TimSchraeder.com

One week ago tragedy struck.
The day started off on a high note… I was part of an awesome brainstorm session with Ben Arment for Story 2010 and then hung out with Gabe Lyons and some awesome leaders from around Chicago to talk about the upcoming Q Conference.
I was with my friend Corbyn Tyson [if you [...]

I used to suck at church communications. It’s true.
So when I first heard about Church Marketing Sucks I wasn’t sure what to think.
As a guy who was new to church communications I felt like I had discovered a gold mine of ideas, thoughts, and resources to help me out on my journey of helping my [...]

Ok. So I’m going to tell you about the worship CD you haven’t heard of that you need to, k?
For the first five [and sometimes very awkward] years of my life as a church communications guy, I was priviledged to serve at Riverside Community Church in Peoria, Illinois. Riverside was planted in out of a [...]

Winners Are at the Bottom of the Post!
—
Two leaders that have had a profound impact on my life are Andy Stanley and Craig Groeschel.
While they both lead two very different churches, their combined wisdom and insight are shaping the way next generation leaders are leveraging their influence and changing churches and organizations.
Catalyst has teamed up [...]

Websites are the front door to your church.
When people move into a community and are looking for a church, they go to Google, not the YellowPages. Having a good web presence is detrimental to whether or not people will choose to come one of your services.
The experience you create online is just as important as the experience people have [...]

After a number of requests about Park’s Twitter policy, I decided to share it with the rest of you: we don’t have one.
I’m not a huge fan of policies. They take too long to write out and shouldn’t really be an issue as long as you are managing what you are doing well.
That being said, [...]

“Every day I meet people who have so much to give but have been bullied enough or frightened enough to hold it back. It’s time to stop complying with the system and draw your own map. You have brilliance in you, your contribution is essential, and the art you create is precious. Only you can [...]

Catalyst is hitting Chicago with Catalyst One Day featuring Andy Stanley and Craig Groeschel on Thursday, March 25 at Willow Creek Community Church.
Andy and Craig are going to talk about MOMENTUM… What is it? Why is it important? How do you get it Once you have it, how do you keep it? They’ll uncover the secrets to creating and sustaining [...]

On  Tuesday, January 19, Cabrini Green Legal Aid and  Renew Chicago hosted a conversation with Dr. Tony Campolo entitled “Do Justice. Love Mercy.” Here’s a few notes.

Jesus came into the world with Good News for the poor.
Moses called the Jewish people to observe Sabbath …The Sabbath was three things: 1) the 7th day; 2) [...]

Blaine was inspired by Clay who was inspired by Chris… and yes it’s January 18, sort of a weird time to be declaring your goals for the New Year, but hey, that’s how I roll.
I’m over making resolutions but I love the idea of three words that you hope will mark your year. Instead of [...]

Matthew Paul Turner’s Twitter ID says it all: JesusNeedsNewPR.
It’s true.
Jesus needs new PR… the Church needs new PR.
The word Christian has moved from being a verb to a noun… and not a good one either.
To be Christian in the past meant you were following Christ, living out His call, acting justly, loving mercy, and living [...]

You know how God has to sometimes put something in front of us a few times before we notice it?
Well, for me, it’s been the simple phrase: God with us.
I’ve been thinking and pondering the significance of that simple statement… and was sort of oblivious to the fact that it was also the theme of [...]