The Three Pillars Of Successful Ministry Communications

The Three Pillars Of Successful Ministry Communications

Hi Partner,

Last month I focused on the necessity of building relationships in every communication. This month I'm following on that concept by looking at the three foundational components of all successful ministry communications. Since relationships are the key to success, the Three Pillars will help you define what relationships you should be seeking. Next month I'll show you some amazing essential techniques, but without these pillars in place, all the genius copy in the world will simply fall on deaf ears.

Know your ministry!
It always amazes me how many ministers have a fuzzy definition of their core services. If you don't really know yourself, how are you going to clearly present what you have to offer? Your ministry isn't effective because of your command of Christianese, slick copywriting techniques, or your uber-sweet logo. Your ministry is effective because it solves specific spiritual problems. Do you know what those problems are? Specifically?

If you're an evangelist, is your anointing two-fold in healing and revival? If you're a pastor, is your gifting in counseling and teaching? What scriptural problems do those solve? When you find the scriptural basis for the spiritual problem and the corresponding solution, you must centralize your communications around your core giftings. For example, if you have a prison ministry, Isaiah 61:1 offers the perfect problem and solution: To proclaim liberty (solution) to the captives (problem). A teaching ministry would solve the problem found in Hosea 4:6 - "My people perish for lack of knowledge"

Write up a quick list of the areas of ministry you are gifted in. Next, list what scriptural problems they solve. Last, organize them in order of strength. When you're done, you will have a clear picture of what to highlight when you write any communication. Once you define your core gifting based on scripture, you can focus on presenting them boldly and clearly. Don't stray too far from your core giftings. You'll communicate them the most naturally and they'll touch your audience effectively (just like God intended).

Know your sheep!
And know your potential sheep! Whether you know it or not, every ministry has certain demographic trends that show where most of your response comes from. This is because each minister has their own gift and calling (1 Peter 4:10). You have a harvest of changed lives that has been prepared for you, but you need to be smart about how to find out who they are and then reach them. Being led by the Holy Spirit should always be your first priority and God will bring people across your path, but I believe we have a responsibility to be wise and shrewd in our dealings.

Your audience (sheep) could be denominationally influenced, affected by gender, by age or geography. If you dig deeply, you'll find that certain trends appear in people most receptive to your message and gifts. It's critical to understand WHY they are receptive so you can reach more, and not waste time with a "shotgun" approach to your target audience.

These are some questions you can ask about your audience based on your last few ministry events or on your current contact list:

• What denominations seem drawn to my ministry?
• What needs seem to pop up often?
• What is my partner's age on average?
• Are they mostly of a specific gender? If so why?
• What is their average income? (this will determine how you relate to them)
• What motivates them?
• What concerns them?
• What feedback do you often hear?

Knowing your audience is critical. Answering these questions will help you focus not only your communications, but your teachings as well. As you get to know your target audience better you'll begin to pinpoint your efforts and achieve maximum results. More lives will be effortlessly changed, speaking engagements will flow in and you'll live in the rest that God wills for us.

Know How You're Unique
You're one of a kind for a reason. Your uniqueness enables you to fill a specific need in the Church (or through outreach) that no-one else can fill. There is the five-fold ministry (Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers) but there are definitely unique gifts and flows within a ministry. For example, an evangelist's primary passion is to reach the lost. "Sealing the deal" is paramount to them. They may however, also have a strong gift of exhortation – that is, to encourage the Church to live victoriously by pouring themselves out. That would be unique!

Unfortunately, understanding what makes your ministry unique isn't as straightforward as making a prioritized list. Instead it is something you know in your heart and if you don't, simply ask your closest advisers, accountability partners or family. Put some thought and prayer into it and the Lord will show you what it is.

When you understand how you're unique, work that into your newsletters, emails, websites and more. Your communications will stand out in the minds of your audience, simply because you've clarified your gifts! And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. It is not boastful, arrogant or dishonest. False humility is, ironically, a form of pride. Embrace who you are. That's how God made you. That's what the world needs. Be it fully.

That's it! The Three Pillars may seem trivial at first glance but trust me, they're absolutely foundational for all successful communications. Nothing worth anything comes easily or quickly. Master these concepts and next month I'll show you some slick techniques to make your communications irresistible!

Remember, if you want amazing results, let me help you with your next fundraising campaign, newsletter or email series. We'll knock it out of the park together!

Call me at 502-515-6846 or just reply to this email!

God Bless,

Brad Rahme ~ Head honcho, saint and überwriter

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