What’s your name?
Jenny Bolinger
Where do you serve, what is your title, and how long have you served there?
For the past two years, I have served as the Communications and Global Outreach Manager for Converge MidAtlantic. I love to see firsthand how God works through people and the global church.
Also after serving in a local church as Director of Outreach for seven years, I joined a leadership team for a church plant in 2019 called City Church where I serve as the Creative/Online Presence Coordinator.
How would you describe your job to someone who doesn’t go to church?
Communications is that job that works really hard to bring all the pieces together so everyone understands what, why, when, and how in a concise way (and looks good!). The win is when people then take action in some way or form.
What were some of the things that you experienced that shaped the way you approach your work?
Relationships are so important! Relationship with the boss/lead pastor, with staff, with the clients/congregation. In order to be able to have healthy and helpful communication, you need to surround yourself with a team that is aligned and honest with one another in a courageous and healthy way. I have been part of teams and experienced first-hand the good, bad, and ugly of this reality. Relationship is currency! In communications, you cannot be lacking in relationship because is creates a disconnect in your communication.
What’s the one thing you wish people knew about your job?
That no matter the size of the project, the details, time, and energy that goes into creating something that is a bridge to people and your organization (ultimately to Jesus) is something we pour ourselves into.
What is the one tool for your job that you can’t live without, and why?
iPhone, no matter where I am, I can create,!
What is the biggest mistake that you see churches making when it comes to communications and marketing?
Operating “inside the box”. They communicate with an “insider” perspective. The world is constantly screaming all kinds of messages in a creative way. So, we as the church need to be creative to get the attention of people outside the church to fall in love with Jesus–that’s our mission. How we communicate that message is VITAL! I read somewhere that Communications Directors are the quarterback of churches! Leadership needs to own this fact and embrace creative communication. God made people with gifts and abilities to be used for his purpose. The church needs to help people use these gifts. If God gave you something, he wants you to use it for his good. A church that prevents that and puts people in a box, is robbing people of using a gift from God. Give your creative/communication teams and individuals freedom to use these gifts.
Who is someone that you look up to in the church communications world?
Granger Church in South Bend, Indiana was pivotal in my knowledge and growth with creativity and communications through the local church. Passion Church, Hillsong Church, and Soul City Church do such a great job in communicating the Gospel and drawing people to Jesus with creativity.
Your insights towards how the church communications can be better by being creative enough to get the attention of the people you want to reach out to. It is very clear that you are a great church communicator, Jenny! We hope you influence other people with your dedication.
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