12 things church communication directors want you to know

From Media Salt, a communications director notes 12 things he would like senior clergy and lay leaders to know for 2012:


12. We have unique gifts and expertise.

11. We want to be at a place where we are celebrated, not just tolerated.

10. Communication is so much more than disseminating information.

9. We want to help create a DNA of communication within the church, not just help with the church’s marketing and PR.

8. In order to do our job well, we need a “seat at the table.”

7. Please don’t second guess every color or font decision I make.

6. We see things - quality and excellence things - that you and others on staff don’t.

5. You have to inspire us!

4. We need to be inspired.

3. We need you to pay us.

2. Although we like to act like it, we don’t have it all together.

1. We are so grateful to be on your team and to be using our gifts to expand the kingdom.

Read here to know the details of each point.

Posted by Ann Fontaine on January 3, 2012 3:00 PM | |
Comments (6)

My only quibble with this list is that I would run it in reverse order.

Posted by Jim Naughton [TypeKey Profile Page] | January 3, 2012 4:20 PM

Except for 3. I'd keep 3 relatively high.

Posted by Jim Naughton [TypeKey Profile Page] | January 3, 2012 4:22 PM

I'm actually curious about #3. Are they expecting that every parish have a paid communication director? Every diocese? Or just the really big ones?

Posted by Paul Martin [TypeKey Profile Page] | January 3, 2012 10:24 PM

I am amazed that what I consider the two MOST important things about communications was not mentioned. Communications is a ministry, not just a job. And communications is evangelism.
If we don't understand that about our jobs, we won't do our best. And if our bosses don't understand that, they will never "get" that what we do matters.
Katie Sherrod
Director of Communication
EPISCOPAL Diocese of Fort Worth

Posted by Katie Sherrod [TypeKey Profile Page] | January 3, 2012 11:17 PM

I'd add that many comms types have strategic planning capabilities that are needed within the church. And that, outside a small circle of issues, transparency is key. In the world at large, it's six degrees of separation; in TEC, it's four. There are very few secrets outside those pertaining to pastoral care, and it's disingenuous to believe otherwise.

Eric Bonetti

Posted by E B [TypeKey Profile Page] | January 4, 2012 1:39 AM

I'm fortunate to work with a bishop who believes that the communication person belongs at the table for the important conversations - from beginning to end.

How many dioceses value communication at that level? I'd be curious to know.

How many call the communication person in to be briefed only when there's a crisis or a complaint?

Heidi Shott
Canon for Communication and Social Justice
Diocese of Maine

Posted by hls [TypeKey Profile Page] | January 4, 2012 1:57 PM

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