09/02/2010 Listen to Be Heard:
Sometimes I’m so anxious to get my point across that I forget that others feel the same. Over time, I’ve realized that if I take the time to listen, to really listen to others, they will take the time to listen to me . . . well, maybe, some of the time.
Recently, I was complaining to someone about the fact that people just don’t seem to listen to me. In the middle of my first sentence, the person turned away to talk to someone else. Truthfully, I found it rather amusing. While I was “telling” she was “showing,” proving my point better than I could with words.
I have a new tactic. I figure if I keep quiet, I might create an air of mystery about me. Maybe people will wonder what I’m up to and ask. Maybe they’ll think I’m a better conversationalist because I let them do all the talking. Maybe, just maybe, they’ll tire themselves out and let me get a few words in. Or maybe we’ll start learning more and caring more about each other.
Either way, remember, it takes more than one to have a conversation—especially an interesting one.
If you’re looking for a way to “show” instead of “tell,” try one of our cartoons in your publication. They speak volumes.
06/15/2010 10 Ways To Get Your Message Heard:
01. Announce it verbally from the pulpit—in ALL services at least THREE consecutive weeks.
02. Add your message to your Sunday Power Point announcements. Include a funny cartoon to get their attention.
03. Put it in your Sunday bulletin. (If you want to make sure they take the bulletin home, add one of our Bulletin Boosters!)
04. Hand out flyers with all pertinent details and tack one to your church bulletin board.
05. Put the notice in your monthly newsletter—at least one or two months in advance, if possible. Include some meaningful quotes to get them thinking. (Need help? See our Newsletter Booster Packs.)
06. Email or mail the event announcement or invitation, then follow-up with a phone call.
07. Keep your website current and have an events section or page so people know where to look.
08. Put it on Facebook or Twitter so your church followers and friends will see it again.
09. Small Group Leaders! Get your group excited about church events and encourage them to attend.
10. Word-of-Mouth is a powerful tool! Tell others about it and encourage them to attend.
06/14/2010 So What Else Is New?
What Your Youth Pastor Already Knows: Almost every teenager in your church has a cell phone, and most young adults don’t even bother with a land-line phone anymore. What does this mean to the church communicator? The best way to reach your young people is with a text message. Get the cell numbers of the kids in your group. Learn the shorthand and keep your message brief. It works!
I recently read about a church that replaced its traditional newsletter with a church magazine. What a great innovative idea! Here’s a communication tool that might not get thrown away on Sunday afternoon. It might even get passed around to the neighbors! Once your basic church information is covered, use your imagination. Why not include testimonies, articles, poetry, artwork, trivia, kid’s pages and crossword puzzles? Make it unique to your church, and make your members a part of it.
06/11/2010 Details, Details, Details!
However you choose to communicate your message, it’s important to have all the facts, so don’t forget to include these 10 details:
1. PURPOSE of the event
2. THEME or TOPIC
3. WHO is invited to attend
4. WHERE will the event be held
5. WHEN & HOW OFTEN will it be held
6. TIME PERIOD If applicable, how many weeks or months?
7. TIME—both start time and end time?
8. WHAT TO BRING
9. Will REFRESHMENTS be served?
10. CONTACT INFORMATION—Include at least two names with both phone numbers and email addresses.
06/11/2010 Websites & Social Networks:
Websites: Most churches have one today. With the templates and do-it-yourself programs available now, it’s possible for any size church (or budget) to have at least a simple, informative website. If you’re not a techie, keep it simple. Content is key. Make sure your visitor can quickly find out who you are & what you believe. Next they need to where you are and when you meet. Beyond the basics, the only limits are your time and ability. Showcase your ministries - link to sermon audio or videotape - display photos of events. Remember to keep it real and UPDATE, UPDATE, UPDATE! As soon as your function is over, get it off your page and replace it with “upcoming events”!
Social Networks:
The kids may have started it, but we’re all on there now. Social Networks are a big part of our lives; where we connect with old and new friends, and where we trade photos and opinions. Facebook is number one and is a great venue for a church “Fan Page”. It’s an easy way to keep your members encouraged, informed and updated quickly. It’s interactive, so make sure your moderator keeps an eye on all postings. There are several exclusively Christian sites now as well, such as Tangle and Mychurch.
Then there’s Twitter, and Twitter’s not for everyone. For church communicators, though, Twitter is the easy way to keep those “constantly connected” folks among you up-to date. Don’t over-do it and post every fleeting thought. Use your Twitter account to remind people of volunteer opportunities and last minute changes (such as weather emergencies or traffic issues) that affect your events.
06/10/2010 What’s New Out There?
Your church is growing. Small groups are attracting seekers; visitors are coming on Sunday mornings, and new members are joining regularly. Hallelujah! You’ve got ministries in place, both within the church building and out in your community, and you want these new believers to get plugged in. How do you make sure that everyone who can benefit from these events gets the information they need?
It’s simple and it’s complicated. It’s as varied as the people in your pews, and as individual as the members of your ministry team. There is a world of new information technology out there and it’s a good idea to use as much of it as you can, because the people you want to reach are using it all.
06/09/2010 Traditional Methods Updated:
Does your church hand out a weekly bulletin? Along with the order of service, it’s easy to include an insert with a list of the week’s events. Make it attractive and include a scripture verse or quote, and it might even merit a spot on their refrigerator door! Keep it short and informative – and make sure you update your information weekly. If you offer a lot of children’s activities, how about a special kid’s page, with a fun puzzle or game? For people who miss Sunday’s service, send along an email blast with the bulletin as an attachment.
Do you produce a monthly newsletter? Besides a message from the pastor and a calendar of events, it’s easy to include a timely article or devotional relating to a season or theme. How about a cartoon or photo? You don’t have to be a writer, artist, or photographer to create a quality newsletter - all kinds of features are easily down-loadable. Is your newsletter strictly print or do you offer it online as well? Many churches now do both.
06/08/2010 Oldies But Goodies:
Obviously, many of the time-honored communication methods are still good, and nothing will ever replace word-of-mouth, especially from an enthusiastic source. If the music at your church is so uplifting that you just have to tell your friends, or if your kids are bubbling with excitement over VBS this summer, go for it! Sincerely talk it up all you can.
Announcements made from the pulpit or displayed on a screen on Sunday mornings are fine, but some pastors prefer not to go this route. Either way, lots of folks are either going to miss these one-shot announcements or forget them. People need something to give them all the information they need and to remind them to get your event onto their calendar.
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