My friends at Social Church are bringing together the “wizards” of church communications. Seriously, this is one of the biggest church communications conferences of the year, and you don’t even have to leave your desk!
The "wizard roster" includes:
Jason Caston - Digital Team Lead, T.D. Jakes Ministries
Jon Ferguson — Lead Teaching Pastor, Community Christian Church
Darrel Girardier — Creative Director, Brentwood Baptist Church
Casey Graham — CEO & Founder, The Rocket Company
Jay Kranda — Online Campus Pastor, Saddleback Church
Scott McClellan — Communications Pastor, Irving Bible Church
Carlos Whittaker — Author & Church Communications Specialist
Communication with your entire congregation is essential to keeping your congregation growing & active. DialMyCalls' automated system makes calling everyone a breeze.
Strong Church Leadership Starts with Effective Communication
Even for a church, things don’t always go quite the way they were planned. Event times get changed thanks to weather, unforeseen conflicts cause sudden cancellations of special events, and broken water pipes could cause Sunday mass to have to be held elsewhere. Like any organization, a church needs a way to get in touch with its congregation quickly in the event of an emergency.
Keep Your Congregation Informed
It is the responsibility of the pastor and his administrative staff to ensure that the congregation is informed of any sudden changes in plans. You are already busy though, working on ways to remedy the problem or maybe trying to secure a secondary location to hold your event. Treat any change in plans as an emergency and send a quick broadcast voice message to your community, letting them know what has happened and the alternate plan, if any.
Update Them as Necessary
At the last minute, the local high school realized that it had offered you use of the stage for your yearly Christmas pageant when it already been promised to another group. Thanks to DialMyCalls, your congregation knows not to head over there. Once you confirm that the junior high is going to let you use their stage, you can take advantage of DialMyCalls again to let your church members know where they should now assemble. It is quick and effective at helping you manage last minute changes to your church's schedule.
Weather Advisory
A good portion of your church's events are planned for outside, such as baseball leagues, fundraising carnivals, and picnics. These events are directly affected by sudden storms making you an unofficial weather man in the hours leading up to them. Send participants periodic text messages keeping them updated on the status of your event and any alternate solutions you have in the event of rain or snow.
Emergency Alert
As a church leader, you offer more than spiritual guidance. Your community looks to you in times of trouble to offer a peaceful yet powerful presence in those frightening hours and days following an emergency. If you do have the benefit of some notice, like with a hurricane, work out plans for shelter and supplies and send advice to your community on how to safely ride out the storm.
In the aftermath of a major emergency, people may need alternate shelter, clean drinking water, and medical assistance. Use text messaging to broadcast details on where they can go and how to get there safely. The two-way text messaging offered by DialMyCalls is a fantastic option under these circumstances as it allows those who are in dire need to let you know immediately by responding back to your message.
Being in charge of an active church community is a rewarding experience that does involve a lot of juggling on your part. Help yourself and your community by taking advantage of every means possible to relay important messages effectively.
Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old. Richard McClintock, a Latin professor at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, looked up one of the more obscure Latin words, consectetur, from a Lorem Ipsum passage, and going through the cites of the word in classical literature, discovered the undoubtable source. Lorem Ipsum comes from sections 1.10.32 and 1.10.33 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum" (The Extremes of Good and Evil) by Cicero, written in 45 BC. This book is a treatise on the theory of ethics, very popular during the Renaissance. The first line of Lorem Ipsum, "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet..", comes from a line in section 1.10.32.
"On the other hand, we denounce with righteous indignation and dislike men who are so beguiled and demoralized by the charms of pleasure of the moment, so blinded by desire, that they cannot foresee the pain and trouble that are bound to ensue; and equal blame belongs to those who fail in their duty through weakness of will, which is the same as saying through shrinking from toil and pain. These cases are perfectly simple and easy to distinguish. In a free hour, when our power of choice is untrammelled and when nothing prevents our being able to do what we like best, every pleasure is to be welcomed and every pain avoided. But in certain circumstances and owing to the claims of duty or the obligations of business it will frequently occur that pleasures have to be repudiated and annoyances accepted. The wise man therefore always holds in these matters to this principle of selection: he rejects pleasures to secure other greater pleasures, or else he endures pains to avoid worse pains."
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum."
Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old. Richard McClintock, a Latin professor at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, looked up one of the more obscure Latin words, consectetur, from a Lorem Ipsum passage, and going through the cites of the word in classical literature, discovered the undoubtable source. Lorem Ipsum comes from sections 1.10.32 and 1.10.33 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum" (The Extremes of Good and Evil) by Cicero, written in 45 BC. This book is a treatise on the theory of ethics, very popular during the Renaissance. The first line of Lorem Ipsum, "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet..", comes from a line in section 1.10.32.
Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old. Richard McClintock, a Latin professor at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, looked up one of the more obscure Latin words, consectetur, from a Lorem Ipsum passage, and going through the cites of the word in classical literature, discovered the undoubtable source. Lorem Ipsum comes from sections 1.10.32 and 1.10.33 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum" (The Extremes of Good and Evil) by Cicero, written in 45 BC. This book is a treatise on the theory of ethics, very popular during the Renaissance. The first line of Lorem Ipsum, "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet..", comes from a line in section 1.10.32.
Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old. Richard McClintock, a Latin professor at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, looked up one of the more obscure Latin words, consectetur, from a Lorem Ipsum passage, and going through the cites of the word in classical literature, discovered the undoubtable source. Lorem Ipsum comes from sections 1.10.32 and 1.10.33 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum" (The Extremes of Good and Evil) by Cicero, written in 45 BC. This book is a treatise on the theory of ethics, very popular during the Renaissance. The first line of Lorem Ipsum, "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet..", comes from a line in section 1.10.32.
Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old. Richard McClintock, a Latin professor at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, looked up one of the more obscure Latin words, consectetur, from a Lorem Ipsum passage, and going through the cites of the word in classical literature, discovered the undoubtable source. Lorem Ipsum comes from sections 1.10.32 and 1.10.33 of “de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum” (The Extremes of Good and Evil) by Cicero, written in 45 BC. This book is a treatise on the theory of ethics, very popular during the Renaissance. The first line of Lorem Ipsum, “Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet..”, comes from a line in section 1.10.32.“On the other hand, we denounce with righteous indignation and dislike men who are so beguiled and demoralized by the charms of pleasure of the moment, so blinded by desire, that they cannot foresee the pain and trouble that are bound to ensue; and equal blame belongs to those who fail in their duty through weakness of will, which is the same as saying through shrinking from toil and pain. These cases are perfectly simple and easy to distinguish. In a free hour, when our power of choice is untrammelled and when nothing prevents our being able to do what we like best, every pleasure is to be welcomed and every pain avoided. But in certain circumstances and owing to the claims of duty or the obligations of business it will frequently occur that pleasures have to be repudiated and annoyances accepted. The wise man therefore always holds in these matters to this principle of selection: he rejects pleasures to secure other greater pleasures, or else he endures pains to avoid worse pains.”
“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.”
Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old. Richard McClintock, a Latin professor at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, looked up one of the more obscure Latin words, consectetur, from a Lorem Ipsum passage, and going through the cites of the word in classical literature, discovered the undoubtable source. Lorem Ipsum comes from sections 1.10.32 and 1.10.33 of “de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum” (The Extremes of Good and Evil) by Cicero, written in 45 BC. This book is a treatise on the theory of ethics, very popular during the Renaissance. The first line of Lorem Ipsum, “Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet..”, comes from a line in section 1.10.32.“On the other hand, we denounce with righteous indignation and dislike men who are so beguiled and demoralized by the charms of pleasure of the moment, so blinded by desire, that they cannot foresee the pain and trouble that are bound to ensue; and equal blame belongs to those who fail in their duty through weakness of will, which is the same as saying through shrinking from toil and pain. These cases are perfectly simple and easy to distinguish. In a free hour, when our power of choice is untrammelled and when nothing prevents our being able to do what we like best, every pleasure is to be welcomed and every pain avoided. But in certain circumstances and owing to the claims of duty or the obligations of business it will frequently occur that pleasures have to be repudiated and annoyances accepted. The wise man therefore always holds in these matters to this principle of selection: he rejects pleasures to secure other greater pleasures, or else he endures pains to avoid worse pains.”
“Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.”
My friend, Greg Atkinson, has written a brand new book that releases worldwide on Tuesday, April 29th, but we are asking as many as will to pre-order it today, April 15th. Greg has been traveling, teaching and researching the subject of innovation in a Biblical context for the past 6 years. The result of his work is his new book entitled Strange Leadership: 40 Ways to Lead an Innovative Organization.
Greg's friends came up with the idea to have a Strange Leadership Pre-Release Party for him today. Greg will be doing special promotional and pre-release stuff all day today, including an interview and live Google Hangout with Christian Media Magazine Featured Writer Jason Curlee at 11am CST and then Greg will be a guest on the Social Media Podcast with DJ Chuang at 4pm CST.
About the book:
Are you a leader in a Christian organization? Is your church, ministry, or business lacking innovation? Perhaps you're experienced in trying new things and moving in new ways, but you haven't ever tried anything strange. Truly innovative leaders are often considered strange. Don't settle for everyday leadership; immerse yourself in Strange Leadership!
Greg gives 40 different ways the Bible teaches us to be strange leaders. Greg pulls from Scripture to illuminate these concepts and, from the words and writings of other leaders, to drive them home. Strange Leadership is practically an encyclopedia on the subject of innovation.
What's Should You Do?
To find out more about the book and/or to order your copy today, go HERE. Let's support Greg in his new book project and encourage his ministry to church leaders around the world. There is a free downloadable team discussion guide on the book website. I encourage you to order multiple copies for your whole team and go through it with them. Innovation is possible and you might just find that you don't mind being called a "Strange Leader."
*** I’m proud of Greg's continued work with churches and church leaders and encourage you to connect with him online:
"Like" Greg's author page on Facebook HERE and keep up with his writing, work and ministry to the Church.
Here's what some key leaders are saying about the book:
Innovation is imperative in today's leadership culture. Strange Leadership reminds us all that innovation is about doing a whole new thing, that ultimately flows from God, the Chief Innovator. Thanks Greg for pointing us back to our true source for innovation and inspiration. - Brad Lomenick, President and Key Visionary of Catalyst and Author of The Catalyst Leader
Strange Leadership provides leadership help to teach you how innovation can come about in your life and organization by keeping God at the center and will equip you with practical thoughts to lead with integrity. - Pete Wilson, Senior Pastor of Cross Point Church and Author of Plan B and Let Hope In
To be effective, church leaders must be open to innovation. We have to be willing to allow something new to happen in our churches as we seek God's leading; we have to stay on the cutting edge, so we can be relevant in the world we are trying to reach. One of the best ways to stay innovative is to listen to and learn from those who model biblical innovation every day, like my friend Greg Atkinson. - Nelson Searcy, Founder and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, Author and Founder of ChurchLeaderInsights.com
Because leadership in Jesus' upside-down Kingdom is so different and distinct from the world, it is "strange leadership." In his book, Greg offers practical and helpful thoughts on leading others as one under the rule of God. - Eric Geiger, Author and Vice President LifeWay Christian Resources
Strange Leadership is an engrossing and enchanting collection of probes into the emerging field of innovation studies. It is filled with firecrackers, and sometimes even fireworks. -Leonard Sweet, best-selling author, professor (Drew University, George Fox University), Chief Contributor to sermons.com
It’s not a coincidence that God chose to introduce himself in the first verse of the Bible as a “Creator.” I believe God puts a far higher value on creativity and innovation than most people believe. That’s why I’m thrilled with Greg Atkinson’s new book. It’s a wake up call to the Church and a powerful reminder that change is here whether we’re ready or not, and whether we like it or not. Leaders – dismiss this book at your peril. - Phil Cooke, Ph.D. – Filmmaker, Media Consultant, and author of Unique: Telling Your Story in the Age of Brands and Social Media
Vestibulum feugiat dolor molestie feugiat volutpat. Donec sed interdum ante, non varius justo. Aenean a orci egestas, lobortis mi in, congue justo. Fusce volutpat diam sapien, non consectetu.
Etiam ultrices orci leo, et feugiat eros tristique et. Proin lorem ipsum dolor glavrida ligula justo, iaculis quis ornare in, tempus id purus. Vestibulum et metus nulla.
I've decided that I will try to do monthly updates where I keep readers informed on what's going on at The iChurch Method and new things to look out for. In this update we highlight:
Google Glass
The iChurch Method Author at MegaFest
The iChurch Method at Abilene Christian University Summitt
I would first and foremost like to say thank you to Churchm.ag and their voting process for allowing The iChurch Method blog to be considered one of the Top 30 Church Tech blogs for 2013. We are very excited and realize that just a year ago the first iChurch Method book was released so this is quite the achievement in that small amount of time.
As I look at the list I see people that I have networked with and people that I am looking forward to networking with to powerfully equip the Church to use technology better in so many new and exciting ways. Here is the list in case you have not seen it!
Do you have a communications plan for your church?
You might be surprised, but a simple plan will help your church reach more people.
