During this every changing and unusual time for our world and church it is important that we work to keep people encouraged, informed, connected and most importantly continue to be the church for people searching for hope. As we are starting to realize this season of life is going to be lasting a little longer than we had hoped and as we journey together through this we need to be operating together working to the end goals.
Communication Goals
Encouragement
There has never been a more important time for the church to provide hope, direction, enlightenment, and encouragement to the people. As we walk through this time Reynoldsburg UMC needs should be the leading force showing people that the we are still here for them. Through short daily devotions and encouraging stories we have the opportunity to provide hope to people as they are searching for a solid rock to stand on.
Information
There is an overwhelming amount of information being thrown at everyone currently and sometimes it is hard to find the “true” bits and pieces we should be walking away with. For Reynoldsburg UMC it is important that we communicate with our followers the most accurate information regarding how COVID-19 impacts us and our ministries. We will continue to provide general information regarding the state of Ohio’s current regulations and resources as well as continue to inform people our plans moving forward through this.
Connection
In a time where we feel all personal connection has been stripped away from us and relationships put on hold, it is imperative as the church we work even harder to provide those opportunities for people. As our ministries are developing new – fun ways to interact with people it will be our goal to communicate the “how to” of connecting once again. Through all our communication platforms we will push online social interaction as much and as clear as possible without overcommunicating what is going on. Currently I believe we have one of the best and most interactive resources page out there and our goal is to get people to utilize it.
Target Audiences
Everyone. Every age. Anyone looking for some sort of solid ground during this time. As the church has now mobilized and hit the ground running, we have to keep in mind our target audience is the same audience we worked to reach every single day. Reynoldsburg UMC is a true multi-generational church and as we move online we need to work to maintain that, making things simple, clear, and straight forward for all ages to be able to connect with us and be inspired by us.
Key Messages
THE CHURCH ISN’T CLOSED.
People need to understand that we aren’t closed we just have adapted and welcome everyone to join us online. This is particularly not an easy one for us as people like their traditions and this is very “un” traditional for our church.
WE AREN’T MEANT TO DO LIFE ALONE…EVEN IN A PANDIMIC
This is a very clear message people are sending right now and it is a great reminder to our people. Just because we can’t be together doesn’t mean we can’t connect and we have many ways and opportunities to do that.
WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS TOGETHER!
As scary as this time is for people it is our job to remind them that we are all in this together, the Reynoldsburg UMC family is strong, faithful, caring, a bond that is not easily broken, and will come out on the other side of this stronger than ever. Positivity is key on this and in all our communication efforts we need to remain positive – there is already so much negative surrounding this time it is our chance to be the LIGHT the world needs!
YOUR FAMILY IS HERE FOR YOU…JUST CALL ON US.
The people of Reynoldsburg UMC are strong willed, independent and widely proud of who they are. It will be imperative to remind everyone that there is no better time to ask for help when needed. With the resources we have in place and the people ready to be the hands and feet of Jesus it is time to let everyone know – JUST ASK – and we will answer!
Communication Methods/Timelines
Daily Devos (Monday-Saturday)
Quick Daily devotions (2-5 min videos I would push for the video option as seeing a face helps people connect more than reading text or quick read emails) to be shared through social media/emails.
Email template would be redesigned (Our response graphic) comes off with a new DEVO graphic created
These are presented by Pastor Jeff or Pastor Bill as a hope of encouragement and daily reading.
THESE ARE NOT – the time to push our ministry resources, worship at home times, how to stay connected tips, COVID updates, building updates, push for giving, etc.
The sole purpose of these devotions will be to help people find solid ground during a very shaky time.
Bi-Weekly Update Video
Despite being in a ever-changing season the amount of changes have rapidly slowed down. Due to this dropping down to a bi-weekly update video is the best option.
This video would cover updates such as building re-opening, new information regarding regulations, reminder of our resources, updates on new ministry resources and worship opportunities, etc.
Video should be NO LONGER than 3-4 minutes
Video will be shared through email and social media platforms
In the event a change happens on the in between weeks an extra video can be produced and pushed out (also could be a cell phone/webcam video in the era of social distancing)
Please refer to Cell Phone Best Practices information
Social Media
Our social media platforms are the quickest and easiest way for us to connect and communicate with our people. As most ministries within the church have adapted and been pushing their programming out on their pages – the main Reynoldsburg UMC page will continue to share posts to help drive people to connect.
The main Reynoldsburg UMC page will continue highlight our resources as needed – sticking to the schedule below
Mondays:
Daily Devotion Post
Tuesdays:
Daily Devotion Post
Ministry Resource Spotlight
Wednesdays:
Daily Devotion Post
Meals With Mike
Pastor’s Bible Study push
Thursdays:
Daily Devotion Post
Maundy Thursday Post – for Holy Week only
Fridays:
Daily Devotion Post
Bi-Weekly Update Video
Ministry Resource Spotlight
Good Friday Post – for Holy Week only
Saturdays:
Daily Devotion Post
Church At Home push
Sundays:
Church At Home Push with emphases on sharing photos with us, inviting people, and sharing comments and thoughts
As things change and come up additional posts can be added, shared, and created as needed. Communications will also urge the Reynoldsburg UMC staff to be sharing – reposting – and overall helping to continue to get the word out of what is happening and how to connect.