Dean Cothill

Tag: which were the implements by means of which God created the world

  • What does it mean to be a “creative”

    What does it mean to be a “creative”

    In today’s society, it seems as though everyone wants to be seen as creative. We often hear people talk about their “creative” ideas, or see companies marketing themselves as “innovative” and “groundbreaking.” But what does it really mean to be a creator or to tap into the spirit of Creativity? While some may view creativity as a purely human trait, many spiritual traditions believe that the act of creation is infused with a Divine breathe or spirit. In this blog post, we will explore the idea of creation and the role of spirit in it. We will delve into what it means to be a creator and how we can tap into our own creativity by connecting with the Spirit that infuses all things.

    Which verses point to Creation and Creativity?

    There are several connections between Genesis 1 and the work of the Spirit, as well as Exodus 31 and Bezalel’s creative work.

    1. The Spirit’s role in creation: In Genesis 1:2, the Spirit of God is described as hovering over the waters, indicating His active involvement in the creation process. Similarly, in Exodus 31:3, Bezalel is described as being filled with the Spirit of God, giving him the wisdom, understanding, and knowledge needed to create the tabernacle and its furnishings.
    2. The importance of creativity and craftsmanship: In Genesis 1, God creates the world with great care and attention to detail, showcasing His creativity and craftsmanship. Similarly, in Exodus 31, Bezalel is described as having “skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts” (Exodus 31:3), enabling him to create beautiful and intricate works of art.
    3. The value of work: In Genesis 1, God works for six days to create the world, and then rests on the seventh day, setting an example for humanity to follow. Similarly, in Exodus 31, Bezalel is given the task of creating the tabernacle and its furnishings, emphasizing the importance of work and the value of using one’s skills and abilities for a worthy purpose.
    4. The connection between the Spirit and creativity: In both Genesis 1 and Exodus 31, the Spirit of God is closely linked with creativity and the ability to do great work. The Spirit is portrayed as the source of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, enabling individuals to use their creative abilities to their fullest potential.

    Overall, the connections between Genesis 1 and the work of the Spirit, as well as Exodus 31 and Bezalel’s creative work, emphasize the importance of creativity, craftsmanship, and work, as well as the role of the Spirit in empowering individuals to use their gifts and talents for a greater purpose.

    What is God’s involvement in my creativity?

    The Hebrew words “Ruach Elohim” literally mean “Spirit of God” or “Wind of God,” with “Ruach” meaning “spirit” or “wind,” and “Elohim” being one of the names of God in the Hebrew Bible.

    In the context of Genesis 1, the phrase “Ruach Elohim” is used to describe the Spirit of God’s active involvement in the creation of the world. It is said that the Spirit of God was “hovering over the waters” (Genesis 1:2) before God spoke creation into existence. This suggests that the Spirit of God played a role in the creation process, bringing order and life to the formless and void earth.

    In the context of Exodus 31, the Spirit of God is said to have filled Bezalel, a skilled artisan chosen to construct the tabernacle and its furnishings. This filling of the Spirit is said to have given Bezalel wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and skill in all kinds of crafts (Exodus 31:3), enabling him to create beautiful and intricate works of art that would honor God.

    In both contexts, the phrase “Ruach Elohim” highlights the active involvement of the Spirit of God in bringing about God’s creative and redemptive purposes in the world.

    Created to create in God’s Image

    In the context of Genesis 1:26, being created in God’s image means that humans were created to reflect God’s character and nature in the world. The phrase “God created man in his own image” (Genesis 1:27) emphasizes that humans have a unique relationship with God, different from the rest of creation.

    Being created in God’s image means that humans have a special dignity and worth that comes from being made in the image of the Creator. This dignity and worth applies to all humans, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, or social status. It also means that humans have a unique responsibility to represent God’s character and nature in the world, reflecting His love, justice, mercy, and compassion to others.

    Furthermore, being created in God’s image means that humans have been given the capacity for relationship with God and with one another. Humans have been created with the ability to know and love God, to communicate with Him, and to have a personal relationship with Him. Similarly, humans have the ability to form deep and meaningful relationships with one another, reflecting God’s nature as a relational being.

    So being created in God’s image is a significant and foundational aspect of human identity and purpose, emphasizing the unique dignity, worth, and responsibility that humans have been given as reflections of God in the world.

    As humans created in the image of God, we have been given the capacity and ability to create in a variety of ways. In Genesis 1, God is portrayed as a creator who brought the universe into existence through His spoken word, and who fashioned the world with care and attention to detail. As image-bearers of God, we have been created to create in a similar way.

    Creativity is a fundamental aspect of human nature, and it takes many different forms. Some people create through art, music, or literature, while others create through science, technology, or engineering. Still, others create through entrepreneurship, leadership, or social innovation. Whatever form creativity takes, it is an expression of our God-given ability to bring order and beauty into the world, to solve problems, and to make things better.

    Furthermore, our capacity for creativity is not limited to the work we do or the things we create. We have also been created to create in the sense of procreation, of bringing new life into the world and nurturing and guiding it toward maturity.

    You see, our ability to create is a reflection of God’s creative nature, and it is an essential part of our identity and purpose as human beings. As we engage in creative work and bring new things into existence, we participate in God’s ongoing work of bringing order, beauty, and purpose to the world.

  • Story is King: Your local Story is Sacred

    Story is King: Your local Story is Sacred

    In today’s fast-paced, highly competitive business world, it’s more important than ever for brands and churches to stand out and tell their unique story. Why? Because consumers are tired of being bombarded with generic, formulaic messaging that doesn’t speak to them on a personal level. They want to connect with brands that have a real, authentic message to share.

    Content is king?

    As Gary Vee likes to say, “Content is king, but context is god.” What this means is that in order for a brand’s message to truly resonate with consumers, it needs to be communicated in the right way and in the right context. Telling a unique story is one of the most effective ways to do this. We know this, we have all been doing this for 1000’s of years, and today, we still do this, standing around fires at our homes whether BBQ’s or braai’s or even just in our kitchens (How many deep and meaning conversations have you had in your kitchen? Right? LOADS!)

    Think about it: people are naturally drawn to stories. They want to know the behind-the-scenes details of how a brand came to be, what inspired it, and what sets it apart from the competition. A brand’s story is the perfect way to give consumers that deeper level of understanding and connection.

    Authentic Story Telling Matters

    But it’s not just about telling a story for the sake of telling a story. A brand’s story needs to be authentic, it needs to be true, it needs to be unique and it needs to be relevant to the consumer. A brand that has a unique story to tell is one that has a clear sense of purpose and identity. It knows why it exists, and it can communicate that to consumers in a way that resonates with them on a personal level.

    When a brand tells its unique story, it creates a sense of trust and loyalty with consumers. They feel like they know the brand and understand its values. This is crucial in today’s world where consumers are faced with a plethora of options and are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices available to them. A unique story helps a brand stand out and be remembered in a sea of sameness.

    Story creates community (Shared experiences)

    Another important aspect of telling a unique story is that it helps a brand to create a sense of community. When consumers feel like they are part of a brand’s story, they feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves. They feel like they are part of a movement, a tribe, a community of like-minded individuals. This sense of belonging is incredibly powerful and can create a deep sense of loyalty among consumers.

    Moreover, a brand’s unique story can also serve as a powerful marketing tool. It gives the brand a way to differentiate itself from the competition and communicate its unique value proposition in a way that resonates with consumers. A unique story can be used to create compelling content, such as videos, blog posts, social media updates, and more, that can be shared across multiple platforms to reach a wider audience.

    However, telling a unique story is not a one-time thing. It’s an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and commitment. Brands need to be willing to be transparent, authentic, and vulnerable. They need to be willing to share their struggles as well as their successes. They need to be willing to constantly evolve and adapt their story as their brand and the market changes. We all have that uncle that comes over every Christmas and tells us all the SAME STORY OVER and OVER and OVER. No one stops him, partly cause we don’t want to hurt his feelings but mainly cause we actually love hearing again. We love it when people tell us the stories that REALLY MATTER TO THEM.

    In conclusion, telling a unique story is essential for brands, communities and churches to stand out in today’s crowded marketplace. It helps to create a deeper level of understanding and connection with consumers, build trust and loyalty, create a sense of community and serve as a powerful marketing tool. However, it’s not just about telling the story, it’s about telling it authentically, consistently, and being willing to evolve it as necessary. As Gary Vee says, “The most important thing in business is to be true to who you are, and be transparent about it.”

    Grace and peace

    D

  • Creativity and using your imagination

    Creativity and using your imagination

    Creativity, for me, simply, is making something out of nothing. Once there was just nothing, then a thought came along, then a melody came, then words on a paper, then sentences. I believe that we have been created to create, made in the image of our creator, we are creators.

    When it comes to creativity and imagination, worldbuilding is all about tapping into the endless possibilities of your own mind. You see, when you have a desire or dream, you’re presented with a choice. You can either choose to take the creative route and work on expanding your imagination, or you can take the default reality route and just stuff that dream back down inside of you. The first option is exciting because it allows you to bring your dream to life, but the second option can lead to internal chaos and a lack of congruence between your inner and outer worlds. It’s important to remember that our imagination is a powerful tool that we can use to create the life we want, but it takes work and commitment to develop it.

    What does it mean to take the road less traveled

    The first option I mentioned is taking the “creative route” or “the road less travelled” and working on expanding your imagination. This means actively using your imagination to bring your dream or desire to life. It could involve brainstorming different ideas, visualizing different scenarios, or even experimenting with different ways to achieve your goal.

    Road less travelled

    The phrase “the road less traveled” is often used to describe a path or choice that is not commonly chosen by others, and this is where it gets tricky, there is often a reason this road is less travelled, there a fewer travellers on this road and fewer people have made maps of this road. I think the analogies here are endless. In the context of the creative process of an artist, it can refer to taking a unique or unconventional approach to their work. It means to break free from the common or typical ways of creating and to explore new and uncharted territories.

    An artist who takes the road less traveled may choose to work with unusual materials, explore new styles or techniques, or create work that challenges the status quo. It could also mean to not following the trends or being influenced by what is currently popular, instead choosing to create work that is true to their own vision and style.

    Choosing the road less traveled can be a risky and challenging path, but it can also lead to more rewarding and meaningful work. It allows an artist to stand out from the crowd and to create something that is truly original and authentic.

    It’s important to note that “the road less travelled” is not always about being completely different but rather about having a unique perspective, and taking a different approach, which may be a combination of different elements. It’s about not being afraid to experiment and to push the boundaries of what is considered “normal” or “acceptable” in the art world.

    One way to expand your imagination is by exposing yourself to new experiences, art, and cultures. This can help you think outside of your usual ways of thinking and come up with new and creative ideas.

    Another way is to practice brainstorming and mind-mapping techniques, which can help you generate a wide range of ideas and possibilities. These techniques are designed to help you think more freely and come up with new and unique solutions to problems.

    You can also engage in activities that require imagination like writing, drawing, painting, sculpting, and building models. These activities can help you develop your creative skills and give you a greater sense of control over your imagination.

    Ultimately, taking the creative route requires dedication and willingness to take risks. It’s about being open to new possibilities and not being afraid to think outside of the box. But remember, it’s not just about having a good idea, it’s about taking the idea and turning it into something real.

    What’s the other option?

    The second option I mentioned is taking the “default reality route” and just stuffing your dream or desire back down inside of you. This means not actively working on bringing your dream to life, and instead settling for the status quo.

    When you take the default reality route, you may find yourself feeling unfulfilled and uninspired. Your dream or desire may continue to linger in the back of your mind, causing internal chaos and a lack of congruence between your inner and outer worlds.

    You may feel like you’re stuck in a rut, and that you don’t have the time, resources, or ability to make your dream a reality. You may also feel like you’re not good enough, or that your dream is too unrealistic. So, you may choose to push your dream or desire to the back of your mind and just focus on the daily tasks and responsibilities.

    Additionally, taking the default reality route may also mean that you’re not taking any steps to improve your current situation, you’re just accepting things as they are. This can lead to a lack of motivation and a sense of stagnation in your life.

    It’s important to remember that when we settle for the default reality, we are missing the opportunity to create something new and unique, and to bring our desires and dreams to life. It’s important to be mindful of our thoughts and feelings, and to make a conscious effort to work on our dreams and desires, even if it means going against the norm and taking risks.

    Where to from here…

    In conclusion, creativity and imagination are powerful tools that we can use to create the life we want. By using our imagination and taking the creative route, we can bring our desires and dreams to life and live a more fulfilling and authentic life. We are created to create, and when we tap into our imagination, we can create things that are truly original and authentic. However, it’s important to remember that taking the creative route requires dedication, willingness to take risks and to develop our imagination. We must be open to new possibilities and not be afraid to think outside of the box. Embracing our creativity and imagination is not just about having good ideas, it’s about taking the ideas and turning them into reality. It’s about following the road less traveled and creating something unique and meaningful. Let’s not be afraid to use our imagination, and to create as we have been created to create.

  • Finding the illusive “creative” volunteer for your Church Teams

    Finding the illusive “creative” volunteer for your Church Teams

    No matter where you are or how big your congregation is, if you are a tech, production, or creative leader in the church, you are aware of how difficult it can be to get volunteers.

    Many of you are doing this work as volunteers and are already struggling to manage your obligations, let alone run a Sunday service. It can sometimes feel like you lack the time or resources to pursue finding and leading individuals.
    Similar to you, I have encountered same problems in the 12 years that I have served and managed a Creative Ministry, and when I say “creative” I think you know what I mean, although we will get into that a little later, I don’t just mean the guy who dresses a little “colorful”, the stand out artist or vibe enneagram 4 (LOL)

    What is a “Creative”?

    What is a Creative?

    A creative is someone who has a unique way of seeing the world. They have a great sense or intuition and often bring life to the party, always coming up with interesting stories and witty one-liners. They have a way of making even the dullest of situations feel charged with energy. They’re the type that people enjoy being around, they’re friendly and outgoing but also sensitive souls that tend to be very introspective.

    These types tend to be creative and artistic, they have a rich inner world, they’re often poets and artists who like to explore the deeper aspects of life. They tend to be emotional and often show a wide range of feelings and emotions, they can be funny and make you laugh but at the same time they can be the ones that make you cry at a comedy show. They have a unique perspective on life, they can add a special touch to any situation.

    In a nutshell, CREATIVES are multi-faceted, interesting and fun personalities with a touch of depth and depth and emotional intelligence. Big ideas and the vision for bigger things usually come easily, but you soon realize that you can never achieve them on your own. Actually, if you don’t have the necessary people in place, it could even be challenging to carry out regular weekly tasks.

    I have four suggestions for you to keep in mind if you’re ready to start being serious about expanding your creative team and creative volunteers. As you are undoubtedly aware, finding volunteers is not always simple, nevermind these “Bezelels“. With these suggestions, though, you can be successful and you could even wonder why you didn’t start earlier. Over the years, they have served me well, so I’m eager to see how well they will serve you and your community.

    1. Take A Genuine Interest In “these” types of people

    I am aware of how hectic your Sunday mornings might be, but if you want to grow your team, you will need to spend time socializing outside of your tech booth, or away from your Mac editing suite.

    So that your Sundays are spent more on developing relationships and less on work, get ready for the service earlier in the week. Of course, you could do this at other times during the week, but right now is your best chance. The circumstances are ideal—the audience is the correct one, the moment is right, and they are in the proper state of mind. Get out of your comfort zone and socialize. In the foyer, smile and say hello to them.

    Remember their name, and make sure to address them by it the next time you speak with them. You should make an effort to show people that you are genuinely interested in them (NOT JUST THEIR GIFTS). Encourage them to communicate about themselves by being a good listener. You can build a bridge for someone to join your team if you take the time to get to know them and truly demonstrate your importance to them.

    2. Invite Them To Something Great(er)

    Speaking for myself as a church technologist and creative, we frequently enjoy playing the martyr.

    “I work alone on all of this.”
    “I have to spend more time at the church than everyone else.”
    “I don’t remember the last time I had a Sunday off,” the person said.

    Anyone who could be interested in volunteering will be put off by this exact type of presentation. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of this ministry. After all, you do adore this stuff, don’t you? Talk about how much fun operating the equipment can be. Tell people how important it is to establish a worshipful environment. Tell us how you used what you learnt to accomplish something amazing. Tell people how cool the cameras are. Show people the light and sound panels and communicate how fun it is to be part of the experience. This sounds more like an organization that a recruit would want to join.

    Keep in mind that people will only naturally participate in something if it benefits them. You must thus invite them to an event that enhances their quality of life. Instead of inviting people to join you in your suffering, talk about this as a chance to accomplish something amazing. If you talk about how much you love participating in production or creative ministry to enough people, I’m ready to bet that others will approach you and beg to get involved.

    3. Take On The Role of Coach in the team

    Ever had an outstanding coach? What about a teacher who had a significant influence on your life? Years later, I can remember name the mentors who inspired me to improve or who assisted me in achieving a goal I never imagined I could. They are amazing to me since they had nothing to gain from my victory. Simply put, they found pleasure and joy in my success. As we seek out volunteers, this is the role that we must play. We must shift our attention away from the immediate task at hand and onto encouraging others to use their gifts for the glory of God.

    Make expressions of praise your default language as you engage others. Be quick to compliment them on their good qualities, no matter how minor. Applaud them for using their talents to honor their Creator and lead people to Christ. Remind them of the significance of what they are doing. Make it simple to win and challenging to lose. Even when they do fail, be encouraging and make the mistake appear simple to fix. You are much more likely to keep someone coming back if you encourage them to try serving with you and work with them in this manner.

    4. Do For One What You Can’t Do For All

    You might be thinking that everything seems impossible at this moment. This would undoubtedly take a long time to execute. There is no way that you can spend time doing this for everyone because you are already overworked. Truthfully, you’re correct. This is not something you can do for everyone all the time. But I’d advise you to set aside some time to do this for just one person. Give to one person what you would like to give to everyone. If you only have time to meet one person, start with them even if you may want to get to know everyone in your church lobby.

    It would be wiser to focus your efforts on one sincere conversation rather than spreading your enthusiasm for this mission to everyone. You could wish to enlist a group of ten new volunteers, but if you can’t effectively manage a small group, you’ll probably struggle to manage a larger one.

    It’s best to start small and give it your all while recruiting. Even if you can’t meet for coffee with ten people every day of the week, scheduling one afternoon conversation is a step forward. Even though you might not be able to commit to sending many motivating texts throughout the week, try adding one to your calendar. Even if you might not have enough time, you can undoubtedly teach one person how to use the church’s technology, cameras or lights. Try being deliberate in this season, one person at a time, wherever you are on your journey. You’ll soon be able to reflect on your life and realize how much of an impact you’ve had on many others.

  • How to start a Local Church Media Team

    How to start a Local Church Media Team

    Even though we are aware of the significant impact social media can have on church growth, it can be challenging to find the time to keep up a strong social presence for your ministry (especially since you probably already have a long list of other tasks on your to-do list). How are these other churches managing to do this? Budget conversations aside, it all really comes down to ONE THING.


    Simply put: teamwork. How does the saying go? Team work makes the dream work?


    Putting together, organizing, and managing a team can be the solution to your problems! You are probably surrounded by a lot of eager workers, from teenagers who are more adept at Instagram and TikTok than you are to seniors who have finally mastered Facebook.


    Here are 5 suggestions for creating the ideal social media team:

    1. Simplify the process

    It could be challenging to recruit volunteers if your standard start-to-finish process for creating content, publishing it, and tracking engagement involves 14 different editing suites and tools, apps, and platforms. Making things simple for them will ultimately make things simple for you.

    Use a scheduling tool that enables a volunteer to publish to three social media accounts simultaneously, such as Hootsuite, Planoly or Later. Create as many posts as you can at once rather than one at a time, if at all possible. Without compromising brand integrity, simplifying the procedure can prevent a lot of misunderstandings between you and your volunteers.

    2. Start with the people you already have

    If you work for a large church and don’t know everyone, it is crucial to build your team around people you can trust. You are essentially giving this team control over certain facets of your church’s brand, which is a major responsibility. Making a cold appeal for volunteers can make it challenging to distinguish between wise decision-making and passionate but irresponsible engagement.

    Team work makes the dream work

    It’s much better to start with 2 or 3 people who you already respect and who you know have the best interests of the church at heart. You will be able to communicate effectively and have faith in their commitment as a result. By enlisting unidentified individuals, you run the risk of a volunteer shirking their duties without warning.

    3. Gather around A Table together (with food and coffee obviously)

    Get your (social) media team together in one place as frequently as you can. The camera guys, the designers, the video and switchers, you name it. Start small. Get them in a room and eat some good food. You may get to know each other by sharing meals and playing games, which will ultimately result in improved teamwork. Ask someone to invite a friend who has a camera, or someone who has got the hand of the latest TikTok trend and be open to learning a few things in that world. We really do have teenagers who can do more with their phones these days than entire media teams at some agencies.

    Work together and brainstorm ideas on a regular basis to let everyone’s own brilliance emerge. Make sure everyone feels important and that their views are taken into consideration as the leader. By reading articles together or watching videos, you can both learn more about best practices and current trends and raise your skill level. As a group, discuss areas that could use improvement and work through issues.

    The most crucial thing is to assign duties for the future week or month. It is your duty as the leader to make your expectations clear so that everyone knows what they are responsible for.

    4. Start really really small, NO, smaller.

    Make assignments simple for your team to complete, at least at first. Start with something simple because you probably aren’t working with highly skilled marketing experts.

    Example: I’ve actually done this

    Ask your photographer to get 5 images on Sunday. That’s all 5. 1 of the volunteers, one at kids church, one of the worship, one of the preacher and one in the coffee shop afterwards. That’s all. Edit them. Use them, and go from there.

    Give positive feedback when they finish a task. If necessary, correct the person. By communicating this way, they will learn your expectations and standards and enhance their communication abilities.

    5. Be brave, call out and ask for skilled professionals to help

    There’s a good chance that you don’t even realize how many creative people are present in your auditorium (or online broadcast) on any given Sunday. Find qualified experts or brilliant amateurs in your community of faith by using social media, announcement opportunities, and networking. Visual artists, photographers, and graphic designers can significantly improve a company’s social media presence. Find a local Digital Expert and ask for some of their rime to come sit with a few volunteers and inspire them. Ask, and you shall receive.


    When will you discover these artistic geniuses? Don’t consider them to be routine. Give them creative flexibility, distribute the work, and maintain open lines of communication. Dream with them. Give them space to create. This is a new world, a digital space that makes sense to some people, they just get it. Trust them and build with them. Believe me, it’ll be worth it. The very last thing you want to do is exploit volunteers and give them the impression that their value is solely in their service. Make them part of the team, the photographers and the musicians and the coffee shop crew and the kids church team. All together.

    Let’s stay in touch

    Grace and peace

    Dean

  • The Content Creation Process Made easy

    The Content Creation Process Made easy

    If you’re reading this, chances are you’re someone who is interested in creating content – whether it be for a blog, social media, or any other platform. And if you’re like me, you may have found the process of coming up with ideas, organizing them, and then actually putting them into words or pictures or video or music, to be a bit overwhelming at times, especially when there is a deadline at hand. New Years. Christmas. Easter and everyone in-between.

    But fear not, my friend, because I am here to tell you that the content creation process doesn’t have to be so daunting. In fact, it can be downright enjoyable (yes, you read that right). ENJOYABLE!

    Over the years, I have learned a thing or two about how to make the process of creating content more manageable, and I am excited to share those tips with you today.

    First and foremost, it’s important to remember that the content creation process is just that – a process. It’s not something that happens overnight and it’s not something that you should try to rush through. Instead, try to embrace the journey and enjoy the ride.

    Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of creating content? Maybe you’re not sure where to start or what steps to take. If so, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with the content creation process, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

    In this blog post, I’m going to break down the content creation process into three simple steps. By following these steps, you’ll be able to easily plan, create, and publish your content with confidence.

    So, if you’re ready to streamline your content creation process and start creating amazing content, keep reading. I’ll guide you through each step and provide tips and tricks along the way.

    What are the 3 steps of the Content Creation Process?

    • Creative
    • Content
    • Communications Platforms
    The Content Creation process by Dean Cothill

    On the one hand this is a chronological process but its also so important to look back and keep the flow going…

    1. The Creative

    So whether it’s a new ad campaign or sermon series, or new ideation project of any kind, this is where the magic happens.

    In the creative space, there are no rules. Yes you heard me, no rules. No dream is too big, no idea is too crazy. This is creation in it purest form. Dream. Go Big. Get food and coffee for everyone. Get your favourite snacks and get the team in a beautiful place and come up with every idea under the sun.

    Put it all on the wall. Every idea. Every single one.

    The beauty of the creative process lies in its unpredictable nature. It is a journey of self-discovery, filled with twists and turns, highs and lows. It is a process that requires us to let go of our need for control and surrender to the unknown. It is in this surrender that we are able to tap into our true potential and create something truly beautiful and authentic. The creative process is a dance between the conscious and unconscious mind, a collaboration between the logical and the intuitive. It is a process that allows us to connect with our deepest desires and bring them to life. It is a journey that teaches us to trust ourselves and our vision, and to have faith in the unknown. In short, the creative process is a breathtaking, wondrous adventure that has the power to transform us and the world around us.

    2. The Content

    • Graphics
    • Photos
    • Videos
    • Graphic Design
    • Interior Design
    • Copy

    Here is where the method meets the madness. In the Creation Narrative in the book of Genesis we see that The Spirit hovers over the water and brings order to the chaos, the earth is formless and void. We can all the ideas in the world but if they aren’t ordered and structured, they will just remain ideas.

    So you and your team have a CREATIVE LIST now, you then choose and grab the best ones that line up with what you guys wanna do, now the question is, how do you communicate those ideas to the world? Video maybe? Some still images? Blog posts? Each creative idea must find a “vessel”.

    3. The Communications Platforms

    Here quite simply, videos go to particular places (Social media platforms). Words go to particular places. Graphics also go somewhere else. If the team has decided that video is the medium that will be used, here are some questions then. As a team you guys have settled on which social media platforms you guys wanna and need to be on. You can read more here.

    • How long is the video?
    • Do we make one long video and break it down into smaller shorter content pieces? Can we :screen grab” images from the video?
    • Can we use the audio from the video for other platforms?
    • Will we shoot is 16×9 or rather look at specifics for short form video platforms?
    • Do we then take that video and grab still from it for social media posts?
    • How does the video then define the narrative for our copy and blogposts?
    • What goes on YouTube and what goes on IG or TikTok?
    • From the copy and voice overs we have created, how many tweets can we get?

    All these questions inform our content creation funnel…

    Content Creation Funnel by Dean Cothill

    Here as we go down the funnel, the prices of content “become smaller” and the platforms for the communication process also changes. Audio goes here and video goes there, still go there and copy goes here. Here we will use various forms and make sure they work well together on that specific platform, like your blog or website. The “look and feel” of the video can be used for stage and interior design layouts. All the pieces of the puzzle slowly start to fit together.

    So you have actually only created “1 piece of content”, a 3 minute video, but it informs everything else about the project and actually makes our lives much easier down the road.

    In a nutshell – a content creation funnel is the creation and circulation of helpful content – blogs, social media posts, videos, newsletters – to current and prospective visitors and guests! (See image 1)

    Other tips include to keep a running list of ideas. This could be a physical notebook, a document on your computer, or even just a list on your phone. Whenever an idea pops into your head, jot it down. This way, when it comes time to actually sit down and create content, you’ll have a wealth of ideas to choose from.

    Finally, don’t be afraid to get brave and have fun with the process. Content creation should be an expression of your thoughts, ideas, and personality. Don’t worry about perfection or trying to please “everyone” – just focus on creating something that is authentic and true to you and your team.

    So there you have it – a few tips to help make the content creation process a little easier and a lot more enjoyable. I hope they inspire you to embrace your creativity and start creating the content you’ve always dreamed of. Happy creating!

    Much love

    Dean

  • Jack loves Jill

    Jack loves Jill

    It was a beautiful autumn morning and Professor Elizabeth was standing at the front of her classroom, preparing to give her lecture on literary story telling. As she scanned the faces of her students, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement. She loved teaching and there was nothing quite like the thrill of introducing her students to new ideas and helping them to develop their critical thinking story telling skills.

    “Good morning, everyone,” Professor Elizabeth began. “Today, we’re going to be discussing the theme of love in literature. I want you to think about why certain characters love one another and what that love represents. To help you get started, I’m going to ask you to write a 500-word essay on the topic of Jack loves Jill.“

    There was a murmur of excitement and confusion among the students as they grabbed their pens and notebooks, ready to take notes. Professor Elizabeth could see the wheels turning in their heads as they tried to come up with ideas for their essays.

    “Now, I know this may seem like a daunting task at first,” Professor Elizabeth continued. “But I have complete confidence in all of you. I want you to really think about why Jack loves Jill. Is it because of her physical appearance? Is it because of her personality? Is it because of the way she makes him feel? Or is it something deeper, something that goes beyond the surface level? These are the kinds of questions I want you to explore in your essays.”

    Professor Elizabeth paused for a moment to let her words sink in before continuing. “I know that some of you may be struggling to come up with ideas for your essays. So, to help you get started, I’m going to give you a few prompts to consider. First, consider the ways in which Jack and Jill’s relationship has evolved over time. Have they always been in love, or did their love grow over time? Second, think about the challenges that Jack and Jill have faced in their relationship and how they’ve overcome them. And finally, consider the role that outside influences, such as friends or family, have played in Jack and Jill’s relationship.”

    As Professor Elizabeth spoke, her students scribbled furiously in their notebooks, taking down every word she said. She could see the excitement and determination in their eyes, and it filled her with a sense of pride. She loved watching her students grow and learn, and she knew that this assignment would be a great opportunity for them to do just that.

    “I want you to take some time to think about your essays and come up with a solid outline before you start writing,” Professor Elizabeth concluded. “And remember, don’t be afraid to be creative and think outside the box. The most interesting essays are often the ones that take a unique perspective on the topic at hand. I can’t wait to read your finished essays and see what you all come up with. I want them on my desk first thing tomorrow morning…”

    With that, Professor Elizabeth dismissed her class, and the students filed out of the room, buzzing with excitement and ideas for their essays. As she gathered her things and prepared to head home for the day, Professor Elizabeth couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. She knew that this assignment was going to be a challenging and rewarding one for her students, and she couldn’t wait to see what they came up with.

    The next morning student after student, came in handing paper after paper until Steven came walking slowly to the Professors desk. With most of the class seated, Steven slowly approached her desk…

    “Sorry to bother you Prof” Steven said in a gentle yet confident voice, “I know you said 500 words and this may be a little more”, and simply handed her a photograph, “but here is why Jack loves Jill…”

  • How to keep your content evolving… (Story is king…)

    How to keep your content evolving… (Story is king…)

    You have a story.

    You have a story. Your story is made up of your authentic personality and the life experiences that shape you into who you are today. It’s who you’ve been, what you’ve done, and how those experiences have affected your outlook on life – who you are as an individual. This is what makes you unique. And it’s what gives you the opportunity to connect with others on a deeper level. Your story also has a plotline – meaning that it has a beginning, middle and end. You start out as an underdog and work your way up; maybe there’s a particular event or period of time that changed the course of your life for good. But you have a story, and it’s yours and as you read, you’ll realise, ITS SO SACRED. Don’t let anyone ever stop you from telling your story, ever.

    The story of Joseph, Genesis 41

    You might be familiar with the story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and sent to work in Egypt. His dream was that one day he would rise to become the second most powerful person in Egypt. And this dream came true! Joseph was able to make his dreams a reality because he planned for them, strategized how they would come true, and put policies in place to ensure their success. This is how you make your goals happen too.

    If you have a goal or objective that isn’t being reached as quickly as you’d like it to be—whether it’s making more money or getting fit—consider what steps must happen before achieving that goal? These are things like:

    • Planning out a timeline
    • Building relationships with key players
    • Getting clear on what success looks like (for example: number of sales made per month)

    How Joseph’s story can help you today

    Joseph’s story is the story of a man who was in prison, but he was not broken. He learned to use his time in prison to create a vision for the future and to begin changing things around him. Joseph inspired others by telling them about his dreams, which eventually became their reality as well.

    It is the story of a man who was able to use his creativity to bring about change in himself and others around him.

    Step 1. Your content must evolve – from theory to practive, from dream to the plan

    You must evolve your content from theory to practise.

    Your creativity must also evolve from a dream to a plan.

    Dreams grow as plants grow. The bigger the plant gets the bigger the pot will eventually need to be. Make sure your dreams have big pots. Plan for big pots, and dream for even bigger fields and plots.

    Once you dream it, you have to make it happen. Your creativity must evolve from a dream into a plan.

    This is the next step in taking your content strategy from good to great:

    • Dream BIG about what you want your social media presence to look like and feel like. What kind of content do you want to share? On what platforms? With whom? Etc.
    • Create a plan for how you’re going to achieve that vision. That could mean creating new graphics, videos or other assets; setting up processes for scheduling posts; hiring writers and designers; learning how-to’s on new software tools like Gif Maker (a free tool provided by Facebook) – whatever it takes! Do what you gotta do. Design what you gotta design. Like these windows. Just do it.

    Step 2 like Joseph, put a policy in place that connects your content and creativity with your genuine leadership purpose.

    • You know what you stand for, but do others? What’s the message of your organization? How do you want to be seen in the world? Without having an existential crisis, lol, WHO ARE YOU?

    There’s that beautiful moment where PO gets asked, WHO ARE YOU?

    Kai:
    Who are you?

    Po:
    I’ve been asking myself that question. Am I the son of a panda? The son of a goose? A student? A teacher? I’m all of those things. [Po’s chi forms the shape of a dragon around him] I am the Dragon Warrior! Get it? You see the giant dragon?

    • To answer these questions, define what’s important to you (or business) and create a mission statement or vision statement that communicates it. Also make sure all your friends and family (and employees) understand how their work fits into this plan. They’ll be more committed when they understand how their contributions contribute value to the overall outcome—and so will customers and partners!

    Step 3. You are ready to lead creatively and authentically, leading with a relational heart.

    Leading with your story is the most authentic way to lead in a world of digital distraction. Your story is real and true—not manufactured or curated. Your lived experience and absolutely who you are. TAKE A DEEP BREATHE HERE.

    You will need to ask yourself some tough questions: What are my values? What do I believe in? Why am I here? How do I want people to feel when they interact with me? When you know what matters most to you, then you can begin sharing it through words, images and videos that reflect who you really are even as they attract like-minded peers who resonate with your authenticity.

    Leading with purpose is another important element for becoming an influencer. There’s no point in being creative if there’s no clear reason for doing so beyond ‘because.’ Think about the purpose behind everything that makes sense for your brand or organization before jumping into content creation mode: Why does this matter? Who cares about this issue (or cause)? How will this help someone else?”

    Authentic and creative leaders lead with THEIR stories, not other people’s

    Authentic and creative leaders lead with their stories.

    Relational leaders lead with their stories.

    Story is king (and queen).

    I want to highlight. “Our stories are sacred” is a phrase that highlights the idea that our personal stories, experiences, and histories are valuable and important. It suggests that our stories are not only meaningful to us as individuals, but also hold a deeper significance and value.

    As individuals, our stories are incredibly valuable and important. They are the foundation of our identity, the source of our strength and resilience, and the way we connect with others. Our stories are the threads that weave together the tapestry of our lives, giving shape and meaning to our experiences.

    When we share our stories with others, we open ourselves up to vulnerability and connection. We invite others to see us for who we truly are and to witness the struggles and triumphs that have shaped us. This can be a deeply transformative and healing experience, as it allows us to feel seen, heard, and understood.

    Let us remember that our stories are sacred and hold them close and cherish them. And let us also have the courage to share them with others, knowing that in doing so, we are honoring ourselves and the human experience that we all share.

    So, how do you lead creatively and authentically as a leader? It’s simple. You tell your story – the story that motivates you to action. Then, you connect this story with the creativity needed to build a plan for your organization that is aligned with your true leadership purpose. The result is an innovative strategy that reflects your values (and those of those around you).

    Please mail me, dean@deancothill.co.za and I would love to chat and share stories…

    Grace and peace

    Dean

  • Are you a CREATOR or are you a CONSUMER?

    Are you a CREATOR or are you a CONSUMER?

    The Lord spoke, “Let there be light,” and there was light. He spoke again, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters,” and that was done. He spoke again, “Let the earth bring forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind and fruit-trees bearing fruit with seed in them on the earth.” And it was so done. Again he said: “Let there be lights in heaven to divide day from night; let them also serve as signs to mark seasons, days and years.” And it was so done… So God created man in his own image…

    • Light is a symbol of knowledge
    • Light is a symbol of truth
    • Light is a symbol of understanding
    • Light is a symbol of wisdom
    • Light is a symbol of guidance
    • Light is a symbol of hope

    In the beginning was the Word.

    In the beginning was the Word. The word is important. The word is the beginning of all things, and it is God’s way to communicate and connect with us. But he has given his Word in more than one form:

    • He spoke it as Jesus Christ, so we would have a perfect example of how to behave (the life we should be living now that we are saved). Jesus said in Matthew 5:17-18 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.” He fulfilled them by showing his love for us through His death on our behalf and then rising again! So now we have a new standard for living – even though it may seem impossible at times! Christ was right there, in the beginning. Let US make mankind in OUR image.
    • He gave us the Bible which records His words (and those who wrote them down too!) Everything you need for your life here on earth is contained within this collection of books – whether it be wisdom or hope or direction…you will find what you need here if you read carefully enough!

    Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness,

    Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals…and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

    Genesis 1:26-28

    So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

    When you read this passage, you can feel a sense of wonder at what kind of being God is. What is it like to be like Him? What does it mean that He has made us in His likeness? These are questions we don’t have answers to because they are beyond our comprehension as humans with limited capacity for thought and imagination. However, there is one thing we do know: that by creating us as creators ourselves (something no other creature on earth can claim), God has given us dominion over all creation and given us purpose: to build up His kingdom here on earth until it reflects His own glory forever—a job that will never be done!

    Man is a CREATOR.

    When God created man in His image, He made us CREATORS.

    This means that you have the power of creation inside of you. You are not a spectator, listener, or mere “follower”; rather you are called by God to be a communicator and doer; an innovator and creator.

    So story time with Dean and Gale (Watch Frozen 2, you’ll get it)

    Bezalel is a figure mentioned in the book of Exodus, in the Old Testament of the Bible. According to the text, Bezalel was a skilled craftsman who was chosen by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that the Israelites used during their time in the wilderness.

    According to the story, God spoke to Moses and commanded him to appoint Bezalel and his assistant, Oholiab, to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle. God also said that He would fill Bezalel with the Holy Spirit, giving him the skills and abilities needed to complete the task.

    Exodus 31 describes Bezalel as “filled with the Spirit of God, the RUACH ELOHIM, the SAME Spirit that was at the beginning of Creation, the same words, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills.” He is described as a master craftsman, skilled in a variety of trades including goldsmithing, metalworking, and woodworking. In addition to his technical skills, Bezalel is also described as a “designer” who is able to create intricate and beautiful artwork for the Tabernacle. Any designers out there? Feel that flutter in your stomach? That warmth on your shoulders?

    The role of Bezalel in the construction of the Tabernacle is seen as significant in the Bible, as the Tabernacle was a central place of worship for the Israelites and was meant to be a physical manifestation of God’s presence among them. Bezalel’s skills and abilities, given to him by the Holy Spirit, were crucial in the creation of this important structure.

    There are several themes in the story of Bezalel that are worth considering. One is the idea that God can use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary tasks. Bezalel was not a prophet or a leader in the Israelite community; he was simply a skilled craftsman who was chosen by God to fulfill an important role. This message can be inspiring to those who may feel that they are not particularly special or gifted, as it suggests that anyone can be used by God for a significant purpose.

    • Designers
    • Interior designers
    • Graphics
    • Art
    • Paint
    • Fashion
    • Accountants
    • Architects
    • Story tellers

    Another theme is the importance of artistic expression in the worship of God. The Tabernacle was not just a functional structure, but also a place of beauty and wonder. The attention to detail and the craftsmanship that went into its construction show the value that the Israelites placed on aesthetics and the arts.

    Bezalel is an important figure in the book of Exodus, known for his skills as a craftsman and designer, and the role he played in the construction of the Tabernacle and that GOD has placed that same SPIRIT (RUACH ELOHIM) in each of us. A creative energy, a CREATOR energy. His story highlights the idea that God can use anyone to accomplish His purposes, and the value of artistic expression in the worship of God.

    So then lemme ask you this, are you a Creator or are you a Consumer?

    Are you a creator or are you a consumer?

    A creator is someone who creates things. Creators are leaders, innovators, the ones who make things happen, the ones who change the world. They’re not followers; they’re the people leading their field of work and creating something new—whether it’s an invention, service or business model. They’re also those who contribute to society in meaningful ways that make others’ lives better: teachers and mentors; doctors and nurses; artists, writers and musicians; athletes and coaches—the list goes on!

    Consumers can be creators too! The difference between being a consumer vs being a creator often comes down to mindset: if you think about yourself as someone who creates rather than just consumes then you’ll automatically start acting differently towards your goals (which leads to success). Do you just sit and read tweets or are you brave enough to tweet? Do youngest mindlessly scroll IG, or are you brave enough to throw your hat in the ring? Do you just google google google, or are you adding to the conversation? Are you just blogging from your basement or do you have some skin in the game?

    If you were to ask yourself, “Am I a Creator or am I a Consumer?”, what would you say? If you are honest with yourself, and really think about it, I think the answer should become pretty obvious, pretty quickly…

    Let’s keep in tuouch

    Grace and peace

    Dean

  • What are some things that are preventing Church Growth at the moment and what could help? (Part 1 of 2)

    What are some things that are preventing Church Growth at the moment and what could help? (Part 1 of 2)

    There are many factors that can affect church growth. Here are nine potential issues that may be preventing church growth:

    1. Lack of a clear vision or mission: If a church doesn’t have a clear sense of its purpose or direction, it may be difficult to attract and retain members.
    2. Lack of outreach or evangelism: If a church is not actively reaching out to the community and sharing its message, it may struggle to attract new members.
    3. Poor communication: If a church is not effectively communicating with its members and the wider community, it may be difficult for people to understand and connect with its mission and vision.
    4. Limited resources: A church with limited resources may struggle to effectively minister to its members and attract new ones.
    5. Ineffective leadership: Poor leadership can demoralize church members and make it difficult for the church to move forward.
    6. Disunity among members: Disagreements and conflicts within a church can create a negative atmosphere and discourage people from joining or staying involved.
    7. Lack of relevance: If a church is not addressing the needs and concerns of its community, it may struggle to attract and retain members.
    8. Competition with other churches: In some areas, there may be a lot of competition among churches for members, which can make it difficult for any one church to grow.
    9. Negative reputation: If a church has a negative reputation in the community, it may be difficult to attract new members.

    Now here is where Creativity AND Innovation come in…

    But first a Bible story…

    For 3 points, who was the first person in the Bible to receive the Holy Spirit? It was a young man by the name of Bezelel. Bezalel possessed such great wisdom that he could combine those letters of the alphabet with which heaven and earth were created; this being the meaning of the statement (Exodus 31:3): “I have filled him … with wisdom and knowledge,” which were the implements by means of which God created the world, as stated in Proverbs 3:19, 20. By virtue of his profound wisdom, Bezalel succeeded in erecting a sanctuary which seemed a fit abiding-place for God, who is so exalted in time and space (Exodus R. 34:1; Numbers 12:3). The candlestick of the sanctuary was of so complicated a nature that Moses could not comprehend it, although God twice showed him a heavenly model; but when he described it to Bezalel, the latter understood immediately, and made it at once; whereupon Moses expressed his admiration for the quick wisdom of Bezalel, saying again that he must have been “in the shadow of God” (Hebrew, “beẓel El”) when the heavenly models were shown him (Numbers 15:10). Bezalel is said to have been at least thirteen years of age when he accomplished his great work (Sanhedrin 69b); he owed his wisdom to the merits of pious parents; his grandfather being Hur and his great-grandmother Miriam, he was thus a grandnephew of Moses (Exodus R. 48:3, 4).

    INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY. The same Spirit that was at the beginning of creation, is the same Spirit that is placed in Bezelel and is the same spirit that is in each of us. (RUACH-ELOHIM – if you’d like to Google a little)

    So what does this mean for church leadership?

    Innovation and creativity are important in church leadership for several reasons:

    1. To keep the church relevant and engaging: Innovative and creative approaches can help the church stay relevant and engaging in a rapidly changing world. This can help the church attract new members and keep current members engaged and invested in the church’s mission.
    2. To adapt to changing circumstances: Innovation and creativity can help the church adapt to changing circumstances, such as the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This might include finding new ways to connect with members and deliver services, or developing new programs and initiatives to meet the needs of the community.
    3. To better serve the community: By thinking creatively and innovatively, church leaders can identify new ways to serve the community and meet the changing needs of those around them. This might include developing new outreach programs, partnering with other organizations, or finding new ways to address social issues.
    4. To foster spiritual growth: Creativity and innovation can help church leaders find new ways to engage and inspire members, which can lead to deeper spiritual growth and connection to the church.
    5. To attract new members: By embracing innovation and creativity, the church can become a more attractive and welcoming place for new members, particularly younger people who may be looking for a fresh, relevant approach to faith.
    6. To foster collaboration and teamwork: Innovation and creativity often involve collaboration and teamwork, which can help church leaders build stronger relationships with one another and work more effectively as a team.
    7. To inspire and motivate: Creativity and innovation can inspire and motivate church leaders and members alike, leading to greater energy and enthusiasm for the church’s mission.
    8. To better use resources: Innovation and creativity can help church leaders find more efficient and effective ways to use resources, such as time, money, and personnel, leading to a more impactful and sustainable ministry.
    9. To stay true to the church’s mission: By embracing innovation and creativity, church leaders can stay true to the church’s mission and values while also adapting to changing circumstances and the needs of the community.

    See soon soon for part 2…

    Grace and peace

    Dean