Christian Web Resources

One of the joys of being a part of Center for Church Communication is to see the growth that comes from those just starting out: the pastor who realizes design is important but truly has no budget, the secretary who’s been given the task without much background, as well the creative just starting out… through the Church Marketing Lab, Church Marketing Sucks posts, local meetups and more, I really enjoy watching many of you becoming great communicators.If you find yourself on this list I...

It comes up again and again in the the Church Marketing Lab: How does your church plan? Answers range from the totally-stressed, overworked church staff who decide on Thursday what they’ll do on Sunday to the business-like planners who know the full Sunday plan years in advance. But what about your church? How far in advance do you handle planning for your weekly service?In a not-so-surprising result, the biggest chunk of folks, 29%, that responded squeeze things in, but usually with at le...

The "WTF" image that made the rounds on Twitter.At first everyone thought it was just a misstep: The college ministry’s banners proclaimed “WTF” in big bold letters. But rather than the familiar if profane abbreviation we’re used to, the words “worship,” “teaching” and “friends” appeared below each letter.As some noted on Twitter, “this is what happens when churches don’t stay up on current trends.”After I had a big laugh and then felt guilty for laughing at someone ...

As summer wanes and fall heats up, we’re seeing plenty of activity in the Church Marketing Lab. If you haven’t stopped by, you’ve missed discussions on the proper verbiage for impaired guests, the utility of Apple’s Magic Trackpad and the real importance of having the word “church” in your name. And of course, tons of folks have been submitting their design work for review. Here are a few examples:This series graphic is for an upcoming series called Stand.The Conquering the Mounta...

Our good friends over at M2Live just released their August webinar, a conversation with our very own Cynthia Ware, the executive director for our nonprofit parent, the Center for Church Communication. Interviewed in mid-August, Cynthia discusses some participatory media best practices, explores obstacles, remedies to resistance and challenges us to get our Google on!She explores some of these questions:How does your church leadership view the web?Is your church website a communication after...

For many, if not most, churches, this is a pivotal time of the year. School is starting back, families are returning home from vacation, and momentum is high. But things vary church-to-church, and its always interesting to see how reality matches with hopes and expectations. So we decided to ask you how things were at your church this fall.34% of you are feeling great. Energy is high, momentum is high, and you’re pursuing your mission with more clarity than ever. You’ve got new folks on b...

Last year on Sept. 9, 2009 The NINES conference debuted. It was an entirely online, completely free church leadership conference that featured 75 different speakers talking for nine minutes each. There were plenty of highlights and lessons for church communicators.This year The NINES is back with an even shorter format (six minutes!), some for-a-fee extras and more speakers—including our own Michael Buckingham, CFCC board members Kem Meyer and Phil Cooke, and loads of big names, including R...

From freelancers to video pros, there’s something for everyone on the Job Board and Freelance Board this week.Remember, if you’re a church that has a need, you can post for absolutely free. Want to hire a full-time communications director? Graphic designer? Web developer? Post away on the Job Board. Or do you just need some short-term video help or marketing consulting? Check out the Freelance Board.Here are a few opportunities we’ve posted recently:First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue...

The last time that I played organized team sports (1991), “riding the bench” was not a coveted position.  This designation, reserved for people who were on the team, but out of the game, was known to bring more ridicule than respect.  The point of going out for the team and participating in subsequent play review, practice, and pre-game ritual was to see “PT,” playing time.  Though it has been nearly 20 years since I last “suited up,” I suspect that this particular aspect of th...

Brad Abare recently broached the topic of heightened increasing opposition Muslims across the country are facing. Since then, a mosque near Ground Zero and a church in Florida burning copies of the Quran have made headlines, bringing the issue back to center stage. But where do you, noble reader, stand on these disagreements?Well, 62% of you think that we’re not going to get anywhere decrying mosques and burning books. The only way to come to any sort of peace is to discuss and try to coexi...