Church Communications tends to be a catch-all.
You are responsible for everything from the weekly bulletin, to connect cards, social media graphics, scheduling, promotions, website, and even first impressions.. the list goes on and on. For some churches, there’s a staff that specializes in each area. The church hires people who have the experience, skill, and creativity in graphics, design, or marketing.
But for most of us, that is not a reality. We are a team of one.
Sure, maybe we have a few volunteers that use their phones to take photos on Sundays or possibly coordinate the greeter team, but for the most part, we are it. The task list is long, and the budget is small.
So, with few funds and little help, we try to do it all. We become a Jack of all trades and a master of none. (Ok, well maybe we are a master at a couple of things, but let’s face it, we aren’t experts at everything!)
So what do we do when we can’t do it all?
1. STOP IT!
Sometimes the answer is NOT to do it all. Yes, we’ve gone to the conferences, seen the webinars, downloaded the resources. We know what is possible and we want to try all the shiny new things: the latest tool, formula, technique, process.
But this may, in fact, do more harm than good.
If we aren’t able to keep up with all of the social channels, for example, we need to get rid of the ones that aren’t helping our ministry and focus on the one that best meets the needs of those we serve.
2. SHARE IT!
Other times, the answer is to share the load by outsourcing. I know, you have no money. I get it! But there are inexpensive, and sometimes free, tools that can help you organize, prioritize, and focus on what we can do well.
So what do we give up and what do we keep?
This can be a difficult decision. We want to be good stewards of the church’s resources. Also, some things are easy to do, some we like to do, and other areas on which we should be focusing on more.
Here are some tips to help you decide what to give up and what to keep:
- Make a list of all the tasks for which you are responsible.
- Prioritize this list. What is the most important? What items could potentially be removed?
- Edit and organize your list. Organize your list based on priority and what YOU must do and what others can do.
Once you have the list of what others can do, it’s time to find some help! Of course, its a great idea to make sure you have searched your congregation to see if anyone is capable and willing to take on a volunteer role. Keep in mind, however, that managing volunteers would then be added to your task list. Do you have the time to do that? If not, then it’s time to look for outside assistance for your ministry needs.
Pro Tips
- Choose what is important, but also something that can be delegated. For me, it was graphics creation and social media scheduling. I love social media, but my church’s current needs are focused on website, blogging, and other forms of content creation.
- Use Facebook Groups to learn about your options. There are many companies out there to help churches. Finding the one that best suits your needs and budget can be confusing. Reaching out in your church communications groups can be helpful.
- DO THE FREE TRIAL! Don’t be afraid to use the free trial options offered by many companies. It’s also ok, to try a few different things before you ultimately decide what works for you and your church. The time investment is well worth it.
Conclusion
Outsourcing isn’t a waste of money, in fact, it may help you be a better steward of your time and talents. Serving wholeheartedly doesn’t mean wearing yourself too thin.
Doing all you do for the glory of God doesn’t mean doing it all.
Ask for help, get rid of unnecessary tasks, utilize volunteers, and maximize your efficiency and effectiveness through outsourcing jobs when needed.
You got this!
