Church Video Ideas

A while back I mentioned that I’m a member of a blogger network that reviews new products for companies. Last time I reviewed a new LifeWay product. Today I’m reviewing the Chip Ingram DVD series “Five Lies That Ruin Relationships - Wrong Beliefs Produce Wrong Behavior”.

The “Five Lies” resource provides insight from James 4 & 5 that addresses five lies that can hurt relationships with people we love:

Lie 1: Sensual pleasure will satisfy my inner longings for happiness.

Lie 2: If other people would shape up, my life would work out.

Lie 3: Upwardly mobile work opportunities are automatically the will of God.

Lie 4: My significance and value are measured by the quality and quantity of the things I possess.

Lie 5: The grass is greener on the other side of the fence.

In this 10-part DVD series centered in the book of James, Chip defines the 5 most common lies that have the potential to ruin relationships with those we love. He uncovers the source of quarreling, how our words wound, how not to make decisions, and why better things don’t always make things better.

POSITIVES:

Chip Ingram is a great communicator. I always enjoy sitting under his teaching. This study is powerful and could be life-changing. The DVDs give a good visual support to a solid Bible study - they also include small group curriculum samples. The workbook is very well put together, looks sharp and has some nice features such as “Video Notes” and “Discussion Questions”.

NEGATIVE:

I think Chip’s messages could have been filmed better and more professionally. They aren’t horrible, but I would have liked to see them be a little better quality.

OVERALL:

This product is insightful, solid and a great choice for your small group or Bible study to study together.

EXTRA:

Tonight we have the 2nd installment of Tech team training. Tonight we’ll be training our camera operators (current and new ones).

Months ago, I introduced the Church media world to Blaine Hogan - an up-and-coming filmmaker (and designer) who did the “Starving Jesus” video that went straight to the top of each website it appeared on. His newer video, “Ignorable Calling” is also rising up the Top 10 list.

Guess what? The entire “Starving Jesus” series (in downloadable form) is up on WorshipHouse and SermonSpice. Also the DVD volume is available for pre-order in the Difted store. This is the completion of a year-long series, which, by the way, is how Blaine is paying for seminary. That’s right - when you purchase Blaine’s videos, DVD or shirts, you’re supporting his education!

EXTRA:

I just wrote an article for a brand new magazine (that you really should subscribe to) called “Collide Magazine”. In the article I mentioned how important quality design is in today’s culture. Branding and design are words that should be heard and understood in all churches. It’s important how you present yourself and how others perceive you.

I bring this up because Blaine is also quite a gifted designer and is doing free-lance design work as another way to support himself through school. Above are recent projects he’s did. One is for a ministry called Project Sixty One, which is a homeless ministry in California. Blaine does mostly print, merchandise, logo work, and worship backgrounds.

If you’re looking for fresh, edgy, sharp design work for your church (t-shirts, website or print materials), then I recommend you contact Blaine and see what he can do for you. His rates are extremely flexible and he’s open to any kind of work at the moment. Blaine would like to partner with people who need creative work done…especially churches. So, the idea would be getting people who believe that art and faith can change the world, to partner with a creative kid who is working his way through seminary by using his gifts (speaking, writing, directing, design, etc.).

Bottom-line: Get to know Blaine. Here’s a link to some more of his work HERE.

I’m a member of a blogging network that reviews new products from various companies. I’m embarrassed to say that I should have reviewed this product months ago. I let it sit for a while and then forgot about it. I’ll try not to let that happen with the future products. This first product is the new LifeWay resource for 18-34 year olds entitled “Threads”.

The Bible studies are geared toward young adults, featuring flexible formats with engaging supplemental video and audio. The sessions are 4-6 weeks, which fit into busy schedules. Each member book comes with journal pages. The Leader Kit comes with a DVD featuring introductory and companion video segments, a CD-ROM featuring leader tools, music and emailable audio files. You can also find supplemental resources for members and leaders online.

This “Threads” product is called InTransit: What Do You Do with Your Wait? and traces the lives of Joseph, David, and Jesus as they waited, sometimes painfully, to see God’s promises come to pass. What was true for those men is true for young adults today - there is great purpose in waiting. This leader kit will help you in leading your group to focus on how God builds into us during these times of waiting.

POSITIVE FEEDBACK:

I think this is a cool new direction and much needed emphasis for LifeWay. I applaud them for attempting to address this need, which is needed in the Church across the world.

CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK:

I think the videos could have had better lighting and better acting/actors. They weren’t horrible, but I think they could do better.

***You can find an introduction to “Threads” in PDF form HERE… or you can listen to a podcast about ministry to young adults using the “Threads” by LifeWay series HERE.