As I visit churches across the country I realize that ministries have so much to communicate: events, promotions, services, requests and stories. Sadly, the more I research behaviors of church staff, I see we’re doing more and more while having less time to get it all done.
Since we have limited time, we need to start using it effectively for the most important things.
Regularly church communicators say, “I just don’t have time for that, but I wish I did”. The truth? We make time for what we prioritize. Period. So, let’s solve this.
Church communications requires leadership. Taking charge of the time and things you’re doing is essential so you get the important things done! If you’re simply order-taking than you’re not doing the job effectively. A church communicator NEEDS to have a seat at the leadership table. Why? To focus the other leader’s efforts and to understand the “why” of everything you’re communicating.
Then save a ton of time starting with these 3 foundational actions:
- Determine your purpose and the expected results. In order to be effective, you need to know the expectations for your position and the results people are expecting. Many times, this discussion reveals unrealistic expectations. This tough conversation will help you manage your time better since many elements of your job don’t lead to results. Cut out or enable others to do those things that aren’t part of your job expectations.
- Prioritize and Organize. You’re busy, you can’t do everything. Most of our time is wasted on things that aren’t all that important (even if they’re urgent). Help your ministries prioritize the things that are handed to you. Create tiers of communications: The higher on the scale means that it impacts the majority of people in your congregation. The bottom of the scale? Events that need limited promotion since they reach a very limited crowd. This hierarchy shows leadership and allows a standardization that makes sense to everyone. Only dedicate website and bulletin real estate to your most important things. This also means your time. Stop wasting time on events that don’t get returns; instead, empower the ministries to promote on their own (perhaps on an inside web page).
- Seek Others. Why is that creatives love to do everything themselves? We love to blame it on budget and standards; but it often comes down to selfishly overworking. You are a leader and a minister; start leading and empowering a team of people. That’s true ministry! Can’t afford to hire people on your team? Then use volunteers. The time commitment will pay off in the long run. Also seek outside consultants, education opportunities and applications that will feed your leadership.
Not only are these time savers, they’re lifesavers. Start fixing and directing people around you so that everyone’s happier and you get up each day loving your job. You can do this.
