Meredith...it is certainly not my intention to put down anyones work. My goal is to help people think more intentionally about communications. How to strategically share information in the bulletin is one of the top issues I regularly talk with church leaders about because they're asking for help.
When ideas are brought up on how to improve the work we do in churches, it shouldn't be looked at as a personal attack. Saying a bulletin can be improved doesn't imply that the person currently putting it together is bad. We all have room to grow and should be able to have reasonable conversations about how to be better share our message.
I'm not sure I have an answer for everything, but here are some thoughts.
I did a quick Google search and found a variety of examples: http://goo.gl/rEjqn. Most of them are fairly formal.
I've seen other churches that have just included an opt-out line on registration forms for things like Sunday school or VBS. It was as simple as a couple of sentences saying how you might use the photos and giving on option to not be a part of it.
In general, for adults, you have the right to use pictures that you take on your church's private property without permission as long as it's not for profit. Of course considerations should always be made for adults with special needs.
It's never a bad idea for a church to talk about why they want to use pictures. Whether it's the pastor from the pulpit or something in the bulletin, it's good to explain why the pictures are used. It helps put a real face to the church. It shows the congregation in action. They paint a better picture of God at work than a list of facts.
Yes, overkill is a concern. That's why it's always inportant to look at your overall communications plan to see how things like your website, email and social media all work together. Maybe you don't promote something on every outlet you have.
The multiple posting in one day really is more of a Twitter thing. A single tweet can easily get lost.
You're right, the last thing you want to do is bombard people.
In general it's good to keep personal and professional accounts seperate. I'm sure someone much smarter than me could give you all the legal reasons to do it. Google Apps for Business gives you more administrative control over what people can and can't do with their church email account and helps you have more access to employees data. Here's some more info: http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/business/details.html
Hey Pete. I just talked with a guy from Faith Street today. I'm really excited to hear what they're doing. Seems like it's actually helping people connect with churches.
Posted in: Ways To Improve Your Church Bulletin
Hi Ellen-
I'd be more than happy to take a look at your bulletin. You can email it to me: jclark [at] crcna [dot] org.
Jerod
Posted in: Ways To Improve Your Church Bulletin
Meredith...it is certainly not my intention to put down anyones work. My goal is to help people think more intentionally about communications. How to strategically share information in the bulletin is one of the top issues I regularly talk with church leaders about because they're asking for help.
When ideas are brought up on how to improve the work we do in churches, it shouldn't be looked at as a personal attack. Saying a bulletin can be improved doesn't imply that the person currently putting it together is bad. We all have room to grow and should be able to have reasonable conversations about how to be better share our message.
Posted in: Ways To Improve Your Church Bulletin
That's a great strategy and a good filter. Thanks for sharing.
Posted in: Ways To Improve Your Church Bulletin
Meredith, I understand your point. We just have a difference in opinion about what constitutes accusatory language.
Thanks for sharing your concerns. I hear what you're saying. Hopefully we can move on and focus on tips for making bulletins the best they can be.
Posted in: What is your picture policy for pictures on Facebook (and other websites)?
I'm not sure I have an answer for everything, but here are some thoughts.
I did a quick Google search and found a variety of examples: http://goo.gl/rEjqn. Most of them are fairly formal.
I've seen other churches that have just included an opt-out line on registration forms for things like Sunday school or VBS. It was as simple as a couple of sentences saying how you might use the photos and giving on option to not be a part of it.
In general, for adults, you have the right to use pictures that you take on your church's private property without permission as long as it's not for profit. Of course considerations should always be made for adults with special needs.
It's never a bad idea for a church to talk about why they want to use pictures. Whether it's the pastor from the pulpit or something in the bulletin, it's good to explain why the pictures are used. It helps put a real face to the church. It shows the congregation in action. They paint a better picture of God at work than a list of facts.
Hopefully this helps.
Posted in: Church Website Statistics
Good point Mark. It's always important to know your audience.
By the way, you're website looks good! Nice work.
Posted in: 3 Quick Social Media Tips
Yes, overkill is a concern. That's why it's always inportant to look at your overall communications plan to see how things like your website, email and social media all work together. Maybe you don't promote something on every outlet you have.
The multiple posting in one day really is more of a Twitter thing. A single tweet can easily get lost.
You're right, the last thing you want to do is bombard people.
Posted in: Google Apps Free For Churches (Again)
That's right Paul, non-profits get the business account for free. Sign up information is here: http://www.google.com/nonprofits/.
In general it's good to keep personal and professional accounts seperate. I'm sure someone much smarter than me could give you all the legal reasons to do it. Google Apps for Business gives you more administrative control over what people can and can't do with their church email account and helps you have more access to employees data. Here's some more info: http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/business/details.html
Posted in: Faith Street: A Way to Connect People to Your Church
Hey Pete. I just talked with a guy from Faith Street today. I'm really excited to hear what they're doing. Seems like it's actually helping people connect with churches.