Faith, Media, and the Power of Change

I started to call this “Why Nepotism Kills Organization” because I feel so strongly about it.  First, let me get this out of the way:  Everyone wants to hire their family.  Especially in a small, close knit operation – or a family business – it’s completely natural.  There’s nothing wrong with the desire to help your own family out in the business.  There’s nothing I would like better than to be able to help my own children through my work.  ... read more

Tyson GayHere's a rather funny example of why Internet filtering has to be tweaked. ... read more

Change happens.  Because culture, media, trends, and styles change, we need to be able to respond to those changes.  Besides, as new information and research gives us more insight into management, leadership, motivation, sales, and more, we need to create organizations that allow growth to happen.  For some, it’s the transition to a second generation leader, for others it’s moving from a publically known or famous leader to an unknown leader, and for others, it’s simply the desire to re-brand.  Whatever transition you face, it’s important that you pull off the change without interrupting or disrupting your organization.  Here are some thoughts to keep in mind: ... read more

Ageism happens – especially in the media.  If you’re moving into your fifties, you’ve probably seen it firsthand.   Perhaps the easy job or sales interviews you used to get are harder to come by now.  Maybe it’s fewer auditions or business presentations.  Some have see outright discrimination working in a culture that worships youth.  Whatever your experience (and you’re bound to have one sooner or later) here’s a few ideas that will keep your resume – and you – looking younger: ... read more

A few months ago I wrote a post on how churches, ministries, and non-profits can survive the economic downturn.  If you didn’t read it, check it out and pass it on to an organization you know is struggling.   Perhaps just as important would be your media strategy during difficult financial times.  If you have a radio, television, web, or other media outreach, here are some things to keep in mind as we get into the summer: ... read more

What should you do with old or damaged Bibles you no longer need?  According to World Magazine, Michigan-based Christian Resources International (CRI) suggests several ways to put them to use. Operation Bare Your Bookshelf allows you to send used Bibles in good condition to people who need them overseas. For $11 you can mail a package weighing up to 4 pounds directly abroad, to someone who has requested a Bible, using an address label and customs form prepared by CRI. ... read more

I was thinking the other day about relationships I’ve had over the years and what I’ve learned.  I’ve had a lot of clients, but here’s a few things worth thinking about that I walked away with from an important handful: ... read more

Interesting article on how TV viewing has changed with the advent of computers and digital media. Something to think about if you're a content producer. ... read more

I got a call today from Campbell Brown’s producers to be a guest on tonight’s CNN Election Center hosted by Campbell.  They wanted to discuss Dr. James Dobson’s comments today about Obama’s interpretation of the Bible and what Dobson called Obama’s “fruitcake interpretation” of the Constitution.  I had to turn them down because I’m in the Midwest speaking to a media conference and tonight’s show schedule conflicted.  You never know where these things will go.  They were going to set me up against Roland Martin – a CNN advisor and Democratic Strategist.  These calls are tough because in this case I have feelings both ways:  ... read more

Organizations – either for-profits or non-profits - have become more and more complex.  In a flat world of government regulation, digital media, globalization, and more, it’s difficult for a single organization to do everything well.  For some, it’s a matter of expertise – seeking the best and brightest minds to help your organization succeed.   For others – it’s about off-loading – keeping your workforce small and nimble, without sacrificing growth and productivity.  As you think about what you can – and can’t – outsource, here’s a few issues to consider on both sides of the topic: ... read more

The Wall Street Journal reports today that Planned Parenthood reported $1 billion in annual revenue in its most recent financial report.  As a result, they’ve started re-branding to reach a more upscale customer.  The organization reported a surplus of $115 million at year end, which makes one wonder why the federal government keeps pumping money into the organization.  Right now, the government gives the PP up to ... read more

In the era of digital media, we sometimes forget the importance of reading.  Recently, James Macpherson wrote a blog post responding to a comment I'd made.  In his response that he called Reading for a Change, he listed some really insightful issues about reading, and I thought they were worth repeating.  Check it out and let me know what you think. ... read more

I've been shocked lately at the number of people who've told me they purchased a copy of Branding Faith for their local church or college libraries. They felt that more people should read it and understand how important the concept is of communicating our faith in a media driven culture.  So I would encourage you to consider that as well.  Get a copy for your church or local college library and help spread the word! ... read more

Paul Crouch Jr. shared some interesting audience survey results from Trinity Broadcasting with me that might start to change assumptions about who the audience for religious television might be.  Because of confidentiality, I can’t reveal the entire survey, but there are some fascinating elements that Paul gave me permission to write about.  For instance, here are the things that stood out: ... read more

For all you Brand Junkie's out there, here's the results of Brand Channel's survey (a bit weird, but interesting) on how brands relate to their audiences. ... read more

In spite of all the Bible says about faithfulness, the last being first, and pleasing God rather than men, it’s absolutely fascinating how enchanted we are with numbers.  Check out the latest conferences, and most of the speakers are from the most attended churches.  Look at the pastors on the best seller lists, and once again, you’ll usually find pastors of the largest churches and ministries.  ... read more

Everybody wants to be results oriented.  After all, many think that if you’re not getting results, then what’s the point?  It’s tough to argue with results.  In fact – especially when it comes to religious organizations and non-profits – I wish more were focused on results.  From evangelism, to relief work, to fundraising, results can be a good thing. But over the years, ... read more

Two things you need to check out - this story from the New York Times about how significant major companies have found the email flood to be these days.  And Inbox Zero, the fascinating new idea from the guys at 43 Folders.  Remember t ... read more

In this age where militant atheism is fighting to keep God out of the public square, one of the most powerful arguments for keeping faith in the cultural conversation actually came from Barack Obama two years ago when he spoke at the Sojourners/Call to Renewal Conference.  I think it's worth writing down and using the next time someone tries to tell you to keep your faith at home: ... read more

Mike Walker sent me this fascinating article from Church Solutions on the gap in most churches where 20 year olds used to be.  The article says, "LifeWay Research found that of Christians between the ages of 23 and 30, 70 percent “drop out” of going to church for at least a year between the ages of 18-22. A sizable number spend more than a year away. ... read more