Greg Atkinson

Greg Atkinson is a consultant, friend and partner with a select group of strategic partnerships. Greg works with these partner companies (listed in alphabetical order) and encourages you to contact him at greg@gregatkinson.com for more information on how we can be a resource to your church. Click on the logos to go to the company website.

• Greg is Director of Creative Strategy and works as a consultant with BigBadCollab and churches to create innovative technologies for the Kingdom. Currently Greg is helping churches develop a tool for assimilation and discipleship with next steps for spiritual growth. If your church would like a web-based tool like this, contact Greg. We also do custom websites, logos and complete branding consulting and implementation.

• We focus on your finances. You focus on your church. We’ve created a web-based system that allows your church to outsource all aspects of day-to-day financial management. Greg is also available for financial consulting for your church or organization.

• HelpStaff.me is a church staffing company. If your church is looking for a new staff member or you’re a church leader looking for a new ministry position, contact Greg. Many organizations have hired employees to fill needs without having a master plan for their organizational goals and growth. HELPSTAFF.ME can do an overall assessment and help you set up your staffing more effiiently and effectively. Again, contact Greg for more info.

• TruthCasting creates custom iPhone apps for your church. Greg is your connection to this amazing mobile resource.

I had an interesting conversation with some friends this week. I found that many follow several, random people and in turn, those people then find out about them and follow them – thus they have a lot of people following them on Twitter.

That, honestly, never occurred to me. I only follow people that interest me, so it’s a relatively small group (78). I could probably have more people following me if I followed more people (makes sense), but I don’t want to get constant updates from people that I don’t particularly want to follow. Does that make sense?

So… How do YOU use Twitter? Do you follow as many as you can? Are you picky? Are you following me? You should. I will be releasing updates and exclusive Church 2.0 info on just Twitter.

BONUS:

Check out my friend, Bill Seaver’s blog on Podcasting 101 HERE.

The interview I did for the Churchy Media Podcast just posted. You can check it out HERE. In it, we talk about a tech get-together at NAB next week (Tuesday, April 15th at 11:30am). I hope you’ll download it and give it a listen.

Again, my classes at NAB (“Which Worship Presentation Software is Best for Your Church?” and “Church 2.0″) are sponsored by eleven72 and ProPresenter.

EXTRA:
Here a some pictures from our Good Friday service…

My mini-vacation last week was great. I didn’t think about or do anything church-related. I just rested, relaxed and had fun. I now feel refueled and ready to serve again. I’m grateful to my church and my boss for allowing me to take all the time I needed to recharge. I was all fresh and ready to return yesterday, but got pink eye and ended up missing. I’ve got eye drops now and should not be contagious anymore.

Now, I’m back in action in many ways. I’m on a new diet and fitness program (that came to me last week – I had a lot of time to think). I’m back in the gym working out and cutting back what I eat. I’m more active and eating less crap – which should make for a good/healthy combo.

I’m also back writing and prepping for some upcoming conferences. One magazine that I’ve never really mentioned, but I write regularly for is LifeWay’s “Let’s Worship” magazine. I encourage you to check it out HERE. Besides writing articles and working on my book, I’m doing some audio projects, too.

This week I’ll be making 3 recordings.

1. Tonight, I’m recording an audio class entitled “Communicating to Those That Listen with Their Eyes” for WorshipMinistryU, which is a great new online seminar tool for those in worship ministry. I’m honored to be among their terrific faculty. I’ll let you know when my class is ready and available.
2. Later this week I will record an interview for the Church Media Podcast. One of the things we’ll discuss is a Media/Tech meet up at NAB on the night of the 15th. They’ll be a group of tech directors, media producers and software company reps that will all gather to hang out and eat. If you’re going to be there, you don’t want to miss this.
3. Also, later this week, we’ll be back in the studio to revive the Creative Synergy Podcast. I know it’s been forever – but we’ll be back in action soon.

EXTRA:
If you haven’t voted for the worship presentation software that your church uses, go HERE. I’d like to get a recent poll before my “Worship Presentation Software” class in April at NAB.

BONUS:
Birthdays – Yesterday, my youngest turned 4. Today is my brother’s birthday.

Lately, I’ve been considering getting Apple TV for our church. I have several ideas of how to use it and am sure there are others that I haven’t even thought about. If you’re interested or curious in how Apple TV can be used in a ministry setting, you can read more about it HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.

Are you using Apple TV? If so, please comment and tell us how you’re using it.

EXTRA:
Today begins “Tech Week” at Bent Tree. We have rehearsal every night this week, 2 Good Friday services, dress rehearsal on Saturday and 3 Easter services.

I admit it: I’m a HUGE Tiger Woods fan. I love golf and I love to watch Tiger dominate. Congrats to Tiger for winning (again) yesterday and taking the first ever Fed Ex Cup!

BACK IN ACTION:

I know it’s been a while, but our latest podcast episode (#6) has just hit the streets. In this episode, Anthony and I talk about planning and preparation, as well as interview Craig Lillard of SermonVideos.com. For show notes and to subscribe, go HERE.

BONUS:

Our choir had the summer off. They were back in action yesterday and will sing about once a month until we go into our new building. Once in the new building, they’ll sing about every 6 to 8 weeks. I was pumped that we got to sing 2 of my favorite songs: “From the Inside Out” and “Revelation Song“. What are your current favorite worship songs?

Many of you may have listened to a podcast by WorshipHouse Media, but have you checked them out since they started doing them via video? I think they’re well done and add a new dynamic to their podcast. Big props to Trent for a very cool intro to the video podcast. Check it out HERE!

EXTRA:

Speaking of podcasts, Anthony and I were back in the studio this past Friday and recorded Episode 6, which should come out soon. If you haven’t subscribed to our podcast or checked out our last episode on copyright and the Church, you can HERE.

Last night we had our Fall kickoff for our entire Worship & Arts Ministry (all staff and volunteers). I’m over the Technical Arts Ministry, which is one branch or part of the Worship & Arts Ministry. It was a great night of food, fun and fellowship. A surprise for most was me leading worship. I think most think of me a “the tech guy” and did not realize that I was a worship pastor for 11 years. Our worship pastor asked me to start the night off by leading worship and I was honored to do so.

Another very special part of the night was our special guest. We flew in Joe Horness (who was the worship leader at Willow Creek for 25 years). He came and spoke to our entire team. He really encouraged, ministered to and challenged us. If you’re looking for someone to bring in and work with your worship team, Joe is awesome. All in all, it was an amazing night and one that we really needed as we are gearing up for a busy Fall.

EXTRA:

Today, we should be back in the studio recording our next podcast episode!

As Outreach magazine gears up for their second annual “America’s Most Innovative Churches” list, coming in the January/February 2008 issue, they want your help. They want to hear about the churches YOU think are innovative, the diverse churches, perhaps under their radar, that are doing ministry “out of the box.” It could be your own, or one you admire. They invite you to nominate this church for consideration by their panel of experts as they compile a list of 25 churches, both from your nominations and their own research and experience, that will be featured as “America’s Most Innovative Churches” in 2008. Nominations will be accepted until Sept. 15, 2007. My church (Bent Tree Bible Fellowship) is listed so far. I know many of you are familiar with my church and what we’re doing. I appreciate you giving us the encouragement. I truly do think we are one of the most innovative and unique churches in the county. Maybe your church is, too? Go vote HERE.

EXTRA:

Voting is now available for SermonView’s sermon title contest. They have chosen the top three finalists from pastor suggestions and now need your opinion as to which title best suits their new image. Voting is open until the 25th of the month. The winner will receive a custom graphic set for their suggestion. Give them your opinion HERE.

BONUS:

Phil Cooke blogged about our copyright podcast episode. If you haven’t listened to it, yet, you’ve got to check it out. Also, don’t worry – we will be back in the studio next week recording Episode 6!

It’s good to be back in Dallas. Today is going to be a day of rest and family time for me. I haven’t seen my kids since last Saturday. HERE is a link to a FREE soundpack that you can use on your podcast.