Technical Arts

Tests of Authentic Ministry

~ Mike Schwiebert ~ 4 Comments

Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 2 Corinthians 4:1, 2

These verses are incredibly challenging. Though I have been contemplating this passage for years, I feel that I have barely scratched the surface of Paul’s admonitions. Keep thinking! Continue reading

Church Technical Leaders: Leading Up

~ Mike Schwiebert ~ Leave a comment

As part of an ongoing discussion on the  Church Tech Leaders website about Leading Up, I recently had the privilege of adding my two cents via video.

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As a Manager Tools’s fan, I do not believe that a person should try to manage their boss. However, as technical artists in the church, we have knowledge and skills that the rest of the staff can benefit from. We were hired for our expertise. In that sense, we are the leaders in the church staff when it comes to our field.

Often, we are called on to communicate up the chain. As leaders at our church in technical arts, the skill set needed for this type of communication is different. That just makes sense. You are the leader in knowledge or expertise, but not the leader in the organization. It can be a tricky place to navigate.

Greg Baker, technical director at Saddleback Church, started the conversation with this excellent article.

To watch the videos of Van and me click here.

Video Directing 101: The Establishing Shot

~ Mike Schwiebert ~ 4 Comments

VideoDirecting101

What is an establishing shot?

The word establish means to set up or show. In video terms, the establishing shot sets up the scene or shows where the scene is taking place. The establishing shot provides context for the viewer.
You’ve seen this in every TV show and movie you have ever watched.

Consider a sitcom like Seinfeld. If you watched the show you know that one of the main places of action was the coffee shop. Can you here the popping bass notes as the camera zooms into the coffee shop for just a few seconds before we join the cast already inside at their favorite table? That’s the establishing shot. Keep thinking! Continue reading.

Great Conversations: God and Moses

~ Mike Schwiebert ~ 1 Comment

GreatConversations_God&Moses

Imagine eavesdropping on Mt Sinai as God gave Moses the tablets with the ten commandments. That conversation laid the foundation for entire nations, changed the course of human history, and shaped the world. Now imagine if in the middle of that conversation, God mentioned you by name. I’m not referring to Moses or Aaron. I’m talking about two guys you may not know: Bezalel and Oholiab.

Keep thinking! Continue reading.