My official unofficial title is, “The Accidental Director of Communications.” Working in the church world was absolutely not what I had planned when I signed $30,000 in promissory notes for a graduate degree in something that had nothing to do with church or marketing. I don’t have a public affairs background, graphic design training or theological anything. Regardless—long story short—here I am, in my ninth year of working for the church.
Given my lack of “professional training,” I spent the first two years of my church communication career with a prevailing sense of “I must be doing this wrong.” The work was tough, and when I began to implement what seemed like basic best practices, things got ugly:
- Yes, that’s what I said: You cannot have a separate logo for your ministry.
- No, we can’t mention your event ‘just real quick’ from the platform this week.
- Oh my gosh, NO, you can’t display your homemade, bedazzled poster in the lobby. And by the way, I threw away that clip-art-and-comic-sans masterpiece of a flier you snuck onto the counter last week.
People were not happy with me. So again: “I must be doing this wrong.”
Now, I was incredibly fortunate to have the full confidence of church leadership. They trusted me implicitly, which should’ve given me a sense of empowerment, right? Well, instead, I developed what a friend of mine calls Fraud Demons. “I don’t know what I’m doing, they’re going to figure that out, and I’m going to disappoint everyone I know. Including Jesus.”
Over time, I found helpful blogs. I created a Twitter list of communication and marketing experts—both church people and normal people. I read a whole bunch of books. Know what happened next? In addition to feeling like I was doing it wrong, I began to feel completely overwhelmed by information and a growing fix-it list.
Have you been there? Are you there now? Are you, like me, filling a role that was not even in the same room as your radar? Or, even if you have some communication-related education and training, have you discovered that church world only barely resembles those marketing case studies?
Boy do I have good news for you: You’re probably doing it wrong—at least some of it. And so are the rest of us. Not one of us has it all figured out, but all of us have something figured out. The best thing we can do is admit where we’re falling down, ask questions, seek advice and talk to one another. Share stories. Commiserate a bit. Laugh about tough lessons learned.
If you’re new to this gig, I want you to know that you’re doing just fine. You have a lot to learn, and I’m quite sure you could teach me a thing or two. Don’t listen to the Fraud Demons. Don’t assume you’re wrong just because people are getting frustrated. Shake free of the idea that you should have it all figured out by now. Surround yourself with people who can help you take your best next step. Pray. Take a deep breath. And get back to work.
More:
We do important work—sharing the gospel—but that doesn’t mean we can work ourselves to death. Learn more about how to fight church communicator burnout.
Jared Brandon
April 16, 2014
Great thoughts, Kelly! Timely, too. It helps to remember that church communications is anything but cookie-cutter. It is driven by nuance, and creative solutions to complex challenges.
Kelley Hartnett
April 16, 2014
True story! I try to remind myself that there are very few right-and-wrong situations; for the most part, there are just multiple versions of right.
Daniel Flucke
April 16, 2014
Thanks for this post, Kelley! I completely agree. The more I read and learn about the right way to do church communications, the easier it is to start feeling overwhelmed with everything I see that’s not being done right. Nobody’s perfect! One step at a time.
Kelley Hartnett
April 16, 2014
Yep yep! It’s SUPER difficult to keep that in mind when everything seems to need attention RIGHT THIS MINUTE! Your suggestion to take one step a time is a great reminder!
Julia
April 16, 2014
I’m so glad to know I’m not alone! I’ve been in this role for a year and a half now and am just starting to get slightly more comfortable, though I still have many days when the Fraud Demons (great term!) sneak in with their little lies. I’ve found that when I’m feeling at my worst, prayer and Scripture revitalize me and remind me that God is the one doing the work, not me. He is our biggest advocate, and he has specifically chosen us for this very role!
Kelley Hartnett
April 16, 2014
Definitely not alone! And you offer GREAT advice: It all belongs to God, and we were called to our positions “for such a time as this.”
Paul Loeffler
April 16, 2014
I really appreciate your honesty about this. Like you, I’ve been kind of thrown into this gig, and sometimes my pastor, who’s much better at it than I am, lets me know as graciously as he can, that I’m doing it by the grace of God because nobody else wants to, but it’s certainly not my strength. However, I am getting better. My question is: What blogs (besides this one) and other methods have you used to get better? Neither our church nor I can afford to fly out to Georgia, so that’s not an option. However, those other methods sound good, if you can help me out. This isn’t my only, or even primary, role at the church, which makes it all the more difficult, so any help you can give would be appreciated.
Kelley Hartnett
April 16, 2014
Wowzers, it sounds like you’re in a tough spot, Paul. God bless you for picking up a ball no one else wants!
If you’ve not already done so, invest in CMS’s “Getting Started” Series of eBooks (http://www.churchmarketingsucks.com/read-this-first/). Then, if you can pay attention to one another blog besides CMS, Phil Bowdle offers wonderfully practical insights (http://philbowdle.com/).
I have LOTS more resources to offer, but I don’t want to overwhelm you. If you’d like more ideas on books, blogs, or websites, please feel welcome to email me: kelley.hartnett@livingdifferently.org.
Dave Shrein
April 16, 2014
Kelley, I have absolutely love this post. You hit the nail right on the head for so many different topics. I really appreciate your transparency and openness. Glad they have you on the certification team!
Kelley Hartnett
April 16, 2014
Thanks so much, Dave!
Tonja
April 16, 2014
I’m right there too. My fraud demon says, “Who do you think you are, that you should get to voice an opinion about anything?” I’m working on it. Thanks for the pep talk. I also won’t be able to make it to the lab, but would love to find another avenue for feedback that I can access from here.
Kelley Hartnett
April 17, 2014
Oooooh, I have that exact fraud demon, especially when I seem to be the only person with a particular opinion. In regard to avenues for feedback–I know some folks have experienced great benefits from getting together with people from nearby churches who have similar roles. Also, Church Marketing Lab (https://www.flickr.com/groups/cfcc/) is a great place to ask questions and get feedback.
Bethany
April 17, 2014
Thank you for the encouragement! As the church secretary for a small-ish congregation, I alone run the website, weekly bulletin, all printed publications, PowerPoints, and, well, a little bit of everything! I often (and even this afternoon, I confess) have struggled with feeling inadequate, at the limits of my skills and creativity. My heart feels as weary as my hands and eyes and feet that haven’t stopped running for weeks! This job is not just a 9-5 paycheck–there is too much crossover for that. This is heart and soul along with hands and feet.
The minute we forget that, the minute we focus in on ourselves and everything we CANNOT do or FEEL INADEQUATE to accomplish, we forget that this is not about us, but about God and furthering His Kingdom, even through color & copy. He has called me to this for His glory and for my sanctification, and He has given me every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3) and everything I need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3)–the answers on how to handle all of this are found in His Word and through the community of the body!
Thanks for letting me ramble–I guess I needed to work out some of what I’ve been thinking and feeling! And thank you again, Kelley, for your encouragement and wisdom.
Kelley Hartnett
April 17, 2014
PREACH!
And yes, there’s tons of crossover–the work is too important to say “I’ve done enough.” At least, that’s what I struggle with. (I’m looking forward to Gerry’s talks on boundaries at CertLab, because that is definitely something I need to get figured out.)
Clearly, your church is lucky to have you–for not only your good work, but more importantly for your good heart. Hang in there, sister!
Dave shrein
April 17, 2014
Bethany, I admire you greatly. I could use a little bit of what it is your feeling. I start to get caught up in the processes and procedures and forget that what we do is so much more than a job. Thx for the reminder!!
Jennie Priebe
April 17, 2014
Thank you Kelly, I could definitely relate to this post! Never in a million years did I think I’d be a church communicator back when I was going to cosmetology school in the 80’s. Ha! God had other plans!!
Kelley Hartnett
April 18, 2014
Mhm. He sure does. I fine sense of humor, too. :)
Matt Reed
April 21, 2014
Yes! Thanks Kelly… sooo glad I caught this link on Twitter. I just stepped into director role and sometimes feel like I’m making it up as I go… doubt lingers with each new idea, but I need to push through. Feeling encouraged!!
Kelley Hartnett
April 21, 2014
Matt, I’m so glad to hear you’re feeling encouraged! And yep – I actually *still* tell people I’m sort of making it up as I go along. :) Congrats on your new role!
Paul Loeffler
April 21, 2014
Thank you, Bethany. Yours was a good reminder, also. It’s not just about getting a job done. Church communication is a ministry, too, and an important one.
Kelly, thank you for the blog idea for Phil. I’m going to take a look at that one. I already like his thoughts on spaghetti and sticking. I’ll email when I’m ready for another bite of resources.
Kelley Hartnett
April 21, 2014
My pleasure, Paul!
Lisa Christjans
April 22, 2014
Wow, this is exactly what I’ve been going through. Thanks for the encouragement!
Kelley Hartnett
April 22, 2014
You betcha, Lisa. Hang tough!
Julie
April 22, 2014
It’s a little weird how the first 2/3 of this is exactly what I’m feeling, but I never was able to put it into words. Thank you for writing this!
Kelley Hartnett
April 22, 2014
Julie, you’re very welcome. I’m sorry you’re feeling the struggle–and it’s going to be okay! (I’m a big fan of “and” rather than “but.”)
Cate Eaton
April 29, 2014
Oh my, reading that was like having someone read my diary. Wait! I don’t have time for a diary…. Thanks for posting this encouragement. I needed it.
Kelley Hartnett
April 30, 2014
You’re welcome, Cate! It’s great to hear that you were encouraged.
Cindy Ford
May 3, 2014
Loved your post, Kelley! The three bullet points actually gave me a chuckle and felt sooo familiar. I am so looking forward to Atlanta!
Kelley Hartnett
May 5, 2014
Me too! :)
Kim Pleticha
September 23, 2014
Love it! I’m a former television news anchor-turned-church communications lady. So, there are many days on which I think “So, um, how did I get here…?” I adore the job, but I often wonder whether I’m doing anything right.
Which brings me to the separate logos for the various ministries. Yep, we have ’em. The ministries like it that way —and we have a professional graphic artist on staff to make the logos look fantastic— so I’ve decided it’s a battle I’m not willing to wage. Might be “wrong”, but I prefer to focus my energy on getting my ministry folks to MEET DEADLINES. Yeah…I’ll let you know how that goes…
Kelley Hartnett
September 23, 2014
Oh, Kim – If you get that figured out, you let me know, mkay? Ha! By the way, I’ve found I focus my energy toward different things in different seasons. I’m not so sure there are many “wrong” ways to do much of anything, to be honest. UNLESS you’re talking about trying to get rid of the Oxford comma. That is most definitely wrong. :)
Sharon
September 23, 2014
So what is the answer to not having your church’s social hall look like a middle school highway with all manner of colored flyers hanging willy nilly (and yes, one hanging from the thermostat for added OOMPF!) on the walls, the doors, and any other flat surface?
We thought we could get away from it when we hung a snazzy flat screen and have an incredibly gifted volunteer who each week puts all of the calendar events and every other announcement known to man on this, and said announcements scroll through at a readable speed the entire morning…yet…a proliferation of these colored paper flyers (all black lettering since we don’t have a color copier) still exists among a certain set of the church.
Is there a top ten communication sins list anywhere? I’d like to know what those are. :)
Kelley Hartnett
September 23, 2014
Sharon, I giggled a bit picturing a flyer–printed on “goldenrod,” of course–dangling by a piece of scotch tape from a thermostat. :) Please tell me it’s in Comic Sans; that would boost it to Top 10 Communication Sins status for sure. Ha! Okay, anyway – the answer to that? Rip ’em down every week. Remind people why it’s not okay. Help them understand why doing it differently will actually benefit them. Those aren’t fun conversations (and, to be honest, I’m not any good at them), but eventually those paper flyers will go away if you continue to cast vision and stand your ground. Make sure your senior leaders are backing you up on it, too!
Rebecca Llenos
September 25, 2014
I have been doing this for 10 years and I still feel like I am doing it wrong many times. And then there is that moment when you know you got it right and you see the Kingdom of God being glorified and then I remember that I do love my job. Today is not that day (Thursdays are crazy around here), but I know that tomorrow will be! Glad we can all commiserate and encourage each other.