Your Website Probably Needs a Fresh Coat of Paint
Will Rice says church websites become out of date because people in the know stop paying attention. It takes a fresh set of eyes to…
Browsing: Communication
Articles
Stories — Your Website’s Secret Sauce
Stories of transformation inspire people to engage in matters of faith. But people rarely hear these stories unless they’re already sitting in the pews. Will…
6 Simple Tips to Get More Likes on your Church’s Facebook Page
Your church Facebook page is a huge opportunity for opening your doors to your community, says Jeremy Steele. He shares six strategies to increase your…
Digital Transitions When Pastors Change
In our modern digital world, pastors and congregations have more things than ever to consider when facing a pastoral transition. Will Rice explains how with…
10 Ways to Master the Art of Asking
Learning how to be effective in asking others to support your ministry is a key to fruitful leadership, says Ann Michel of the Lewis Center…
Effective Church Websites
Web designer and consultant Scott Dixon shares tips for designing a good church website. He says three traits are essential — great content, good design, and…
The Leader as Communicator
Effective leaders are good communicators, according to Lovett H. Weems, Jr. They understand the importance of all forms of communication and that communication is always…
3 Common Communication Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Ryan Holck, an expert on church communication, says that leaders tend to throw so much information at their congregants that nothing sticks. There’s also a…
Living Through a Church Renovation
Daniel Hilty says that any large-scale facility renovation requires a congregation to tolerate a tremendous amount of change and disruption. It’s critical to share information,…
Congregations as Political Systems
David Brubaker says that while every congregation is a political system, political activity doesn’t need to be manipulative, polarizing or demeaning. He outlines four requirements…
How Leaders Create Culture Every Day
Leaders are culture creators, writes Ryan Stigile. Their words, actions, and decisions reinforce community values. When the culture of an organization conforms to its values,…
The Power of Stories
Jill Fox, an expert on church volunteer systems, reminds us how powerful stories can be in teaching and motivating people and keeping them aligned with…
Speak More Effectively by Asking Three Questions
Perhaps the most important component to giving an effective speech is asking the right questions. There are three very simple questions your talk, speech, or…
Reclaiming Conversation
One of the most profound and disturbing books I’ve read recently is Sherry Turkle’s Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age (Penguin…
The Over-Stuffed Bulletin
Do you remember those prank peanut cans? You would buy one at a novelty store, and then give it to one of your friends. When…
How to Communicate Change
Three years ago I was hired for my dream job: communications director for a large church. I came with more than 20 years of experience…
Check Your Website Immediately
Many people can remember when the telephone Yellow Pages or the sign outside your church were likely to be the first places people looked to…
When Silence Isn’t Golden
I was once pastor of a church where the Sunday morning worship service was broadcast live on radio. I never dreamed what a difference that…
Eight Reasons People Aren’t Listening to Announcements
This weekend, all across the country, leaders are going to get up in front of their churches and talk about upcoming events and opportunities to…
Telling an Alternative Story
People have been discussing the decline of the church for quite a few years now. We’ve gotten used to the dire warnings and predictions of…
Why I Don’t Engage Unhappy Church Members by Email
One thing I do not do anymore is engage unhappy parishioners by email or respond to them if they write to me. You know what…
Leaders Listen
National news recently quoted a speech by a Microsoft executive who said women should trust the “system” to take care of their pay raises. Previously,…
Social Media and Pastoral Moves
What should pastors do about their social media relationships when they move from one pastoral assignment to another? Do you “unfriend” all former members on…
Identify Community Ministry Needs by Listening
In order for churches to stay relevant to a changing world, we need to be very tuned in to what is happening “out there.” Sending…
Developing a Thank You System for Your Church
Saying thank you promptly and regularly is one of the simplest and most effective things a congregation can do to reinforce good stewardship and enhance…
Always Say Thank You
Paul, my dear church friend whom I have known since third grade, sent me an email. And he was mad. At the end of July,…
Asking Instead of Telling
You pick up some books because of the author and some because of the title. This one called to me for both reasons. Through Edgar…
An Annual Report to Support Your Stewardship Campaign
The number one reason people give to their congregation, or any other charity, is because they believe that organization makes a difference. A colorful annual…
Keeping it Real When Launching an E-Newsletter
When Chancellor Baptist Church in Virginia decided to launch an e-newsletter, the staff’s excitement was palpable. Everyone would want this, they reasoned, so it would…
Picture Your Community Impact
I am averse to numbers. I switched from being an elementary education major during my junior year in college when I discovered that I had…