Akua Konadu is the communications director for Redeemer in Fridley, Minn. Her church has never had a communications director, and this is her first time in the role. So it’s a learning experience for everyone.
Rethink Communication by Phil Bowdle has proven to be an invaluable resource.
“This book has given me the tools to redefine my role and provide the proper education in what it is that I do. I feel more confident in my role and it has led to better communication between me and all ministry leaders.” -Akua Konadu
How has the book impacted your team?
This book is amazing! Everything I have been wanting to express about my role as a communications director was fulfilled with this book. I am learning so much and this book has been really helpful in teaching not only just me but the staff at Redeemer about communication. It was a great way for us know what areas we need to improve on.
What insights have made a difference?
The biggest thing is the chaos cycle. It has been difficult to create an effective communication plan when I am given things last minute. It has lead to stress, burnout, and frustration. When I read through that section I realized we are definitely on this hamster wheel. When we started reading that section as a team everybody on the leadership team realized that this cycle we are on isn’t healthy. We are slowly starting to make changes so that we are able to plan and have more time to create an effective communications plan. We have a long way to go but we are making progress.
As a new church communicator, how has this book made a difference? Are there mistakes you’ve avoided?
This book and coaching sessions with Phil have made such a huge difference. There has been a major learning curve at my church. This is my first time as a communications director and our church has never had one before. This book has given me the tools to redefine my role and provide the proper education in what it is that I do. I feel more confident in my role and it has led to better communication between me and all ministry leaders.
How have things changed at your church, whether in your outward actions as a communication team or even just the inner atmosphere or vibe in the office?
I currently don’t have a communications team it is just me but for me this book has helped me lay down better boundaries, understand my role as a communications director and the important things I need to focus on. As staff we are becoming much more intentional about how we want to communicate to our audience. It is really cool to see as a staff when we know we have something coming up we immediately start to process through and think about our audience’s needs instead of our own. We are making great progress.
More:
- Get a free sample of Rethink Communication by Phil Bowdle.
- Buy a copy of Rethink Communication by Phil Bowdle.
