Focus Areas
Media Technology
Media technology is a complex area and requires highly refined skills depending on the what is to be accomplished. These are some of the current projects we are working on:
Live Streaming
Live streaming is likely the most popular topic that concerns our field ministries. It is also one of the most cost-intensive evolutions a ministry may initiate. We are currently working with field ministries in a consulting, supporting, and training capacity to help them move from their in-house recording (audio or audio/video) to livestreaming. As we learn more about the different needs and approaches, we will share our findings with the community.
Audio/Video
Some ministries are still developing their in-house audio/video setup. Our team helps them build a solid foundation for production and recording, including getting ready for live-streaming. We will share our findings as to the most common needs with the fields ministries for them to see what solutions haven proven to be feasible and create high production values.
Training
Our team also trains volunteers, contractors, and professionals in how to establish a well-rounded and high quality production value. In most ministries, volunteers are taking on some difficult tasks without much training. Our team is focused on providing the necessary training geared toward the level of knowledge and skill of those who are willing to give their time to the ministries.
Feedback
Our team also gives feedback on any existing production regarding the quality of audio, video, and staging. Knowing that many productions are put together by a team of rotating volunteers, we are keen on providing information and tips to improve production value so that the live streams, recording, or in-person experience is one that leaves a long-lasting impression.
Church Management Systems
Church Management Systems (ChMS) focus on the administrative side of managing the church such as member management, donation management, etc..
This is an introductory resource of links to articles &/or videos that help can help you, your staff, Board & volunteers better understand “What is ChMS” & some articles on How to go about evaluating, needs
https://churchtechtoday.com/2011/05/05/4-key-questions-church-management-systems/
https://www.churchcommunitybuilder.com/what-is-chms
https://financesonline.com/church-management-software-analysis-features-types-benefits-pricing/
This is a good 4 step process / primer to consider when venturing in to ChMS for the first time & provides solid groundwork to help you & your team go about ChMS selection process.
ChMS Selection Process Part 1 - Where to Start?
http://tonydye.typepad.com/main/2011/05/chms-selection-process-part1.html
ChMS Selection Process Part 2 - Focus on Staff
http://tonydye.typepad.com/main/2011/05/chms-selection-process-part-2-focus-on-staff.html
ChMS Selection Process Part 3 - Developing a Selection Process
ChMS Selection Process Part 4 - Some non-Technical Questions
Caution NOTE: There are a great many “Top 10, Top 20 ChMS systems” out there online & ALL of them should be taken with a spoonful of salt as many are “Pay-to-Play” thus they appear because there is a sponsorship or affiliate relationship =$, with the service or publisher.
That said , this Top 20 article “appears” to be one of the much better ones that I found. It has nice simple & generic Info-graphics. (I will be adding more of these “better” articles soon).
https://financesonline.com/top-20-church-management-software-solutions/
Once you’ve identified your church ‘s administartaive priorities & needs here is a Google Drive link to our UCM compiled listing of almost all the major ChMS systems along with ratings. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1bdh3sDBLC6KIe5NDH8oGBZ8aNlW8Qz5rWuhbQtrQ1S8/edit?usp=sharing
This worksheet has been compiled and condensed from more than a half dozen ChMS evaluation resources. UCM neither endorses or critiques any of these ChMS systems. All of them have strengths & weaknesses. We assembled this listing as “our best interpretation” of the myriad of all the bigger and better evaluation sites, to help guide you and save time in doing your own investigation & research. Note: we STRONGLY suggest you thoroughly DEMO any system AND check reviews & references for yourself before deciding on what system is likely to be the best fit for your church. .
Online Communication
With technology moving forward rapidly, our ways of communicating changes quickly. While only a few years ago, staff, board, and volunteer team meetings; book and scriptural studies; and other church-related gatherings could only be held in-person, nowadays we are able to use online communication to save on commuting time while adding extra benefits, such as screen sharing, running presentations, etc. UOC supports the field ministries in all things communication, tying into our other areas of expertise (UMT, UCM).