New ‘God is Still Speaking’ ad set to spiral on April 16!

What will the new Stillspeaking video message be like?

Called “The Language of God,” the new 90-second video commercial invites people to explore more deeply what it means when, in the United Church of Christ, we say “God is still speaking,” Through a rapid-paced experience of images, music and soundscapes, the ad encourages us to broaden our concept of when, where and how God is speaking in the world.

Is this an “advertisement” similar to our previous Bouncer, Ejector or Steeples ads?

Unlike our past ads, “The Language of God” is an experience more than a product advertisement. Most, we believe, will interpret “Language” as a pastoral message that invites exploration of the prophetic and sacramental sightings of God’s handiwork. “Language” celebrates the outward and visible signs of God’s grace that may too often go unnamed and unclaimed by religious people.

The prominent theme in our first series of ads emphasized an extravagant welcome to those who have felt excluded or rejected by institutionalized religion.  The prominent theme in “The Language of God” focuses on reintroducing people to a God that can be found and celebrated in all of life. In short, “sacred” + “secular” = “Stillspeaking God!”

Is it controversial?

More than sparking controversy, the hope is that it will ignite joy and wonder. The overall goal is to pique curiosity in a church that sees and hears God at work in diverse, out-of-the-ordinary and whimsical ways. Since “The Language of God” invites people to contemplate a God that is still speaking in the world, some may find imagery that resonates more or less with their understanding/interpretation of this proclamation.

Can we see the ad early so we can decide if we want to use or share it on April 16?

Surely everyone will reserve judgment until they have seen the new ad — this is understandable. But by releasing the new ad to everyone at the same time we are increasing the likelihood that our viral launch will build anticipation and eventually spiral with enthusiasm — not trickle out slowly.

What will happen on April 16?

At 9 a.m. ET, a special edition of Keeping You ePosted will share the new ad with our more than 60,000 subscribers, appear on the UCC’s Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and YouTube pages, and be available at ucc.org  If you do not receive Keeping You ePosted, sign up here. The “viral” aspect of our campaign will then depend on the commitment and creativity of our supporters.

How should we get ready for the new ad?

• First, tell people in your church about April 16 and explain the power (and affordability) of viral messaging on the internet, especially if people-power is involved. Just consider the math: The UCC has 25,386 fans on Facebook. If each posts “The Language of God” for their Facebook friends to see, it will reach 3,554,040 viewers in minutes. And if just a fraction of these re-post it, even millions more will learn of the UCC. 

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We know that God’s outreach is constantly expanding.  Not only in the scope of who it reaches but also the ways it reaches people.  The Internet is and continues to provide exciting and effective ways to reach people. We are called to use it.

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to present a workshop at the Kansas-Oklahoma Coference this past Friday (Oct 2) and talk about using the Internet as a means of church outreach. There was a wonderful turnout for the workshop.

Thanks to all that attended.  The questions and discussion were great and I hope you found the workshop useful and informative.  Below is a link to download the presentation slides.

Church Outreach Using Web Design and Social Networking

Peace,

David Disbrow