10 Church Announcements Dos and Don’ts

Making church announcements might seem like a small thing, but it comes with a huge responsibility. Only assign this responsibility to church marketing officers and leaders who have experience with the public, preferably in some form of media and PR management.

Before digging deep on this topic, let’s look at a few Bible verses on leadership and wisdom:

1.      But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.—Galatians 5: 22

2.     If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

James 1:5

3.     Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4

4.     being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;”  Philippians 1:6

5.     For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.  2 Timothy 1:7

Having a digital platform to share your announcements will also help streamline the information and ensure that wisdom, discretion, and prayer are used. Here are ten “Do’s” and 10 “Don’ts” to help you and your managers keep in check.

DO:

1.      Keep it simple

Be brief. When making church announcements, do try to say it with as little wordiness as possible.

2.     Keep it focused

Always maintain your focus when writing and sending out church announcements. Save the tidbits and lesser important news for monthly or bi-monthly newsletters. If you must expound on certain topics, you can consider using a church blog for this.

3.     Keep it considerate

Be discrete when sharing sensitive information, such as prayer requests. You may have donors in need of prayer, but the whole congregation does not need to know ever detail of their personal (or professional) situation.

4.     Keep it digital

Utilize digital platforms as much as possible when making announcements. Have your church managers up to speed on the technology available for church announcements. Fundraising also is more successful when digital platforms are used to collect donations.

5.     Keep it inspiring

Do you focus on all the negativity that is happening, or do you aspire to make your announcements shared in a positive light? Use wisdom in everything you do, being prayerful about how and even when you announce anything.

Now, let’s move on to five essential things to remember NOT to do when making Church announcements. And, for a refresher, here are five more wonderful Scriptures on the topic of leadership and management:

1.      Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 2 Timothy 2:15-16

2.     Without counsel plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established.  Proverbs 15:22

3.     So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them by the skillfulness of his hands. Psalms 78:72

4.     Whoever guards his mouth and tongue, Keeps his soul from troubles.

Proverbs 21:23

5.     Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words. Proverbs 23:9

DON’T:

1.      Don’t Gossip

It is common knowledge that some people use the opportunity to attend church to inform themselves on all the latest gossip. However, as leaders, remember that your platform for announcements should be professional and carry your mission clearly. This is not an avenue for people who love gossip to spend time nitpicking and wasting everyone else’s time.

2.     Don’t Confuse Your Congregation

If you must change dates, time, and alter announcements, ensure that it is done orderly, and updated across all devices and platforms. The worst thing you can do is have confused information being shared on multiple channels.

3.     Don’t Waste Resources

Consider investing in a PR team or hiring someone for this important task of writing, editing, and sending out church announcements. He or she will also be your point person in case of changes and alterations.

4.     Don’t Forget the Power of Social Media

Your church social media managers should know how and when to share any important news. They should be aware of the different channels, and which type of news will best benefit

5.     Don’t Underestimate Visual Announcements

Have your church managers do a simple video to share an announcement or important news to the congregation. A video is easy to watch, digest, and remember.

A video, visual presentation, or even something as simple as a Facebook post with an inspiring Bible verse or GIF attached will stick in people’s minds. If you want them to remember your announcements, visual media is the preferred choice.

To be a church of the future, start now to innovate. You can make better announcements by investing in a church app and digital solutions for your missions. For more information on how Donorwerx can help you accomplish this, please call us for an introduction to all the resources and tools at your fingertips.