My _________ Sucks Because _________
POSTED IN: Authenticity, Church, Technology, Videos
Church leaders blame their lack of growth on many things. If only we had more lights, a better sound system, more videos, a better band. Visiting churches like Granger or North Point leaves most Pastors repeating the tenth commandment to themselves (thou shall not covet…thou shall not covet…).
Worship leaders aren’t immune from the “if only…” game either.
Worship Pastor to Senior Pastor: “Pastor, we’re kind of running into a wall. My musicians (it sounds better if someone else is asking) are telling me that if we bought ______________ (new amp, processor, instrument or whatever) we could really take the sound and quality of our worship up another notch.”
As a designer and self-professed geek I’m constantly scanning the horizon for the latest plugin, font, software or upgrade to buy. I try to convince myself that I could be so much more productive with this or that tool.
I remember my Uncle (who is an amazing finish carpenter) telling me about the importance of using the right tool for the job. But he also reminded me that no amount of good tools will make up for bad workmanship. A poor workman always blames his tools.
I was reminded about making the most with what I’ve got when I watched this video at AlphaBlogDesigns yesterday. Bob Staake is an illustrator who creates amazing illustrations for clients like Sony, Target and Hallmark using only Photoshop 3.0! That’s right, the version that I learned on and used back in 1994! I thought I was pretty good in Photoshop CS3 but this guy makes me look like a hack.
Watching videos like that remind me that having the latest _________ or the greatest __________ is not an excuse. In our high-tech society where hundreds of new gadgets or upgrades come out ever day it can be easy to be swept up in the “If only I had…” game.
We can do so much if we only utilize and master what we already have.
Trust me, I’m as guilty of this as anyone.
What about you? What has your excuse been?
Fill in the blank: “If only I had ________ I could ________.”
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May 14, 2008
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Wow. Great point. I fear that we may be getting carried away with looking for the next cool tool. This might lead to wasting resources on cool stuff that we don’t need, instead of building the kingdom efficiently. Thanks for the warning!
Jesse Phillipss last blog post..What is Church?
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May 14, 2008
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This is so true…and the best part is that we don’t even necessarily need all that stuff in order to make a good worship service. Too much can be distracting and take away from the atmosphere of giving your all to God. Besides, music is only a miniscule part of worship (not that i don’t like music…heaven forbid! =)).
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May 14, 2008
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That video was amazing. I appreciate your analogy with your Uncle; that was great and incredibly true. Why is it that sometimes the “new and improved” things in life aren’t really new and improved at all – just a new combo of colors and a slightly different look with a higher price tag?
CJ Millss last blog post..When Did My Baby Girl Start To Grow Up?
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May 14, 2008
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I think you nailed it on the head. We’re always wanting bigger and better.
Quality with what you have is, I think, the best route for churches.
Having a great sound system will not make your band any better.
I struggle with this alot because I want to increase our effectiveness. God reminds me all the time excellency has nothing to do with how many toys you have.
jarrod morriss last blog post..Church worker’s sin
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May 14, 2008
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If only I had Wii, I could be a lot cooler than I am right now.
Julie Ps last blog post..A New Spin On A Classic
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May 14, 2008
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I love this! Sometimes this is just the kick in the pants that church staff needs.
Emilys last blog post..you ask i’ll answer – part 1.
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May 14, 2008
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It certainly is amazing what he does!
Why stop there, though? He should copy and paste paper clips! wha? no, that was a joke.
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May 14, 2008
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CJ – Good point.
Jarrod – So true about the sound system. I think we could be far more creative with less if we tried.
Julie – Praying for that Wii.
Jason – I like it…you should try it! Send me the video when you do.
- Brad
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May 14, 2008
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Brad, thanks for your comment on my post. I appreciate the input.
Jesse Phillipss last blog post..What is Church?
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May 14, 2008
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Ah, come on man… You’re taking away my number one excuse I give my wife when I need a new piece of software, equipment, power tool, neck tie, video camera, plug-in, yadda, yadda yadda!
Too true…and guilty as all get out…
Brook Sarver
http://www.two10eleven.com
Brooks last blog post..a week gone…
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May 14, 2008
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If I only had the right perspective I could see that what I have is quite enough.
tams last blog post..Random. And sorry for the pics.
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May 15, 2008
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What a great post … kind of describes my life.
Sometimes I try to remember:
If only I had MORE JESUS I could DO MORE WITH LESS TECHNOLOGY.”
Mike Joness last blog post..Thank you!!
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May 15, 2008
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Brook – sorry to pull the rug out from under you. Hopefully your wife doesn’t read my blog!
Tam & Mike – Great reminders! That’s what it’s all about!
- Brad
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May 17, 2008
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[...] Brad Ruggles is trapped in a hotel room, but he still has time to make us consider our desire for the latest and greatest… [...]
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May 18, 2008
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Awesome post and great reminder.
This has been running through my head for the past couple of months recently. Take what you have and make the best of it.
Better to do something with what you have than nothing with what you have.
portorikans last blog post..OMG! The Drummer for this Rock Band is Pretty Freakin’ Amazing!
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May 23, 2008
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I truly do understand the spirit of this post. However, it must be pointed out that with well-designed systems (including the right cool gear) and proper training we make it easier for our teams to succeed at being relevant, efficient, and free to be more creative. There is a point where the latest gear or redundant gear adds complexity to the point that it damages the opportunities for success.
But for me, one thing would be that “My Cell Phone Sucks Because It Is Nearly Two Years Old.”
Kellys last blog post..Sound System Basics – Intro
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May 24, 2008
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[...] Marcus This post from Brad Ruggles is great. As a creative person, it can be easy to get caught up in the mentality [...]