Showing posts with label The Church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Church. Show all posts

History Changed, Again

Apple has live events that single handedly change the face of technology history. They happen about twice a year and draw more attention than a a chimp riding a unicycle blindfolded. Seriously, they're that good.

Why do people always watch?

What is it about a computer company that has totally changed history?

Is there anything your church or business can learn from this example?

There has to be something about what Apple does that requires the attention of the world.

Maybe we should pay closer attention.

(p.s.-Can't wait to see how my blog looks on an iPad.)

-Shane

Wanted: Opinions

I need your help blog readers.

Next Monday I have the privilege of speaking to youth leaders from all over the country. Our Youth ministry, ThreeSixty, is holding a conference (www.redefinedleaders.com) prior to Pastor's School at Phoenix First.

(I may have just broken the link per sentence world record)

Anyways, back to the point. I NEED your help. Jesse Watson and I are doing a workshop on ministry in the 21st Century. During our "allotted time frame" we will be tackling the topics of social media, dynamic services, and personal networking. I have my personal opinions of what works and what doesn't, but I also realize I don't know nearly as much as I think I do.

That's why I want to know what you think.

If you are willing to help, leave a comment with your personal answers to these questions:

1. What is the most creative/off the wall idea you've ever seen/experienced in a church service?

2. What would make you more eager to interact with a church via FB, Twitter, YouTube, etc.? Do you believe that online ministry is an effective way to connect people with the local church? Why/Why Not?

3. Would you be willing to interact w/ a church that offers mobile notes, polls, and key scripture references during service? (i.e. and interactive service)

4. What is your purpose for personal networking? What drives you to read blogs, follow people on Twitter, and add friends on FB? (Be honest, I won't judge, other readers might, but not me.)

Your help and honesty will help me better equip other leaders that attend this workshop. I believe all of the principles Jesse and I will be discussing have a very important role in The Church and it's mission. The internet is becoming it's own nation so we have to find a way to share the gospel within it's borders.

Again, I value your opinions and want to learn from the people that stop by Revamp.

You are all awesome and I appreciate the help.

Happy Answering,
Shane

3 Things Hollywood Can Learn From The Church (Part 2)

Why is is that young stars and starlets are constantly falling into some of the worst conditions of today's society?

Almost every week someone is Hollywood is divorced, over dosed on drugs, involved in a social scandal, or arrested from some alcohol related issue.

I know that these issues are widespread but in Hollywood it is constantly happening to the same people group.

Something I have noticed is that famous people hang out with famous people. They marry famous people. They live with other famous people. They party with other famous people. They stick to the Fame Flock.

If we can all agree that famous people stick together, doesn't that raise the question as to why famous people keep falling?

The second thing Hollywood can learn from The Church is the principle of accountability.

Though not everyone in The Church lives an accountable life, it is still a commonly taught principle of a Christian's walk.

Hollywood has one form of accountability, TMZ; and once it has reached TMZ it's already too late.

What if the friends of one fallen individual stepped up to warn others of imminent danger. What if great falls weren't commonly accepted as the norm in Hollywood? What if one star or starlet stood up to change the perceptions of fame? What if one Christian decide that it was time for Hollywood to change?

I believe that when Hollywood learns accountability we will see TMZ covering more weddings than divorces. I know that when someone steps up to say enough is enough we will see a revolution in the influence that seeps from that town.

I feel that soon Hollywood will understand that failure shouldn't be so common among it's people.

Eventually someone will step up for change and Hollywood will learn accountability.

I pray for the day Hollywood grasps it's opportunity for good and God revives it's people.

It Could Be Sooner Than You Think,
Shane

3 Things Hollywood Can Learn From The Church (Part 1)

Hollywood: the center of influence in our modern world.

It's the place where dreams come true and harsh reality becomes public.

Creativity sores while real lives are left at stake.

Fame is the measure of success and body image is the drug of choice.

Everything within it's city limits has become a standard of greatness in today's modern world.

Having said that, Hollywood still has a lot to learn.

I believe there are 3 key elements that Hollywood can learn from The Church.

Element 1:

Substance is the key to captivating an audience.

In today's Church performance has become a vital part of the service. As soon as we walk into a church we are bombarded with music, video, hard copy marketing, and social media connections. All of these aspects of the church play a key role in how we engage our audience. Hollywood already understands how to do these things. We are driven to have the best presentation possible because the tiny town in Southern California has set such a high bar in that area.

What is different about the church is the substance of the video, music, marketing, and social media connections. The Church understands that what we have to say can potentially change lives. We are aware that a 2000 year old message is still relevant in today's world and we want to present it in a way that will draw people in. If we do anything less than the best in our media and marketing departments I believe we are doing God an injustice. We must present the message in a way that people will relate with. The message is what captivates the heart of the audience, the presentation is what brings them there to hear it.

That's one idea Hollywood has missed. They believe that attracting an audience, getting them to pay $8 for a ticket, and then giving them a movie that causes an adrenaline rush is enough to impact a life. Though a person may leave a movie theater with a sense of motivation or excitement, reality soon sets in that they are no closer to the life portrayed on the screen than they were prior to taking their seat.

When a person comes to church he or she can be forever changed by the message that is presented.

When a person goes to a movie he or she can be temporarily appeased by the inspiration of a fairy tale life.

One thing I must add is that there have been movies throughout time that have truly touched the hearts of their viewers, but what they all have in common is the fact that they are reality.

Movies that truly inspire are ones filled with heroics that are truly obtainable. Without a true message the presentation can only serve as a agitator of human emotions.

Maybe less sex, less drugs, less violence, and less money would actually bring more people to the movie theaters.

Substance Is Key,
Shane