As we approach the end of the year it’s a good time to look back and assess. So we’re starting a series to talk with church communicators and find out what they’ve done in the last year and what they’re looking forward to in the next year.
First up, Meiko Seymour. He’s the community life pastor at Pinellas Community Church in St. Petersburg, Fla., and wrote for us earlier this year. He’s also been a guest on the Church Marketing Podcast.
1. What’s the smartest change you’ve made in the last year?
Probably the smartest decision we made this year was to really focus in on our website. We decided and finally understood that the website is the first glimpse people have when trying to find a church. Additionally, we could really use it as a hub for our people to find information on events, thus eventually eliminating flyers and long announcement segments in services.
2. What was your biggest mistake or regret?
Not understanding that everything communicates what we’re all about. The parking lot signs, debris on sidewalks, stains in the carpet—they all communicate just as much as the style of the worship team, colors of the bulletin and the sermon.
3. What do you look forward to doing better in the future?
Branding! Finalizing a stylebook and getting everyone on board to adopt it.
4. Who are some voices we should be listening to in the next year?
Right now I am on a Phil Bowdle kick. Also obviously Dave Shrein, and the guys over at The Church at Chapelhill. I’m also watching Vous Church on how they style and brand.
