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I have seen so many churches that have a weakness in communication. This problem is not limited to the size of the church or the number of people who serve as pastors or ministry leaders. Rather than being part of the problem, let me help you be part of the solution with the following ideas or suggestions.
Use Traditional Means of Communication
Write notes and letters. Short notes and letters from a pastor can mean a lot. I'm talking about handwritten communication that can be more personal than a text message or e-mail. Adopt a theme of encouragement in a short but sweet note. Include a verse of Scripture that fits the person to whom you are writing.
Use phone calls. There are many people who still appreciate and prefer a personal phone call. This mode of communication allows you to ask for prayer needs and follow up with a brief intercession. Phone calls are preferred especially by those from the Baby Boom generation, and even more so by those who are older still.
Make appointments for a sit-down over coffee. Since most communication is non-verbal, this kind of visit communicates loudly and builds meaningful relationships. Has it ever occurred to you that most people in your church or group want and need this kind of communication? Less and less of it is happening today. It takes time but is well worth the investment.
Use paper newsletters and bulletins. Some people, especially those born after the 1970s, still prefer holding print communication in their hands for reading and learning. Pastors need to learn who is in their congregation or group and use what works best for communication. If you do use print, include appropriate graphics, colors, fonts, and effective spacing. And be sure to proofread and spellcheck.
If you want most people who are attending a worship service or just visiting your building, use PowerPoint slides that scroll. Use them before and/or after a service, or use slides that loop through several repetitions in between services or during the day when a number of people might be present. I've never seen a church do it, but I recommend selected Scripture verses as part of a slide presentation of announcements. Also, be sure to place one or more screens in strategic places where people are most likely to see them.
Use Newer Means of Communication
Use social media, of which there is a variety to choose from. Know your target audience, then select one or more of the available social media. Remember that today, people like and use different options so ask a variety of people across generations what they use or would like to use. Do your research, then be a regular and consistent user. People want up-to-date news.
Use video media. Communication tools such as Zoom, Facetime, Skype, informational videos, vlogs (video blogs), video interviews, video tutorials, live streamed events, webinars, etc. (Check out the following link: https://www.singlegrain.com/video-marketing/10-useful-types-of-video-content-viewers-love/. Be generous with including relevant links. Build an electronic, online video library. Build a video communications ministry team for your church or group.
Be generous with text messaging. Studies have shown that this kind of media have a 95% chance of being read and are much more likely of being read vs. e-mails.
For more information and encouragement on communication in ministry, check out https://callhub.io/church-communication-best-practices/.
For a list of the top 20 social media apps in 2022, check out https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/top-social-media-apps-sites/#pm_modal_description_bx1d1h.
What do you use in your church or ministry group for communication?