Please go here for more information.

Every church leader knows that these distractions are real. So we created a video that highlights each of these distractions, then points them toward Jesus as, not on the answer, but the object of our worship.

This video won “Best Short Film” at the Recreate 2010 Film Festival, and also received Worship Leader Magazine’s “Best of the Best” in the short films category. We’re honored that this message is striking a common chord.

The Floodgate Creative Team created a short film called “The Least”.  This is one of those films that we had to create, but had been putting off.  Sometimes, the greatest gift an artist can receive is a solid deadline.  Now, we had been given that gift.  And if you’re interested in the back story for the shoot, you can read more about it over at Gary’s blog.

As you watch this film, I’m wondering if you could answer just one question?  In your opinion, who are the sign-holders? We’ve already had quite a few varying opinions from friends and family.  We’d love to know how you interpret this film.

Finally, if you choose to purchase this mini-movie for your church or group, please know that 100% of the proceeds will be donated to The Floodgate Foundation – a non-profit group committed to restoring communities in Third World Nations.

Here’s the video…

We’d love to work with you on a project, and are happy to fly to your location, to help tell your unique story!  Please don’t hesitate to fill out the “Contact” form.  We’ll be in touch.

Not really.

But to get a feel for what the Conference is all about, go here.  To hear Gary’s opinion about why you should go, head over to his blog.

Really.  You should go.

THE $5 SALE PRICE ONLY WORKS IF YOU RECEIVE OUR EMAIL BLASTS.  On each of these days, everyone on the Floodgate email list will receive a unique coupon code.  Simply enter the code, and receive your discount.  To get on our email list, either register here, or download any of our Free Resources.

July 6 – My Offering

July 8 – The Gift of Worship

July 13 – Lean In

July 15 – Welcome to Our Church

July 20 – I’m Watching You Dad

July 22 – The Point

July 27 – We Believe

July 29 – All About Him

Aug. 3 – What is Worship?

Aug. 5 – Shouts and Whispers

Aug. 10 – God Speaks

Aug. 12 – Spiritual Cafeteria

Aug. 17 – Come As You Are

Aug. 19 – Elevate

Aug. 24 – Shoes

Aug. 26 – Today

Have a blessed day today, and please go get yourself a tall glass of sweet tea, and take a break.  You deserve it.

The first video is called “We Believe” – Here’s a great mini-movie aimed at offering people in your church the redemption found in Jesus.  We’re excited about how beauty and truth intersect in this single video.

The second video is called “My Offering“- This mini-movie helps people understand what’s required of them in worship.  In today’s worship culture, it’s so easy to mistakingly believe that a weekend worship service is all about what we receive.  But biblical worship is far more concerned with what we give.

If you’re new to the site, make sure and check out our great Free Resources.  And if you’re looking to save some money, check out The Classics.

The bomb seems to detonate when the creator of a media project presents the final product to the organizational leader.

Boom.

For years, Creative Artists have been told to come under the authority of the Senior Leader, which means they go back and change (or even recreate) the entire media piece.  And they do it with a smile, in the name of submission.  But if you ask any Creative Artist, they’ll tell you that  even though biblical authority and submission is the goal, resentment can creep in and overtake an Artist’s heart.

We’re more interested in defusing this bomb, than in teaching Creative Artists to be quiet.  So we’re suggesting two questions for the Creative Artist to ask at the beginning of every project.  In a sit-down with the Senior Leader or Teaching Pastor, it becomes more crucial than ever for the Artist to ask these two questions.

Question #1: What do you see? Simply ask that question to the guy in charge.  Do you see images or themes?  Are you inspired from another church, another video, another branding concept?

Question #2: Where do you want this to end? In the case of video (and sometimes music), the Creator of the media needs to know how to end the piece.  Is the piece resolved, or left hanging? Does it end with a question, a bold statement, a series graphic? Should people feel inspired, doubting, wondering?

The Pastor/Teacher’s responsibility is to be prepared to answer these two questions with as much detail as possible.  The Creative Artist’s responsibility is to ask these questions, and take notes as answers and ideas are given (writing things down also helps diffuse any potential explosion).

When information like this is exchanged before the project begins, it heightens trust and builds the relationship between leader and artist.

And in the end, isn’t it far better to defuse this bomb, rather than letting it explode?

The Floodgate Father’s Day Store is open, and ready for you to step into.  We’re extremely excited about the offerings this year.  From the best-selling “I’m Watching You Dad“, to the redefining “Father’s Day: A Broader Perspective“, to our brand new “A Dad is More“, we think we’ve got you covered.

If you’re looking for a simple way to make a significant impact this Father’s Day, try this strategy.  Early in your Father’s Day services, play “A Dad Is More”.  This helps sets the tone for the rest of your service.  Then, preach on the impact of a father, and conclude your sermon with “I’m Watching You Dad”.  While this is just one way to spur your creativity, it’s been proven to help inspire dads in churches around the globe.

And as just one musical option, Matt Maher has a great new song called “Sing Over Your Children“, from his “Alive Again” album.

So jump into the Father’s Day Store, and enjoy this special season in the life of the church.

Happy Father’s Day from the Floodgate Creative Team!

Make sure and check out our newest Mother’s Day releases – Mother’s Day Blessings, Looking Back, and What Really Matters.  If you’re looking for a proven best-seller, check out “Before I Was a Mom“.

Now stop reading, pick up the phone, and call your mom.