name (n
m)
n.
1. A word or words by which an entity is designated and distinguished from others.2. A word or group of words used to describe or evaluate, often disparagingly.3. Representation or repute, as opposed to reality: a democracy in name, a police state in fact.4.
a. A reputation: has a bad name.b. A distinguished reputation: made a name for himself as a drummer.5. An illustrious or outstanding person:
How many of you creatives, techies and other types of church communications people live by this rule?
Alright..all two of you.
Most of us have to throw this in the recycle bin out of necessity not out of want. Unfortunately somewhere back in the 50’s it became ingrained in all church training that the more words, information, events, hooplah we cram into whatever we do some how makes it better. Oh no there is an empty space in our bulletin. Instead of letting it breath or making font bigger lets throw in something about church member Larry having his colonoscopy done last month. Praise God he was ok afterward. Seriously? I could have lived without that information.
White space can be a friend, whether it’s on your stage, in your bulletin or in some other design or form of communication. We have to live in a world where most people don’t understand this concept so it’s our sworn duty to try and work it in where we can. It can also simplify our lives quite a bit. Yeah I could go out and purchase a couple new video cards and figure out a way to properly incorperate it so we do some cool seamless video from one computer, but why not just use separate machines to drive already existing hardware. This cut the need for any kind of production budget and while it takes a more hands on approach will give us the flexibility we need and a whole lot simpler…I don’t have to run extra video lines or work around software issues.
Not everyone needs an invitation to your sunday school (*shudders at the term*) classes BBQ next weekend so don’t put a flyer in the bulletin for it. If you can keep your sermon series name short, do it, it becomes more memorable and easier to grab onto. Does your graphic have a lot happening? don’t know where your eye should focus, make it less busy. To much distraction on stage? Cut down on some of your staging elements. Bout to bust your budget? Trim the fat…no reason, especially today, to be to spendy. That way when you need it for something that counts later, it’s not as hard to go and ask for it!
So I guess the take away is, if someone is going to stop paying attention after the first three words of whatever you’re doing, simplify.
