Archives For Mike

Gear Update: Panasonic AG-HMC70

August 7, 2009 — 1 Comment
This entry is part 1 of 6 in the series Gear Update

panasonic-AGHMC70

I wanted to start a new feature here at FaithEngineer and share about some of the tech gear we use at church and some of the gear that we want to use (but can’t afford yet). I’m kicking it off by sharing about the new camcorder that we are using now to film video clips, announcements, and even our services. We have been wanting a camcorder for a while now, and we were blessed to receive this one for free from someone in our community.

The Panasonic AG-HMC70 is a HD camcorder that records in the AVCHD format.  What makes it unique is that it records directly to small SDHC memory cards.  It also has professional audio connectors including two XLR microphone inputs and one 1/8″ stereo input.  It doesn’t have a ton of options, but it does what it is supposed to do, recording great HD video with excellent audio options.  We will be editing footage from this in iMovie, Final Cut Express, and Adobe Premiere.  I will probably transcode the video to 720p, since that is what our widescreen projectors use.  It also has an HDMI output that we can use to send through a switcher or directly to a TV.  It is a great entry level prosumer camcorder for churches that sells for under $2000.   It is big and it is ugly, but it does exactly what we need it to.  Here is a review that shares more about the camcorder.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8FIgQa1-xg

In Technology
permalink

Christian Leadership

August 6, 2009 — Leave a comment

At our First Wednesday Service at Cornerstone last night, Sam shared about Christian leadership. He shared some examples from a blog post by Tony Morgan. I also talked about the importance of leadership development this past Sunday.   But you cannot talk about Christian leadership without talking about the character and integrity of the leader. We all have influence, how are we going to use it? Check out these passages that Sam shared last night.

Leadership is less about the words or actions of the leader and more about the character of the leader.
That’s the conclusion I’ve reached after revisiting what the Bible has to say about leadership within the Church. For example, we can look at a handful of passages and come to this “job description” for leaders:

  • Encourage others. (Romans 14:19)
  • Set an example with your speech, life and faith. (I Timothy 4:12)
  • Remain pure. (I Timothy 4:12)
  • Embrace humility and gentleness. (Ephesians 4:2)
  • Promote peace and unity. (Ephesians 4:3)
  • Avoid arguments and quarreling. (2 Timothy 2:24)
  • Gently instruct others. (2 Timothy 2:25)
  • Maintain emotional control. (Titus 2:6)
  • Demonstrate integrity in your actions and speech. (Titus 2:7-8)
  • Live your life above reproach. (I Timothy 3:2)
In Leadership
permalink

Watching what you say and do online

August 3, 2009 — 2 Comments

facebook-status

With the popularity of Facebook soaring, I have noticed people becoming very comfortable sharing all sorts of details about their life.  I would caution any Christian to think twice about posting status updates or photos that set a poor example for others.  What type of testimony do you have online?  Do I really need to know you went clubbing, or that you have a slamming headache from drinking too much, or that you took a quiz to find out that your a super stud with the ladies?  My point is that tons of people read your status updates (including your pastor), and that your online influence goes far beyond what you imagine.

I’m upset when I see church members post questionable things that I know our youth and others in the community will read.  And the problem with any social networking site is that you don’t have to worry just about what you say, but what others say about you.  Let me challenge you to use your online presence to set an example for others.  Remember, you influence far more people than you realize.

In Technology
permalink

Highlights from Praisin’ In the Park

July 29, 2009 — 1 Comment

Here’s a short video of our Praisin’ in the Park highlights that I posted on facebook.  It was definitely an awesome week.  The results …

  • twelve churches that joined together to make it happen
  • over 3000 people showed up for the concert and message
  • over 300 children that attended throughout the week
  • over 70 children that responded to the Gospel message at the end of the week
  • and most importantly, we saw numerous examples of God’s presence and power throughout the week.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lQsrDn0kAU

In Church Related
permalink

An Audience of One

July 25, 2009 — 1 Comment

Last week I had an incredible opportunity to preach to a large group of people.  Now, before I go any further, I know it shouldn’t matter if we are speaking to 10 people or 10,000, because we should be preaching to please Christ.   But it does make a difference.  Here’s why.

I have preached in a church where only 11 people showed up, and that’s including my wife and daughter, and I have preached regularly to a church of 200 to 300 people.  But when I stood in front of a crowd of thousands, the weight of responsibility I felt was huge.  I was nervous, not because of the crowd, but because of the opportunity and responsibility of proclaiming Christ to that many people at one time.   In Luke 12:48, we see where much is given, much is required.   I take very seriously the responsibility of correctly teaching and interpreting scripture when I teach (2 Timothy 2:15), and I believe God is pleased when we preach with urgency and boldness.

I have joked that the reason I was asked to speak was that the organizers didn’t have the money to bring in a real ‘speaker’, but down deep I hope that God has honored the fact that I take my responsibility seriously.  Whether preaching to 10 or 3500, I know who my real audience is, an audience of one.

In Church Related
permalink

Your new teaching pastor from videoteaching.com

July 22, 2009 — 1 Comment

videoteaching

Lifechurch.tv has started yet another online service called videoteaching.com. This time, they are pulling together great video sermons from many different pastors and offering them as free downloads.  What for?  Here are some of the reasons they suggest:

  • Expand your teaching team: Introduce your church to additional perspectives by bringing in top teachers from around the world via video. Who would you like to come speak at your church?
  • Make a smooth transition: For churches who are without a pastor during a leadership transition, video messages can help with interim teaching. Line up your message calendar with ease so you can focus on finding the right leader for your church.
  • Develop your ministry: You might be bi-vocational or maybe you’re planting a church. Either way, video teaching allows you put more energy into reaching your community by freeing you from weekly message preparation.
  • Take a break: Regular rest is essential for pastors who want to maintain a healthy ministry. Whether it’s a sabbatical or just a short vacation, video messages are an excellent way to bring quality teaching to your church during a pastor’s time off.

I think it’s a great idea, although I could see some churches not using it wisely.   I know there are video venues of many churches, but what happens when you are watching a pastor every week that is not even connected to your fellowship?  We have used video teaching during the One Prayer series for the last two years and it has been warmly received.  But again, I don’t think it would be wise to use it every week, unless your church was personally connected to the pastor and leadership of the video teaching.

Lifechurch has really just made it easier to use videos like these.  Many churches have provided video podcasts for the last several years that could be downloaded and shown in church, but now Lifechurch has provided the framework and licensing to make it possible for any church to use.  I think the biggest benefactor of this service is smaller churches without pastors.  What do you think?  Good idea or bad?

In Church Related, Technology
permalink

From Eternity To Here

July 22, 2009 — 1 Comment

eternity

I’ve been reading through Frank Viola’s latest book, From Eternity To Here. The publisher says that this is a perfect follow-up to Francis Chan’s Crazy Love and in some ways I agree. Chan’s book is about why we should be Crazy in Love with Christ, and Viola’s book explains how we get there.

I started reading this book with a little trepidation. I read the first edition of an earlier book by Viola titled Pagan Christianity. I have to admit that it was not one of my favorite books. I agree with some of what he wrote, but I don’t think it was a fair representation of the church today. But when I started reading the reviews of this latest book, it made me want to give him a second chance. I’m glad I did, it’s a book that definitely makes you think.

I like that so much of the book is Christ-centered. He definitely wants to keep our focus on the mission and epic story of God, and in so doing strip away many of the man-made traditions and activities that get in the way. I have struggled with what to write in this review because it is a book that you have to soak in. I’m not sure I agree with some of his sweeping generalizations, but I really need more time to think and pray through some of the issues and terminology that he uses.

The book is centered around three themes. In reality, it is almost like reading three separate books. The epic story of God is intertwined through these three themes. Here is how Viola describes it.

If you have been a Christian for any length of time, terms like “bride of Christ,” “body of Christ,” “house of God,” and “family of God” are all too familiar to you. They may even be worn out and tiresome. It’s not an overstatement to say that our wearied familiarity with these words has blunted their edge and diluted thier impact.

Christians have been given a steady diet of biblical terminology. We speak it fluently because it’s the tribal language. But the reality and the power behind our terminology has largely been lost.

My hope, therefore, is that as you read this book, new life will be breathed into these familiar terms. I pray that the Holy Spirit would fill them with their original beauty and awe to this end: that you would be given a dramatically new, if not a staggering look at the ageless purpose that drives your God.  For that purpose is the very reason you exist.

I plan on reading back through the book slowly and deliberately, and I will post more thoughts when I do. I don’t think this book will be as popular as Crazy Love, mainly because he uses terminology that many if not most Christians are unfamiliar with. In the meantime, here is some information from the publisher.

Continue Reading…

In Book and Music Reviews
permalink

Praisin’ LOUD

July 20, 2009 — 1 Comment

Here are some great pictures from the concert Sunday night.  I didn’t have my camera, so I grabbed these from several people at church who posted them on Facebook.  The crowd was estimated to be between 3000 and 3500 people, which is incredible for a city with a population around 6000.  We had several local bands play before Decemberadio, including our own Cornerstone praise band Scattered.  It was an incredible success, and we’re already planning on how to improve and make it even bigger and better next year.  Thanks to all the churches and sponsors who made it possible, and special thanks to all our Cornerstone members who put in a long, long day to make this such a success.  I have heard nothing but positive comments from everyone involved.

In Church Related
permalink
Page 40 of 124« First...102030...3839404142...506070...Last »