Effective Church Communications

Effective Church Communications provides Timeless Strategy and Biblical Inspiration to help churches create communications that fully fulfill the Great Commission

Effective Church Communications provides Timeless Strategy and a Biblical Perspective to help churches create communications that fully fulfill the Great Commission. Our tools constantly change; our task doesn’t; we can help.
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Typesetting for kid’s communications

24 August, 2016 By Yvon Prehn 2 Comments

PDF of Typesetting for Kids publicationsCreating communications for children can be lots of fun, especially with the fun typefaces you can use.

This PDF gives you some guidelines to make your use of them more effective. Though it has some useful tips, the companies cited are no longer in business, but http://www.fontspace.com/ is and below are some of their current fonts that are great for children:

All the fonts above are from:  http://www.fontspace.com/ and are free downloads.

Google fonts also has a great selection of free fonts

One very important guideline to keep in mind is to NEVER use the typefaces that have reversed letters (such as a reversed "e" or "s"). It might seem like that would be a harmless, cute thing to do, but when little children receive a printed piece from a respected person in the church and the penmanship is all wrong, it can be confusing.

Have fun, do kid-friendly things, but always remember the position of authority and influence you have in young lives.

To download the PDF, click here or on the image.

note: this PDF is from Yvon Prehn's archives and is the only format of this article available presently. Not the greatest quality to be sure, but shared with the belief that the content is useful.

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Filed Under: Children's ministry, Typography Tagged With: Children's ministry, Communications, type-setting, typeface choice, yvon prehn

For a ministry to the arts in your church and incredible graphic design creativity, check out the RISOGRAPH!

19 August, 2016 By Yvon Prehn Leave a Comment

RISOGRAPH Samples
Images like this show why the RISOGRAPH has become a favorite graphic design tool of artists everywhere.

In a recent newsletter, the AIGA  (the American Institute of Graphic Arts) had a wonderful article about how the RISO is becoming the darling of art schools!

I must admit, I was just astounded by some of the work being done with the humble digital duplicator, but it proves what I have often said that the quality of communications has so much less to do with the latest and greatest technology and has everything to do with the imagination and skills of the person working on it. Artists around the world are doing incredible things with the printers and their low-cost and versatility make it perfect for printing in the church.

Below is the link to the article, and then after that, some quotes from it and then some examples of images on sites that specialize in RISOGRAPH (aka the RISO Digital Duplicator). It really is inspiring! [Read more...]

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Filed Under: Design, Graphics, Images, Printing methods, Printing your own books, Production Tagged With: graphic design and the RISO, RISO color printing, RISOGRAPH for churches

When you need some help for Church Communications: a FREE e-book–Divide your communication team into 2 production levels

15 February, 2016 By Yvon Prehn Leave a Comment

There is never enough time to get all the work done that needs to be done in church communications. One way to solve this problem is to have volunteers do some of the work. However, many church office administrators and church leaders aren't comfortable doing this because they are concerned about the level of quality that volunteers product. Or they worry that they won't really be able to control what volunteers do.

Click on image to download this free ebook.
Click on image to download this free e-book.

This e-book has a solution to this challenge: Divide your communication team into 2 production levels.

When you do this, you can have one level that you have strict control over and one that you can flex with a little more, but that still helps relieve the huge burden of communications that need to be produced. CLICK on the image to the left to download a FREE e-book that will detail this process. It is free for everyone and please pass on the link to others.

When you do this, you can have one level that you have strict control over and one that you can flex with a little more, but that still helps relieve the huge burden of communications that need to be produced. CLICK HERE or on the image to the left to download a FREE e-book that will detail this process. It is free for everyone and please pass on the link to others.

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Filed Under: Church Communication Leadership, Church Communication Management, Church Office Skills, Communication Teams, Leading & Managing, Strategy #4: Divide your communication team into two production levels—save your sanity, expand the ministry Tagged With: Communication Teams, communication volunteers, Communications, effective communications

A Digital Church Directory—reasons to consider one for your church

24 September, 2015 By Yvon Prehn 1 Comment

Most churches today want to attract and support younger members and one way to do this is for your church to offer church services and tools that are familiar to the audience you want to reach. Today this means having digital versions and access points to the ministries of your church.  Previously I wrote about many ways to do this in: Want to attract young families to your church, these communication tips may help, and here I want to pass on an additional one: a Digital or Online Church Directory.

Before continuing, I want to remind you that Effective Church Communications takes no advertising, nor do we take part in any affiliate programs—never have, never will. This is a membership site and though many templates and e-books are some of the benefits to members only, one of the less tangible benefits of being a member is that you support honest evaluations of products and services for everyone.

That being said, following I want to share with you an article from the Katy Dunigan, the marketing director for Online Church Directory.  I asked her to write this article. I did that for two reasons:

One, I know all things digital and online are preferred resources for many in the church today, not just the younger audience the church wants to attract. I am far from that demographic, but I live much of my life online today and with my phone. A digital, phone-accessible church directory would be a dream come true.

Two, I detest (along with no advertising, come my personal opinions for better or for worse) the standard church photo shoots and glossy printed directories. They are an almost medieval trial of pain for churches (our church recently did this, so I speak of current experience). The church staff and volunteers for worked for months to get people to sign up; the picture-taking process was a time-consuming chore for staff and volunteers; church members were subjected to a heavy-handed sales pitch of outrageous prices; it’s been months and we still have no directories.
There has to be a better way.

This site gets lots of searches for information on church directories and I trust the following article will be useful.

PLEASE do comment following it if you have ideas, systems that have worked for you or other resources.

Here is Kathy Dunigan’s article. Her contact information is at the end if you have questions:

Today’s Technology Trend—Online Member Directories

An up-to-date member directory is an important element to a well-connected and vital community of faith believers.  It tells the story of your church, its mission, ministry and members, building community by creating and maintaining connections in many ways.

As churches embrace today’s digital technology, an increasing number of church member directories are being hosted online.  An online church member directory brings new life and new benefits to the traditional printed directory.

Important Online Member Directory Features

Security - Online church member directories that offer multiple login and security options help ensure member information remains private.  Look for an online member directory that uses encrypted Secure Socket Layer, (SSL) a security feature utilized by banks and retail stores.  At Online Church Directory, we prioritize your privacy and use the best security services available.

Free Mobile App - A directory mobile app allows church members to carry the directory in their purse or pocket, wherever they go.   Our online member directory mobile app offers mapping, calling and texting features, making connecting with church family and friends quick and easy.   It’s also password protected, private and secure.

Cost - In today’s economy, cost is always a concern.   We align our mission with your success.  Online Church Directory offers a 30-day free trial, free data imports, unlimited customer support and a discounted annual subscription rate, all value added services making our service directory a valuable choice.

Print Options - In keeping with tradition, an online church member directory should offer a full array of print options, including all or part of the directory, specific groups, and staff listings.  Print options enable churches to serve members who do not utilize digital technology.  We offer multiple print options…from print your own to designing and printing it for you.

Edit Options - No longer stuck with old, outdated photos or old contact information, digital directories allow members to update their profiles and edit or upload new photos as often as they choose, from their desktop computer or mobile device.  Online Church Directory allows churches to customize their photo edit options.  It’s your directory and we believe you should have it your way.

Multiple Listing Options - Members, families, staff and church groups are all important elements of a church.  Why not include all of them in a church member directory?  We offer multiple listing and labeling options.

Social Media Friendly - An online member directory should be social media friendly, allowing members to list their email addresses, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or Pinterest profiles.  Our directory allows members to add detailed custom information in the member and family profiles.

Custom Designed - Want your online member directory to match the look and feel of your church website?  Online Church Directory offers customization features to ensure your directory looks and feels like your church website.

Digital Photos - Today’s photo technology allows churches to create their own professional photo directory.  With Online Church Directory, churches are no longer dependent on a photography company to produce directory photos.  A church’s directory administrators can upload member photos.  Another option is inviting church members to upload their individual photos and change them as often as they choose.

A church photo booth is always a fun way to get people involved in your directory set-up!

One Time Set-Up with Lifetime Benefits - Once your online member directory is created, it’s available to you for as long as you choose to utilize the directory service.  Directory committees, photo sessions, and high-pressure sales meetings can be a “pain of the past!”

The power of an up-to-date church photo directory is undeniable.  As a connectional tool, relationship builder, a ministry tool and ministry resource, an online member directory offers the perfect solution for today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world.

Please contact us to learn more about our product and services and to start your 30-day free trial!

Katy Dunigan is the marketing director for Online Church Directory.  www.onlinechurchdirectory.com  1-855-759-5161

 

 

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Filed Under: Photos

Why technical expertise isn’t enough for a church website

3 September, 2015 By Yvon Prehn Leave a Comment

Though technical expertise is important in the creation and administration of a website and though there are many technical experts in churches who also have great hearts for and an understanding of ministry, there are many instances where relying on technical expertise alone can have some negative effects on a church website. From the many interactions my ministry has with church website creation and function, here are some cautions to prayerfully consider.

A clarification first

Technology encompasses many tools and without the tools of technology, I wouldn't be writing this article. Technology isn't the bad guy—the problem is with people who misuse technology, who hide behind their expertise in a tool for a variety of reasons.

The purpose of this article isn't to judge motives of the people involved in making technology decisions about your website, but to caution church leaders and the technology experts in the church to honestly evaluate if the attitudes and controls over your website in the name of technology are serving the church.

This is a still a new ministry area for everyone involved and most people involved in technology in the church are doing the best they can—which is why the following cautions use the vague term "technology" as the descriptor of the perpetrator of the problems and not less helpful terms like "controlling webmaster" or  "tech-savvy, arrogant kid." Truth be told, sometimes the biggest problem with a church website is one person with the attitude that their technological expertise gives them the power and permission to make ministry decisions.

This is a challenging situation in many churches today where senior leadership isn't comfortable with technology and allow themselves to be intimidated by those with expertise in these areas. But no area or person should be out from under the authority of God's Word and the command to fully fulfill the Great Commission. The following suggestions aren't intended to incite power struggles in the church, but to encourage everyone involved in the ministry of the website to approach it with prayer and humility and an honest desire to use it to reach out to people and grow them up as disciples of Jesus.

Technology goals don't always align with ministry goals

When you evaluate how your website is working and what makes a good website, don't stop at asking if the technology is functioning smoothly or if it looks contemporary. Far more important, when people come to your website, does it answer these questions:

  • Why does your church exist?
  • What are the driving values, the key ministry issues and concerns?
  • What are the major ministries at your church?
  • What is available for kids, seniors, singles, or seekers?
  • Do you have a specific audience you minister to and if so, who are they?
  • Can a visitor to your site answer these questions, or know where to find the answers to them from their first few minutes at your site? If not, why not?
  • Are all of your schedules, times, calendars up-to-date and correct?

Your website might function flawlessly in load times and be technically perfect, but if it doesn't immediately let people know the purpose, goals, times, dates, and components of the ministries of your church and have places where they can go on the site to find out more information and connect with the ministry—you have work to do.

Technology cautions aren't always volunteer friendly

If a church website is useful, or has the most basic credibility for people to look at it and trust it, it HAS to be up-to-date. If your website isn't up-to-date (every week, every day, on a continuing basis) it probably isn't the fault of the system used to create your website. More often than not, in many churches, the problem of a continuously outdated website is the responsibility of a tech-savvy person who is the only one allowed to update the system.

No church website can serve its people if all the content has to be entered by one person. The systems used to create websites are all (or should be) cloud-based and any volunteer or ministry leader at your church should be able to create content, recruit volunteers, explain programs and keep times and events updated. Volunteers in various ministries should be in charge of keeping all these things up-to-date. Once entered, then a person in the office can skim over them to make certain all is OK and publish them on the website.

There is a BIG difference in time and complexity in the management of a church website between making one person in the church office responsible to get all the content on the website and to keep it continuously updated and allowing a team of people to update content and schedules and to have the church finally OK them before they are published. To expect one person to keep a website updated with content and all the calendars is an impossible task. It might take some time and effort to train volunteers in the various parts of your church to create their own content and calendars, but it will be worth it if you truly want to serve people in the various ministry areas.

If this isn't a priority in your church website ministry, you may need to take a look at the stated purpose of your website ministry. If you want to serve people with it (and not just create a wow site), making sure it is always updated and current should be an obvious priority.

Technology and design values aren't always the same as ministry values

Why did you design and built your website the way you did?

Was it designed to primarily to serve your people or to reflect a cutting-edge, latest and greatest design trend that a tech person told you was the way websites were being designed today?

A lot of current web design is created for one purpose—to sell something. It starts with a big scrolling header with splashy, upbeat images and artwork and then more images in smaller boxes. This might be eye-catching, but much of it is ultimately cold because there is little behind the pictures.

  • Ministry values on a website make important content obvious. They explain; they serve; they are more concerned about meeting needs than trying to impress.
  • Ministry values use images for a purpose, to underscore, to teach, to add meaning. If the images are of events involving the congregation they contain captions that explain what is going on. They invite people to join in and not leaving them on the outside looking in with no idea what is happening or how they can be part of it.

Is your website meeting pastoral and ministry needs of your congregation?

No matter what the technology used to build your site or the design of it, this is the important question to ask when you evaluate the success of your website.

It's an easy question to answer by simply looking at your website statistics.

  • Do your people come to your website often?
  • Do they spend time on the site?
  • Do they recommend it to their friends?
  • What is the percentage of your congregation that visits your site?

Your website visitor numbers will answer these questions and are readily available (if you are a pastor or staff person who doesn't know where to find them, ask the tech person who created your site).

Your website numbers don't lie. If people aren't coming to your site or interacting with your social media, it's because they don't find them useful. Advertising the website more or talking about it more from the pulpit are necessary, but that won't help if there isn't content on the sites that people want or find useful. If they've come to the site more than a time or two and couldn't find updated information on when an event or ministry was taking place that was important to them, you've taught them that your website can't be trusted.

Pastoral and ministry values are reflected on a website that does whatever it takes to serve the people in your church and in your community. People are looking for answers to life. Christians are looking for ways to grow in their faith. If your website is meeting needs, your numbers will reflect it.

What technology can't do

Technology can't create content.  Lack of current content that ministers to the needs of your congregation and the audience you are trying to meet is what all the issues above have in common.

A ministry-oriented website needs lots of content and that means lots of people creating it. Once again, if one person is holding on too tightly to the control of what goes on the website, especially if their area of expertise is in technology and not Biblical teaching or ministry, ministry content creation won't happen.

Sometimes it's easier to rely on technology than on the hard work of creating content for a website.  Many churches are still in awe that they have a website, grateful for anything online, and thrilled that anyone would work on it. That isn't enough.

We have to change that attitude if we want to use our church websites as the extraordinary tool they can be for the kingdom of God. Challenge your people (and yourself) to create complete, Biblical, constantly up-to-date content. It doesn't have to be brilliant prose or a witty video. Here are some ideas:

  • Explain everything--terms, programs, anything that is obvious to you. You can be certain that visitors and new people will appreciate it.
  • Interview people in the church, have members share how they are living the Christian life.
  • When you ask for volunteers for anything, have complete information on the website about the ministry, volunteer requirements, scheduling, anything else that might be helpful.
  • Tell people what is going on, why they should attend, and how they can grow as a Christian because of the ministry. People today are busy--give them a reason to fit your event into their schedule.
  • As a leader of the church or in any ministry, share how you feel about your ministry, what your prayers are for your people. That is creating social media with meaning. Nobody needs to see one more selfie on a church website, but they do need honest content.

Create biblical-based content that will change, challenge, inform and inspire. When you do that, no matter what technology you use to get it on your website, it will be successful in what matters most—helping people find and follow Jesus.

 

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Filed Under: Church Communication Leadership, Church Communication Management, Multi-media, Website Creation Tagged With: church communication leadership, Church Websites, manage church websites, websites and ministry

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