We just had another terrifically successful Certification Lab in St. Louis! Everything from talking about deadlines to creative courage, this group stepped up to the challenge and had some great discussions and team activities. Even bubbles were included in the fun!
“Overall, the five Certification Lab events we’ve held have been a success, and this year was no different,” said our executive director, Chuck Scoggins. “It is a privilege to be able to pour into the lives of church communicators throughout the country.”
Already, plans are in the works for the next Certification Lab. Dates and locations will be announced soon.
"It's a scientific fact that you can't be in a bad mood when you blow bubbles." – @kelleyhartnett #CertLab pic.twitter.com/OXRxPrvYVs
— MonkDev (@MonkDev) June 8, 2015
Over the intense two days at The Crossing, the 28 attendees of the Certification Lab covered a plethora of topics, including:
- How to work with and best serve their lead/senior pastors and other church staff.
- How to lead teams of volunteers.
- How to continue to grow as an artist or creative person.
- Strategies for writing and developing context-appropriate content.
- How to connect with different types of people and audiences.
- Social media best practices and how to adapt to emerging social networks.
- How to build a communications plan.
- Decision-making philosophies.
- Strategies for reaching the unchurched, dechurched, etc.
- How to approach communication in a multi-site church.
- General communication survival tips.
- How to create and build a brand.
And more! Here were some of the favorite topics tweeted by participants:
Taking Needed Rest
"You can't be at your best without rest"- @GerryTrue #CertLab pic.twitter.com/FBH2xu0icp
— Jeff Brown (@run262jb) June 8, 2015
Being Courageous
One of the biggest barriers to creativity: fear. True in design, true in life. Don't be afraid. @B_REWSTER #certlab #alwaystrying
— Abbi (@word_nerd) June 9, 2015
Needing Strong Editors
"The church doesn't need more great writing, the church needs more great editing." – @markmac1023 #CertLab
— MonkDev (@MonkDev) June 9, 2015
Managing Expectations
Success rests on expectations. Clarify expectation on the front end. A wow moment is beating the expectation. #certlab @B_REWSTER
— Abbi (@word_nerd) June 9, 2015
Going Beyond
Move people from consumers of church to followers of Jesus. @kelleyhartnett #certlab
— Matt Ehresman (@mattehresman) June 9, 2015
More:
- Check out our Twitter round up for a full collection of wisdom and insight from the event.
- Read more posts about the Certification Lab, including lots of good stuff from our instructors.
- For more help for new church communicators, check out our Getting Started ebook.
