Re-Start: Analyze

During the month of August, the theme for all of the IMN blogs is “Start.” When it comes to church, we are constantly communicating something. Sometimes, we have to re-start exactly how we’re communicating. Over the next few weeks, we’ll look at how to do that effectively by assessing, analyzing, implementing, and evaluating our church communication strategy.

This week, we’ll talk about analyzing.

Once you’ve asked a trusted person or team to help you assess the current state of your church, it’s time to analyze. This can be one of the toughest conversations you’ll ever have. Remember that the goal is to make your church the best church for your community. You’re all working toward that goal, and try to do your best not to take criticism too personally.

A key to successful analysis is making sure you have the right people, skill sets, and personalities at the table. Look to your leadership team for suggestions regarding people who might add to your team (consider contractors, interior designers, teachers, local business leaders, etc.) Make sure your team includes older adults, younger adults, parents of young children, and single individuals.

As you analyze, consider these questions:

• How do people feel currently when they walk through the doors of our church? How do we want them to feel? How do you make changes in order for them to feel that way? Are there any pressing maintenance issues? Are there any pressing security issues?
• Do people experience a friendly environment now? If not, how can you make it more friendly? If so, can you make it friendlier?
• What are you communicating through your church bulletin, website, and/or facebook page? Is that what you want to communicate? How can you communicate more effectively?
• Are your service transitions smooth? Is there anything you could do to add more multimedia to your service? Is there anything you’re currently doing that doesn’t belong in your service?
• Does everything you print, project, and/or publish online look like it’s coming from one church? If not, how can you make everything look similar and eye-catching.

This analysis process may take a few meetings and ongoing conversations. Develop a plan together and communicate regularly throughout the process.

Re-Start: Assess

 

During the month of August, the theme for all of the IMN blogs is “Start.” When it comes to church, we are constantly communicating something. Sometimes, we have to re-start exactly how we’re communicating. Over the next few weeks, we’ll look at how to do that effectively by assessing, analyzing, implementing, and evaluating our church communication strategy.

This week, we’ll talk about how to assess.

One of the best ways to assess how you’re communicating is to invite someone who you trust, who doesn’t regularly attend your church to visit your church, website, or Facebook page. Have them answer a few questions, like:

• Is it easy to find a parking spot close to the front entrance?
• When they enter your church, are they greeted by more than one person?
• Is it easy to get kids checked in to their classes? Do the classrooms seem safe and inviting?
• Are the restrooms clearly marked and ready for visitors?
• Is it easy to find a comfortable place to sit?
• Is the bulletin easy to read and understand?
• Does your website reflect what your church is like?
• Does the website offer information about upcoming events?
• Is it easy to navigate?
• Does your Facebook page offer recent information and interesting articles?
• Does the website or Facebook page make them want to know more about the church?

During their visit to your church, ask them to take pictures of things they notice that need attention.

Once these questions are answered, invite a small group of people to discuss what to do next. Invite your leadership team members and consider including people from your community who have experience with interior design, graphic design, and technology to offer their input. Have an honest discussion about what isn’t working and what to do to make it better.

Assign topics to research and schedule another meeting to review and come up with a solid plan for implementation.