The Church Communications Handbook offers a comprehensive approach to building a more effective, vibrant church. Wanda Vassallo urges church leaders to prayerfully seek God's will and vision. Confidence and dedication can only come when everyone from the pastor to the kids in Sunday school sees the hand of God on the direction of the church.
Ministering effectively begins with understanding who it is you are trying to reach. If you have members who are widowed or divorced, create a plan for meeting them at their point of pain. Be sure that those with physical disabilities are not forgotten either. Intentionally seek ways to reach out by meeting specific needs.
But it's more than just getting someone inside your door. If your church isn't full of friendly people and easily understood signs so families can find the nursery (and the bathroom), newcomers may decide it isn't worth the trouble to weave their way through a maze of hallways. Parking problems also need to be analyzed and solved. A welcoming usher speaks volumes about the attitude of the church. Thoughtful, organized follow-up is also vital to making visitors feel wanted. Congregations are limited only by imagination and their willingness to pitch in and help.
The Church Communications Handbook goes beyond creating a strong church body and bringing the unsaved of the community into the fold. It points out the opportunity we have to share Christ through careful, intelligent contacts with the established media. In a crisis, the church can and should be on the frontlines offering real assistance-both spiritual and physical.
Suggestions for surefire evangelistic outreaches are also included.
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17, NIV). This resource will help churches get the Word out.