Every now and again it is wise for a group to check in on how information is being distributed and consumed. It is also helpful to see what is working, what is not working, and what can be done better to make sure that everyone is on the same page or at least near the same page. So, it is time to do a communications audit – We need to know how you receive information, what you like to receive, and what is the best way to keep you in the loop. We want our communication methods to be effective.
Here are the following ways information is distributed at Hebron Church – there will be some that are likely missed since there are groups who do communicate through their own means but we are looking in on trying to get the vast majority of information evaluated so we can better use our time, talent, and treasure as church body.
Current Means and its General Affectiveness or Challenges
Church Bulletin – Can be taken home – have to be here to see it.
Connect Center Materials – Located in welcome areas, have to be taken to be seen.
Snail Mail – Generally Cost prohibitive – but most “official” way to do it
Email – Works for those who check and read email
Text – Highest open rate among the digital methods, but easy to forget
Social Media – Best visual way to do it (pictures/video), but driven by an algorithm
Physical Paper Handouts – Usually hand to hand, but can easily be lost or left behind
Face to Face – Has all the weightedness, but can’t communicate everything this way
Announcement Screens – Visually striking, but can become white noise
Verbal Announcements – In person dependent though usually powerful medium
Church Website – Ability to house a lot, but no real way to follow through
Realm Database System – Mostly used by the staff, but not congregation at large
Video Announcements – Not everything is worth a video though its range is in person/online
Alternative App Messaging – Hard to gauge outside of those who use them specifically
As you can see there are a lot of ways that information is presented and sent out. You may have a personal favorite or one you prefer. This is also why sometimes you might feel like you hear something too often or not often enough. When you think about all of the ways that information is being delivered, the general rule for churches is that you cannot over communicate. But, we all know that you can. So, how are we going to find the most effective ways to communicate?
We are going to perform a communications audit.
This will be accomplished on two fronts – a paper version for those who prefer paper, and a digital version for those who want to complete it that way. We will run this audit the first three Sundays of November 1, 8, 15.
This is something that we are asking every adult to weigh in on. For the audit to go well, we will need 80% or better of our adults to complete the short survey. Everyone who completes the survey will then be entered into a drawing for a sweet holiday surprise in advance of the Christmas Season.
We look forward to hearing from you.