Thank you, Doug Crain

Even though the TV Ministry at First Church has been around for decades, it became much more important during the pandemic as a means for our homebound and traveling members to watch the worship service.

For a few weeks, it was the only way for anyone to watch worship at First Church. Paired with a communications department that skillfully utilizes social media, the broadcasts of worship services and other videos have provided First Church with a vibrant online presence. These broadcasts have become a powerful way to reach people, not only in the Tulsa area, but throughout the US and abroad.

Without the faithful service of Doug Crain, who has coordinated productions and directed the video crew for many years, much of this would have been almost impossible to achieve.

Spending considerable hours in the darkroom with his dad inspired Doug to pursue a career in photography. He studied and earned a degree in Advertising and Public Relations from the University of Tulsa.

Since Doug grew up in the small town of Ozark, Missouri, he initially found First Presbyterian Church to be large and overwhelming. Despite that, in January 1982, he and his wife, Jane, became members of the church. As time progressed, Doug became quite involved, serving as Chair of the Session’s Communications Committee right around the time Dr. Jim Miller became lead pastor.

First Church Tulsa’s TV Ministry has helped spread the Gospel to countless viewers over the years.

Doug later joined the TV Ministry and helped produce the Sunday service broadcasts, working alongside David Crowell, Richard Halliburton, Ed Apple, Gene Vickery, and Geordie Matson. Back then, the video broadcast was sent from the church using microwave signals across a network of towers to be received by COX and then transmitted to homes.

Doug played a key role in converting the broadcasts to high definition (HD), a complex and challenging process made possible by a financial gift from the now-deceased Ed Apple. Additionally, Doug oversaw the transition to streaming services online, allowing people to access our church services from virtually anywhere. Needless to say, First Church Tulsa’s TV Ministry has helped spread the Gospel to countless viewers over the years.

Doug voiced his respect for Dr. Miller’s intentional practice of using the TV Ministry to broadcast “church on TV” by making the Gospel, worship, and the congregants in the pews the most important priorities.

There are many practices that Doug has used to reflect those priorities, such as the methods of changing shots during prayers and hymns. Training future volunteers to maintain those standards is something that is very important to him.

Doug emphasizes his gratitude and appreciation for the volunteer crew that make each broadcast possible every week.

Without the camera operators, other directors, the graphic tech, and soundboard operator, these broadcasts couldn’t happen. The crew operates out of the TV control room, which is located on the 4th floor of the church and houses the director’s control board, the soundboard, and the graphics generator. The control room is now also serving as the office for our new TV/Video Manager, Alex Pennell. Since joining the staff in January, Alex has assumed the responsibility of producing the Sunday worship broadcast that can be seen on COX Cable Channel 3 and also online. Alex has also produced several promotional and informational videos that can be seen on First Church social media channels and on the church website.

Doug is stepping back from his many responsibilities with the TV Ministry, but will continue with his business, Flying Colors. He is looking forward to attending Sunday School and worship services with Jane as he passes the baton to Alex, who certainly has some big shoes to fill.

First Church has been blessed in so many ways by Doug’s faithful service, as have the many people who have connected with the church through the COX TV broadcasts and online live streaming. It will be a joy to see how Doug employs his many gifts to serve the church outside of the director’s booth.

We are always happy to receive and train new volunteers for this important ministry. If you are interested in more information about joining the TV ministry team, please contact the church.