Communication Department

ITS WORK AND MISSION

Introduction to Communication

Department

History“In 1912, the Adventist Church world headquarters hired Baltimore Sun newspaper reporter WalterBurgan to establish the Bureau of Press Relations, the precursor to today’s Communication department.Church administrators realized they needed help in responding to the media’s attacks on church doctrines.Leaders realized the importance of having a specialized professional to respond to media—someone whocould speak their language.” ANN Style Guides 2014

Purpose

To create a favourable image of the church, its mission, life, witness and related activities by using the most effective means of communication.

Theme

“Building bridges of hope.”

The Communication Department is Responsible for:

WebsitesPrintingMarketing and AdvertisingPhotography Video Production

ReporterGraphic DesignerPublic RelationsMedia LiaisonImage GuardianInformation Technology

Andre Brink

“But to sum it up, I’d say that someone who serves as a

director of communication is really just a brand

advocate.”

What is a Brand?

“a person’s gut feeling about a product, service or company.”

“a brand is not what YOU say it isIt’s what THEY say it is.”

The Church Communicator

Successful church communicators are attuned to the pulse of their church and the culture outside of the church and strategize ways to build bridges from their community to the church.

The Church Communicator

They are passionate about the church’s vision and care about how it translates to people inside and outside of the church. They defend it. They design it. They care about it. It keeps them awake at night and is a reason for them to get out of bed in the morning.

John Jantsch

“Branding is the art of becoming knowable, likeable, and trustable.“

"Your life bears a message. A message of hope and redemption. But, before people in your world encounter your message, they encounter you."

Kem Meyer

Your church has a message. A message of truth, hope and purpose. But, before people in your congregation or community encounter that message, they encounter your church. Your job, as Communication Director, is to find the things in your church that attract people to the message and remove the things that repel them.

Strategic Imperatives

1. Spiritual Growth and Unity2. Evangelism and Discipleship3. Youth Empowerment4. Stewardship and Development5. Education and Training6. Quality of Life and Community

Impact

Roles and Functions of Local Church Communication Department

Roles and Functions of Local Church Communication

Secretaries1. Knows and understands the Mission and Vision

statements of the Conference2. Knows and understands the Strategic Plans

(Conference)3. Collaborates with the Conference

Communication Director

Roles and Functions of Local Church Communication

Secretaries4. Ensure that information and reports on church

activities are communicated internally and externally.

5. Ensure media relationship and coverage of major church activities

6. Presents a favourable image of the Church

Roles and Functions of Local Church Communication

Secretaries7. Directs the writing, editing and printing of

church publications (Bulletins, Magazines)8. Ensures that church’s Website, Social Media

Accounts and Notice Boards are kept current9. Access and shares relevant information with

appropriate personnel

Roles and Functions of Local Church Communication

Secretaries10.Functions as the official photographer for the

church11.Produces or oversees the production of

PowerPoint, video or audio programmes for the church

12.Gathers and disseminates news, including announcements

Roles and Functions of Local Church Communication

Secretaries13.Ensure that the church sign, letterheads and

other relevant stationaries meet identity standards

14.Record for posterity people of interest15.Maintain a friendly, cooperative relationship

with other communication personnel16.Present periodic reports to the church

business meeting

What CJC Comumunication is doing

Website

• Website (www.centralja.org)• Up-to-date news on happenings in the

conference • Information on all Churches• Information on Administrators and

Ministries of the Conference • Resource materials

Social Media

• Facebook: Connects with over 4,000 persons through Facebook.

• WhatsApp: Connects with hundreds of leaders and members instantly

• Youtube Channel: Produce and publish video content of reports, sermons and conference events

Email

• Weekly Communication Advisory: Sends out announcements and information to over 1,250 email contacts each week.

RadioProduces 3 radio programs each week:1. Lifeline

1. Adventist lifestyle interview program (30 minutes) – Sundays 8am – NCU Radio

2. Morning Manna1. Devotional thoughts – Love 101 – Fridays

5:45 am

3. Heralds of Hope1. Sermons – Love 101 – Saturdays 2:15 pm

Print

1. Conference Calendar of Events 2. Central Focus (annually or bi-

annually)3. Currently looking at more cost-

effective means of connecting through print

Communication Points Table

• Evaluates each Church’s readiness for effective communication with a points table

Communication Points TableITEM POINTS• Camcorder/Video Streaming 10• Certified Communication Secretary 10• Church Bulletin (Special Days) 5• Church/District Magazine 10• Church Sign with Current Logo 10• Church Sign 5• Church Website 10• Communication Committee 10• Computer/Laptop for Media 10• Elected Communication Secretary 5

Communication Points TableITEMS• Internet Connection 10• Facebook Page 8• P.A. System 5• Projector Screen 10• Projector/LCD 8• Sixteen Channel Snake 5• Still Camera 10• Trained Technician 7• Video Streaming 10• Weekly Advisory (Email) 5• Weekly Church Bulletin 8• Weekly Advisory (Letter) 4

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How can you get involved?

How to get involved

1. Subscribe to our mailing list. (visit website to do so)

2. Like us on Facebook 3. Join a relevant WhatsApp Group4. Inform us of significant people and

events5. Send us your comments and suggestions

How to get involved

6. Listen to and invite others to listen our Radio Programs

7. Encourage your church to meet identify standards (e.g. Church Signs, Letterheads etc)

8. Encourage and Support your local church Communication Secretary

Thank you!