 +0000

Here’s a very good thing to remember, particularly for anyone who's been knocked down or kicked to the curb recently.

Thanks to BlueFishTV.com and HT to Cher Floria Nelson.

Excellent Idiocy or Idiotic Excellence?

klonghofer@gmail.com (Kirk Longhofer) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:08:00 +0000

From Ben Arment:

“Excellence can be obtained if you:

- care more than others think is wise;
- risk more than others think is safe;
- dream more than others think is practical;
- expect more than others think is possible.

That describes an idiot.”

Hope we all get there someday.

P.S. Ben is the brains behind “Story” coming up next month. You should go!

Wireless Microphone And DTV Update

klonghofer@gmail.com (Kirk Longhofer) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 15:14:00 +0000

Studio Daily has a nice rundown of the current state of wireless.

A few things I took away from the article.

First, it confirms what we already know. The FCC has not yet acted to make it illegal to operate wireless in this band. But it’s going to happen, and when it does, operating these units will be illegal.

Second, there are already lots of public safety systems using this spectrum. The specific frequencies are noted, and they quote a couple of very smart guys who line out scenarios where wireless microphone use actually could cause a real life and safety issue.

The article also points out that commercial users who have purchased the spectrum are using it.

“On the other hand, as the winners of last year's auction begin to fire up transmitters in their spectrum, wireless mic users may suddenly, and without warning, find themselves unable to transmit reliably beyond three feet! There simply is no way to predict when the carriers will begin testing and deploying base station transceivers in the spectrum they paid such a premium for.”

And finally, the article indicates there are indications that the FCC will take enforcement action, particularly in the case of interference with public safety uses. They have already visited movie sets with regard to use of walkie-talkies.

Hope this article might be helpful to those who have been asking for assistance in convincing church leadership that they need to move forward on replacing 700MHz systems. You still have a few months take advantage of some very attractive rebate and incentive programs to replace these soon to be legacy systems.

Video for Teaching?

klonghofer@gmail.com (Kirk Longhofer) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:10:00 +0000

I think it’s just abut time to put this one to rest.

The evidence is overwhelming that video as a delivery medium for the teaching portion of a worship service works. Period!

No matter your demographic, your geographic location, or your worship style, using video to deliver teaching is effective, and it it is efficient. It just simply works.

There’s a great post today on the Learnings Leadership Network site on this whole issue. It features an interview with Larry Osborne from North Coast Church. They call him the “Godfather of Video Venues.” He says video has worked, and it has worked without regard to age or demographic, or geographic location, or worship style.

“We should have realized that teaching is uniquely suited for a big screen. It allows people to clearly see facial expressions and non-verbals – which is why most people in a large facility with a video screen end up watching the screen rather than the little person up on the stage.”

When Northcoast began working with the concept of a video venue, it was really cutting edge. At this point in history, in terms of the technology require, it’s simple. It’s being done everywhere, enough so that it’s tempting to call it “mainstream” despite the resistance still seen in some quarters.

Here are a few powerful reasons to consider using video teaching resources, at least some of the time.

There’s no better way to leverage a teaching resource. Video technology blasts through the barriers of space and time, to allow a great teacher to have exponentially greater impact.
On the flip side, video teaching has the potential to allow a local pastor to focus more on taking care of people, and spend less time preparing a weekly message.
Video teaching is a great way to span preference and taste issues in worship. It’s possible for a single teacher to be featured in services with widely ranging formats, musical content and format.
Using recorded video allows far greater latitude for creativity with graphics and other support elements than can be realistically pulled off in a live worship environment. Pre-production rocks!

Here’s my off the wall thought when it comes to video teaching. I think it may very well be the saving grace for small community churches in rural areas across the country. It has the potential to allow a pastor the time to actually care for more people that is possible if they are responsible for preaching and teaching weekly.

Ain’t it the Truth

klonghofer@gmail.com (Kirk Longhofer) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:14:00 +0000

The Noticer

klonghofer@gmail.com (Kirk Longhofer) — Fri, 22 May 2009 22:59:00 +0000

“That’s what most folks lack—perspective—a broader view. So I give them that broader view . . . and it allows them to regroup, take a breath, and begin their lives again.”

It’s been quite a while since I’ve read a book in one sitting.

It’s been even longer since I’ve had a book knock me back in my chair, make me take a few deep breaths, and then go take a walk just to think through some of what I’d just read.

“The Noticer” from Andy Andrews did it, though. It’s a small book, under 200 pages, and one you can easily plow through it in just a couple of hours. I did that, then read it again the next evening. I’ll be reading it again this weekend.

“Worry . . . fear . . . is just a misuse of the creative imagination that has been placed in each of us. Because we are smart and creative, we imagine all the things that could happen, that might happen, that will happen if this or that happens.”

Jones is an older man. How old we really never find out. And his name might not be Jones, at least not for you. It might be Garcia, or Chen, or something else.

His gift, he says, is a simple one. He is a “noticer.” Jones notices things that others overlook, things that are often in plain sight, he says. And, in the noticing, he offers perspective.

“Most people think it takes a long time to change. It doesn’t. Change is immediate! Instantaneous! It may take a long time to decide to change . . . but change happens in a heartbeat!”

Jones slips in and out of the lives of the characters in Andy Andrews new novel, which is based, he says, on a true experience. He offers them the gift of perspective, allowing them to see beyond circumstances, and to understand their real potential, their value and worth. Jones shows them, with simple logic and absolute clarity, that change is possible, that life can be different and rewarding and is not ever over until it’s over.

“Despite popular belief to the contrary, there is absolutely no power in intention... there is no difference in the person who intends to do things
differently and the one who never thinks about it in the first place.”

Not that it probably means much to you, but I can’t recommend this book enough to you. Buy it today and read it tonight. It will encourage you and lift you up.

It may even change your life.

I am pretty sure it’s changing mine.

Technorati Tags: Andy Andrews,The Noticer,perspective

“Edgy” or just Offensive"?

klonghofer@gmail.com (Kirk Longhofer) — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:56:00 +0000

The more Craig Groeschel writes, the more ~~of a fan I become~~ I look to him as an example of a great leader. I just wish the OKC campus wasn’t a little over two hours from my house. His topic today is being edgy for the sake of being edgy.

“…without wisdom and prayerful attention, a pastor can easily cross the line from edgy to offensive.”

Great wisdom, and even a bit convicting for me. Read the rest of his post, right here.

It’s All About the Flow

klonghofer@gmail.com (Kirk Longhofer) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 22:24:00 +0000

Jon over at Stuff Christians Like recently wrote about a youth retreat where he was the featured speaker. Jon says he’s not a comedian, and he’s not, but he is one of those guys that has the gift of finding the absurd in the everyday stuff we all see.

At this particular event, he got stuck in a “flow nightmare.” Slow melancholy music, leading into his talk. Not fun to follow!

“If you’re planning on starting with a really funny skit and then following that with a devastatingly sad video, and then a sermon about tithing and then a really happy worship song, help us out a little. Give us some transitions on that emotional rollercoaster.”

This really drives home the value in planning. When you plan a worship service, or any event, pay attention to the transitions. Let me say that again: Pay attention to the TRANSITIONS.

Television has an advantage. They can fade to black to signify a significant change in scene or mood. We don’t really have that option, most of the time, in services.

What we CAN do, is make sure that the individual elements are in harmony. Make sure they work together. Make sure that everyone involved KNOWS what is happening before their element, and after their element.

Planning is not the most fun part of creating experiences. The sad truth is that most churches don’t do it effectively. Without it, we’re just rolling the dice as to whether or not our experiences will be effective.

Stuff Christians Like, Jon Acuff, harmony, event planning, transitions

A New Look is On The Way

klonghofer@gmail.com (Kirk Longhofer) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:39:00 +0000

Hey… check this out!

For the past three years or so, I’ve run this site courtesy of Blogger, and it’s been a great solution that I still recommend highly. Along with all the other changes I’ve been working through, we’ve decided to make the switch to WordPress.

The first step was actually to work through the branding process for TechnoPraxis. I owe a huge debt to my friends Jeff and Laurie Carney at The Strategy Group in Wichita for their support and kindness over the years. They’re branding gurus, and Laurie was great in helping me take scattered thoughts, and bring focus to the brand.

Then, SG designer Karis Marsh hit it out the park with the logo you see above. I love it, and it really speaks to where I see TechnoPraxis heading in this new season.

So, keep an eye out for the new look and feel. I’m looking forward to actually using WordPress for my own site, instead of just recommending it to others. And, as always, if you have questions, comments, criticisms or just like to see your name on the web, leave a comment below!