ChurchTrac Livestream - 2/28/2024: Church Communication

Summary

The video discusses improving church communication to prevent people saying 'I didn't know about that'. It covers reasons people say this using the 'FAST' acronym - not providing Frequent updates, Audience-relevant content, Simplified communication channels, or Timely notifications. It then shares the 'LEAPS' formula for good church communication - Leadership initiation, Event listing, Active website updating, Pointed targeting, and Strategic alerting. Finally, it offers pro tips like leveraging small groups, text messaging, helping people use new technology, and using Canva for announcements.

Takeaways

• 😣 Church people say "I didn't know" when leaders don't communicate frequently or effectively enough (FAST - Frequent, Audience-relevant, Simplified channels, Timely)
• 📱 Leverage all communication channels (email, text, social media, etc) and target relevant audiences
• 🗓 Create event listings that are easy to find and keep them continuously updated
• 🏠 Small groups have big impact for sharing announcements and information
• ✅ Texting ensures messages are read quickly - useChurch Track messaging tools
• 💻 Actively update website with events, resources and needs consistently
• 🙋‍♂️ Make leaders available to help members use or access communication tools
• 🔁 Establish processes where members can efficiently communicate needs back
• 🖼 Use visual content creators like Canva to make announcements stand out
• 📋 Forms allow members to directly submit info and requests to leadership

Q & A

What is the main reason church people say 'I didn't know about that'?

The main reason is that church leaders are not communicating frequently enough or effectively enough with their congregation. Concepts like the 'marketing rule of 7' show that messages need to be communicated frequently across multiple channels for people to retain the information.

What are some best practices for church communication according to the presenters?

Some best practices include using small groups to relay important messages, leveraging text messaging, making leadership available to help members use church software/apps, using every available communication channel, keeping all leaders informed, using visual content creation tools like Canva, and enabling members to communicate back to leadership through forms.

What does the FAST acronym stand for regarding frequent church communication?

FAST stands for Frequent updates, Audience-relevant content, Simplified communication channel, and Timely notifications. Following these principles can help improve church communication.

What are some components of the 'LEAPS' church communication formula?

The LEAPS formula includes Leadership initiation, Event listing, Active website updates, Pointed targeting, and Strategic alerts. This provides a model for effective overall church communication.

Why are small groups important for church communication?

Small groups meet more regularly than the church at large. Leveraging small group leaders to relay announcements ensures messages reach church members frequently and effectively.

What is an easy way to equip small group leaders with announcements?

A Church Connect page card with a simple list of 3-5 important announcements is an easy way to keep small group leaders informed. They can then share announcements with their group members.

How can we make it easy for church visitors to get information?

Have well-trained volunteers available to help visitors use church apps, signups, etc. Also ensure your Welcome Team is fully knowledgeable about all church events, groups, and resources.

Should we use print bulletins or digital communication?

Use every channel available based on your congregation's needs and preferences, whether print, digital, or both. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.

How can Church Connect help with our outdated website?

Transition website content to Church Connect. Then forward the website domain to Connect. This maintains links while directing people to updated information.

How can members communicate needs back to church leadership?

Digital form cards facilitate easy member communication about prayer requests, spiritual decisions, event registrations, and more. Members can communicate directly with leadership this way.