Parish Communication Resources

This is the 'what' of communications and includes your broader theme, ie the Christian faith, as well as specific initiatives, such as welcoming newcomers or supporting young people, and time-bound activities such as services and events calendars, confirmation programmes, summer fete, help needed at toddler group etc.

This is the 'how' - how do we present ourselves? If we are an Inclusive church and embrace contemporary liturgy and hymns, we might lean towards one communication style, if we cherish traditions and preserve our space as a haven of peace and quiet reflection, we may suit another communication style. Most churches do not fit neatly into one 'box', in which case the communication style might find a happy medium. In many churches, there will be a collection of communication assets which have proved serviceable for many years and can continue to do the job, with some thoughtful application.

This is the toolbox you use to express your message and style. It includes colour palette, logo, typefaces, photography style, and tone of voice. It is also known as ‘look-and-feel’ and 'identity'. As the church's identity will appear in many places already, if you are thinking about a 're-brand', we recommend starting with an audit of the main places where your church identity appears and assessing how well it is working, include at least an informal survey of opinions, and assess your budget, bandwidth and timescale for making changes. You may want to engage a professional designer.

There are two main channels of communication which you can, to some extent, control: traditional print media and digital media. For a church, the traditional includes: exterior and interior noticeboards, signage and displays; parish magazine; mailings such as Christmas cards, postcards, flyers - and even physical items in the church itself such as vestments, altar frontals, kneelers and so on. They all contribute to the overall way the church is perceived. Digital channels, however, are becoming an increasingly important part of your visual presence in the community, and include your website, your page on AChurchNearYou.com, social media presence, digital newsletters and so on. Digital media can be effective and efficient in communicating your messages to a wider audience and can help your church to become part of a two-way conversation, not just a one-way presentation. In an ideal world, all of these would follow your church’s branding, communicate the message and embody the style.

You may be called on to speak with the local or national press and digital media, you may have events you want to publicise, or you may have an opportunity to speak at a hyper-local event; in each case you will use a variety of tools, from staying on message, to submitting a great photo, to knowing whom to contact. For all of this we have put together guidance and we are always here in the Communications office to advise in person.