Wisdom From A Church Media Director

I was fortunate to complete my required internship this summer at Christian Life Assembly. The internship involved creating videos for the church and join in the creative team processes. After I graduate from VFCC, I'm planning to work for a church or Christian organization in the film world. But, what does it take to work in a unique environment such as a Church? I interviewed my mentor from the internship, and heres how it went.

Me: " How did you get started in the digital media field?"

Richard: "I began doing video work for my high school, recording and producing the annual school musicals, football games, etc."

Me: "Did you attend a college/university before this job and if so what did you study?"

Richard: " I attended Montgomery College and the University of Maryland receiving my degree in Communication-Video Production. After graduating, I did not use my degree for almost 13 years when I began working in the church."

Me: " What is a typical day in the office look like?"

Richard: "Most days are spent multi-tasking in five areas. Pre-production of upcoming services, post production on past services, volunteer management, equipment maintenance, administrative tasks (email, phone calls)

Me: "What is a goal you have for yourself in this field of work?"

Richard: "To continue to use the latest in technology to reach the world for Jesus Christ, keeping in mind that the message is not changing, only the method."

Me: "Is there anything you know now that you wished you knew getting started?"

Richard: "That a vast majority of the leadership (pastoral staff, deacon/elder boards) in the church do not have any idea what or how to use digital media, but think they know everything. This creates an unnecessary level of stress and conflict when dealing with personnel and budget requests."

Me: " What’s your advice to anyone looking into working for the church in media?"

Richard: "Confirm that the church has a digital media plan (audio, video, lighting, photography, web, apps, and social media). During the interview process, make sure you confirm this with more than one staff/board member. If there is a plan, then confirm that the church is prepared to budget between 7-10% of the annual operating budget for the entire church, in the areas of digital media. Digital media is a continuing cycle of maintenance, upgrades and advancements. You must be flexible, and the church must be flexible."

In recap, here's a video I was able to produce for the church to promote their digital media ministries.

Click here for video.

Hope this post is able to spark some interest in those who want to work in a church! Don't forget to leave a comment below!