A person walks up to you and is violently slapping their face… Read More. It looks painful and you can’t understand why they’re doing the crazy action.
“Does it hurt?,” you ask? “Yes!” they weakly respond.
Communication Strategy
People HATE stuff in your Church; but still come. Here’s why.
Saturday, February 4th, 2012Your Communication Team Needs 1 Very Important Thing
Sunday, January 29th, 201226 years.… Read More It’s hard to believe that I’ve been professionally active in the branding, advertising, marketing field for that long. I’ve been a production artist, paste-up artist, production manager, designer, senior designer, art director, photographer,
Pick a Problem. Only One.
Sunday, January 22nd, 2012Do you get overwhelmed easily? Strangely, I do. It’s kind of crazy. I love taking complex tasks, organizing them and then accomplishing them.
But I often get bogged down in getting things done.
When I’m … Read More
You DON’T NEED a website!
Monday, January 9th, 2012It’s that time of year when you hear people say they want to change themselves. And when they tell you what they’re trying to change, they mention how they’re going to do it. Like: “I … Read More
3 Things Every Church Should Do in 2012
Sunday, January 1st, 2012The top 3 US destinations for New Years are: New York City, Las Vegas, and Disney World. I bet if you took 30 seconds, you could identify why.
Have you considered why your church is … Read More
4 Things You Should Know About Website Hosting
Sunday, December 18th, 20111 Church. Many Locations. Guaranteed.
Sunday, December 11th, 2011Multi-site churches are here for awhile.… Read More They make sense. The failure rate’s low, the cost to set up should be low, and you can reach more people for Christ.
I continually hear Pastors say they’re
3 Regrets from WFX Dallas
Sunday, November 13th, 2011I’m traveling back from the Dallas Worship Facilities Expo… Read More. This felt like the best WFX ever. Because I’m on the board this year? Nah. I was only a cheerleader for the amazing conference staff.
Church gone Mobile.
Sunday, October 23rd, 2011I always like when someone asks, “what church do you go to?” The standard answer is Local Denomination Church in Local Community… Read More. I love the local church; but just when we started “doing” local
STOP! Look here. Now!
Sunday, September 25th, 2011I just got back from talking with a large church in Atlanta area about their branding, marketing and communications. Driving the 6 hours both ways was a time of recharging for me.
I like to … Read More
Extra, Extra. God’s news is good news.
Sunday, September 11th, 201110 years.
In Canada and United States, the media loves to remember. Consider the amount of time that “the talking heads” have to discuss and show… Read More about a certain theme. Consider how many minutes of
Crazy Pastors Preach to Empty Auditoriums
Sunday, August 21st, 2011Can you imagine a Pastor preaching in an empty room? Hours of preparation, unlocking the doors, turning the lights on, standing behind the pulpit, and for a full 40 minutes they deliver the best… Read More sermon.
Things to do NOW that Vacation is Over.
Sunday, August 14th, 2011Our family just got back from the beach. It was a great time of relaxation, family, and sunshine.
But vacation is over.
Back to School… Read More ads are everywhere and most Churches are planning for the
Want Better Ministry? 2 Things To Do Now.
Sunday, July 31st, 2011Branding Terms Defined: Focus Group
Sunday, June 26th, 2011We played bocce a lot last week at the beach. … Read MoreYou know, the game where you throw a small ball down a court while teams throw larger balls to see who can get closest to
Branding Terms Defined: Audience
Sunday, June 12th, 2011People.… Read More
It doesn’t take long to realize the dynamic of groups of people. If you have one person you’re interacting with, most times (if you’re paying attention) you can “figure them out”. The larger the
Branding Terms Defined: Positioning
Sunday, May 22nd, 2011There’s a Church on every corner! At least that’s what we’ve found in the Southeast (where we live). It seems that there are more churches than people here! So how does someone choose their church?… Read More
3 Editing Skills You Must Use.
Sunday, May 8th, 2011What a week.… Read More A lot happened! Bin Laden was killed, America went wild, I spoke at a Church Leadership conference for 2 days in Atlanta, several accounts needed to be ramped up, and then my
3 Change Strategies for Every Church
Sunday, May 1st, 2011I’m headed to Atlanta this week to speak at an NCPG event for Ministry Leaders.
I enjoy meeting Pastors and Ministry Leaders.… Read More Often when I talk with them, I’m inspired. They want to take God’s
4 Reasons You Need a Web Pro
Sunday, April 17th, 2011It happened again. Someone approached me recently with that look on their face. You’d recognize it.
The one that says, “I can’t believe I’m asking this”. But I was glad they did.… Read More
It gives me
3 Reasons it’s Great that Easter is Late.
Sunday, March 13th, 2011What’s your Headline?
Monday, March 7th, 2011Reaching the Missing Church Member
Sunday, February 20th, 2011Today in our service our Pastor explained for a specific point he was making that the average Southern Baptist Church has around 250 people… Read More on their membership rolls. I thought “that’s not too bad, and
Super Bowld Ads.
Sunday, February 6th, 2011Wow. What a game! Almost 70% of America watched the Superbowl tonight. If you’re a football fan, you, of course, wouldn’t miss it.
If you’re an advertising fanatic, you wouldn’t miss it either.… Read More
Since there’s
Need Ministry Volunteers? What You Should and Shouldn’t Do.
Sunday, January 30th, 2011I hope your church offers opportunities for ministry. Yes, we need to reach the lost and be a beacon for the Gospel. But the local church also needs to be a place of ministry opportunities.… Read More
3 Tips to Great Gifts
Sunday, December 12th, 20103 Steps to Developing “Concept”
Sunday, December 5th, 2010Our church presented their Christmas Musical this weekend. … Read MoreAgain, I was blessed to assist with the content. It was back in the summer that I found out the theme; and it was on our vacation
First Time Shooter.
Sunday, November 14th, 2010I had a brand new experience this week. Perhaps because I’m getting older, I don’t experience “new” things much.
I had the opportunity to shoot a pistol… Read More at a shooting range.
Most of you know
Twitter Advanced. Or Basic.
Sunday, November 7th, 2010I had the privilege to attend and speak at WFX Expo and Conference. My session was all about Social Media. Cathy Hutchison… Read More spoke the day before I was scheduled. She did a great job
$650,402 in 3 weeks.
Sunday, October 24th, 2010Recently our church had a burden to reach out to the Hispanic community in our city. God lined up several factors to lead us to believe that the time should be now.
We had a … Read More
Catalyst: 6 Things That I’m going to Change (Pt 2)
Sunday, October 17th, 2010Catalyst: 6 Things That I’m going to Change (Pt 1)
Monday, October 11th, 2010Once again, I had the privilege to attend Catalyst Atlanta. 13,000 Ministry Leaders meeting together in a sold-out arena. It was awesome.
The end.… Read More
Wouldn’t it be a shame if we went to an
5 Senses in your Church
Monday, October 4th, 2010Attention!!! The wrong 1st impressions are dangerous!
Monday, September 27th, 20103 Leadership Imperatives from Lubbock
Saturday, September 11th, 2010Lost: The Church Edition
Saturday, September 4th, 2010The latest Lifeway poll says that every week, 115,000 people leave their church. That’s more than 8,000,000 people that choose to leave their churches annually. Ouch.… Read More
I know that in our recent annual meeting
3 Steps to Getting People to Your Website
Tuesday, August 31st, 2010Everyone wants to be found.… Read More It used to be that an organization would just post an ad in the telephone directory. Or in the newspaper if they had extra dollars. All to be found.Then some
The fall is coming! The fall is coming! The fall is here.
Sunday, August 22nd, 20103 Reasons Short is Better.
Sunday, August 15th, 2010I spoke to some amazing Pastors and Ministry Leaders in Raleigh yesterday. It seems that everyone is wondering what content needs to be on a website to attrac… Read Moret people to their site. The answer
Lost your way? Get back to the Basics.
Sunday, July 18th, 2010What if your Church Can’t Do It?
Sunday, July 11th, 2010In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul explains the value of spiritual gifts. Our churches are blessed to have diversity in the spiritual gifts that are spread through the pews. God has scattered these “graces” liberally. We … Read More
SEO Entirely Over-Simplified in 3 Steps
Sunday, July 4th, 20101 in 4 Americans Predict Second Coming
Sunday, June 27th, 2010Stop Paying Subscription Fees
Sunday, May 30th, 2010I think in the next few years, our lives are going to change. … Read MoreMobile phones are taking over, their fees are being dropped as more people share the costs. Cable TV is becoming more mainstream
Changes Needed in the Church: #9 Reasons for Going
Sunday, May 16th, 2010We all know the church/Bible answer for why people go to Church.… Read More But why do they go to YOUR local church?
I speak across the nation and I often ask why people like their church.
1 of the Best Leadership Verses in Scripture
Sunday, May 9th, 2010So, the setup to this Bible verse starts with a Church Leader talking with God… Read More. God explains that He wants a “church” built and then describes what it should look like, how it should
Changes Needed in the Church: #8 Involvement
Monday, April 26th, 2010In Exodus, as you read the story of the Israelites’ wanderings, I’m amazed at how God’s interventions were often ignored. Then God commands them to set up the Tabernacle.
From the wilderness to worship.… Read More In
Changes Needed in the Church: #6 Web Hosting
Tuesday, March 30th, 2010I’m always talking about branding. You probably get tired of my mantra. Branding is the story (or promise) behind who you are. I hope you as a Church/Ministry knows what your story is.
But I’ll… Read More
Changes Needed in the Church: #5 Language
Sunday, March 14th, 2010Ultimately when the Church communicates concepts, it does it with words. I realize that I usually talk about the visual things, but recently when I was listening to an interview with a Pastor, I realize… Read More
Changes Needed in the Church: #4 Welcome
Sunday, March 7th, 2010We go to favorite restaurants often. When we enter, several people say “Welcome!”. We love going to them and feel like they want us to come back.
Do you have similar experiences? … Read MoreHow about a
Changes Needed in the Church: #3 Signage
Friday, February 26th, 2010When we first came to the US about a decade ago, we noticed that the signage is so much better here. Highway signs are everywhere.… Read More If you miss a sign, wait a few seconds, and
Are Visitors Really Welcome at your Church?
Friday, February 12th, 2010Being so far away from family has become a way of life for us. It’s been hard not having family to watch the kids when my wife and I want to get away, or when… Read More
Changes Needed in the Church: #2 Websites
Sunday, February 7th, 2010There are so many things we do on a regular basis that we can’t even imaging life without. The internet is one of those things.… Read More
I remember in the mid ’90s when the advertising agency
Where’s Your Congregation Coming From?
Sunday, January 10th, 2010Today was a cold day… Read More here in Winston-Salem. Down in the teens this morning. It’s a historic stretch of very cold temperatures for NC.
As our family climbed into the truck to make our 10
6 Steps To Getting it Done in 2010
Monday, January 4th, 2010I’m not sure how you feel about 2009, … Read Morebut unlike most years, I’m glad to see it disappear into the history books. I’m sure the Economy, Obama’s Inauguration and Swine Flu will mark the “highlights”
3 Things Your Church should do after a Christmas Production
Sunday, December 6th, 2009I’m getting ready to go to our Christmas Presentation at our Church this evening. I was part of the development team, helped write it and planned the set design. It’s always a fun time to… Read More
Now is the Time!
Sunday, November 29th, 2009Have you noticed how fast time flies? It seems like it was just summer and now it’s almost Christmas.
When I was a child, my Grandmother used to tell me how fast time flew. This… Read More
3 Steps to Thanks – Giving!
Sunday, November 22nd, 2009We’re to be marked by thankfulness.… Read More Colossians 3:15 says to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts (since we are called to peace) — and then he adds, be thankful!
This week in
Save money. Ditch the Worship Guide.
Sunday, November 8th, 2009Churches are looking to save money. Offerings are down and budgets are being cut. Sound familiar?
Lately we’ve received inquiries about what we consider the easiest thing to trim from a Church communications budget. It… Read More
3 Frustrations from WFX Charlotte
Monday, November 2nd, 2009Last week WFX came to Charlotte.… Read More Right in our backyard! What a great time. In fact, if you weren’t there, you missed out on many seminars, workshops and a very informative expo.
I returned today
Wow, Weirdness and Worship
Sunday, October 11th, 2009Catalyst Atlanta, 2009 is now over. It was my first time to attend, so that means I missed the first 9. I wish I had heard about it sooner than last year.
I arrived on… Read More
Catalyst 2009 Here I Come!
Sunday, October 4th, 2009I’ve been going to Church conferences for years and I have the privilege to speak at many of them. I’m always amazed at the people I meet. Genuinely interesting folk who love the Lord and… Read More
You need MORE than a Website
Sunday, September 27th, 2009We have Pastors or Ministry Workers contacting us almost daily looking to get a website.
We know that ministries and churches don’t have huge budgets. But God has called all of us to be good… Read More
4 Simple Things all Churches Need to Know – 4
Sunday, September 20th, 2009I’m just getting back from a business trip to Dallas where I had the privilege of teaching the marketing component of the Certified Church Consultants program that the National Association of Church Design Builders… Read More hosts.
4 Simple Things all Churches Need to Know – 3
Sunday, September 13th, 2009Think about your favorite product or service. You know, the ones you love to buy, use and promote.
I love PepsiMax right now. … Read MoreIn fact, I’m drinking one right now.
If someone were to ask
4 Simple Things all Churches Need to Know – 2
Sunday, September 6th, 2009After you identify your audience (and perhaps before you identify an audience, depending if you’re currently in a church or seeking one), you need to identify your vision.
Remember the Bible verse, “without a … Read More
4 Simple Things all Churches Need to Know
Sunday, August 30th, 2009It all seems so complicated when it comes to Church. We’ve added technology like audio-visual systems, facebook, twitter, and sermon streaming to the church and we’ve tried so many complex programs to try to “get… Read More
Step 5 to Church Failure: Abandoning Hope
Sunday, August 23rd, 2009The last Step according to the book “How the Mighty Fall”… Read More, by Jim Collins.
As I read this chapter, I was disheartened and discouraged. I hate to see anything (that is built on the
Step 4 to Church Failure: The Scramble Begins
Sunday, August 16th, 2009As we read last time, Step 3 is when the “turn” really happens. People start to leave, offerings suffer, staff start to withdraw, and visitors no longer “hear about great things” from your church. The… Read More
Step 3 to Church Failure: Critical Turning Point
Sunday, August 9th, 2009The first 2 steps occur with little change in “performance”. The Church is booming and exciting when Step 1 happens. During Step 2 there’s a slight (often un-noticed) slowing of success.
Then Step 3 happens… Read More
Step 2 to Church Failure: Foundational Issues
Sunday, August 2nd, 2009It seems understandable for a church to take the leap from Step 1 (Hubris) to Step 2. … Read MoreWhen your organization realizes great success, and you arrogantly attribute that gain as something you deserve, the church
Step 1 to Church Failure: Easy to Fall Into
Sunday, July 26th, 2009Hubris: noun; excessive pride or self-confidence.
Proverbs 16:18 says that, “pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.” Perhaps this biblical admonition should make step one obvious.
According to Jim Collins, when … Read More
The 5 Steps to a Failing Church
Sunday, July 19th, 2009I have the privilege of traveling around the United States and Canada as I speak at Church conferences and meet with Pastors. I visit with them and hear about various programs and leadership issues. In… Read More
I’m humbled by Philippians 2.
Sunday, June 28th, 2009My 15 year old son just got back from a missions trip in Baltimore. He shared lots of stories and opportunities of witnessing to people on the street, to convicts in prison and to church… Read More
That’s Delicious!
Sunday, June 21st, 2009I’ve posted several times in the past months about twitter and Facebook. It seems that I’m on these websites everyday. They’ve become part of my life.
Can you imagine ever saying those words?… Read More The internet
3 Church Audiences You Need to Know.
Sunday, June 14th, 2009“Who is my Neighbor?”
A Law Expert asked Jesus this question immediately after hearing “love your neighbor as yourself” … Read Moreand Jesus used the parable of the Good Samaritan to answer it. “A neighbor is the
What’s the Weirdest Thing your Church has Done?
Sunday, June 7th, 2009Several years ago, a church asked us to create a direct mail piece that would be read (or noticed). That’s not unusual, however, this time, the church asked us to do whatever it would take… Read More
Have you doubled your waist size? Learn why you should calculate it!
Sunday, May 17th, 2009I spent the last week in Long Beach, California speaking at the WFX conference. I met lots of talented people and was able to pour a little of my branding and marketing knowledge into their… Read More
Ever Heard of Deep-Fried Easter Eggs?
Tuesday, April 14th, 2009Ever wonder why an egg started to represent the Religious Holiday of Easter? As far back as I can remember, we got chocolate eggs for Easter. Then Cadbury Easter Creme Eggs… Read More came along and it
3 Ways to Keep Visitors Happy
Tuesday, March 31st, 2009We moved to North Carolina from Atlantic Canada almost 9 years ago. It seems so long ago, yet when I think about the doubts and excitment we had at the time, it seems like only… Read More
What Happens When a Ministry is Broken?
Sunday, March 22nd, 2009I have a confession. I hate to throw away anything.… Read More In fact, it seems that in this time of recession, people are holding on to things that normally they would replace. I think for the
One Principle That Will Save Your Ministry
Sunday, March 15th, 2009This week, I’ve asked a guest author to talk to you about helping your ministry. We’re privileged to have a traveling missionary from the Middle East. Perhaps you’ve heard of him. His name is Paul.… Read More
Pastor Wins Best Supporting Actor Award
Sunday, March 8th, 2009Did you get to watch the Academy Awards this year? Being a people-watcher, I like tuning in to see who’s there and to see what movies I haven’t watched (but should when they hit my… Read More
6 Ways to Get Noticed.
Sunday, March 1st, 2009I’ve confessed many times that I’m a news junkie. I’ve cut back a lot lately in an attempt to think more positively, but I still get quite a bit of news. Ah, well.
After awhile,… Read More
3 Spring Things.
Sunday, February 8th, 2009We are blessed to live in North Carolina. … Read MoreOne of the perks of residing in the south, is early spring fever. After several weeks of cold temperatures (for here), we were blessed to have the
The Missing Commandment. #6 – Thou Shalt Live by the Law of the Grid.
Sunday, November 23rd, 2008Note: it was brought to my attention that Commandment 6 was left out of the blog about Church Websites. Sorry. Here it is!
Recently, I picked up a book I wanted to read.
Really! I… Read More
Step 2 for Saving Money – Word of Mouth
Saturday, November 15th, 2008My younger son has an iPod Touch. He got it about the time I got my incredible iPhone 3G. It was like Christmas coming early to our home.
I love when the kids get something… Read More
WFX Houston 08 – A Time for Optimism
Monday, November 10th, 2008Low/No Cost Marketing – Step 1
Wednesday, October 29th, 2008Almost every ministry or company that we start talking with needs to start at the same spot.
Developing a Story. … Read MoreInterestingly, when we meet people throughout the day — people we’ve never met before —
“There’s got to be a Cheaper way”
Tuesday, October 14th, 2008I talk with a lot of Pastors and Business Owners and I’m hearing the same thing. One Pastor I recently talked to seemed perplexed, “I know I need to do marketing and branding in my… Read More
Commandment 10 – Thou shalt Test. And Test again.
Thursday, September 11th, 2008This is the last in the series of the Ten Commandments for Church Websites! It’s always scary to talk about a first, but it’s equally sobering to figure out what the last of anything should… Read More
Commandment 9 – Thou shalt extend the reach of your website
Friday, September 5th, 2008Sitting in my office in North Carolina today, there are a couple of things that are being talked about with almost everyone that I have a conversation. Politics (the conventions are wrapping up — and… Read More
Commandment 4 – Thou shalt determine that consistency is mandatory
Thursday, June 12th, 2008Have you ever told someone about a favorite restaurant or store that you really love — and when they go they have a horrible experience? Perhaps the service was different or below their expectations. Or… Read More
Commandment 2 – Thou shalt get your website designed. Well.
Friday, May 16th, 2008Have you ever stopped to ask yourself what “design” means? Are you a designer? At PinPoint we have a random act called “what are you deciding”. At any time, anyone can ask another what (at… Read More
Commandment 1 – Thou Shalt Love Your Content
Sunday, May 11th, 2008We always hear that people don’t like the shows on TV. It seems like a common complaint. But yet there are more shows and more channels than ever. Millions of dollars go into the development… Read More
WFX – Indianapolis 2008
Sunday, May 4th, 2008OBX Fishing
Monday, April 14th, 2008This weekend I had the opportunity to go to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Read: drive as far east as you can (literally) in North Carolina on winding small town roads, and take a… Read More
Deal or No Deal
Monday, March 31st, 2008Saturday morning, bright and early, I arrived at an NBC casting call for the popular game show, Deal or No Deal. It was 6 am and quite cool (about 39F) and the line had started… Read More
