One Picture Is Worth . . .
“Illustrate”
is one of the strongest video tools I’ve seen that will fit well into a worship
setting. Produced with pastor Erwin McManus, this three-volume DVD set contains
27 video clips featuring real-life stories that deal with issues like adultery,
divorce, conflict, financial pressures, and more. These are emotionally-charged
and will help engage listeners and set the stage for the sermon. A second three-volume
set (with 33 clips) has now been released. Each set is $99.95 each, a reasonable
price for a strong set of video resources like this. While you’re checking this
out, take a look at “Shorts,” a set of commercial parodies that your teens will
love. Visit them at http://www.bluefishtv.com/.
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This
company, best known for inspirational greeting cards, also offers a series of
inspirational videos which can be used in a church or church-related setting.
The videos I previewed each had a music track and text superimposed over beautiful
images, but not audio text — the kind of thing you might use at the beginning
of a service to set a mood for the congregation. Each of their CD’s contains
several short films; some of them are holiday-related collections. At a price
per collection (7 videos) ranging from $20-$30, individual videos are reasonably
priced. These are not high-energy videos, but they contain beautiful photography
and might be useful for a special service. You can see the complete Dayspring
collection at: http://www.dayspring.com/movies/
Providing
resources for the “emerging church,” Highway Video produces 3-5 minute “visual
vignettes (that) challenge, convict, amuse, and drive ministry to the next level.”
At present they offer 14 video collections on DVD, each containing five videos,
for a cost of $55.00 per DVD; lower prices are available via a subscription
option. Unfortunately, their web site only allows you to preview a short clip
rather than the entire video. They also have other visual resources available,
such as Vibe Video (with music tracks but no audio text). The best bargain may
be their “Classics” collection — the first 30 videos they produced — which is
available for $120. Learn more at: http://www.highwayvideo.com/
This
group offers a selection of high-quality video productions which can be used
in worship settings. You’ll find a variety of packages, including some for Easter,
Christmas, and a package called “On Purpose Media” ($45.00) for use in connection
with a 40 Days of Purpose campaign. My favorite preview was called “Good to
Go” and featured astronauts and the space program — a good “launching pad” for
a sermon on mission and responding to challenges. The two fellows behind this
company — Jason Moore and Len Wilson — are also the authors of the Digital
Storytelling: The Art of Communicating the Gospel in Worship (Abingdon Press).
You’ll find them at: http://www.midnightoilproductions.net/