Church communicators often ask how far ahead should the begin promoting church events. Start too early, and you'll be talking about them for what seems like forever. But starting too late doesn't give people appropriate time to respond. Here are three keys to determining the opportune time to promote activities.

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Do you ever have those days when you were busy but didn't feel like you got work done? According to the Anatomy of Work Index, which surveyed over 10,000 knowledge workers around the world, the chances are high that you spend the majority of your time—60% of your day—on "work about work." As a result, the Anatomy of Work Index found that 82% of respondents feel close to burning out at work.

A friend and I were on our way to an event in Valley Forge, PA. After driving for a while, the highway suddenly split. The signs were confusing, and I didn't have much time to think. Instinctively, I picked the road on the left. My friend and I quickly realized I had made the wrong choice. And there was no exit for miles. What's worse than continuing in the wrong direction when you know it's the wrong direction? Knowing that you have to do it all again when you finally get turned around!

Life-change happens through the many events, activities, and ministries your church generates. You either use a "decentralized" and "centralized" approach to your event promotion. Let's look at quick look at each, and then I'll share some thoughts on which I think is better.

When considering whether or not your church should hire a consultant, there will always be reasons why you "shouldn't." Hopefully, my experiences will offer some insight and balance your decision-making.

​There are two common mistakes churches make in their communication strategy. They either task communication planning to each ministry or delegate it to one person or team. While either can work, neither is the best. The first can result in congestion and unintended competition, while the second can produce frustration and tension. Let's explore each scenario a little more to expose potential hazards.

I'm not a plumber. But whenever I have a plumbing issue, I convince myself I can do it. I end up with more leaks, more water, wrong connectors, and a zillion trips back and forth to the hardware store. When finished, I always vow that next time, I'll hire a plumber.

One of my Bible college instructors often said, "People walk in the light they know." In other words, we don't know what we don't know. I think worse than not knowing something is living in denial. We can act like we know even though we don't.

Nobody wants to admit to ignorance because it sounds like a fault. If we're honest, none of us wants the stigma of being a know-it-all either. Being open and honest about the things we don't know sets us up for real growth. Instead of trying to act like I'm a plumber, I should just hire a plumber. Sometimes, you can figure things out on your own. But when you need significant change, you should consider hiring an expert.

Budgeting season will be most likely be more challenging for church leaders this year. This pandemic year and the financial burden it's created for your church hasn't been easy to navigate.

But here you are. And as the Lord's work continues through your local community of faith, I invite you to consider two essential ingredients related to church budgeting.

This year has been anything but ordinary. States and local communities are adjusting almost daily in response to the shifting surges of COVID-19. You and your church leaders have thoughtful discussions about how and when to schedule in-person gatherings of varying sizes, turn around, and have more conversations about if and when to cancel those activities.

Useful, clear, and simplified communication has never been more critical. This season has illuminated three outstanding values of having a ChurchCom Solutions virtual church assistant: distance. Why?

​One of the greatest threats to humanity from the COVID pandemic may not be the illness itself. The most effective communication is two individuals in conversation. Yet, the very idea of communicating "face to face" has been replaced by "social distancing" and wearing masks. Amid this counterculture, let's look at three simple steps to keeping the relational form of communication alive.