New Media+Church=DEBT?

Nearly every keystroke from Phil Cooke’s computer screams brilliance. In a recent post about the burden of growing debt in media ministries. What he shares is right on!! I love this thought “The truth is, change happens. And if churches, ministries, and non-profits aren’t aware of those changes, they will suffer.”

Now when I think of this subject I think of cameras to record, computers to edit with, and staff to pay to do it.

Question: If the majority of what is being recorded is pushed to the web or DVD for its final resting place. Why are churches spending hundreds of thousands to make this happen. Now that being said, who doesn’t want broadcast quality in all they do? I get that, but it’s not worth the debt?

Getting the message out about our Saviour is the ultimate goal, and using new media is a way to achieve that goal then we should push forward to accomplish that. Yes it will cost money, but you can shave the costs down to 6-8 thousand and still put out professional quality work.

Here’s how. Consumer level High Definition cameras like this one that uses solid state media (hard drive)and this one here that is one of the best HD consumer cameras built because of the ability to record in 24p (24 frames per second like Hollywood movies) are extremely affordable.

Next make sure you have a powerful enough computer, that editing software supports HD, and plenty of RAM to edit everything (costs should range between $2-4000)

Now I know I haven’t touched on other aspects of media ministry such as drama, stage props and screens and projectors etc., but a good money through the years has been spent in getting video produced and churches have failed and lost thousands.

Conclusion: When it comes to video, costs have plummeted over the last three years. Now nearly anyone can acheive professional quality to the web or DVD and it will cost hundreds of thousands less. Just think the next time you ask for money for a ministry idea you won’t have squandered away hundreds of thousands on something that failed.