Greg Atkinson

Below is a post from my friend, DJ Chuang and the Leadership Network Digital Blog that I thought was worth repeating:

This weekend marks the first weekend of church worship services that will be live-streamed onto iPhones. Assuming all 5 services would be live-streamed, services at New Hope Christian Fellowship will be live-streaming on Saturday 7/4 at 5 & 7pm and Sunday 7/5 at 7, 9 & 11am, Hawaii Time. Being translated, that would be in Pacific Time: Saturday 8pm + 10pm, Sunday 10am + 12pm + 2pm. New Hope also has an internet campus with streaming video and an interactive online community.

Here’s the press release, Hawaii Church Becomes First to Stream Live Video to iPhone:

Less than two weeks after the release of Apple’s iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3.0 update, Honolulu-based New Hope Christian Fellowship (http://www.enewhope.org) has announced that it will begin streaming its weekend worship services live to iPhone and iPod touch users.

Live streaming to the iPhone was one of the most requested features from church attendees, and is now possible with the inclusion of HTTP live streaming in Apple’s iPhone 3.0 software. New Hope’s addition of live streaming to the iPhone is significant in that it is the first non-profit organization to offer this type of service. “Typically, churches are years behind other organizations when it comes to technology and innovation. We have tried to reverse that trend and pioneer new ways to spread the Gospel using the most current tools available,” explains New Hope’s Technology and Innovations Director, Michael Sharpe. “We don’t mind the long hours and stress that comes with innovating because we know that if we can come up with something useful, it can be used by other churches around the world.”

Leveraging standards-based HTTP streaming technology, New Hope will deliver high quality video over either a Wi-Fi connection or other carrier network, providing for a truly portable experience.

After successfully testing the service this past weekend with hundreds of users, the church is now planning to offer the live streaming video of its services to all iPhone and iPod Touch users starting July 4th.

The church currently streams all five weekend services live on its website for computer users and created the streaming for the iPhone as a free service for those who may not have access to a computer.

“We are always looking for ways that we can leverage technology to reach people where they are at,” said New Hope’s Interactive Developer Peter Thourson, “through live streaming video on iPhone and iPod touch, users across the globe will be able to continue to attend church regardless of where they are.”

Availability

The live stream of New Hope’s Services will be available on their website at http://www.enewhope.org beginning July 4th. The live stream requires an iPhone or iPod touch with the 3.0 software update and an active Internet connection.

About New Hope Christian Fellowship

Started in 1995, New Hope Christian Fellowship Oahu is one of the fastest-growing churches in the nation according to “Outreach Magazine,” with over 12,000 people in regular attendance at 6 locations. “Outreach Magazine” also named New Hope as one of the most influential and innovative churches in the United States.

*** What do you think of this? Can you see your church ever streaming onto an iPhone?***

A week ago today Mosaic and Newsong churches had a joint staff gathering. This is something that caught my eye and excites my heart to see. I’m very passionate about the Big-C Church and working together for the Kingdom. I can’t stand any spirit of competition between churches.

To see 2 great churches with 2 great leaders come together really blesses and encourages me. You can read an interview with Erwin McManus and Dave Gibbons that was done that day HERE.

Has your church ever done something like that? Have you partnered or planned with other churches in your area? If so, I’d love to hear about it. We do something like that here in Dallas with the Large Church Forum, but I really like to see just 2 churches do something like this. What are you thoughts?

Catalyst is about Leaders. Leaders who have a passion to impact our Generation, including leaders in music and the arts.

Catalyst believes there are new anthems and worship songs being written on the hearts of our generation across this nation and around the world. This is a call to leaders who have a vision to share these songs with the body of Christ.

Introducing the 2009 Catalyst Music Project – worship songs for the next generation. Upload your recording before July 1, 2009 for a chance to have your song included on the Album.

Today I leave to go speak at Saddleback’s Worship Conference for the 3rd year in a row. I love Rick Muchow and his staff. They put on a first-rate conference and I’m honored to be a part of it again. If you’re going to be there, please stop by and say “hi”.

Here’s a blog post from my friends at Catalyst last week. I thought it was worth passing on:

Gary Hamel wrote an article for the Wall Street Journal about how “Generation F” – the Facebook generation – will change expectations in the workplace.

I’m on vacation this week. I’ll be taking a break from the blog. I wish you well.

I’ve now seen Star Trek twice. One thing that I loved and appreciated is director, JJ Abrams, is not afraid of silence. There were several times when he’d cut away to a new shot and it would suddenly go silent – it really added a nice touch. 

I started thinking about how silence is a beautiful thing, especially in contrast to our busy lives. I wonder how often in the hustle and bustle of life that we miss out on God moments. Remember He speaks in a still, small voice and if we’re not careful, it can be hard to hear from Him. 

Psalm 37:7 – Quiet down before God, be prayerful before him. 

Psalm 46:10 - Be still, and know that I am God. 

Psalm 73:23-24 - I’m still in your presence, but you’ve taken my hand. 24 You wisely and tenderly lead me, and then you bless me.

*** My encouragement for you (and me) is to take time out to “be still” and quiet before our Creator. Listen for that still, small voice. Mind you: you have to be intentional about this or it will never happen. Now – be quiet!

There are few things I enjoy more than watching Tiger on the prowl. When Sunday comes and Tiger is anywhere close, it is the most fun thing in the world to watch him at work. Yesterday, my 3 kids and I cheered Tiger on to victory at the Memorial. Besides “Jesus” – who amazes you?

Below is a post from my friend, DJ Chuang and the Leadership Network Digital Blog that I thought was worth repeating:

What the church looks and feels like is changing right before our eyes, and on our computer screens.

This article from The Gadsden Times (Alabama), “Now on your computer screen: Sunday services,” tells the story of how the Church Online of LifeChurch.tv is reaching people around the world:

And, Beliefnet blog entry “How Facebook, Twitter, and Google Might Affect the Church” links over to Mark Brown’s thoughts, How the Digital Revolution Might Affect the Church.

Mark also explores other issues affected by the digital revolution, namely, church governance, church leadership, and the institutional church as we know it. Read the full article.

From my vantage point, I’m guessing that changes to how we live out our faith as the church is only beginning. More changes are yet to come. Technology is only a part of what’s ushering in the change. (Aside: there are at least 27 churches with Internet campuses offering church online) What do you think?

// DJ Chuang, Director at Leadership Network //

I just returned from spending the weekend at LifeChurch.tv in Oklahoma City and got to witness this first-hand. It’s amazing what God is doing through them.

Monday, July 13th (at Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, AL) I’ll be speaking at the BUG Conference. This is a first of its kind event for you to get hands-on training for how to use social media and social networking in your ministry setting.

Also speaking at BUG are Maurilio Amorim, Shaun King, Jeff Murphy, Lynse Leanne Stevens, Michael Trent and Guy Walker. 

BUG is put on by ARC (Association of Related Churches)  - an organization that I’m growing to love and appreciate for their Kingdom heart and passion for church planting. I’m, personally, starting to do more and more with ARC and encourage you to check them out. 

BUG is a day you can learn about church marketing.  BUG is focused on identifying, exploring and developing current trends in marketing.  Come learn how ARC pastors are reaching more people than ever before through LOW COST , high impact VIRAL MARKETING.

Our goal is to educate, enhance, and enable pastors to reach their local community through social media.

I hope you’ll come join me at this new conference. You can register HERE.