by: Kurt Steinbrueck
We've been looking at ways churches can use social media to market
their church online and reach others for Christ. In my last article I
talked about the benefits of online video sharing as an online church
marketing strategy. In this article I'll give several ideas for
videos.
Video Ideas:
Sometimes churches have some difficulty thinking of videos to share.
Here are 13 ideas for videos:
1. Post sermons: You pastor is giving the sermons every week anyway.
Why note record them and post them online? (Note: YouTube and other
sites have limits on the length and size of videos. So, you may need
to break the sermon up into parts. YouTube limits are 10 minutes and a
file size of 1 GB.)
2. Post funny videos: Funny videos have the added benefit of being
potentially viral. If the video catches on, it could be viewed by
millions of people.
3. Post commercials: If your church has commercials they are airing on
TV, put them online as well.
4. Personal testimonies and interviews: Remember, one of the thing
people love about video sharing is people being real. Personal
testimonies are the perfect example of videos of people being real and
are a great way for viewers to connect with your church on an
emotional level.
5. Conference speakers: Does your church present conferences or
special guest speakers. Just like the pastor's sermons, you can post
these messages online.
6. Highlights of upcoming events: Let people know what's coming up at
the church, like an online commercial.
7. Highlights of recent events: Similar to the commercial of upcoming
events, showing highlights of recent events can show people what your
church is like and show them what they missed (so they don't miss it
next time).
8. Artists (drama, visual, musical, literary): Does your church have
artists in the congregation? You can produce videos of these artists
whether it's drama, visual arts, literary readings, musical
performances, etc.
9. Spiritual and Christian life related messages: A lot of people are
looking for spiritual guidance and information. You can produce videos
about various topics such as "Christ in your marriage" or "The end
times".
10. Informational non-church videos: Don't limit yourself to just
church and Christian topics. The members of your congregation have a
lot of information they can offer about "secular" and everyday topics
such as "10 ways to save on your electric bill" (brought to you by
Christ the King church in Auburn or whichever church you attend). This
is a great way to reach out to people who would not normally look for
a church, exactly the people who we should be focused on with our
church marketing.
11. Video used in your church services: Does you church use videos
during the services. Why not post them online?
12. Commenting on current events: This can have the benefit of using
the pop culture and hot topics of the day to reach more people. But be
careful of divisive issues, such as the political topics. I'm not
saying you can make a political statement, but you risk turning people
off your church and the ultimate message of your church, Jesus Christ.
Remember, Christ died for Republicans and Democrats alike.
13. Video Contests: Have a contest for youth or some other group to
create videos about a particular subject or about the church and then
post the videos. This can be a great way to make several videos, get
the congregation involved, and have a great time.
These are just some ideas to get you started. Be creative. Most
churches have tons of creative and talented people in their
congregations. Creating videos can be a great way to get those people
more involved the church.
In the next article in our series about using social media as an
online church marketing strategy, I'll look at ways you can increase
the effects of your church's video sharing.
About The Author
Kurt Steinbrueck is the author of the Church Marketing Online blog. He
has been Director of Marketing Services with Ourchurch.Com for over 5
years providing Christian search engine optimization services
including services specific for church marketing solutions and private
school marketing. Kurt is also a Deacon at his church. You can find
the original version of this article at
http://churchmarketingonline.com/2008/11/is-your-church-social-part-3-youtube-video-ideas-for-church-marketing/
For more at http://churchmarketingonline.com
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