In Part 1 of this 4-part series, we introduced the 5-stage creative process with Stage 1: Defining the Objective. In this post, we'll discuss Stage 2.

Stage 2: Brainstorm Ideas
This stage is fun because you get to think about all the things you could do to achieve your objective. Statements during this stage should begin with "what if." Research some brainstorming techniques to get you and your team started. Here's one that worked for me, and I used it a lot.

Life change happens through the many events, activities, and ministries your church generates. And in event promotion, they often take either a "decentralized" or "centralized" approach. Let's look at each, and then I'll share thoughts on which is better.

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.

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!

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.