Communication is so important in our churches. When you do it effectively everyone can understand what’s going on and work together toward the common goal. It can even help build and strengthen your community. Let’s look at why communication is important in your church and ways to do it effectively.
People can know where you’re going and join you on your journey.
It’s great to travel a road together and it’s exciting when you feel like you’re a part of something with meaning. Buy-in is so important and people might be more willing to join a movement if they know where it’s going. Communicate that vision.
How to do it: Write the vision, share it, and give periodic updates. Layout your monthly and yearly goals and distribute them physically such as through handouts and electronically via email and/or online.
Let people know what your church or parish has to offer.
Do people know about the resources your church or parish has to offer? Many churches and parishes offer grief groups, items for the needy, elder programs, and even financial wellness classes.
How to do it: Create a church resources list with all of the programs in your ministry. Be sure to mention them or spotlight them during your service, in your bulletins, emails, newsfeed, and other tools within your ChMS. Posting information in a common area of your facility also helps. Be sure new members are given information on each of the programs and are made aware of volunteer opportunities.
Get people on the same page in challenging times.
Address things happening in your church. Whether it’s a leader’s absence, a financial issue, safety concerns, or even a structural problem. No matter big or small, communication usually minimizes the repercussions.
How to do it: If challenging times come to a church, communicate with your members, in a timely manner and share your plan of action. A church meeting or other communication should be planned that addresses the issue, explains what is happening, and tells everyone how it is being handled. By addressing the issue, you minimize the spread of misinformation and ease concerns. You don’t want your own congregation or parishioners losing trust in your ministry. You want everyone to be strong and unified.
Let people know what’s coming.
How many times do people get dates mixed up and miss a gathering or meeting? Ever have a program or event sneak up on you and you find yourself scrambling to properly prepare for it?
How to do it: Create a church calendar and post it online and in common areas of your church or parish. Perhaps give monthly hardcopy handouts and post events on your website. Also consider creating a weekly email with info, sermon notes, readings, encouraging words, etc.
People can share life “moments.”
How cool is it to be able to keep up with birthdays, marriages, the passing of beloved church members, other milestone events, etc., and then join in with those who are experiencing those moments? Communicating this information can create community because people are taking part in the lives of others.
How to do it: Use your church newsfeed to communicate “life moments.” Also, consider including these as appropriate in your announcements during your service. Welcome your congregation to stand and join you for weekly birthday and anniversary blessings.
Communication is key. As in relationships, businesses, families, education settings, etc., it’s vital for success – and it’s no less important for a church. Recognize its importance, invest in it, and see how your church can be united and flourish!
For more information on how Realm can help you with communication within your church body, check out Communications or Media/Communications on the ACST site.
Carol has worked in the ACST Marketing department and managed most aspects of marketing over the last 20 years. Before ACST, she spent many years handling marketing for companies across the US including, Novell, WordPerfect, Purolator Courier, ArtToday.com, and U.S.News&World Report. Carol is a cradle Catholic who has been active her entire life (a long time!) and has served in volunteer positions within her parish, including formation instructor, lector, code red responder, and numerous other volunteer roles.
