If you've been reading Collide Magazine, then you'll enjoy their updated, new website.  This month it features an interview with me on the book "Branding Faith" and what it means for the church today. ... read more

By now, you've all read about Pastor John Hagee from San Antonio apologizing for many year's worth of anti-Catholic comments in his sermons and on television. From my perspective, when are we going to realize that this approach to "reaching the world" simply doesn't work? You're not going to win the Catholic community to your way of thinking by calling them "the great whore." If that worked, ... read more

I met a producer the other day who is really frustrated. He doesn’t perform well at meetings, he continually gets turned down for jobs, and his career is suffering. I met with him because I knew him to be talented, has great energy, and good people skills. I was baffled at what his problem might be until he showed up for our meeting….late.
For some reason, I couldn’t get his being late off my mind so I started to probe. I found out that being late for things is pretty much a constant in his life. He won’t admit it of course, but I started to ask around, and sure enough – others had the same experience as me. ... read more

I was interviewed by Joyce Meyer on two of her TV programs week (I’ll let you know when they’re scheduled to be broadcast.)  She wanted to discuss the media and how it bombards our daily lives.  She was particularly interested in how we can protect our hearts and minds (and our families) from the onslaught of violence, sexuality, and generally coarse behavior we often find on TV and in the movies.  I always enjoy being with Joyce, an ... read more

I wish I could say I’ve seen my last card from Kinko’s, but truth is, I expect people will keep using the quick and cheap method. I know money can be a problem, especially if you’re just starting out in business or going through a rough patch financially. But what most people don’t realize is how much the perception of a business card matters. We might wish we lived in a world where our expertise and enthusiasm were most important, but for whatever it’s worth, people start sizing you up from the minute you hand them a card. ... read more

One of the key issues in non-profit or religious media is donor development. Fergus Scarfe, head of that area for the God TV Network in Europe, sent this New York Times report on donor incentives highlighting recent research which suggests that seed money is a better investment for charities than matching gifts. The research found that match offers had a material impact on influencing donors to give. In an experiment, 2.8% of people who received a match offer made a ... read more

When I wrote my earlier post on the good versus bad trends toward casual church services, I think we spent too much time on the issue of clothes. While torn jeans and exposed shirt-tails are certainly a visual indicator of the trend, for me it’s much more than the way we (or a pastor) dresses. I’m looking at the overall experience. When the worship experience becomes too casual, where is the mystery? I really think there should be a place for the transcendent in worship, and to be honest, I don’t see much of it in churches today. ... read more

If you've read "Branding Faith" (especially if you like it) go to the book's page on Amazon and write a review. Just scroll down to the "write a review" button. It will really assist others looking for help in this area, and I would be grateful! ... read more

The Biola Media Conference has become the largest gathering of Christians that work in the mainstream entertainment industry.   At the event on Saturday, I spent some time talking to the attendees, and I asked quite a number about what we might call “explicitly traditional Christian media.”  That would especially mean Christian TV stations and networks.   I mentioned a number of the largest television ministries, like Joyce Meyer, Joel Osteen, TD Jakes, Rod Parsley, and others out there.   The response I received from the conference attendees was sobering at best.  Keep in mind ... read more

Directors Peggy & KathleenIf you attended the Biola Media Conference at CBS Studios this past weekend, I’d love to hear about your experience. From my perspective, it was really terrific. The quality of speakers, the format, the sponsors – I enjoyed the entire day. We had a great “reality TV” panel, including the producers of “The Dog Whisperer,” “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” “Intervention,” and the winner of the “On the Lot” program created by Steven Spielberg. We also had leaders in the digital media world as well as established producers from traditional media. Phil Vischer of “Veggie Tales” fame told his story, which was powerful, and we ended the day with my interview with Todd Komarnicki – producer of the Will Ferrell Christmas blockbuster “Elf” and the upcoming summer release ... read more

In the new book “The Milkshake Moment:  Overcoming Stupid Systems, Pointless Policies, and Muddled Management to Realize Real Growth” by Steven S. Little, (I highly recommend it) he lists some phrases that are often unnecessary hindrances to growth in organizations.  Here’s a few: ... read more

The USA Today editorial pages – as well as every other newspaper in America – are reporting how Barack Obama has broken the relationship with this supposed pastor of 20 years, Jeremiah Wright, after he viewed the tapes of Wright’s bizarre appearance at the National Press Club on Monday. But this blog isn’t about politics – it’s about media, and telling your story in a media-driven culture. That’s why what interests me is ... read more

In our well meaning effort to relate to the culture, I’m getting some interesting comments about contemporary churches today. Pastors are now preaching in T-shirts and torn jeans, and many large, contemporary churches today look more like concert arenas than churches. I understand the trend and I helped lead the charge. In the search for excellence in all things, us baby boomers want perfect lighting and sound, as well as something different from the dressed up but ... read more

When I lectured at the National Association of Broadcasters Conference in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago, the administrator of a large African American church in the South asked me an interesting question.  In the context of “contemporary” churches, you might find Ed Young, Bil Cornelius, Perry Noble, Erwin McManus, or Greg Groeschel.  These are guys who generally preach in casual clothes, understand marketing, are savvy with technology, and yet still preach a Christ centered message.  They’re also White.  She asked, ... read more

In a rather bizarre and almost funny update on Ben Stein's movie "EXPELLED: No Intelligence Allowed” – the movie is being challenged by Yoko Ono.  She’s filed lawsuits against the film for the use and critique of John Lennon's song “Imagine”. One of the suits seeks preliminary injunctive relief, essentially meaning that they are trying to expel EXPELLED as it is now being shown in theaters. Premise (the production company) did not pursue a license for the song and says it had no obligation to do so based on the fair use doctrine. The brief “Imagine” clip, consisting of only 10 words, was used as part of a ... read more

Check out the Spring 2008 issue of MovieMaker magazine featuring Tom Allen's feature story on faith based filmmaking. Tom interviewed me for the story as well as mentions "Branding Faith." It's a terrific overview of what's happening and what faith-driven filmmakers should be considering when exploring this genre of movies. ... read more

A lot of the questions I receive here on the blog are about legal issues that religious and non-profit organizations face.  Do I pay taxes on book sales?  Can a non-profit own a for-profit business?  What about product sales?  These types of questions – especially administrative and governance issues – are extremely important.  That’s why Bruce Hopkins and David Middlebrook’s new book “Non-Profit Law for Religious Organizations” is a great resource.  It’s easy to understand, and covers a wealth of issues and subjects.  Get it.  Make sure ... read more