If you think that it’s high time to get some better media going at your church, you’re exactly right. We live in a media-saturated world, and in order to communicate better, you’ve got to communicate using media. Here’s how to get from ground zero to high-octane media in just five simple steps.
- Look at your budget, and write down a number. You’ve got to start with money. So, grab your books (or call your treasurer) and see how much you can spare. Prepare to dig deep, but don’t feel like you have to take out a second mortgage on your church building or a 10% cut in your fat pastoral salary. Hint: the average church spends $300 each year on media. Bonus Hint: that’s probably not enough.
- Buy a computer. Now that you have some cash freed up, you need to buy a computer. Most churches have at least one or two of these already available. If you do, good for you. If you don’t, please buy one. A laptop is best. You can buy a very nice laptop for under $500.
- Buy a projector. The way to use media in the church is to project media in the church. A data projector is essential. The cost of the data projector depends on the size of your church building. It’s possible to buy a data projector for $2-300.
- Get help if you need it. If you have no idea how to turn on the laptop or connect to the Internet, here’s where you ask for help. Chances are, there is someone in your church with some technical savvy. He or she doesn’t need to be a total geek. They just need to have some basic computer skills-connecting a projector, connecting to the Internet, etc. Basic stuff. Skip this step if you feel confident and comfortable with a computer and projector.
- Become part of an online church media provider. Step five is the most important. Without this final step, your valiant media efforts will perish on the vine. You need to become a member or subscriber of an online church solution provider. A quality church media company provides the kind of media that you need to use. These providers create designs, videos, PowerPoints, etc., and provide them for download on the web. Look for these qualities in a church media company.
- Find a church media company that is affordable. Remember your budget? Keep that in consideration when choosing a church media company. Most companies offer an pay-per-download or annual-subscription model. The cost for an annual subscription model will save you a lot of money in the long run (and short run, for that matter).
- Find a church media company with a huge selection. You should have a wide selection to choose from, which probably means that fresh selections are being added on a regular basis.
- Find a church media with an all-in-one solution. The best type of company is the one that offers a comprehensive solution. For example, select a company where you can find PowerPoints, bulletins, flyers, newsletters, welcome videos, worship loops, and even church websites. This will put you in the best position to power up your church media.
- Find a church media company that can help you. The last thing you want to do is pay a bunch of money to get everything set up, and be left bewildered and vexed by what to do next. If you want to really get your money’s worth, find a church media company that can help you. A dedicated customer service team is invaluable in this regard.
Once you’ve followed these five crucial steps, you’re ready to rock your new media. Watch out. You may very well experienced increased attendance and super high satisfaction results from your people.