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
Who you are talking to changes everything – @markmac1023 #CertLabADV pic.twitter.com/PkcFzyebNB
— Jeff Brown (@run262jb) January 18, 2016
Building a Healthy Weekly Rhythm
"When survival mode becomes your 'rhythm.' It's not sustainable." @philbowdle #certlabadv
— Chase Gentes (@chasegentes) January 19, 2016
Establishing Principles
"A two way conversation is the best way to communicate." @GerryTrue Love that truth. #certlabadv
— Brandon Rodgers (@bsrodgers) January 19, 2016
What Is Branding?
Your brand is how people feel about your organization…It’s the culmination of identity, mission, axioms, and values. #CertLabAdv
— Justin Meeker (@jmeeker) January 19, 2016
Memorable Experiences
"Memorable experiences bond the heart of your audience with the heart of God and your church." @philbowdle #CertLabAdv
— Chase Gentes (@chasegentes) January 18, 2016
The Creative Cycle
my brain listening to @B_REWSTER talk about creativity #certlabadv pic.twitter.com/y4keb3sZLq
— Jeff Brown (@run262jb) January 18, 2016
Creating Healthy Systems
Healthy leaders build healthy systems. @philbowdle #CertLabAdv pic.twitter.com/GHXdL2rM6a
— Robert Carnes (@jamrobcar) January 18, 2016
The Proof Is in the Pudding
The proof is in the pudding! #certlabadv #chocolate pic.twitter.com/f26YaCGz73
— Shannon Carducci (@smcarducci) January 18, 2016
The Presenters
#certlabadv pic.twitter.com/t5GBMNJNMZ
— Will Montgomery (@WCMofficial) January 18, 2016
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.
