Greg Surratt

Video iPod

Did you see the release of the new video iPod?  iTunes also got an upgrade to handle video downloads.  This excites me...the age of video podcasts is here.  Can you imagine the possibilities?  Can you say "the times they are a changing"? 

I can't get very excited about podcasting...other than free distribution of weekend services (I know there are other uses...I just can't get my head around them yet...I'd rather read a blog).

But this?  This is another level...let's roll up our sleeves and get to work!

This and that...

Random thoughts on a Saturday afternoon:

1. Anthony Coppedge has a post on the financial costs of doing multi-sites.  He interviews Dennis Choy, the technical director from North Coast.  They outline 3 basic options that churches can use when considering video venues/campuses.  It's really good stuff...very practical...I think there may be at least 4 options...I'll be talking about it at the conference in Chicago this month.
2. Terry Storch posts about the new Google reader.  My comment...it's definitely not dummy proof...at least not for this dummy.  I'm having problems transferring Bloglines subscriptions.
3. Speaking of dummy proof...I just wiped out this entire post by accidentally clicking the backspace button while in Typepad...not cool.
4. Got to spend some time with Dino Rizzo this week at a Mission of Mercy pastors board that we both serve on.  (Kevin Donaldson has an inspiring vision for under served kids.)  Dino always stretches me...I'm glad he's my friend!  He had an opportunity to "get my back" when a waiter spilled several drinks down my shirt.  The guy is quick with a towel...probably the key to the success of Healing Place.  I look forward to sharing the speaking with him and some other friends at the ARC conference next month in Charleston.  It is turning into a great place to gather and get inspired...and it's free.
5. I'm learning that blogging really does help create community.  I've met some great people since I started this habit in August.  Made a connection the other day with Perry Noble...looking forward to spending time together. 
6. 1st Wednesday and 1st Thursday this week were pretty incredible.  The Long Point worship team (with help from Summerville, Downtown, and Family Life) really ushered us into God's presence.  Those two nights will be the foundation for a new worship CD...hopefully available in December.  Way to go gang!
7. I read a good book last week..."The Radical Reformission:  Reaching out without selling out" by Mark Driscoll.  I met Mark a couple of weeks ago in Dallas...he pastors Mars Hill in Seattle.  The book challenges me to think through what I believe and also addresses some issues in the "emerging church" movement that I have had questions about.  I first read a review at ChalliesDotCom and then picked up the book.
8. Sometimes I wish I could think of some of the things that my brother thinks of...before he does!  What a wonderful mind and quick wit.  Nepotism has paid off in amazing ways at Seacoast.  Thanks mom and dad...(Chris and Dee aren't bad either!)

That's enough for now...

Blogging Church podcast

Terry Storch at Blogging Church had me as a guest on his podcast.  If you want to hear it, just click here.  I apologize for the quality of audio...it was my fault...bluetoothe problems...but it gets better the further you go into the program.

The jist of the interview focused around our use of blogs in the church.  I told him that I thought there were at least 3 benefits for me:

1. It helps me communicate
2. It helps me learn
3. It levels the playing field

I would be interested in your vision of the future of blogging and podcasting in the church.  What will it look like?  How can we use these technology tools to further our mission?  Give me some practical scenarios.  Are there examples of companies or churches pushing the envelope in these areas now?