Fall may seem like a long way off, but your plans for fall are likely underway. That’s the topic for our Courageous Storytellers membership site this month—fall kickoff—so in addition to a host of resources for our members, we’re also talking to church communicators to see how they handle fall.
How are you taking care of yourself now (or in the next few months) so you won’t be frazzled in the fall?
We asked seven church communicators how they’re taking care of themselves as they approach the fall kickoff season. Here’s what they said:
Work Hard, Play Hard
Sandy Hughes, pastor of communications at Central Peninsula Church in Foster City, Calif.:
Because we push pretty hard through most of the year, we like to play hard come summer. We have learned that the summer months for our team is the best time to be away and requiring everyone’s information in May lets us plan out our work flow around our vacations. These next few weeks and months will be filled with time off and vacation.
Bible Study
Charla Wilkerson, director of communications and administration at Fairfax Circle Church in Fairfax, Va.:
This is going to be a serious challenge. One thing I’m really working on is staying present and focusing on what’s in front of me and really, what I can reasonably do in one day.
Another thing that has been keeping me sane, actually, is a Bible study that I’ve been doing with my friend across the country (she lives in California and I live in Virginia) using the Bible app. It’s keeping me accountable and she’s a one-in-a-million encourager.
Teamwork
Kelon Moore, director of communications and technology at Concord Church in Dallas:
I’m learning to trust my team more and find joy in their successes. The book Fired Up by Dr. Andrew Johnston changed the way I lead creatives. In partnership with our project manager, Nakisha, we’re getting ahead of the things that usually catch us off guard. Also, because our team practices agile methodologies, we account for unplanned work.
Big Picture
Rebecca Llenos, communications director at First United Methodist Church Pearland in Pearland, Texas:
Staying organized (yeah, right!), giving myself time to think about what is coming up and how these particular programs or ministries or events emulate our mission and core values (without stating them) and allowing myself time with my kids and vacation time to rest and recharge this summer.
Priorities
Christy Farrell, director of communications at First Christian Church in Columbus, Ind.:
This is a tough question—the communications team consists of me. I also get to cover for the receptionist and church secretary when needed. There never seems to be enough hours in the day to get everything done.
I am making my kids activities a priority—every ball game, track meet, dinner date come before work. I am making my husband a priority and trying to make sure that things don’t fall on him completely. I am working to make sure that God comes before everything, sometimes the busyness of the day wins.
And it sounds silly but an hour every month for a manicure and pedicure—just to not think about anything.
Redefining Rest
Sarah Murry, communications director at Rock Bridge Community Church in Northwest Georgia:
I’ve actually been thinking a lot about this lately! I’m trying to re-frame my definition of rest. Up until now my definition has been to get away somewhere for a week, and just because of the stage of life my family is in that’s not a possibility this summer. We’ve got an 8-year-old and a 2-year-old and we just moved back in October, so we are still getting settled.
Rather than pout or be mad that “I never get to go anywhere and get away,” I’m trying to find smaller, everyday ways that I can rest and recharge. I live in Northwest Georgia so there’s a ton of opportunities to go for a hike or a quick overnight camping trip. I can take some time to read or take some time to go to the store by myself. I can meditate or I can sit on the deck to have my coffee, even if it’s just for a few minutes. I’m hoping that these little “recharges” will add up.
I also have tickets to the Moon River Music Festival in Chattanooga in September, so I’m really looking forward to that. Seeing live music, especially in a festival setting, is one of my absolute favorite things to do!
New Job, New Focus
Molly Reichard, minister, community engagement at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Edina, Minn.:
Honestly, I’m in a weird position as I was working a full-time corporate job plus 20-30 hours a week as a volunteer running communications. So, just having one job will be a great start to taking better care of myself! My plans include a balanced workload and lots of prioritization to help ensure I’m focused on the best return on investment for my time.
More:
Do you need help gearing up for your fall kickoff? Check out our Courageous Storytellers resources for fall kickoff. Learn more about becoming a member of Courageous Storytellers.
