After the initial thrill of laboring in Church Comms ministry begins to fade, you might feel brutally punched in the gut by a handful of disconcerting realities. Don't get me wrong. Church Comms is still fun and, if it's your calling from God, it can be one of the most fulfilling things you choose to do with your life. Take it from me. I'm 36 and I've been in church tech since I was a nerdy high school sophomore. Fast forward to now and I've been the Comms Director for my church for over a decade and counting. And the last four years-plus as full-time Comms Director for 6.14 Ministries — a church revitalization 501(c)(3) nonprofit that my dad and I launched together here in south Alabama in 2018. I've been having a blast. (I'm still a nerd too.) 

It just would've been nice if someone had given me the magic codebook on digital media ministry long before I found myself drowning in countless late-night (sometimes overnight) sermon graphic template redesigns.
  
But, since no such book actually exists (shocker, I know), allow me to use this post to reveal a few of the mysteries and unknowns. I'll be sure to wrap it all out with some thoughts on how to maintain your sanity and still have a blast in the process. 

What No One Ever Tells You About Church Comms: 

#1. It's often utterly exhausting.  

I'm always tickled by the zealous newbies who come barreling headfirst into digital ministry thinking that as long as they write occasionally engaging content on Facebook, they're golden. I wish it were that simple. Good Church Comms Ministers will spend way more time personally replying to comments, direct messages, e-mails, prayer requests, etc. and will analyze and adjust things across multiple social media platforms as needed. They'll also scrutinize data in the dashboards and use it to better market the church in an effort to reach the local community and the world with the Gospel. It's a full-time, 24/7 job. The Internet and social media never sleep (which means you won't either.)  

#2. Church Comms is a tough grind and graphic design is only a part of it.
 
For some, this might be earth-shattering news. Design is only part of the Church Communications process. Marketing, public relations, print material, digital and social media management, live event operations, personal contact/communication, conflict resolution, pastoral staff communication, audio/video/lighting, board room proposals and budget pitches, and much more are all part of this ministry niche. Also, you have to work with people from every walk of life imaginable, which keeps things interesting to say the least, especially if you're an introvert.  

On a side note: Design won't always be effortless. What you envision for your pastor's sermon series theme may be completely different than what he has in mind. Be willing to go back to the drawing board as many times as it takes. 

#3. Social media is fluid and things change without warning.
 
One of the more difficult and complex aspects of the social media landscape — particularly over the last two to five years — is that it is constantly shifting and changing. This is especially true for platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where the algorithms seemingly change on a dime. (Ever heard of the Metaverse?) As a Church Communicator working in social media management, you'll need to keep up with these developments. You can expect little things to change along the way — like page cover sizes and image resolution requirements — but algorithms are a whole different ball of wax. 

#4. People can be rude, mean, and critical, even unintentionally.
 
You'll come to develop a thick skin working in Church Comms (and in ministry in general.) People will insult, change, modify, or even completely delete and remove things that you spent countless hours designing, planning, structuring, coordinating, and establishing. A lot of times this will happen by accident. Sometimes it will be on purpose. You can't always take it personal, even when it feels personal. Respond with Christlike love and kindness, even to those who complain about worship media font sizes being too small to read or the lighting in the sanctuary being too dark during the music. If you got into ministry looking for a pat on the back every week, then you might want to start searching for a new line of work. Just sayin.' 

#5. Page likes and follows don't matter. Engagement, discipleship, and spiritual growth do. 

One of the more prevalent fallacies I see amongst today's generation of Church Comms creatives is the assumption that digital fame equals more disciples. That's not always the case. In fact, it's rarely the case. You can have an incredibly entertaining, interactive, and visually stunning digital presence that attracts hoards of new followers and never see an ounce of spiritual growth, life transformation, or discipleship take place as a result. Spend less of your time and energy trying to build an impressive online appearance and more time being the hands and feet of Jesus in the digital sphere. 

#6. You're not Superman/woman. You need a team.
 
Believe it or not, you need sleep and time to refuel like anyone else. You're not indestructible and you can't design, manage, post, write, and oversee everything yourself. Whether your Church Comms objectives are rudimentary and basic or impressive and complex, you'll need a team of people to help with everything that is required to meet the goals. Make sure that your team members feel comfortable asking questions and admitting when they're unsure of how to do something. The more you help each other and build off of one another's strengths, the better team you'll be. 

#7. Even the best technology will fail. 

I don't care if it's the latest, greatest Apple gizmo or gadget. I don't care how many knobs, lights, or channel controls it has. If it can shatter, explode, or burst into flames for no apparent reason and at the worst time possible, then it will. It's only a matter of when. These fun moments will force you and your team to think on your feet and maintain your cool while simultaneously solving the problem. Good luck.

#8. Theology is a part of your job.

It might be the natural impulse of many a Comms Director to have volunteers engage with and reply to visitors to the website and social media platforms. (Believe me, I'd love to do this myself.) But as a leader you have to remember that your digital audience is full of real people who have real-life situations. One thing that COVID taught us in particular is that it's more important than ever to designate someone who can pray for people online in real time, comfort them, answer their questions with theologically sound explanations, reference Scripture, and truly minister to them. (If that person has to be you, then so be it.) Working in Church Comms means that you will often be the voice of your church and there is an extremely large weight that comes with that position and the responsibility should not be taken lightly.
 
#9. Your ideas won't always sell. 

Creatives occasionally have a tough time being told to go back to the drawing board. Whether it's lighting projects, audio production, graphic design, digital and social media management, or anything in-between, we retain a strong and deep sense of personal connection to our work. I've pitched many sermon graphic designs over the years that weren't even close to what the pastor was looking for. I have to be okay with returning to the drawing board each time. So do you. Keep the bigger picture in mind and remember that all of your work is for Christ, not men. (Colossians 3:23-24)
 
#10. Shortcuts are not your friend. 

Not only are shortcuts in Church Comms a bad idea, they don't even really exist in the first place. Taking the easy way out on graphic design, digital and audio production, social media management, etc. will just cheapen the quality of your work and lead to oodles of problems and headaches for you, your team, and the church. There are no "hacks" in this ministry niche and to try to use or implement any just makes you look like a lazy hack yourself. Stay away from these, as tempting as they might seem. 

How To Stay Sane, Have a Blast and Other Important Final Thoughts: 

Church Comms is hard work. Period. So is ministry. The combination of technology and ministry is an interesting and completely different animal altogether. A few tips, thoughts, and advice from personal experience: 

• Do your best to manage your stress well. (This will be different for everyone.) 
• You won't always be able to please everyone. Be okay with that. 
• Remember that God sees your work even though you may often feel invisible because you work "behind the scenes." Jesus notices even when someone gives a cup of water in His name. (Mark 9:41) You better believe He notices you and your work for Him. 
• Celebrate! — Find positives in the little things and in the little victories.

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What do you wish someone would've told you about Church Comms early on? Is there a thought you want to share with your fellow techies and creatives? Drop a comment in the thread below or shoot me a direct message!

What does relational digital media engagement look like for your church? Want some coaching on how to improve your engagement? Is there something else you would add to my thoughts? Drop a comment below, shoot me a DM on social, or send me an e-mail and let's talk! 

Volunteers are the backbone and lifeblood of the Local Church. And healthy churches should always strive to cultivate an atmosphere of appreciating volunteers and encouraging biblical servanthood. 

Nowadays, most churches have multiple volunteers spread across each of their individual ministry venues. But even if your church just has a handful, that's ok (especially if they're committed and passionate.) In fact, it's great! 

I've been honored to serve alongside some amazing volunteers during my years in the ministry thus far. Whether it's been in teaching, leading worship, student ministry, or Church Communications, I'm so grateful for the people who have impacted and continue to impact my life (and your life too.) I wouldn't be who I am or where I am without many of them coaching me, praying for me, and just flat out discipling me and putting up with me. (I can be a bit OCD sometimes. If my dad is reading this: Hi, dad.)  

Here's the reality: It doesn't matter how big your church is or how many people are on your tech team. You might have a team of 30 or you may be manning everything alone while juggling three other hats. You might even be the lead pastor and the social media manager. The most important thing to remember is that everything we do — audio, video, lighting, digital and social media, graphic design — is all meant to usher people in the presence of God so that they can feel free to worship and to engage with or hear a Christ-centered, Gospel-exalting message. 

I've been to big churches. I've seen the cutting edge equipment and the endless supply of tech volunteers. And there's nothing wrong with either of those. But, the beating heart of a great Church Comms ministry lies within how hard the volunteers work every week. The size of your team and glamour of your gear are not — and never should be — the primary focus or concern. 

Here are five attributes I've come to look for, admire, and respect in church tech volunteers, including the ones with whom I currently serve. 

#1. They Arrive Ahead of Schedule and Ready To Start. 

I worked clothing retail for almost 15 years. Believe me, the majority of folks in our modern work culture are totally fine with showing up right on time or even five to ten minutes late. A superior Church Comms volunteer will not only arrive well ahead of the service, but will also have all of his/her required preservice duties completed at least by the night before. 

#2. They Love God and Love People. 

A lot of church techies enjoy being able to work behind the scenes, blend in, and sort of go unnoticed. And that's, like, totally lit, bro. But it doesn't mean you get a pass from Mark 12:30-31. You're in this ministry for a reason and God has called you to an extraordinary (and sometimes overwhelming) task. Walk faithfully with Him throughout the week and arrive on Sundays connected with God and ready to care for His people. 

#3. They Respect the Church's Equipment and Gear. 

This may come as a total shock, but your 20 ounce Venti Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks doesn't really mix well with your church's Behringer X32. Fingertips covered in Dorito cheese dust don't belong on your church's iMac keyboard. God blessed your church with the funds to be able to have the gear that it has. Be respectful of that and take good care of the equipment as you use it to glorify Him and bless others. Remember: These are God's resources, not yours. 

#4. They Are Onboard With and Passionate About the Vision of the Church.
 
When I'm not going full speed as Communications Director for 6.14 Ministries, I serve as Comms Director for Northside Bible Church in Mobile, Alabama. My dad has been the lead pastor there for over 20 years now. We're a little country church in the city, but our motto has always been Light For The Coast (our logo is a lighthouse) and our mission has always been To Reach The Lost and Raise Up A Biblically-Functioning Community. If I'm not onboard with either of those, and passionate about helping to turn our vision into a reality, then I might as well pack up and go home. Superior tech volunteers are wholeheartedly committed to, and excited about, the goals and objectives of the church. 

#5. They Are Coachable. 

This goes for volunteers across the board and church techies are no exception. I am preaching to the choir here when I say this, but if you can't take constructive criticism or be told that you need to learn a better way of doing something, then church comms ministry may not be your calling. When my dad was a kid he played a lot of team sports and went on to play in high school as well. His older brother was even his coach for a time. One thing I've learned from the stories he's told me is that you don't always have to be the strongest, smartest, or most talented kid on the field. Sometimes, even if you're average, you just have to be teachable and willing to learn in order to win. Superior church comms volunteers are always open to instruction and are team players. 

What Are Your Thoughts?

There are a dozen other attributes and characteristics I could ramble on about, but I'll stop here and see what you guys think. What have you found to be some of the best tech volunteer traits in your ministry experience? Do any of the traits I discussed ring true of your team or could it be time for enhancement and growth? Drop a comment below or shoot me a DM or an e-mail! I'd love to hear from you! 

How do you handle criticism in the Church Comms world? What have your experiences been like and what have they taught you? Is there anything you would add to my list? Drop a comment below or shoot me a DM or an e-mail. I'd love to hear from you! 

​Social media can be a really crazy arena where emotions tend to run high. Millions of people spend endless hours per day glued to their devices and immerse themselves in high-stress, high-drama, high-angst content like politics, Hollywood celebrity news, crime news, personal gossip in their own friendship circles, etc. There have been dozens of psychological studies on the negative effects that prolonged time spent on social media can actually have on the human mind.

• It's been shown to be highly addictive. In fact, the people who design the platforms make sure that it's made to keep you on for several hours at a time and multiple times per day. They want you constantly returning to check that newsfeed, check those notifications, and to see all of those addictive ads that are placed throughout your feed and interactions. 
• Strong links have been found between heavy social media use and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts. 
• Social media makes it easy for us to compare our lives to the lives of other people, which can also lead to emotional unhappiness, anger, jealousy, tension, depression, etc. 

In a culture that's become more divided and opinionated than ever, you've probably noticed people becoming more outspoken than ever before on social media where things were already tense, emotional, and drama-oriented. And if you're a social media manager for your church, then you might have noticed that you've had to keep a closer eye on the comment sections of your platforms — whether it's Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. And whether you're a pastor or the Communications Minister/Director at your church, you might even notice that social media interactions between people in your own church have become more tense or politically-charged. 
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#1. Post Plenty of Bible Verses.

"For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of the soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the hearts." — Hebrews 4:12 (The King James says the Word of God is powerful.) 

There will be far less likelihood for people to engage in drama and tension in the comment threads of your pages or profiles if you're posting Scriptural content. The Word of God has power to speak directly to people where they are in life. Sometimes the simplest post of a Bible verse to your church's Facebook Page can minister to one of your followers in ways that you might never know. I really do believe in the power of Scripture even over social media and in its ability to gently soothe, alleviate, and dissolve tension, hostility, and animosity. 

#2. Be a Role Model and Lead By Example. 

As a pastor/church leader, don't engage in drama, hostility, political nonsense, etc. on social media yourself on your own personal profiles or in the comment threads of other Pages where your church congregants might see what you're saying. Don't get caught up in petty or trivial debates on social media that don't matter or further the Gospel. — "Don't have anything to do with foolish or stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels." - 2 Timothy 2:23 

On a side note: There's nothing wrong with posting FUN stuff on social media. I'm totally all for that. But there's a difference between having fun and stirring up pointless drama or hostility. As the administrator of your church's Page, don't ever post anything to the Page that could be controversial or might incite potential hostility, arguments, debates, etc. — "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men." - Romans 12:18 

#3. Keenly Monitor And Observe All Platforms. 

To "keenly" observe something literally means to intently, intelligently, and attentively monitor it. You should be doing this every day with the platforms that you manage. It really should go without saying if you're a social media manager. Nevertheless, it will absolutely help to alleviate potential hostility and drama issues on your Page if you are regularly aware of what is happening on the Page. In other words: You should be checking in on it throughout the day. Know who is posting what on your Page. — "Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else." - Galatians 6:4 

#4. Delete or Hide Comments When Necessary. 

Social media is home to a lot of people who are just plain bullies and live to intentionally blast Christians in comment threads. They are known as trolls. Do not respond to them. Do not reply to them. Do not engage with them. Most trolls aren't even loyal followers of your Page anyway. They don't attend your church. They probably stumbled across your Page through an ad or sidebar or a share from a friend. My Church Communications buddy Seth Muse is the king of writing about how to deal with trolls. He has a phrase he likes to use: "Don't feed the trolls." As the administrator of the Page account, you have total control over what comments will be displayed on the Page. There is a difference between hiding a comment and deleting a comment. Know the difference and know when to do one or the other. Don't get all panicked and worried about deleting a comment from your church Page or hurting someone's feelings. You can always direct message the individual and explain why you deleted their comment if you feel that it is appropriate to do so. 

#5. Speaking of Direct Messages...

The private message feature is always another great tool for alleviating a potentially hostile situation or calming someone down or addressing a sensitive issue because it's, well, private. That's the whole point! It's a conversation between you — the Page administrator — and that individual. Doing this can seem like a lot of work or potentially awkward, but I promise that taking the time to personally engage with someone more directly — especially because of how impersonal social media already feels — can really go a long way in helping that individual feel like you actually care about their question or problem. Here's a Pro Tip: Be speedy when it comes to DMs. Not only do people appreciate you taking their questions and concerns seriously, but Facebook also displays how well your Page replies to DMs right there on the Page itself. 

#6. Consider Developing A Social Media Policy For Your Church If Necessary.

A social media policy is essentially a booklet-style set of guidelines — usually in print form and PDF form — for how an organization's employees should conduct themselves while on various social media platforms. Most small churches do not have this, although that doesn't mean that they shouldn't consider it. These tend to be more common in the "big church world." If you're going to assemble one of these, be sure to include guidelines for how church leaders should act on social media in regards to the kind of content they should post. Back up your statements with Scripture verses. Make sure the guidelines apply to how they act on their own personal profiles and when they post content to the church Pages or account as well. 

A good verse to include in your policy for this point: Colossians 4:6 — "Let your conversation always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." (NIV) 

A few things to consider including in your policy: 

• Guidelines/rules for staff/leadership on how/if you should interact with a minor on social media who might send you a friend request. 
• Tagging or not tagging children on Facebook — parental permission, etc. 
• How to act on your own personal profile — no use of profanity; no inappropriate photos/memes; nothing politically controversial; don't post sensitive prayer requests without permission from the individual. 
• Preventing copyright infringement. Make suggestions for sites that provide non-copyrighted material and photos. 
• Clearly define what your church considers to be inappropriate behavior. 

If you're the Communications Director or Communications Pastor, you can and should have guidelines for the person who will be running the Page(s) and social media accounts. These should include things such as:

• The sort of content they can and cannot post. 
• How quickly they should respond to direct messages. 
• Not responding to direct messages after a certain time of night. 
• Guidance on how to handle negative comments/messages that the Page may receive. 

#7. Be A Communications Pastor More Than A Communications Director. 

Always care more about people than about media, design, perfection, and production. Care about using your God-given gifts and talents to promote and influence peace, unity, and harmony in the Body of Christ for the betterment of your church and the Kingdom of God as a whole. Always be willing to learn from someone who is a little further down the road from you in the ministry, especially if it's your field or notch of ministry. Listen to older and wiser counsel, pastors, elders, deacons, etc. 

Further Verses For Reflection: 

"So then, let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another." — Romans 14:19

"My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." – James 1:19

"There is one who speaks rashly, like a piercing sword; but the tongue of the wise brings healing." — Proverbs 12:18

"Honor belongs to the person who ends a dispute; but any fool can get himself into a quarrel." — Proverbs 20:3
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