Faith, Media, and the Power of Change

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

Website design matters a lot more than you think.  Yu-Hui Chen and Stuart Barnes research for Industrial Management and Data Systems indicates that the biggest obstacles to people shopping on your site are perceived concerns about poor security and vendor unreliability.  They found that those same people are far more comfortable buying from websites that are easy to navigate and ... read more

I’ve had some interesting discussions lately about the difference between worship and performance. It started lately when I visited a number of churches with both a “traditional” service and a “contemporary” service – which made for an interesting  comparison between services. Honestly, I enjoy both. Having grown up in a traditional church in the South, I know every hymn in the book and love a good traditional worship service. But I’m also a ... read more

An alert reader sent me this trailer for today's Divorce Court TV program - featuring the case of Juanita Bynum. Remember years ago, when most Christian leaders were classy? ... read more

The biggest challenge in our marriage? I’m fast and Kathleen's not. Am I A.D.D.? Not sure, but at the very least, I’m the most easily distracted person I know. On the flip side, I do everything pretty quickly. Plus, I multi-task easily. I’m reading 3 or 4 books at a time, scan the TV channels constantly, and have a stack of magazines next to my desk – which is pretty cluttered of course. I’m not interested in long conversations – just give me the facts ma’am. Cut to the chase. Make it quick. I make decisions - well, fast. ... read more

I have a real beef with the Republican Party.  In a media-driven culture, they apparently have no clue about perception.  In a world of instant communication, where cell phones, text messages, and email can be sent globally, the first impression matters.  As I look at this election – and past ones as well – it’s pretty obvious that the Democrats get it.  They’re turning out women, minorities, young people – looking for a well packaged candidate that can connect with the American people.  But Republicans keep sending out the old white guys and expect them to sell ideas like “original,” “innovative,” and “change.” ... read more

LOS ANGELES, CA-MJM Entertainment Group has made it possible for groups to attend national, specially arranged, early screenings of The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian beginning with midnight showings on Friday May 16th. "We've always been about media, pop culture, and spirituality and The Chronicles of Narnia is what our viewers and community are interested in," noted MJM's founder/CEO Mark Joseph. "We are pleased to be able to help groups to come and see the film at these special screenings." Mr. Joseph, whose team arranged for early showings for 100,000 customers for Narnia's first installment The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe, said that the showings are open to any and all groups including church, school, civic groups and others that meet the minimum requirement of 20 people. For more information call ... read more

Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed made an estimated $1.2 million on its opening Friday night.  It was only #14 in number of screens it was distributed to, but it was #8 in overall revenue, and #4 in per screen average.  It seems to be on track to make about  $3.5 million for the weekend, which would be 60% above expectations. Pretty good numbers for a documentary without major studio backing. ... read more