What’s your name?
Jocelyn Brown
Where do you serve, what is your title and how long have you served there?
I serve as the Middle School Ministries and Communications Director for Christ Chapel in Madison, CT, and I’ve been in this position for about 3.5 years. (2 years prior as the youth ministry intern)
How would you describe your job to someone who doesn’t go to church?
I would say that I run the outgoing communication, so website, Facebook, App, and print, and youth pastor for the Middle School group.
What were some of the things that you experienced that shaped the way you approach your work?
So I’ve noticed that my interest in any event or resource is largely based on how it’s presented. I don’t normally take time to look into things that seem sloppy or unpolished, which is why I work hard at creating graphics and organizing information for our ministries and congregation. I’ve noticed some pushback on how much a clean, organized graphic really matters, but it’s generally an unsung necessity for a congregation to be recognized by a community.
What’s the one thing you wish people knew about your job?
How long it takes to change small pieces of information. Please, just send it correct, with all necessary details, on time.
What is the one tool for your job that you can’t live without and why?
My computer. It holds everything, and I recently upgraded so my communications work takes 1/3 of what it used to. It’s still a good chunk of my time, but less waiting around for things to function.
What is the biggest mistake that you see churches making when it comes to communications and marketing?
Not putting the right amount of resources behind it. It costs time, money, and energy to pull together a clean, organized promotion for each ministry event. If we want to reach our community, we have to give them time to know what’s happening, where, and why they should spend time there. We’re not in the days of open schedules and free nights anymore. You have to invite them to a desirable event. Same goes for the congregation members. Limit your ‘asks’ to the vision of your church and where you see yourselves going. Then do it well.
Who is someone that you look to up in the church communications world?
I’d say the whole church communications group that’s here on Facebook—I’m always browsing through and getting great ideas from this community. It’s a difficult job to do by yourself, and I’m thankful for this community!
Thanks, Jocelyn for hanging out with us and being a FANTASTIC member of the Church Communications Community! We appreciate and see all the hard work you’re doing for the Church.
