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Church communication strategy highlights Carolina NACBA event Scott Vaughan says, "Organizations aren't successful until communication is priority" Lexington, SC - Oct. 11, 2007 - Speaking to more than 90 church leaders, church communication strategest Scott Vaughan said churches, to be successul in evangelism and discipleship, must make communication a ministry priority. Communication ministry begins with vertical communication with God through an organized prayer ministry; horizontal communication follows through organized church and community outreach. "Churches often call me when they are in pain," Vaughan told the audience of church pastors, business administrators, ministry assistants and laity. "That pain may be focused on a decline in membership, a loss of community image, or rapid growth. The reason for the pain is often clear. The church website is a dysfunctional representation of the church, and the website makes no mention of the church's prayer initiatives. How can we expect to grow spiritually and numerically if we aren't effectively communicating with God and then with one another?" Vaughan's presentation, "Successful Church Communication," focused on the strategic thinking required in communication ministry. "If we will stop and think about 'why' we do things, promotion becomes easier and we will be better stewards of our time and resources." Issues like relationship-building, image management, promotion timing, budget, and communication errors were subjects of the event's first 90 minutes. In the program's second half, Vaughan dived into strategic thinking around websites, print publications, greeter ministry and property, and advertising. Response was encouraging. "I was very encouraged by the feedback," Vaughan said. "Many of those attending have communicated with me about their specific situation." Participants received an additional conference benefit. The seminar was hosted by the Carolina chapter of the National Association of Church Business Administration (NACBA) at The Harvest, a growing non-denominational contemporary church. Over lunch, participants experienced a sample of the church's themed children's worship, Heirport. Remodeling its former worship center, the church has created a dynamic children's worship center in a simulated airport hangar complete with runway lights, sheet metal decor, airport artwork and even a wing converted to a counter-top. The facility also includes a video game center and play area. Director of Children's Ministries, Jeremy Frizzell entertained the audience with a puppet show to demonstrate how the children’s ministry in The Heirport flows. The Harvest Greeter Ministry also modeled its Sunday morning experience with door greeters, an operational information center, and coffee service at the church cafe. "The Harvest is one of this area's fastest-growing congregations," Vaughan said. "Pastor Ken Jumper, his staff and lay leaders have invested time and energy in understanding the needs of people, communicating with them, and helping them feel comfortable. Conference participants were able to see a snapshot of a church's efforts in this regard." Scott Vaughan Communications, LLC is a growing, national communication ministry with offices in Lexington, SC, a suburb of Columbia. On Tuesday, Oct. 23, Scott Vaughan will publish his 15,000-word paper titled "100 Questions: Leaders look for communicaton answers." The paper answers 100 church communication questions submitted by church leaders across the country. To host Scott Vaughan, please visit this website and download the How To Host A Seminar document. With proper planning and promotion, most seminars can be supported from the participant registration fee. |
