What’s your name?
Jeremiah “JT” Trombly
Where do you serve, what is your title, and how long have you served there?
CityChurch Bandera Road, 28 years, Lighting Manager/Member Advocate
How would you describe your job to someone who doesn’t go to church?
Tech Stuff and Helping form solutions/resolve tensions
What were some of the things that you experienced that shaped the way you approach your work?
I have undergrad/grad degrees in public relations and I have watched our church grow from 50 to over 4,000 in the last 28 years. A few tough trips into combat and years as a cop coping with substantial trauma and loss and a near-death suicide attempt I come in everyday willing to do absolutely anything to not only reach folks but to make sure folks here already find peace and purpose. I have so much to share and so much to give, please take.
What’s the one thing you wish people knew about your job?
It isn’t about your resume or experiences. When you make yourself available, when you give all you can of yourself, God uses you. Whether its talking things through with an agitated guest, working out a complex service production issue or growing together with up and coming team folks- use your words and your heart and your job will never have a hard day. My only job in the church is to be there for people- paper descriptions don’t matter if I am truly just being there.
What is the one tool for your job that you can’t live without, and why?
My experiences. They give me the passion I need to communicate with others. They give me the heart I need to extend Grace in every situation. And when the church stinks or a coworker stinks or I stink, remembering where you came from and why you are here will help you to dump some significant love into those around you. Communicating love is what keeps the trailblazing efforts of Jesus alive. You can’t be a communicator without your own story of Why This Matters.
What is the biggest mistake that you see churches making when it comes to communications and marketing?
Aggressive, line in the sand communications. While we all feel we have it right, the Bible has been disputed since its first unveiling in regards to the interpretation of critical matters. A church can be sound in doctrine, and still isolate itself and alienate those interested in the church. Many churches spend so much time communicating why they are so great, or others are so wrong- YouTube is filled with angry churches blasting each other. Jesus drew his line in the sand in Matthew 22:36-40 identifying love is the greatest commandment. If love was the essence of our communication we could focus more on fixing ourselves, and bringing others into the fold.
Who is someone that you look up to in the church communications world?
I don’t pick favorites. What I look for are communicators in the Church Comms group willing to engage in heavy conversation, and take in various thought pieces to build better campaigns. When we work together, lives change. Communicators don’t succeed because of a class they took- it is being in the trenches. Those of you that offer real feedback- you are the heroes
JT displays a full passion as he serves every day to really be there for people as he believes that is what God planned for him. He is one amazing communicator who everyone should look up to. In times of crisis, we all need to remember to serve just like him. Thank you, JT!
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