EVN Guide 1-6
***introduction
How does EVN work?
EVN teaches an entry level approach to various aspects of the DIGITAL CHURCH (video content, social media, blogging, web design, etc).
The lessons will always be geared for those inexperienced with digital media and content.
The goal is to lift up leaders in the Episcopal Church that can effectively engage with faith based conversations that exist on various digital platforms and mediums.
The Guide is an primer on making an effective and engaging welcome video on a limited budget.
THE GUIDE
4 Reasons to Have a Quality Welcome Video
Crafting and sharing good media, especially a welcome video, is crucial for the modern church.
1. It may be the most important piece of content on a church’s website. Why? Many times it is the first point of contact between a future parishioner and a church.
2. It may be the reason someone chooses to attend or not to attend a church.
3. We live in a visual culture that wants to see and emotionally feel an experience before physically attending it. Think of a movie trailer.
4. Welcome videos now exist beyond a church’s website and have the potential to live on other websites and be viewed by a global audience.
But we have no budget or video production experience!?!
The philosophy of EVN is to level the playing field when it comes to developing effective tools of evangelism and mission. We want to help churches create quality products with little or no budget and with minimal experience.
Skip around the Guide
Table of Contents
Keep reading
next>
***part 1: assemble your team
Become A Talent Scout.
6 questions to help discover the right people for your team.
1. Who in your church is passionate about evangelism, outreach, and church growth?
2. Who has a creative eye?
3. Who has dabbled with or has experience with video production?
4. Who has equipment or shoots video as a hobby?
5. Who works in marketing, advertising, technology, or social media?
6. Can you identify those who are creative, collaborative, and good with technology?
Are we all assembled? Have you made sure everyone has bought in?
Click the picture to download the worksheet for exercise one.
Go Back
<previous
Skip around the Guide
Table of Contents
Keep reading
next>
***part 2a: take inventory
Make a list of everything available to your team.
EVN is designed with the use of your smart phone's camera in mind, but ask around your parish for equipment in the categories listed below. Some people may not be able to offer manpower, but would happy to lend equipment, so it can't hurt to ask!
I'm not sure we have much professional equipment...
That's okay, we'll just take inventory for now. See below for some ideas of how to find what you need, and remember that EVN will help you in creating the best possible product with whatever is available to you and your team.
Apart from personal asks, there's always the option of setting up a Wish List on your Facebook page, website, and church bulletin. The average congregation is often an untapped source of media tools. State exactly what you need and you never know who in your congregation might know a videographer that has a treasure chest of equipment that she never uses.
Categories for you Shopping List
Click the picture to download the worksheet for exercise two, which further explains your list.
sound
lighting
software
Click the picture to download the worksheet for exercise two, which further explains your list.
<previous Table of Contents next>
***part 2b: take inventory
okay, you've gathered as much gear as you can
Aren't we missing something?
Ah! So you noticed there wasn't a camera category! That's because all you'll need is a decent smartphone.
smart-er phone
Let's Explore Your Phone's Movie-Making Potential
shoot like a cell phone spielberg
The cell phone market has quickly created add-ons to the hardware and software of most smart phones that allow these little devices to be on par with entry level HD video cameras. There are now even respectable film festivals dedicated solely to the celebration of smart phone created productions!
Click the button to explore the EVN appedix on cell phone add-ons and equipment suggestions….Add-on Appendix
<previous Table of Contents next>
***part 3: who are we?
Before production begins, ask questions.
With an endless offering of churches, what makes yours unique and appealing?
How will a church-shopper know that your church might be a good fit for their needs?
The Obligatory Mission Statement
huh? “St Bede’s is an all inclusive parish that loves Jesus and practices living a Christian life.”
who? “St Joan of Arc is a loving family of faith. We welcome you just as you are with love, hospitality and lots of ways to find your place.”
hmm? “We are traditional parish that celebrates the movement of a modern society, one foot in the ancient rhythms while honoring a contemporary beat.”
What's wrong with these mission statements?
The above churches lack a definitive identity. By making their identity so bland and all-inclusive, they leave a seeker with no clear picture of what they might be entering. In the 21st Century, going to church is a very intentional act to most Americans. Do not assume someone is just going to check out your church because you hang an Episcopal flag or a sign that says, “All Are Welcome.”
Your team will create something a little different. Maybe your current mission statement is perfect. Maybe it is a mess. Either way, put it aside, and let’s try a few exercises to see if you can nail the heart and soul of your Christian community. If you all cannot verbalize what makes your church so special, how will you be able to convince anyone else?
Recognize and craft your Church's Brand.
Exercise 3 will ask your team to pretend they are on Shark Tank.
In the popular competition show The Shark Tank, the contestants have 90 seconds to pitch their product to a board of investors.
The most successful contestants are able to communicate the purpose and effectiveness of the product clearly and succinctly.
If you were brought on this show and someone asked you why they should invest their time and money into your church, what would you say in 90 seconds?
Click the picture to download the worksheet for exercise three.
<previous Table of Contents next>
***part 4: going up?
Imagine that you're taking an elevator to the top floor...
...with only 30 seconds left before your floor, you hear…
Excuse me, I'm church shopping right now. Can you tell me about yours?
How would you reply? Could you say it clearly, succinctly, and with passion?
Exercise 4 will ask your team to create an "elevator pitch." You'll have time to refine it, but start thinking about how you might explain your church's mission. Remember, you only have 30 seconds to deliver it!
Click the picture to download the worksheet for exercise four.
<previous Table of Contents next>
***intermission
Take a short break to make sure you can answer:
Who is on the team?
Who are you targeting? Have you pictured these people?
What does that group need? Why are you targeting them?
What do you have at your disposal?
What is your budget? When will you start and finish shooting?
JUST START. START NOW. FAIL OFTEN & ENJOY THE RIDE! - Seth Godin
<previous Table of Contents next>
***part 5: your story
Authenticity over people pleasing.
Several churches in the Episcopal tradition suffer from a people pleasing syndrome. They mean well by attempting to create a welcoming environment for everyone. However, by focusing on everyone, they speak to no one. They are doing themselves a disservice. Our denomination allows for great interpretation. We are complex beings that all have vastly different tastes, and, thus, vastly different ways of worshipping God and building community. Use this to your advantage!
The clearer you can be about the story of your community and find the authentic voice that is echoing through its walls, the better chance you have in creating a magnetizing and effective welcome video.
Yes, some people are going to say...
hmm...no, thank you.
...but others will say...
Finally! This place speaks to me; I may have found my spiritual home. Let's go this week!
...and they will pass 10 Churches every Sunday to get to yours.
Some Great Church Stories:
yes!
St Bede’s by the Sea is a beach community that reflects the surfer community it serves through a low key worship with contemporary music and a priest in a Hawaiian shirt. Founded over 100 years ago, St. Bede’s has been a mainstay of Hunnington Beach. We keep our doors open all day for kids to play in our park, students to use our computer lab, and seniors to relax in our make-shift café. We believe Jesus is found in our relationships with one another and we aim to nurture every one of them, whether it is a friend, stranger, or adversary.
nice!
St Luke’s is an urban based Anglo-Catholic parish that attracts a diverse community that that has a deep reverence for traditional liturgy. The streets around us might look grim, but our worship emanates the beauty and hope of God’s love. We look to be transformed through the power of liturgy and the sacraments. It is through the power of the Eucharist are we able to reflect the love of God throughout the week.
cool!
We are a bustling church that attracts parishioners from all over Los Angeles. It is not odd for our lights to be on six nights a week, as there is always something going on, whether it is worship, class, yoga, or a homeless meal. We love to stay active in our faith by being heavily involved with the city’s greatest needs. Often, we partner with neighboring churches so we can take on even bigger projects.
Your turn.
Instead of trying to please everyone; play to your strengths. What does your church do best? What is the essence of your community? The ethos? Accept that your community will not speak to everyone and cherish that idea. So…dig up the work you did from exercises 1-3 and start to locate that clear and authentic message to fuel your video!
Click the picture to download the worksheet for exercise five, which will help craft your story.
<previous Table of Contents next>
***part 6: get inspired
Look at other great videos to have a starting point.
The modeling business uses an exercise called “Tear Aways.” These are the images that clients find in or "tear" from a magazine that embody the look and feel that they wish to portray in a shoot. You will now do the same but with web links and welcome videos.
Each member of the team will find 2 church welcome videos on the internet (any denomination) that contain messaging, imagery, music, or pace that speak to the vision or feel of your church. Each person will also bring in a 3rd video that is a marketing or advertising video from a secular institution.
Click the picture to download the worksheet for exercise six, which will help refine inspiration.
<previous Table of Contents next>
