Staff changes are always a difficult and we get a double whammy with longtime coworkers, collaborators and friends Michael Buckingham and Joshua Cody moving on.
Michael is stepping down from his role as creative director here at the Center for Church Communication (CFCC) and specifically the leader of the Church Marketing Lab. Danielle Hartland will have some big shoes to fill as she steps up to lead the Church Marketing Lab. While this transition is bittersweet, the leadership team of CFCC could not be more thrilled to have Danielle on board.
Joshua Cody is moving on from his role as associate editor (a title that barely covers all the work Josh has done around here).
We’re sad to see both these guys go but we’re happy for them to be moving on to bigger and better things. The Center for Church Communication would not be where it is today without the contributions of both these guys. With the foundation of their selfless efforts, we hope CFCC can continue to make progress in our mission to help the church communicate better.
Both have their own thoughts to share…
The Experiment Continues: Michael Buckingham
Michael Buckingham penned his own goodbye and expresses fond wishes for the future below. When we first launched the Church Marketing Lab it wasn’t our efforts that made it work, but the tireless work of people like Michael that made it hum. We hope to keep Michael around doing guest posts, so this isn’t a forever goodbye. You can keep up with Michael on Twitter, follow his continuing work with Holy Cow Creative and read his blog, Jesus Hates Papyrus. Thanks Michael.
When we first launched the Church Marketing Lab, in 2006 it was an experiment. There was a need to connect, mentor and resource artists within the church and the lab has been our answer to that.
That experiment has grown from the moment we flipped the switch on. That community is now just shy of 5,000 members.
As the community has grown, so have the needs. While Flickr has taken care of us, we’ve known for awhile that it could not be our permanent home. When Tim and Justin came in as co-directors, one of the big pushes was to make the Church Marketing Lab a top priority for CFCC. So for the last three months all the moving parts have been pumping away, there have been some great conversations and I’m honored to make the announcement that our very own Danielle Hartland will be taking the helm as champion for what is ahead for the Church Marketing Lab.
Of course for those of you involved in the Church Marketing Lab, this probably isn’t big news as Danielle was instrumental in transitions last year in allowing the community to lead the community and has been a leading voice in the lab since then in her role as Church Marketing Lab project leader. But do please give her a very warm welcome, much love and much support.
I continue to be impressed by the community and the members progression in their art. While I’m not steering this boat anymore you’ll still see me around and I will always remain available to the artist as they continue to sharpen their craft. You are a beautiful gift to the bride of Christ, the church.
A Thanks and Fair Well: Joshua Cody
Joshua Cody posted his fair well over on Church Marketing Sucks. He’s been our get-it-done guy for many years now and we’re not sure how we’ll continue to get things done without him. We hope he’ll toss us the occasional guest post as well. You can follow the continuing adventures of Joshua Cody on Twitter and his blog. Thanks Josh.
Be sure to read Josh’s A Thanks and Fair Well on Church Marketing Sucks.