We’re collecting short video messages from our extended church family to help celebrate Pastors Doyle and Jennifer and the incredible impact they have made at The Church Next Door.
You don’t need to be a professional or have special equipment. A phone and a heartfelt message are all you need! If you have access to professional equipment, please feel free to use it.
Video Best Practices
A few simple steps will help your message look and sound its best.
- Keep it short. Aim for 30–60 seconds. A short, meaningful story is better than trying to cover everything.
- Record horizontally. Turn your phone sideways before you begin recording.
- Find a quiet location. Avoid TVs, music, fans, traffic, or crowded rooms in the background. If possible, use an external microphone that works with your equipment.
- Use good lighting. Face a window or light source. Avoid having a bright window directly behind you. Lamps in a dark room may not provide enough light.
- Keep the camera at eye level. Prop your phone up rather than holding it, if possible.
- Frame yourself from the chest up. Leave a little room above your head.
- Look at the camera lens. Look at the lens rather than at yourself on the screen.
- Speak clearly and naturally. Imagine you’re talking directly to Pastors Doyle and Jennifer.
- Leave time before and after speaking. Look at the camera, smile, then begin. When you finish, stay still for another 2–3 seconds before stopping the recording. This helps tremendously when editing.
- Don’t worry about mistakes. If you stumble, pause and start the sentence again. We can edit it.
- Most importantly—be yourself. We want these videos to feel personal, genuine, and heartfelt.
What Should I Say?
You don’t need to answer every question. Choose one or two prompts that help you tell a meaningful story.
Explore questions to get you started
- How have Pastors Doyle and Jennifer impacted your life or your family?
- What is one memory with Pastors Doyle and Jennifer that you’ll always remember?
- What is something Pastors Doyle or Jennifer taught you that has stayed with you?
- How have you seen God use their ministry at The Church Next Door?
- Was there a particular sermon, conversation, prayer, or moment that made a difference in your life?
- What do you appreciate most about Pastors Doyle and Jennifer?
- If you could thank them for one thing, what would it be?
- What is one word you would use to describe their ministry—and why?
- How is your life or faith different because of their leadership?
- What would you like Pastors Doyle and Jennifer to know as they begin this next chapter?
A Simple Formula
Introduce yourself → Share one specific memory or impact → Say thank you.
“Hi, I’m ____. I’ll always remember when ____. That moment had such an impact on me because ____. Pastors Doyle and Jennifer, thank you for ____. We love you and are so grateful for the way you’ve served our church.”
Don’t try to make it perfect. The stories, memories, laughter, and emotion are what will make this tribute special.
Submission deadline: September 20, 2026. Please send one 30–60-second video per submission.
Accepted formats: MP4, MOV, or M4V. Maximum file size: 200 MB. For a smaller file, use your phone’s 1080p recording setting rather than 4K.