Working with the Media

Publicity Planning

• Coordinated with other church programmes

• Known to key leaders, staff & volunteers

• Flexible to meet local opportunities

• Consistent with denominational authorities & other local churches.

What should a Community Relations Plan Be?

• Understood by all congregational members

• Simple & practical enough to be implemented

• Resourced

• Monitored, measured and adjusted regularly

Template for your Publicity Plan

• Situational Analysis• Aim• Key messages • Audiences• Methods and Tools• Strategy • Budget• Evaluation

Your Situation. (Be honest)

A short description of the current state of

relations with the local community. It

should review previous community

relations activities, noting past successes

and recommended improvements.

Aim. Why tell your story?

• To make specific individuals & groups aware

• To influence attitudes in your area

• To secure support

• To correct misconceptions

• To tell the great news that God loves your

neighbourhood!

Key Messages

• No more than three key messages

• Each message in 20 words or less

• Use clear language – no church jargon

• Messages must be comprehensive

Audiences

• Internal audiences – groups, committed members, pew warmers, holiday visitors, your denomination

• Specific community groups

• Individuals & families seeking faith

• Individuals able to influence community opinions

Methods & Tools

Common methods for delivering key messages to target audiences:

Mass media stories

Multi-media (internet/CD-Rom/videos)

Publications (books/brochures/posters)

Events

Merchandise?

Questions?

• Time frame?

• Costs?

• Motivation?

• Budget & Evaluation?

Useful further reading

http://ied.gospelcom.net/writing-pressreleases.php

http://ied.gospelcom.net/index.php

Equipping the Church to tell its story

• www.philsmith.com.au• 07 3882 3490• 0414 823125• Spunyarn@bigpond.net.au