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; Effective Church Communications can help.

How to equip and encourage your volunteers before Fall outreach season starts

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Directoring volunteers is essential for outreach success
Your volunteers need encouragement and direction before the busy holiday outreach season starts.

We’ve all been there—to an event, perhaps at church, perhaps not, but one that had incredible food, fabulous decorations, and great music—but it was one that we left early because of the people. Maybe they were rude, or ignored us, or simply didn’t seem to care about anybody new, so we wandered around quietly munching until we slid out the door.

No matter what else is going on, people are the most important part of any event. We need remind ourselves of that reality as we prepare for  seasonal and special event outreach at our church. We can, and I hope your churches will do all you can to make your facilities and programs the best they can be before outreach events, but if you don’t take time to make sure your people are in top shape in training and attitude before special events, all your hard work on the externals will mean little.

Take some time now to plan how you will make certain your people are as wonderful as the rest of the resources for your outreach and holiday celebrations. Following are some links on the website that will help you:

Video: How to get all the volunteers you need for Halloween Outreach (and other outreach events)

Ed. note: if you have trouble getting people to volunteer for your seasonal outreach events, PLEASE take time to watch this video! It will help you make changes that will result in more volunteers.

For outreach at Halloween or any time to be successful, you need a lot of volunteers. This is especially true when you put on an event like a Halloween Trunk or Treat. But how do we get all the people we need for all the work that needs to be done? This video shows you how through:

  • A case study of a flyer that won't work and then a brochure that will work to recruit volunteers. The example used here is for a Halloween Trunk or Treat.
  • Step-by-step instruction on what you need to say and the order you need to say it in for your information to make sense to potential volunteers
  • Specific advice on what you need to be careful to do and not do when recruiting volunteers.
  • Encouragement to do all the work that needs to be done and the eternal results that can come from it.

The video is below, but I recommend you watch it on YouTube or blow it up full screen so you can read the materials I'm taking about.

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Overall articles on volunteer development, recruitment and retention

Why the 80/20 situation isn't true for the recruitment and retention of church volunteers

We’ve all heard: “80 percent of the people do 20 percent of the work.”  Those who are in the over-worked 80 percent console themselves that is simply how life is and in the church we suffer for Jesus.
Though trials are part of the Christian life, this is not an inevitable part of them. The 80/20 statement is merely a business observation—it is not scripture. The Bible tells us we are to have 100 percent involvement in the church.  We make up different parts of the Body of Christ, but everyone has a job to do.

To read the rest of the article: https://www.effectivechurchcom.com/why-the-8020-situation-isnt-true-for-the-recruitment-and-retention-of-church-volunteers/

Why upbeat interviews work better than desperate pleas for recruiting volunteers

Desperation isn't pretty in volunteer requests. If you feel like shutting down the children's ministry if new people don't sign up or closing the bathrooms on Sunday morning if no one helps the facilities team—you probably won't get sign-ups by sharing your frustration.

To read the rest of the article: https://www.effectivechurchcom.com/why-upbeat-interviews-work-better-than-desperate-pleas-for-recruiting-volunteers/

Communications for a good continuing relationship with your volunteers—please don't suddenly become Mr. Grumpy

Every church is desperate for volunteers. It's not only important to effectively recruit them, but after they are recruited, it is equally important to work hard to keep them. Unfortunately, the difference between how we treat volunteers when we are recruiting them and after they volunteer is sometimes similar to the difference with some couples between courtship and marriage. Before the wedding the groom is all flowers and candy; after the wedding he becomes Mr. Grumpy.

Don’t become Mr. or Mrs. Grumpy to your volunteers. Be as kind, caring, and thankful to them when they have been around for 6 months as you are the first week. Not only is this the proper response for a disciple of Jesus, but volunteers can easily quit if you make it difficult or unpleasant to serve. You can express that thankfulness to them through a variety of church communication projects such as:

To read the rest of the article: https://www.effectivechurchcom.com/communications-for-a-good-continuing-relationship-with-your-volunteers-please-dont-suddenly-become-mr-grumpy/

Ecards for National Boss Day

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Punchbowl ecards
Punchbowl ecards not only have cute designs, but e-envelopes.

Ecards are appropriate for many holidays and special occasions because even if you do something as an entire staff, for example for National Boss Day, an ecard gives you the opportunity to express your personal appreciation and prayers. Following are some sources for ecards, not only for this holiday, but for anytime. You don't always have time to create what you want to communicate, so use the free resources below.

Christian ecards for National Boss' Day

Dayspring

These are not specifically for Boss Day, but for the workplace in general. They have a Christian message and could be encouraging to send to fellow church workers any time of year. While you are at this site, look at some of their cards for encouragement—just to encourage you.

http://ecards.dayspring.com/ecards/subcat.asp?CategoryID=5&SubCategoryID=63&CardID=400263&Widescreen=False&CurPage=2

Free ecards for Happy Boss Day

Punchbowl

This site has a really cute way they send the ecards in a digital envelope and how it opens when it is received. They also sells gift cards that you can send with the ecard and has offers for other gifts. Could be a handy thing if you wanted to buy something, and if not, just click through.

http://www.punchbowl.com/ecards/boss-day

123 Greetings

The site here is a secular site, but they have a HUGE variety for men and women bosses, plus fun cards that dance and play music.

What Bosses Want Ministry Assistants to Know

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What bosses want ministry assistants to know 10-2013
Bosses share what they want their assistants to know and do--great advice here to make the church office run efficiently.

Some bosses winced at the word “boss.” I assured them, as I assure you, that the designation here is meant as a positive one—administrator, manager, supervisor. In most instances pastors fill this role; in some cases an associate or business manager oversees the staff. Many are very involved concerning office administration. A few, especially in team-of-two offices, tend to rely almost entirely on their ministry assistants to look after administrative tasks. All were clear about what they appreciate in those who fill support positions.

I appreciate it when you—

• Excel at the basics
“We count on our secretary to have excellent basic skills: spelling, grammar, computer savvy, business manners, telephone etiquette, organization, and time management.” These are the tools of the trade that every ministry assistant must develop.

• Keep calm
Being emotionally mature is a tremendous asset in the church office. “Things can get stressful here. Unfair things happen, things we can’t control. The assistant can’t take these things personally; she needs to remain cooperative and cheerful when others might get upset, hurt, or defensive.”

• Value your supportive role
“Being a support person is an important and valuable job. Our assistant recognizes she is not the pastor; she is not responsible for his work style, nor answerable to the congregation for his actions. I appreciate my assistant’s support; I need a helper, a team player, not a critic.”

• Adapt well to change
Coping with change is a vital part of this job. “When plans go awry, when the unexpected happens, we need everyone to roll with the punches. I expect my assistant to be able to shift gears and move ahead with what needs to be done.” If you can’t bend, you may break.

• Move beyond the basics
“Our assistant never has the attitude that she knows it all. She is a learning machine—one who does at least two important things no machine can do: generate ideas and express care.” As you perfect your organizational and technical skills, know that the abilities to innovate and to show compassion enhance your professionalism.

• Exercise initiative
“I like the way our assistant sees what needs to be done and does it. She doesn’t overstep her authority by any means, but neither does she worry about whether the necessary task is in her job description.” It can take a while to locate this fine line, but it is worth the effort for all concerned.

• Keep me informed
“I want my assistant to be candid with me about work plans, projects, or problems; I will respect her point of view and her confidentiality.” Several pastors said they like assistants to handle routine problems themselves. “If and when there are difficulties beyond her scope, I expect them to be brought to me. If she can bring possible solutions along with the problems, all the better.”

• Maintain a positive attitude
As important as excellent skills are, they are not what bosses appreciate most. “Technical abilities are needed, but even outstanding skills can’t compensate for negativity.” An enthusiastic, Christ-like spirit is the essential attribute every effective assistant brings to the church office.

Bosses want their assistants to know that, while they may not express it often enough, you are appreciated.

Bosses—What Ministry Assistants Want Them to Know

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What MAs want their bosses to know
One of the greatest gifts we can give those we work with is our honest opinion and this article should help with that.

National Boss Day is October 16 in the United States—and an appropriate time to recognize bosses worldwide. In recognition of this most important event I talked with a number of ministry assistants (who, almost without exception, say they work for and with excellent leaders) and pastors (each of whom was quick to say his or her assistant was top-notch). A few noted they had less than satisfactory work situations in the past and benefited from lessons learned. With a view toward opening up some interesting dialogue, here is what these office team members shared.

I appreciate it when you—

• Show loyalty to your staff
Much is said of the need for the assistant to be loyal to the boss. Excellent bosses are similarly loyal to their assistants.“I can count on my boss to speak up for me, to treat me with professional courtesy, to give me the benefit of the doubt in conflict situations, and to respect the mutual confidentiality of the workplace.”

• Challenge me
Assistants of today are eager to venture beyond the ordinary. They want to be challenged with new and difficult assignments that contribute to ministry. “I’m constantly motivated toward excellence because my boss pays me the compliment of trusting me with meaningful jobs that stretch my skills.

• Involve others in decision-making
Few things increase job satisfaction more than having your voice heard. “Making major revisions in our office organization could have been disastrous to our team. But, from the start, our wise pastor included each of us in the process; we became committed to the success of what we planned together.” More often than not, it is not change that causes problems, but how the change is implemented.

• Tell me what you expect
“Something I admire about my pastor’s leadership is that he is clear about the results he wants. I choose how to proceed, but I always know where we’re going.” Assistants want to be more than busy; they want to be effective in achieving ministry goals. “I like, too, that I’m asked to do things rather than given orders.”

• Recognize the value of training
“My minister told me seminars motivate her to excel. She thought a conference would do the same for me. I went; it did. I am grateful for her belief in me and in my professional growth.”

• Confront problems promptly and impartially
Ignoring difficulties almost always makes matters worse. As uncomfortable as it may be, dealing with problems is something a leader must do. “My pastor expects staff members to follow the rules equally. If there is a problem, he instills confidence by dealing with it without playing favorites.”

• Stay grounded
“Pride and arrogance are occupational hazards in ministry. As a ministry assistant and pastor’s wife, I know how hard it can be for ministers to keep ego under control. The compliments and deference they receive must be kept in perspective or self-centered behaviors can develop that make them hard to work for and with.”

• Practice what you preach
Assistants want to be proud of their bosses. They want to work for people known for setting positive examples in speech, appearance, and conduct. “My boss doesn’t just expect me to honor deadlines, he honors them as well. He doesn’t just expect me to be organized, he is organized. He not only expects the staff to lead exemplary lives, he leads a life worthy of our respect.” Nothing earns respect and establishes authority quite like authenticity. “I pray for my pastor every day, asking God to keep him strong and faithful.”

We applaud excellent bosses everywhere and wish them God’s best.