We use cookies to make your experience better. To comply with the new e-Privacy directive, we need to ask for your consent to set the cookies. Learn more.
Church Communications and the 'four Ms'
What are church communications? and why is it important that churches adapt their communications to their own culture and context? In this extract from Mark Crosby's So Everyone Can Hear he explains the importance of the communication process and why the 'four Ms' provide the basis for the 'what' and 'why' of church communications.
Church communications involve
- Working with your teams to peel back the layers of what needs to be broadcast over time, discovering the gold in stories, hearing the vision, and working out how to get this to a wider audience;
- Filtering every message through your values and making sure that an inclusive tone is always at the forefront of what you do;
- Ensuring that everyone in your church knows how to invite friends and visitors to services and events, and how to welcome them into your building;
- Making the most of social media, films, printed materials, signs, emails, podcasts, mobile apps and screens to ger your message across in a timely fashion.
It sounds simple, but even in blue-chip companies we see countless examples where the communications process falls short. However, wherever it's done well, it empowers teams and grows an organisation. It's not an exact science - every church needs to adapt communications to its own culture and context - but the fundamental principles rarely change.
Making sure everyone can hear is the crux of this book. Individuals hear and receive message in different ways, and it's our job to make it possible for all to know what is being said - so everyone can hear, and ultimately share, the good news of God.
At their heart, church communications fall into a simple pattern of four areas, which we could label the ‘four Ms’:
1. Message;
2. Market;
3. Media;
4. Moment.
Message: What do you need to say? How can you ensure that your message contains the essential information?
Market: Are you seeking to get your message across to a congregation, your church community, specific ministries, a smaller group or a locality? Identify who this is for.
Media: How do these people like to receive communication and do you have the ability to reach them in this way? Will it be written communication? If so, do you need images to go with it? Would it work as a film or does it need to be a podcast? What resources are available to you?
Moment: Work backwards from the event. When is the right moment to broadcast this message, and does there need to be a number of messages with variations?
These four hallmarks provide a basis for the ‘what’ of church communications, but when making any communications decisions, it is of fundamental importance to fully grasp the ‘why’.
This colourful, engaging and practical book will help leaders and members alike be more mindful of how they ‘communicate church’ both inside and outside of it within our dynamic and ever-changing digital culture.
Buy now >>
Related Posts
-
New for September 2019
6 New books for September 2019. From autobiographies to anthologies there's something for everyone, so grab a hot drink and embrace the benefits of hygge with a new read for Autumn 2019. -
How to write a Communications Strategy
Hear the author of So Everyone Can Hear Mark Crosby speak with Elizabeth Neep on the importance and the simplicity of creating a church communication strategy. -
10 ways to improve your church's physical presence
Have you ever looked at your church's physical presence through the eyes of a visitor? Ensuring that your church is easy to find, has clear signage, and is accessible are just some of the things that need to be considered when mapping your visitor's -
Digital Platforms for Churches During Coronavirus
How do you meet and connect with your church in place of gathered environments, small groups and pastoral conversations? Mark Crosby, author of So Everyone Can Hear explains the many digital platforms that are available and when best to use
