Advanced Certification Lab: Recap

Advanced Certification Lab: Recap

January 20, 2016 by

The first ever Advanced Certification Lab was held at West Ridge Church just outside of Atlanta on Jan. 17-19, 2016. This two-day intensive conference brought in over 20 church communications professionals from across the country.

What They Learned

Four presenters—Phil Bowdle, Stephen Brewser, Mark MacDonald and Gerry True—shared valuable knowledge from their years of combined experience and expertise. They covered everything including:

  • Communications tools and systems
  • Using emotional intelligence to build relationships
  • The cycle of creativity
  • Knowing your audience
  • Social media 2.0
  • Public criticism: what to do when it happens
  • Creating memorable experiences
  • What is branding?
  • Developing a weekly rhythm

These concepts built on lessons from these same presenters at other Certification Labs. Participants were also broken into groups for an overnight project, which involved creating materials for a hypothetical Easter sermon series.

Check out some of the highlights below or see even more of the Certification Lab in action.

Know Your Audience

Building a Healthy Weekly Rhythm

Establishing Principles

What Is Branding?

Memorable Experiences

The Creative Cycle

Creating Healthy Systems

The Proof Is in the Pudding

The Presenters

There will be two other Certification Labs this year in San Antonio (April 17-19) and Nashville (July 17-19). Since 2013, the Certification Labs have helped to equip and inspire hundred of church communicators.

Thanks to Monk Development, makers of Ekklesia 360, for their support of the Certification Lab.

Post By:

Robert Carnes


Robert Carnes is the managing editor at the Orange Group and also serves as an assistant editor here at Church Marketing Sucks. He's the author of The Original Storyteller: Become a Better Storyteller in 30 Days. Previously, he worked in communications at two United Methodist churches in Metro Atlanta.
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