Blog

Did you know WiredChurches hosts workshops twice a year, led by world-class leaders in a variety of fields? And did you know they are a quick, affordable way to strengthen and inspire entire teams of people in one day? And did you also know we have a fresh batch of them coming next month?

It’s true! Now you know. Here’s what we have coming up in April—click the thumbnails for more information on each one:

Learn how to make great first impressions with the guests (old and new)
who walk in the doors of your church.

Have your message be heard loud and clear in every deliverable—
through what people read, touch or click.

From birth through fifth grade, a healthy kids’ ministry can have an enormous
impact on the children and families in our communities.

Go behind the scenes with Granger’s creative and production arts teams
to experience a download of Granger’s creative process and structure.

The First Impressions, Communications and Kids’ Ministry Workshops are one-day events that run from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. on Fridays. The Arts All-Access is a Saturday workshop, from 10 a.m.–6:10 p.m. Lunch will be provided for all workshops. So come with your team on Friday and stay for Saturday’s All-Access event, which includes attending a Saturday evening service. All events are held on the Granger Community Church Campus at Granger Commons near South Bend, IN, just 90 miles east of Chicago and five miles east of the University of Notre Dame.

by Sean Bublitz, Creative Arts Director

Everyone has an opinion. It seems to be accentuated in the church. People give their time and resources and they’re passionate about what happens in your organization. And you want it that way. You would rather have them fired up and passionate than lethargic and uninterested. So what do you do when their passion turns into criticism of you, your team, or something you’ve created?

• Find the kernel of truth. There are two kinds of criticism; constructive and destructive. Destructive criticism you should completely ignore, move on, and possibly deal with in other ways. Constructive criticism can be helpful, but a lot of time is still hard to hear. Discipline yourself to reflect back on the conversation and look for the kernels of truth. Whether it’s a hallway conversation, email, or someone walking by the front-of-house sound booth, make sure you search for ways that the criticism can make you better.
• Ask questions first. Before you defend yourself against criticism, ask questions. Sometimes criticism just comes from misunderstanding. Asking questions can help you understand where the criticism is coming from. Questions also help lower the defenses of the critic. They see you as someone who really does want to understand, and that can turn a critic into an ally.

Continue reading...