There's several reasons why video updates in church services can be more effective than face-to-face or written updates. Here's five:
- Everyone at all services hears the same message.
- One person is chosen to deliver the message (i.e. the best person).
- The update that people heard in services can be made available to those who weren't there (i.e. online after the service).
- The update sticks to allocated time (the editor ensures the update doesn't exceed the time limit).
- Any boring bits can be removed, keeping the update short, sharp and to the point.
To address the obvious point - most churches don't have elaborate studio set-ups (notable exclusions include Hillsong and Mars Hill Church!). The good news for most churches then, is Call Recorder for Skype. It's particularly useful for recording interviews, or, better still - updates from mission partners. CallRecorder is a piece of software for the Mac that makes it easy to record a conversation on Skype, and then (using other software, e.g. iMovie), edit the video, ready to play in a service and then upload to YouTube.
I'm going to give it a go and we can see if the theory also works in practice!
Question: Have you used this or similar software to easily record video conversations?
