Q&A
Q&A with Drew Davidson
Davidson is director of video production for the LCMS.
For more than a decade, Drew Davidson could be found behind the camera during NFL games, shooting and producing video content for the Chicago Bears, the Cleveland Browns and the Indianapolis Colts. In May, the five-time Regional Emmy Award-winning cinematographer left the fast-paced sports world to serve as director of video production for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). In this role, Davidson oversees all video production for the LCMS and looks for new opportunities to share the church’s message through digital media.
How did you get into video production?
A: My dad is an LCMS pastor in Ohio. Originally, I thought I wanted to be a pastor too. But I soon realized that public speaking was not a skill set that God had given me. … God really opened some doors for me and took me on this journey to video production. I did six internships and got experience in the TV world as well as the sports world. I worked for three NFL teams over the course of 12 years, progressing to director of Colts Productions for the Indianapolis Colts.
Working for the NFL is a dream job for some people. What prompted you to take on this new role?
A: It was a dream job. … This was one of those divine things. That Sunday, God put me in the church parking lot early. I was looking at my phone, and this job popped up. I really prayed about it and talked to my family about it, and it became clear that this is where God was leading me.
Why did you want to work for the church?
A: Digital media is something we consume every day. The landscape and the possibilities are so great. The digital media world is one of the last spaces where you don’t have to pay for advertising. You don’t have to pay to post on YouTube or social media. The product can speak for itself. I realized I could bring my skills to the LCMS to create original content that fits within the beliefs of the church. Why shouldn’t we have a seat at the table too?
How are you using your skills in this new role?
A: My job in the NFL was to create fans — reaching current fans as well as a new audience. I think it’s very similar if you step back and look at the marketing side. You’re creating content for people already invested, but you also want to reach a group that isn’t necessarily looking for what you have to offer. … I want to make content that LCMS Lutherans enjoy, that other Christians enjoy, and that’s approachable for the unchurched. I’m putting my faith in God that He’s using those skills for the greater good.
You recently attended the LCMS Youth Gathering in New Orleans. This isn’t your first Gathering, right?
A: I went as a participant in ’04 and ’07. At the 2010 Gathering, I was a Young Adult Volunteer. I worked four of the last five as a media team volunteer. … It’s such a powerful event for the participants. You realize that your church isn’t just the 25 people in your youth group; it’s a global church.
Do you have a favorite Bible verse?
A: I always go back to my confirmation verse of Micah 6:8: “Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with my God.” My dad picked that for me because it really fit who I was as a person. There’s a great message in there for perseverance and hope.
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Megan K. Mertz
Managing editor of Lutherans Engage the World and chief copy editor for LCMS Communications.
