The Headache of Promotional Items

How many ink pens can you possibly need? Many churches give them away like candy and other churches hang on to them like they are solid gold. Some churches have a large budget for coffee mugs, tee shirts, key chains and bumper stickers, all with the church logo emblazoned on the item. Other churches don't waste the money on such items. So where is the line between getting the name of the church out with promotional material to the community, and finding another use for the tithes and offerings? Just trying to figure all of this out can give you a headache that aspirin can't cure.

Ministers and ministry volunteers are often faced with a difficult choice of how to best spend the promotional budget. Some church leaders now are thinking, "Promotional budget, what promotional budget?" But if you have one  figuring out what to do with it can be difficult and if you don't have one should you?

Finding the knick-knack or tactic that will give you the biggest bang for your buck is not only difficult to anticipate, but for many churches it seems a lot like "casting lots" instead of a coherent plan. Will a coffee mug or ink pen really remind people to come to church on Sunday? Would a logo-printed flash drive help them choose your church instead of one down the road? Will a fancy tee shirt in the churches colors in the latest design pull in the curious that see it?

Maybe all this junk is just junk and a more traditional advertising plan would be better?  TV, radio, magazines, billboards and direct mail pieces have all been tried but that can be even more costly than coozies or flashlight key chains. Any promotion can fail to generate interest and not matter what you try it will be expensive.

While every church is different, at Speiro in general we recommend that you think long and hard before you invest in a lot of knick-knacks and thing-a-ma-bobs. However there is a place for them.

1. Pens - If you currently buy pens as office supplies you should just order some with your name on them and put them in the pews for people to use. If you get them in lots of 700 or greater they are less expensive than ones from the store in many cases. Don't go cheap! A pen that doesn't write makes your church look bad.
2. Sticky Notes - Same as ink pens. If you are already buying them, get them with your logo on them and give them away in visitor packages. Stick notes are useful and will "stick" around (pun intended) for a long time.
3. Coffee Mugs - Mugs can be used for visitor packages or to celebrate an event as a keep sake. Know how many you need over a long period of time and make sure you have a place to store the surplus. Look at attendance figures and visitor numbers over a two-year period to give you a good idea of how many to order.
4. Tee Shirts and Apparel - These are getting less expensive all the time. Again know how many you need and get a wide variety of sizes. Always use the church logo or theme on the design. Remember some people just don't like tee shirts,  the same with hats. For events (parades, community night out, festivals, etc.) always make sure everyone has a tee shirt to wear and ask them to put it on. Always have a plan to get rid of the surplus as give-a-ways and prizes. These should not be given as a welcome gift in most circumstances, unless they ask for one.
5. Magnets - First of all if possible make your own. You can save lots of money by producing only what you need. Also make it useful like Spiritual Emergency Phone Numbers. Magnets come in different strengths so test them out before you produce them in mass qualities. You test them by taking a pizza delivery menu and sticking it on a fridge door with the magnet. Slam the fridge door a few times. If it holds it is strong enough. If not try again. A magnet that doesn't hold a menu will get tossed in the trash.
6. Other items - Be creative and find fun things that are useful and will stick around for a long time or things that will help you make a point. Think about what you are trying to tell people. For instance luggage tags can be used to promote missions giving. You want to memorable.  

One thing for sure only order what you need and always have a plan for distributing whatever you order. The biggest waste of money is for there to be shelves of all sorts of items that just sit. If you think through the items, make plans and wisely order then they will be a reminder of your church to people.

The Church Secretary Under Fire

By Russ Ward
For years we have been driving our church secretaries closer and closer to the edge as the job expands and more demands are made. Even the title "Church Secretary" is an old out of date term. They are no longer keepers of secrets, efficient wordsmiths and typists. They are quite often the backbone of the functioning church and wear more hats than a mannequin in a haberdashery.

My grandmother was a church secretary for years and worked hard everyday to further God's Kingdom in the era of the typewriter, the mimeograph and phones with dials. Even her always pleasant demeanor would be challenged by the requirements of the job today.

Quite often these servants of the church are called to be graphic designers, social media experts, computer technicians and the person in charge of the impossible task of keeping the minister on track. Each in itself a thankless task that no one really understands or appreciates. In reality, they are no longer just secretaries, but they are now communication specialists. Communication specialist that need all the help they can get.

The question quickly becomes how can we help them with a nearly impossible task. Here are some tips to help one of your churches most important people:

1. Identify Weaknesses - This is hard to do. No one likes to admit they are not "all things to all people". However, if help is to arrive then shortcomings must be understood.   
2. Find Help within the Church - Once you know where you need help, look at church roster to fill any of the weak spots with committed members. Be careful in assigning these tasks because more harm can be caused than good if it is the wrong person.
3. Get the right tools. Churches, too often expect, too much while providing, too little support. It turns out that computers and programs are costly, but they are needed for the church to function in today's world. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to paint a Rembrandt with crayons.  
4. Allow the administrative assistant the opportunity to get some training. If you don't have a graphic designer in your congregation, think about sending them to a course or two. Most colleges have classes you can audit for a very low fee or even free. Check out your local community college for options. 
5. If you really have no one available and training is out of the question, think about what tasks you could hire to be done. Maybe a pro can create a new template for the newsletter or update the website. Keep in mind, you may have to pay a pretty penny in most circumstances, but that is usually better than finding a new secretary.
6. Don't get in the way. Believe it or not you are not that easy to work with. Lots of difficulties come from an over involved staff that try to help but ultimately slow up the whole process. I have seen a minister try to help and make changes to the bulletin without mentioning it and when they were printed, the help turned out to be a typo and poor quality photo. Ask before you dive in. 
7. Get young people or a youth group to help with social media. Many church administrative assistants struggle with social media. Pick some responsible college or high school students to pick up the slack. Set goals. Meet monthly to talk about purpose. 
8. Show your appreciation. Church secretaries are under appreciated. Be an encouragement.    

These are just some examples to think about. Let's help each other a bit and post other suggestions. 

Weird Ways to Impact Communication

No logo, no church name..how wierd is that? 

There are several methods, over the years, that we have used to impact communication and some are less conventional than others. Some are even down right weird but are functional. Here are just a few that have had an impact.

1. What says Thanksgiving more than John Wayne? - That's right. To promote our annual Thanksgiving meal at church we decided to use an image of John Wayne from the movie The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. The words covering the poster were, "Thanksgiving Dinner - Be There Pilgrim". I have never seen such a response to our Thanksgiving effort. People were talking. Some liked it and some complained, but attendance was extremely high. Don't be afraid to go out on a limb, be professional but have fun.
2. Recently we promoted a Sunday evening church service and fellowship time. On all of the

   

   Attend or else. 

   materials it said, "Fellowship Mandatory" in an old fashioned circus poster style. Taking the cue from the announcement slide, from the pulpit it was announced that fellowship was mandatory as well. I expected some blow back because in churches we usually ask and rarely tell. A principle that flies in the face of all of the marketing and advertising principles I have ever been taught, but in church you usually use the softer glove. The response was overwhelming and quite successful. Don't be afraid to tell people to do something.  You will be surprised if done with the proper motivation and right event. 
3. Giving kids video camera and assignments sounds like a dangerous idea. It isn't. It is fun and a way to engage a different group that is looking for a way to contribute.  The youth group was broken into teams and went out with an assigned list of things to do in a video scavenger hunt. (No children or video equipment was damaged in this experiment.) The kids loved it, they got to showcase their talent and love for God and will never forget the experience. Probably because it is on YouTube. Let go and allow others to express themselves. 
4. Don't claim credit. That's a real stretch and downright weird. You mean we have gone to the trouble of collecting donations, signing up volunteers, bringing out tables and chairs and spent our whole Saturday giving out school supplies to disadvantaged families and we don't hang a banner or hand out pencils with our name on them. That's right. Sometimes even the best intentions, if filled with service times and banners with our logo, come off as pushy to people in need. Sometimes think hard about ministry and less about promotion. 
5. Quit being scared of stating the truth. In our church blog we cover all sorts of subjects. But none of them has garnered as many views and comments as the blog, "I'm a Christian - Should I Get A Tattoo". The article was a well written piece (I wrote it) about what the Bible says about our bodies and whether we should allow someone to poke holes in it and fill it with ink. The funny thing is as a church we try to reach out in as many ways as possible, but that one weird blog article has more hits from more sources than any other. Don't live in fear of what the Bible says...just say it. Read it here.

This is just a short list of the different ways we have seen success when communicating with others. Feel free to use any of the ideas but, just as importantly tell us what you have done that is a bit out of the box but has worked well. I am looking forward to the response.

5 Things Communications Plans Can't Do

Sometimes we find ourselves shouting at the top of our lungs and it seems that no one pays any attention at all. This can be very frustrating as we expect that when we talk, people listen, but this is not always the case and even the best communication plan can fail or be ignored. This is often because we do not realize there are certain realities that even great communication cannot fix.

Usually you see posts from Speiro on what improved communications plans, both internally and externally, can do for your congregation and church. But, it is also very important to understand what a communication plan cannot do as well. This will alleviate disappointment when expectations are not met and this can also interject some reality into the excitement that many have when beginning a new effort to communicate more effectively. So here is a short list of things improved communication efforts cannot do that might apply to your church.

1. You can't make people listen. I have seen this with my own eyes. We put an event in the bulletin, the preacher talks about it in a sermon, an elder makes it the focus of the announcement time, posters are made by the dozens and hung around the church, flyers are placed on windshields, a slide was made, a postcard is mailed, it is tweeted, posted and blogged about. Yet when you ask a fellow member why they weren't at the event, they say they weren't told. Let he who has ears let him hear. We can't make people pay attention.  
2. Communication cannot improve the subject of the effort. Check this mistake as been there, done that. I was in a meeting where a big event was being discussed and it was very important to get the word out. It was to be a huge event with thousands of people expected, tons of activities, great speakers and a tremendous impact. Yet, after all of the promotional effort, one guy shows up with a popup tent, the speakers are terrible and a hundred participants are milling about with no excitement. I see the unfolding disaster and try to find a hole to hide in. If something is a bad idea, poorly planned and poorly executed no amount of publicity can pull it from the fire.   
3. It cannot make people more spiritual. Communications can enthuse, inspire, entertain and can even persuade in some circumstances. However, if you are looking for people to change their lives spiritually because you have done a great job with the graphics, then you are being unrealistic. This is why Speiro (to sow) is named Speiro. We understand that we are commanded to spread seed, but not in charge of the final outcome.  
4. You cannot make people as excited as you about your ministry and projects. We have all been there. You get ready for the party, hang the balloons and streamers, bake the cake, get the ice cream and set up all the games and then you sit and wonder, "Is anyone going to show up?" Being a part of the communication team is a lot like that. Often times we throw ourselves wholeheartedly into a project and do our best, most creative thinking and design. But, it seems that no one cares about the event or the hours of thought and preparation that went into it. When you communicate, the hope is that people will take it to heart, apply it to their lives and some how the message will have an impact or they will at least show up! This is not a realistic expectation. It is hard to hear but many people don't think your ministry matters and often will complain about the resources you are using to further the church's communication efforts. Get over it and keep using your talents for God! You can't make people get enthused.   
5. It will not replace personal evangelism. I hate to say it but a lot of Christians are looking for a way to be a Christian, but not actually have to talk about their faith with anyone. A communication plan can enhance our efforts, by providing videos, brochures, handouts and dozens of other devises. But no slick ad will ever replace personal evangelism. We have to be authentic and live our lives of faith out in the presence of non-Christians. We need to be willing and ready to answer questions in love and have an explanation of our faith. A good communications plan can help but it is no substitute.    

The one thing that being a part of the communications team can do is burn you out. When I was in the news business, I would say to interns that you have to care about the subject of the report. If they got to a location where the story was taking place, and they didn't care, they should sit in the car until they do. This applies to anyone who does the bulletin at a church, distributes flyers, produces videos or does graphic designs for events. When you get into the mode of just knocking out the work, it is time to examine your heart more closely. Because we are in charge of the communication we should care about what we are doing and do it to our utmost. If you find yourself just going through the motions reconnect with God through worship, prayer, fellowship and Bible study.

Just remember that you cannot control everything about your plan. The important thing is that you have one and that you stay faithful to the execution of that plan regardless of things you can't control.  

Where Have all the Youth Gone?

Many churches are wringing their hands with worry and there may be a good reason to, as they ask, "Where have all the youth gone? According to a 2014 Pew Research Center Poll overall church attendance in the United States is dropping and one of the leading factors is generational.

According to the poll, current generations are not replacing older generations in church attendance and affiliation. As the Millennial generation enters adulthood, its members display much lower levels of religious affiliation, including less connection with Christian churches, than older generations. Fully 36% of young Millennials (those between the ages of 18 and 24) are religiously unaffiliated, as are 34% of older Millennials (ages 25-33). And fewer than six-in-ten Millennials identify with any branch of Christianity, compared with seven-in-ten or more among older generations, including Baby Boomers and Gen-Xers.

About a third of older Millennials (adults currently in their late 20s and early 30s) now say they have no religion, up nine percentage points among this cohort since 2007, when the same group was between ages 18 and 26. Nearly a quarter of Generation Xers now say they have no particular religion or describe themselves as atheists or agnostics, up four points in seven years.

What this means for churches is that there must be a shift in the way we reach out to the younger generations. That means social media and at least attempting to be more contemporary. I am not talking about music choice but in the overall outlook of the church. To reach this younger group we need to understand their generational traits. They include:

Instant Gratification & Recognition Millennials need to feel like what they are doing is important and that they are on the right track. Yes, it sounds a little needy…and it is. But, many Millennials grew up with constant praise from their Baby Boomer parents. It’s what they know. What this means for you is your church needs to find a spot for them quickly and make sure they know it is important. This generation will not be pew sitters like previous generations. Find them something of value to do and then give them a need a pat on the head often. I am tired of hearing that church don't recognize accomplishments. A little acknowledgement will go a long way.

Flexibility
Millennials want to come and go as they please. Multiple options for services and small groups is a good idea if you are a large enough church. They also want flexibility in the technology offered. Internet throughout the church will help. Be willing to have leadership offer times when they can meet in an informal setting through out the week. This means personal Bible studies.

Collaboration
Millennials are extremely team-oriented and enjoy collaborating and building friendships with colleagues. They will thrive in service projects that benefit the community and the church. Reaching out and working together for a good cause comes naturally to this group.

Transparency
Millennials have heard every lie and can spot a phony a mile a way. This mean that you must be genuine in all you do and transparent to a fault. Older generations rarely aired their dirty laundry in public but, younger generations see that as authentic. Always be honest and truthful even if you might be uncomfortable. When they have an idea don't sugarcoat your response but be willing to work with them to find a purpose or solution.

Give this generation the up and downside of any dilemma and plenty of feedback.

Future Development
Older generations would often teach the same Sunday School Class for decades. They were happy and satisfied to labor at the same ministry. This sometimes led to a person getting stuck spiritually. Millennials want to know they can grow and change positions if they find something more suited to their abilities. Spiritually they are looking for advancement by deepening their faith. Give plenty of opportunities to grow and try new things.

If you take the time to understand this generation you may find that it will reinvigorate your church's mission and ministry and possibly breath life into your church in ways you least expect. Every church needs to think about what they do and they programs they offer and how it will impact this younger group. We shouldn't be afraid to let some younger Christians take positions of authority with guidance. Just letting a younger group run wild is not the solution.

The harvest is great but the workers are few and if churches don't start reaching into the younger generations there will be even fewer workers in the future.

Bulletin Spring Cleaning

A little spruce up is usually needed. 

When communicating an idea we need to remember that it is not just the audible sounds in the form of words that gives us a message. Each of the senses in their own special way are receptors of information that our brain then translates into a message. When talking with your community, casual attenders, or members, we need to remember that all forms of communication need to be considered and refined to communicate as best as possible.

For instance, when I go into the mall, I am hypnotically drawn to the coffee shop. Why? The aroma of freshly brewed coffee pulls me to ordering a cup. Gloria Jean’s Coffee also communicates in other ways, for sure. They have signs, friendly cashiers, and plenty of products lining the shelves. However, the sense of smell is pleasing and communicates best in that situation.

When a visitor first walks into your church, hopefully they are greeted with a smile and then the greeter hands them a small publication that almost every church passes out each and every Sunday, the bulletin. Apart from the smile and the hello, your bulletin is the first thing that communicates who you are to the stranger when entering your building. What does your bulletin say?

Find out how to improve your bulletin here!!! 

Logo Change: The Battle Begins

Opposition can come from unlikely sources. 

By Russ Ward
The church has faced difficulties before; oppression, division, strife and conflict. But none of the previous trials have prepared the church for the impending battle yet to come. That battle is when the leadership decides that a logo update is needed. One of the most difficult times a church must face is when it becomes apparent that the logo is out of date and needs a revision or a total makeover. For some reason the logo, regardless of current iteration, has people of strong conviction landing opposite each other. The only debate that is fiercer is when you are considering a change to your church’s name.

If only all of that pent-up passion could be directed at the lost, the church would really make an impact. But, instead, people tend to quibble over colors and fonts and usually ignore the advice of graphic designers and other communication professionals.

What I find interesting about the controversy is that, often times, the people who do not want a change will say that a logo is “unimportant” and that we “shouldn’t concern ourselves” with making a change. But, when you propose just that, you would think that the world is coming to an end with their negative speaking and you start hearing, “over my dead body.”

So, you should be warned that a change to the logo can be a difficult battle where strong opinions and traditions often trump common sense and modern communication strategies.

How do you avoid what seems to be an inevitable battle?

First, have a reason. If there is no reason to change the logo, then the people complaining may be correct. Always ask yourself “What does our logo say?” If it says nothing to you, or to other people, then a change is necessary. Your logo should state who you are and speak to those you are trying to reach. If it is in an old style font with bold colors, then it will say you are traditional. If it was designed in the 80’s or 90’s it may say that you are stuck in a bad episode of Perfect Strangers or Full House. Keep in mind that very few logos are timeless and even those timeless logos get revisions over time. Look at the history of the Pepsi logo, for example.

Second, when you consider a new logo, it should speak to people. Also, you should be able to defend it based upon the message it communicates and whom it speaks to. You should be looking at four primary parts of the logo design: the colors, the font choice, the shapes, and the layout. What are the meanings of each and what do they say? Are the colors muted or bright? Is the lettering bold and square or rounded? Do you want a “Jesus” fish, a dove, or Bible, or cross, or none of these? For years, a conservative Christian Church had a logo with a dove, and yet they were always perplexed when Spirit filled Charismatics would enquire about attending, or show up on a Sunday morning. Layout styles also communicate, as they have evolved over time. Is the design symmetrical, or is it weighted left or right? These are all important communication devices that should not be ignored and a new logo should be defendable on all of these points.

Third, get some professional help. You may be blessed with a quality graphic designer or artist at your church, but even they will need a second opinion. Usually, you can get free advice regarding design. Speiro can help with that.

Fourth, there is never a design emergency. Avoid the rush to decide. That doesn’t mean that you put off the project due to disorganization or lack of planning. Instead, thoughtfully consider the aspects of the design, because you will be stuck with it for several years.

Fifth, think about spreading the decision out to a small group of people. Let them be a part of the discussions, but also let them be part of the rollout. A word of caution, don’t let that number swell beyond five people. When doing logo design in the secular world, if I worked with a committee over five people, I charged double. All of a sudden, the process took twice as long and the results usually became a mishmash, or, trying to please the people in the room and not the target demographic.

I hate to say it, but most churches need at least a revision of their logo, but many will shy away from the battle and fail to communicate to their target demographic, their community, in an effective way.