i oversee a production ministry at a large church in the Chicago suburbs and as often as I can, I try to pull my head out of the all-encompassing ministry the Lord's called me to at HBC to check out what some other Kingdom "team members" are doing in other places.  this is good for 3 reasons...

1- i need a break every once in a while (it's easy to get so caught up in my own world, i can become close minded)

2- no need to re-invent the wheel.  people have things figured out-don't be afraid to learn!

3- it's a great way to build relationships with fellow labourers

4- (this one is for free) - it's fun to check out sweet gear!

...field trip time! (no permission slips required)

I found myself in a van with 10 other production guys who are on staff at Willow Creek Community Church, a cup of Starbucks in my hand, and a 54 minute trek down I-90 to Rockford.

Willow has pioneered many aspects present in the modern-American church, one of them being multi-campus/site churches.  This church in Rockford is one such place.  These churches don't have senior pastors who preach on the weekends.  Instead, they tap into either live preaching from Willow, or tape delayed content from previous weekends.  They do have full ministry staff, with a campus pastor, who fuifills the role of a senior pastor on the weekends (minus the preaching), ministries for all ages (brith to grave), and venues that support the heavy emphasis on video. 

fyi-Harvest has instituted this model as the Lord continues to entrust people to our care.  we broadcast our pastor live to 2 other locations in the Chicago-land area.  this is what keeps me awake at night-praying that this system functions properly on the weekends!

now, back to Rockford...

We got a tour of their entire worship space, their video studio, and recording and video editing suites.  to summarize in one word... incredible!

the worship space was simple, yet excellent in every way.  1600 chairs filled the room, which get filled several times a weekend; the stage was covered with soft-goods which would relflect virtually any color of light the 30+ intelligent light fixtures would cast, and the sound system was "strong, to very strong."

we headed to the basement and I found myself in a video studio that would rival any local tv station.  there were monitors everywhere, plenty of seating, and racks upon racks of video gear.  this was instantly the the highlight of the trip.  i picked up 10 things I want to do in our church's video studio as a result of seeing this facility, things that will improve how we operate, things that will allow us to broadcast the gospel message with greater capacity.

this is why I went.  I want to learn new things, find new things, and meet new people so that I can grow in my capacity to do my job, to serve the Lord, and ultimately to furhter the Kingdom!  get out and see the world, encourage your fellow ministers of the gospel, and increase your capacity to do what you love-serving the Lord!