Episcopal Church Foundation Vital Practices

Time to Flip out

by Richelle Thompson on February 23, 2011

Attention, congregations: It’s infomercial time.

Want an inexpensive but highly productive way to share the ministry of your church? Check out the Flip (or another handheld camera).

The Flip is a plug-and-play video camera with instructions easy enough for adults to use (Tech-savvy kids will think this is, um, child’s play). The Flip is small enough to carry in a pocket or a purse, and there aren’t a bunch of buttons that require a user manual and advanced degree. You can even record in high definition, if you’d like. (Other handheld cameras are flooding the market too. I've had great success with the Flip; plus, it has a cool name).

Once you have your video, you simply “flip” open a button and plug the camera into your USB port. It automatically launches the software that you need for minor editing. It will then convert your file into the right digital format to post to YouTube, your website or Facebook.

How might this expand your ministry?

Give the camera to the youth group and ask them to record 2-3 minute clips of their experience on a mission trip. Video children during a Vacation Bible School program. (Make sure you have permission from a parent or guardian before taping kids under 18).

Ask the priest to give a teaser for Sunday’s sermon. Interview parishioners about why they like the Episcopal Church – and why they sacrifice sleeping in to come and worship each Sunday.
Earlier this week, our priest couldn’t be at an evening training for lay Eucharistic visitors so he taped a couple of sections that the other leader shared during the class.

The possibilities of sharing our stories are endless. And don’t be frightened into inactivity by the idea that you’re not a professional videographer. In this YouTube age, people like authenticity more than polish. As long as you can understand the words and the light’s bright enough, you’re good to go.

Here are a few examples of videos on YouTube that span the range of novice to pretty darn professional looking. Type in Episcopal on YouTube to find thousands more.

> Young Episcopalians

> Episcopal ninjas

> Father Matthew series

Know of others? Post the links here.