Phil Cooke Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Here's how to transform your church communications strategy with processes that really work. In this episode, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com talks with Brady Shearer, founder of Pro Church Tools, about practical ways to simplify your church media, clarify your message, and reach more people online. From repurposing sermons and building better content systems to leading creative teams with vision, Brady shares the mindset and methods that help churches communicate with excellence. Learn why attention is the most valuable commodity your church can possess—and how to use it to share the greatest message of all time.

👉 Watch now and transform your creative career! Like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on creative leadership.

👉 Get my FREE DOWNLOAD when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ 

🔥 New Masterclasses
Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass

Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline 

Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership
https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live. 

⚡️ BOOK "Church on Trial – How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis" Get your copy here: https://philcooke.com/crisis 

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Phil Cooke — Media Producer-Writer-Speaker-Coach
Helping Creative Leaders Influence the World — Faith, Media & Culture
Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? I offer advice on creative leadership, digital media, branding, marketing, film and television production – and the faith to take you from where you are in your ministry or career to where you want to be. 

As a filmmaker, media consultant and co-founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles, my client list includes Hollywood studios, major nonprofit organizations, and many of the most respected churches and ministries in the world. I've produced media programming in nearly 70 countries and created many of the most influential inspirational TV programs in history. 

My philosophy? Get your ideas out there and change the world in the process. 

==========================

Connect with me on social media:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

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⚡️ More About This Episode: Church Communication Strategies That Actually Work | Brady Shearer, Pro Church Tools 

Brady Shearer is the creator of Nucleus and Pro Church Tools. Helping churches navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years.

📘 Learn more: https://prochurchtools.com
🎓 Get certified: https://prochurchcertified.com

#PhilCooke #BradyShearer #ProChurchTools #ChurchCommunication #ChurchMedia #ChurchMarketing #DigitalMinistry #ChurchGrowth #ContentStrategy #MinistryLeadership #CreativeMinistry #ChurchOnline #ChurchSocialMedia #CommunicationStrategy

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support!) 

⏰ Timecodes ⏰

00:00 Phil introduces the topic of church communications strategies
00:30 Meet Brady Shearer, founder of Pro Church Tools
06:00 Leading creative teams.
09:00 The role of a communications director
11:30 Ideas for repurposing sermons
18:00 Updated social media strategies
21:00 Content strategy and how to implement it
28:45 The importance of the hook
34:13 Policies for church communications
40:40 Follow Brady Shearer at https://ProChurchTools.com

Is direct mail still relevant in today's digital world? In this insightful interview, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com talks with Mark Dreistadt, founder and president of Infinity Concepts, about why direct mail remains the foundation of successful fundraising—and how digital tools like email, Google ads, social media, and text-to-give options are transforming donor engagement for nonprofits and ministries.

Discover practical fundraising tactics, donor acquisition strategies, and how to balance traditional and digital communication to maximize results. Learn why relationship building, speed of donor response, and a well-articulated vision are key to growing your ministry or nonprofit organization.

👉 Watch now and gain valuable tips to help your nonprofit thrive. Like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on creative leadership.

👉 Get my FREE DOWNLOAD when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/

 🔥 New Masterclasses
Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass

Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline

Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

⚡️ BOOK "Church on Trial – How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis" Get your copy here: https://philcooke.com/crisis

 ========================================

Phil Cooke — Media Producer-Writer-Speaker-Coach
Helping Creative Leaders Influence the World — Faith, Media & Culture

Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? I offer advice on creative leadership, digital media, branding, marketing, film and television production – and the faith to take you from where you are in your ministry or career to where you want to be. 

As a filmmaker, media consultant and co-founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles, my client list includes Hollywood studios, major nonprofit organizations, and many of the most respected churches and ministries in the world. I've produced media programming in nearly 70 countries and created many of the most influential inspirational TV programs in history. 

My philosophy? Get your ideas out there and change the world in the process. 

==========================

Connect with me on social media:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

=========================== 

⚡️ More About This Episode

Is Direct Mail Dead? Best Digital Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofits | Interview - Mark Dreistadt

Whether you're a ministry leader, nonprofit executive, or fundraiser, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you raise more, engage better, and build lasting donor relationships in a digital-first world. 

About Mark Dreistadt, President/CEO, Infinity Concepts
Mark Dreistadt is a visionary strategist, trusted advisor, and dynamic communicator dedicated to helping leaders maximize the impact of their organizations. With a unique blend of strategic insight and creative innovation, Mark consistently delivers transformational solutions that produce measurable, lasting results. 

As the founder of Infinity Concepts, Mark has spent decades guiding some of the largest nonprofits and ministry organizations in America and abroad. He is a nationally recognized expert in branding, marketing, fundraising, public relations and communication—widely respected for his ability to craft strategies that drive growth, increase engagement, and inspire action. His clear and compelling presentation style makes him a sought-after speaker, consultant, and leadership coach across the faith-based and nonprofit sectors.

🔗 Learn more at https://infinityconcepts.com
📈 Explore IDEX Pro: https://idexpro.com

⏰ Timecodes ⏰

00:00 Find out the best fundraising strategies for nonprofits in the digital age

03:11 Why direct mail still drives over 60% of fundraising revenue

08:29 How digital donor acquisition can exponentially grow your giving base

11:45 How to combine TV, radio, and online platforms to build engagement

13:00 Short form video for fundraising

14:00 The best digital fundraising tools for nonprofits (video, email, texting, and QR codes)

17:30 Why quick thank-you responses dramatically increase donor retention

24:08 Where to start with your fundraising efforts & how to articulate your vision and reduce friction in giving

36:00 Find out more at https://infinityconcepts.com

37:00 Find out more about the mission of The Influence Lab at https://influencelab.com

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support!)

#DigitalFundraising #Nonprofits #FundraisingStrategies #DonorDevelopment #InfinityConcepts #MarkDreistadt #FundraisingIdeas #ChristianMedia #NonprofitLeadership #MinistryGrowth

If you've ever felt awkward sharing the gospel, join media executive Phil Cooke in this insightful and entertaining conversation with J.John, internationally known evangelist, speaker, and author, as they explore how to effectively share the Gospel and make disciples in a modern, digital world.

In this interview, you'll gain actionable advice on:

·       How to share the Gospel without feeling awkward

·       Why many churches avoid evangelism—and how to change that

·       How to be intentional in witnessing: praying, caring, and sharing

·       What it means to live out your calling as an evangelist

·       How Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman teaches us to break barriers

·       Why every Christian is a witness—either good or bad

For over four decades, J.John has preached the message of Jesus Christ across 69 countries, written bestselling books like "The Ten" and inspired millions through TV, podcasts, and live events.

➡️ Whether you're a church leader, new believer, or long-time Christian, this conversation will equip and inspire you to make disciples and fulfill the Great Commission.

👉 Listen now and transform your creative career! 

Get my FREE DOWNLOAD and transform your creative leadership skills when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ 

👉 New Masterclasses
Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass

Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline  

**NEW BOOK! "Church on Trial – How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis" Get your copy here: https://philcooke.com/crisis 

Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadership  https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Prefer audio? Listen to my Podcast here: https://apple.co/2XbMgDL 

========================================

Phil Cooke – Media Producer/Writer/Speaker/Coach
Helping Creative Leaders Influence the World
Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? I offer advice on creative leadership, digital media, branding, marketing, film and television production – and the faith to take you from where you are in your ministry or career to where you want to be. 

As a filmmaker, media consultant and co-founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles, my client list includes Hollywood studios, major nonprofit organizations, and many of the most respected churches and ministries in the world. I've produced media programming in nearly 70 countries and created many of the most influential inspirational TV programs in history. 

My philosophy? Get your ideas out there and change the world in the process. 

==========================

Connect with me on social media:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056 

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

=========================== 

*More About This Episode* How to Start Conversations about Jesus – Interview with Evangelist J.John
J.John is an evangelist, minister, speaker, broadcaster and writer. He has been in ministry for four decades, communicating the Christian faith in a practical way, and has spoken in towns, cities, and universities in 69 countries. He hosts a weekly TV program broadcast globally and a number of podcasts.

He has written several books across a range of subjects including "Jesus Christ The Truth," "Will I Be Fat in Heaven? And Other Curious Questions," The Ten" and the "Theology for Little People" series to help children understand biblical truth. A father and grandfather, J.John and his wife Killy reside near London, England.

Find out more and invite J.John to speak at your church: https://jjohn.com/
Get "The Ten" book: https://just10.org/

00:00 Introduction – Phil Cooke welcomes evangelist J.John to the show

04:06 God's calling on J.John to be an evangelist

08:19 What is a Christian witness? The difference between a witness and an evangelist

16:30 How to have conversations about Jesus in your daily life

26:19 What if... someone had never told you about Jesus?

27:56 "The Ten" book about the Ten Commandments

36:18 One Minute Sermons – encouragement from scripture from J.John

42:18 A Closing Prayer from J.John

43:36 Outro by Phil Cooke and an encouragement to check out J.John's scriptural resources for pastors, leaders, families and children.

#Evangelism #ShareTheGospel #HowToShareTheGospel #MakeDisciples #JJohn #PhilCooke #ChristianLeadership #GreatCommission #ChristianPodcast 

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)

With COVID-19 restrictions in place, fundraising events are going online. Phil Cooke shares key tips on how to take your live physical fundraising event online. Your virtual fundraiser can be successful! https://philcooke.com

Donate to The Influence Lab and get Phil's new book! "Maximize Your Influence: How to Make Digital Media Work for Your Church, Your Ministry, And You" is available for pre-order here: https://influencematters.com

Find out more about The Influence Lab: https://influencelab.com

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/IXQH4i9dI6o

Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.

Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook https://www.philcooke.com

Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven't already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Follow me:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056 

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Other Great Resources:

Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.

**More about this episode: ** Successful Online Fundraising

If you're planning on online fundraising event, here's key points you need to know:

• Learn to adapt! This is not about duplicating your live physical event, but more about an adaptation of that event. Consider what elements will work best for your online event.
• Celebrity-driven events may work well for physical event, but you'll need to consider your audience if you use a celebrity for your online event.
• Leader-driven events allow the leaders to share the genuine story of what they do. Consider who you are inviting to join you online as you made the decision between a celebrity and a real leader of the organization driving the event.
• Pretaped or live event: The audience doesn't typically notice. Do what you feel most comfortable with as statistics don't necessarily show a difference between the two.
• Last year's rundown won't work. Take the essence and the goals of your event and adjust it for online.
• It doesn't have to be perfect. Keep your online event authentic and real.
• Plan key emotional moments. Show the story of your organization of lives that have been changed because of what you do.
• As you plan out the event, create one story arc, one overarching story of how your ministry is impacting lives.
• It's not about you – it's about the result of the work you're doing. That's what will inspire people to get behind what you do.
• Keep your event between 1-2 hours. With attention the currency of this moment, determine: What can you present that will be so compelling that it will keep people with you online for the entire event?

Do your creative ideas make people think? Are you playing it safe instead of taking risks with your creativity? Phil Cooke offers 8 checkpoints to help you embrace your creative calling, with tips on meeting deadlines, brainstorming techniques, idea development and pitching. https://philcooke.com

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/kqoBdaI_Roc

Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.

Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook https://www.philcooke.com

Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven't already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Follow me:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056 

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Other Great Resources:

Get Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)

Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com

Follow me:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056 

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

More about this episode: Confrontational Creativity

What happens when we value safe creativity over risky creativity? The more we do safe creativity, the more we fall in line and all do the same thing.

Let's not forget the creativity that force people to think. Here is an 8 point checklist to help you embrace your creative calling with ideas that force people to think.

1. When was the last time you took a real creative risk? What physical risk have you taken recently – emotional or creative risk to tell the story well? As a creative person, we cannot settle! Push harder, be more confrontational.

1. Understand that confrontational creativity doesn't happen by committee. Brainstorming may be good for executing ideas, but not for creating. Radical revolutionary ideas happen when the door is shut and one individual is staring at a blank piece of paper.

1. Comparison doesn't ignite radical creativity. Comparison creates copycat creativity! Start delivering what people aren't expecting.

1. If you want to get noticed for your confrontational creativity, takes the projects nobody else wants to take and make them rock!

1. Learn to sell controversial ideas. Learn people skills, how to pitch an idea… how to make your dream their dream, particularly when it comes to unusual or out of the box ideas.

1. Understand it takes experience to know how far to push a confrontational idea.

1. Creativity is not about the Eureka moment. It's about the days, weeks, months, years of preparation that go into making that idea happen.

1. To make our creativity more provocative, more confrontational – we need to worry less about keeping our job and more about doing an amazing job.

If you have a creative calling, rise up and embrace it. Be the creative person God has called you to be.

Hiring at your church or nonprofit organization? If you're looking for a donor development or marketing person or even a media producer, hiring from the for-profit world or Hollywood may not be your best choice. Here's insight from Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com that will help leaders hire well.

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/Vt6fq7el9yg

Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.

Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook https://www.philcooke.com

Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven't already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Follow me:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056 

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Other Great Resources:

Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.

**More about this episode: ** Be Careful Hiring For-Profit Employees in the Non-Profit World

Read more here: https://www.philcooke.com/hiring_for_nonprofits/

When economic problems hit the business world, or executive careers get in trouble, we often see a flood of people from the business world looking for jobs in the non-profit and religious sector. But before you jump at the chance to hire a highly regarded executive from the for-profit world at your church, ministry, or non-profit organization, here are a few things to consider:

1)  The business models are dramatically different. To switch from selling products retail or wholesale to donor development is a big leap.  It requires a completely different mindset. Just because you successfully ran a division at IBM or Paramount Pictures doesn't necessarily mean you can transition to non-profits.

2)  Non-profits don't have the cushy perks businesses have. We turn our own lights off, our benefit plans are smaller, and most important – our resources aren't as big. 

3)  The non-profit world is a calling and career, not just a "bridge" until you get another "real" job. Too many executives think that during difficult times they can just jump into a church or ministry job for the short term. 

4)  We work long hours too. But we don't have the incentive of bonus pay (even overtime), or a car service to take us home after hours.

5)  Sure you did the occasional pro-bono TV spot at the big agency in New York, but every spot we do has a micro or zero budget. Can you negotiate vendors down to nothing, work with college interns, or maintain equipment with rubber bands and bailing wire?

6)  Is there something you're not telling us? I have trouble believing that if you're REALLY a successful Hollywood producer or business leader, you actually want to come and work for our church's media department. 

Don't get me wrong.  I'm thrilled that people value non-profits enough to want to help.  But the truth is, over the last 10 years – and especially during a financial crisis – I've seen numerous big time executives switch to non-profits with catastrophic results. 

Pastor, ministry leader, or non-profit executive – take the stars out of your eyes.  You work in a specialty field that takes a special kind of experience, discernment, and expertise. Don't always assume that a Hollywood producer, advertising agency whiz, or former Wall Street hot shot will get it.  Chances are, they won't.

Maybe we should think the other way around.  If non-profit leaders ran Wall Street, I doubt we'd have so many financial problems to begin with…

Do you feel called to ministry or to start a nonprofit? Phil Cooke https://philecooke.com interviews Ann White, founder of Courage for Life, to talk about her journey from idea to impactful ministry in just five years. Here's how to take those first steps towards your nonprofit to launch something that could potentially change the world.

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/51UCs7WcoN4

Find out more about Ann White and Courage for Life here: https://courageforlife.org/ 

Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career. Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook https://www.philcooke.com

Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven't already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Follow me:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056 

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Other Great Resources:

Get the book, "Unique – Telling Your Story in the Age of Brands and Social Media" https://amzn.to/3drrfgF

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)

Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.

**More about this episode: ** How to Start a Nonprofit Organization or Ministry – Interview with Ann White

Ann White reached out to Phil Cooke and Cooke Media Group several years ago to help establish the vision and calling God had placed on her heart. It began with a rebrand and a defining of the "one thing" – the niche – that God had called her to. Now, five years later, Ann's ministry, Courage for Life, is impacting many lives and opening doors she never dreamed possible.

In this interview, Phil and Ann discuss defining your niche, financing the vision of your ministry or nonprofit, and asking people to come alongside you in this vision. Phil's four steps to start a ministry are:

1. Find the niche. Find the place God has called you to that nobody else is doing.
2. Understand messaging. The way you communicate the vision is important.
3. Look for that big idea. What is something tha could change the way we reach this culture or how you minister to people?
4. Don't be afraid to ask people for help, to ask people for support.

Here are some quick take-aways from today's interview:

"If you're not willing to invest in your vision, I really question the power of the vision." Phil Cooke

"If we let failure stop us, we wouldn't get anything done." Ann White

"People want to be part of a great vision." Phil Cooke

"Keep your hands open, because if God's in it and behind it, he's going to make things happen in ways you couldn't think of, dream or imagine." Ann White

"If you're holding back, it's probably the perfect time to start." Phil Cooke

Broadcast TV is still a viable way to get your message and story out to the world. Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com offers ten tips to help you launch a media ministry with success. Find out how storytelling, creativity and culturally relevant programming can help you impact the world.

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/T0tfZLqWjsM

Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.

**More about this episode: ** 10 Commandments of Starting a Broadcast Television Media Ministry

In most cases, when I receive a call from a pastor, evangelist, or other ministry leader interested in launching a television ministry, their primary concern is usually about equipment. These questions are important, but I've discovered over the years that they aren't nearly as important as these 10 fundamental areas:

#1 – Understand The Power of Telling a Story – Ultimately, no matter what communications medium we choose, that's all we're doing – telling a story. The great Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman said "Facts go straight to the head, and stories go straight to the heart."

#2 – Don't Feel Everything Has to be Explicit – Don't feel the obligation to tell the entire salvation, healing, and deliverance story with each program. 

#3 – Be in Touch with the Current Culture – Christian producers often don't keep up with current programming and graphic styles, and I'm amazed at the number of Christian media professionals who never even watch television.

#4 – Make Sure your Financing is in Place – I always recommend that you have six months of funding in the bank before you ever began a media outreach.

#5 – Always be open to change.  The most successful media ministries are ministries who aren't afraid to change, update, and present a fresh, new approach to an ever-changing audience.

#6 – Have a Clear Focus – Have a clear purpose and focus for each program you do.  If you're producing a program on the theme of salvation, then every aspect of that program needs to point in that direction.

#7 – Don't Forget Creativity – Exercise those creative muscles… and do it on a regular basis.  Don't take the easy way out, either in sermon preparation or program production. 

#8 – Don't Let Your Vision Stop at Preaching – Preaching is a wonderful thing, however, don't forget other wonderful program ideas – documentaries, movies, children's programs, news, animation, music, and other formats. 

#9 – Don't Forget Research – I'm convinced one of the most neglected areas of media ministry is research.  Do you really know who's watching your program and why?  That knowledge should greatly affect what you produce. 

#10 – Don't Underestimate The Importance of Quality – Today's audiences are more technologically sophisticated than ever, and refuse to watch programs that aren't up to current standards of quality.  Always remember – stewardship isn't necessarily saving money, it's using money most effectively. 

I couldn't write an article like this without urging you to do something else that I believe is absolutely critical for a media ministry – the need for prayer, and to seek the wise counsel of others. If you will stay near the heart of God in your decision making, and seek the help and counsel of both Godly men and women, as well as experienced media professionals, your chances of success will be greatly increased.

Schedule:

New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.

Other Great Resources:

Get my "Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals" https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)

Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook on creativity at https://www.philcooke.com

Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven't already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Follow me:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056 

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Ever think of a brilliant idea in the middle of the night – and forget it by morning? In a day when content is king, here's Phil Cooke's favorite apps and tools to help him capture ideas for better organization and increased productivity. https://philcooke.com 

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/KPdmTT5Yr9I

Resources mentioned in this video:

Captio http://captio.co/

Things https://culturedcode.com/things/

Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals https://www.philcooke.com/unique-creative-planner/

Field Notes https://fieldnotesbrand.com/

Field Notes Leather Cover https://amzn.to/3e7Vr0X

Fisher Space Pen https://www.spacepen.com/

The Pilots Pen https://amzn.to/2zi8le0

Levenger: https://www.levenger.com/

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases on Amazon. This helps support my channel and allows us to continue making videos like this. Thank you for the support!)

Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.

Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook https://www.philcooke.com

Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven't already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Follow me:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056 

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Other Great Resources:

Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.

**More about this episode: ** How to Capture Your Creative Ideas

Today, we live in a creative economy, and the best ideas are king. But the problem is, as any veteran creative professional will tell you, ideas are fragile. They often come and go without warning, and if we don't have a good system for capturing those ideas, then we'll never benefit from having them in the first place.

After years of different methods, here's the system I use now. Keep in mind that you don't have to copy the way I do it – or the way anyone else does it. The important thing is to develop a system that works for you.

Apps: I use a mobile phone app called "Captio" for IOS that is pre-programmed with my email address. All I have to do is write the idea down like a text, hit "Send" and it automatically is sent to my inbox.

For a little more organization, I use "Things" as my task list. It's really a dumping ground for ideas, but it allows me to put them in categories, and convert them to action steps. It's a fantastic app that syncs via all my devices, and it also provides an email address so I can easily turn an email into a task.

Print: I designed my planner called "Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals" after working with more than 30 similar journals and planners. It features minimal templates so you're not having to create lists or daily calendars, but it's plenty open so you're not spending all day answering stupid questions and filling out useless information.

For total portability, I also carry a small "Field Notes" notebook in a leather case the size of a wallet. I have this on me pretty much all the time – especially when I'm not carrying anything else. I found the leather cover on Amazon, and it comes with a loop for a Fisher Space Pen (which I love for writing in bed or lying by the pool). This particular leather case is a bit thick, so I'm still looking. Let me know if you've discovered the ideal thin leather notebook cover this size.

By my bedside, I keep a stack of notepads, as well as "The Pilots Pen." The pen features a tiny light on the tip of the pen so I can write in the dark when ideas hit in the middle of the night. With this amazing pen, I can write for hours and never wake up Kathleen, or keep from turning on the overhead light on late night flights.

When it comes to organization, that's another blog post, so stay tuned. The important thing to remember today is that getting things done starts with getting things down.

Read more at https://www.philcooke.com/how-i-capture-ideas-and-why-you-need-to-start/

Storytelling is important in today's digital age and becoming a more visual storyteller can help you succeed in your career. Whether you're a speaker, filmmaker or video marketer, Phil Cooke's https://philcooke.com five storytelling techniques will help you share powerful story-driven media.

Subscribe to My Podcast for more good advice for leaders and creatives: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phil-cooke-podcast/id1439369056

Prefer video? Watch the YouTube edition here: https://youtu.be/R0RbYbe5wDE

Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? As a Hollywood producer and media consultant, I offer advice for leaders and creatives each week on filmmaking, digital media, publishing, strategy, communication, leadership, culture and faith – to help you get from where you are to where you want to be in your career.

Sign up for my blog and get a free eBook https://www.philcooke.com

Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel if you haven't already at https://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Follow me:

Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/

Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/philcookes-podcast/id1439369056 

Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com

Other Great Resources:

Schedule: New episodes are uploaded every other Tuesday. Make sure to Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live.

**More about this episode: ** 5 Techniques for Visual Storytelling

We are a visually-driven generation. Today, toddlers have iPads and play with cameras. We grow up with cameras in our phones, and people document every aspect of their lives. Just as important, more and more creative people are opting for a career in photography or filmmaking.

How can you increase your ability to see what others don't? How can you capture more compelling shots? Here are several important keys to "seeing" at a higher level:

1) Watch TV or movies with the sound turned off.  With the sound turned off you don't get into the story, and you start focusing on the shots. Framing, composition, sequence, editing – how it builds the scene. The only condition here is to be sure you're watching something that was very well directed and captured.

2) Slow down. Slow down. Really look at the people you pass on the street. Notice how the sun hits the side of a building at sunset. Watch people's behavior at check-out lines. Start to notice, then start thinking about how to recreate those scenes.

3) Go to museums. They are the showcases of the visual.

4) Start using presentation software in your talks. Keynote, PowerPoint – once you become a skilled speaker, visuals can elevate your communication.

5) Experience life.  Most directors today don't know anything about life because they spend it in front of screens. They haven't traveled, haven't experienced difficult jobs, and haven't been in challenging situations. Go on a short term missions program, hike through Europe, take boxing lessons, or start a conversation with a homeless person. What you experience will transform the way you look at things.

Filmmaking legend Werner Herzog, in his wonderful book "A Guide for the Perplexed" puts it this way:  "The best advice I can offer to those heading into the world of film is not to wait for the system to finance your projects and for others to decide your fate. If you can't afford to make a million-dollar film, raise $10,000 and produce it yourself. That's all you need to make a feature film these days.

Beware of useless, bottom-rung secretarial jobs in film-production companies. Instead, so long as you are able-bodied, head out to where the real world is. Roll up your sleeves and work as a bouncer in a sex club or a warden in a lunatic asylum or a machine operator in a slaughterhouse. Drive a taxi for six months and you'll have enough money to make a film. Walk on foot, learn languages and a craft or trade that has nothing to do with cinema.

Filmmaking — like great literature — must have experience of life at its foundation. Read Conrad or Hemingway and you can tell how much real life is in those books. A lot of what you see in my films isn't invention; it's very much life itself, my own life.

If you have an image in your head, hold on to it because — as remote as it might seem — at some point you might be able to use it in a film. I have always sought to transform my own experiences and fantasies into cinema."

Everyone looks, but few really see. The greatest directors understand the power of a compelling image and how it can impact people. It's never too early to start.